Gulf Stream Fishing Charters with Captain Brandon
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Tuna, Wahoo, and Sailfish in Gulf Stream waters13-hour offshore fishing adventure with Captain BrandonAccommodates up to 6 guests for world-class fishing
When you're ready to fish some of the most productive waters off the Atlantic coast, Captain Brandon and the Tail Chaser team will put you on the fish. Our 13-hour Gulf Stream trips target the heavyweights – Tuna, Wahoo, and Sailfish – in waters where these pelagics feed and travel. We keep our charters small at 6 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. This isn't a cattle boat operation; it's serious fishing with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day starts early with a pre-dawn departure to maximize fishing time in the Stream. Captain Brandon runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed – this is fishing, after all, and we want you to enjoy every minute. The Gulf Stream sits roughly 40-60 miles offshore depending on conditions, and the ride out gives everyone time to wake up, rig tackle, and get pumped for what's ahead. Once we hit the blue water, you'll see the temperature break on the fish finder and know we're in business. The water changes from green to that deep cobalt blue, and that's where the magic happens. We'll be trolling spread patterns, watching for bird activity, and reading the water for signs of bait and predators. Captain Brandon has been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to set up based on current breaks, temperature changes, and seasonal fish movement patterns.
We run a professional trolling spread with outriggers, downriggers, and flat lines to cover different depths and present baits naturally. The boat carries top-shelf Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 50-80 lb test, matched to rods that can handle everything from screaming Wahoo to jumping Sailfish. Captain Brandon and crew handle all the rigging – ballyhoo, cedar plugs, islander lures, and whatever's working that day. When fish are feeding on the surface, we'll switch to casting gear and work birds with poppers and metals. The technique changes based on conditions and what we're marking on the sounder. Bait schools mean predators, and we'll position the boat to intercept feeding fish. Don't worry if you've never fished offshore before – the crew walks everyone through the drill, from fighting techniques to proper rod handling. Experienced anglers appreciate the quality tackle and the captain's knowledge of local structure and seasonal patterns.
The Mahi Mahi have been showing up in good numbers around floating debris and weed lines. These fish are pure fun on the rod – they jump, they fight, and they taste fantastic. Bulls can push 30-40 pounds, while the smaller schoolies provide steady action when you find a good patch. Look for them under anything floating in the Stream – logs, seaweed mats, or trash lines where current edges meet. Wahoo are the speed demons out here, capable of 50+ mph runs that will test your drag settings and reflexes. These fish often hit without warning and make blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. The bigger ones go 40-60 pounds and provide some of the most exciting moments you'll have offshore. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Yellowfin Tuna are the prize fighters of the bunch – strong, stubborn, and built for endurance. The fish we see range from 30-100+ pounds, and even a medium-sized Yellowfin will give you a workout. They dive deep and pull hard, testing both angler and equipment. When we find them feeding, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups. Blackfin Tuna are smaller but scrappy, usually running 10-25 pounds and providing great sport on lighter tackle. They school up and when you find them, you can often catch several before they sound. Atlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers – these fish jump, dance, and put on a display that's hard to match. Most releases are in the 50-80 pound range, though bigger fish cruise through. Captain Brandon practices catch and release for Sailfish to keep this fishery healthy for future generations.
Mahi Mahi are most active during the warmer months when they follow the Gulf Stream north. These fish are aggressive feeders and will hit everything from ballyhoo to artificial lures. What makes them special is their willingness to stay with the boat once hooked – often the whole school will hang around, giving everyone a chance at multiple fish. The colors are spectacular when they're fresh from the water, shifting from gold to green to blue. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, flaky meat that's versatile in the kitchen.
Wahoo fishing peaks in the cooler months when these fish migrate through our area. They're ambush predators that cruise structure and current edges looking for bait. What gets anglers excited is the speed – these fish can make 200-yard runs in seconds, and the initial strike often comes with a jump that launches them clear of the water. They have razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo-shaped body built for speed. The fight is usually short but intense, and they're excellent table fare with meat similar to Mako shark.
Yellowfin Tuna are year-round residents in the deeper Gulf Stream waters, though they're most active during temperature breaks and current edges. These fish are pure muscle and stamina – they'll sound deep and pull steady for 30-45 minutes. What makes them prized is their size potential and fighting ability. A 60-pound Yellowfin will test everything – your drag, your back, and your determination. They're also the gold standard for sashimi-grade fish, with deep red meat that's prized in restaurants worldwide.
Atlantic Sailfish are most common in the spring
Meet Captain Brandon's 38' Luhrs 380 Tournament, your gateway to serious offshore fishing in the Gulf Stream. This tournament-style sportfisher is built to handle the blue water and chase pelagic species like tuna, wahoo, and sailfish. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the fish, while the flybridge provides an elevated command center for spotting birds and bait schools. Down below, you'll find all the comforts for those long 13-hour trips - full galley, comfortable sleeping quarters, head with shower, and air conditioning to cool off between battles. The fish finder and GPS keep you on the productive water, while the VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and shore. An icebox and refrigerator ensure your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. Whether you're a seasoned angler or learning the ropes, this well-equipped vessel puts you in prime position to tangle with some of the ocean's fastest and most prized gamefish.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showboats of the Gulf Stream - nothing beats watching one greyhound across the surface with that massive dorsal fin spread wide. These fish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with incredible speed and those signature bill-to-tail jumps that make for epic photos. They cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet, often working bait schools along temperature breaks and current edges. Winter through spring is prime time when they stack up along the Florida coast during their migration. What hooks anglers is the aerial show and non-stop action once hooked - they'll jump, dive, and test every inch of your tackle. Most folks release them since they're not great table fare, but the fight alone is worth the trip. Pro tip: when one comes up on the teaser, don't rush the bait switch. Let them get excited and commit before making your move.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf Stream, hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These sleek fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, with distinctive blue stripes along silver sides. You'll find them cruising the edge waters and around structure, usually in the top 200 feet of blue water. Best fishing runs from late fall through early spring when they're most active. What gets anglers fired up is their blistering runs and the way they'll smoke your reel on the first hit. The meat is phenomenal too - white, flaky, and mild like premium tuna. Here's the key: troll fast with wire leaders at 12-15 knots. Their teeth will slice through mono like butter, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle if you want to land one.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the scrappy little brothers of the tuna family, but don't let their smaller size fool you - they pack a serious punch. Most weigh 10-25 pounds with dark backs and that signature golden stripe along their sides. These fish love the warmer Gulf Stream waters near the continental shelf, typically schooling in the top 100 feet. Fall through spring gives us our best shots, especially around structure and temperature breaks. What makes blackfin special is their fierce fight-to-weight ratio and excellent table fare - they're perfect for searing or sashimi. They're also great for getting kids and new anglers hooked on offshore fishing since they're more forgiving than their bigger cousins. Key tip: scale down your tackle and use smaller hooks. Blackfin have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy leaders, so think finesse over power.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the Gulf Stream, with their bright yellow fins and torpedo bodies built for power. These fish typically run 40-100 pounds out here, though bigger ones cruise the deeper water. They school in the blue water column, usually 30-300 feet down, following bait and temperature breaks. Peak season runs spring through fall when warm water pushes close to shore. Anglers love them for their bulldogging fights and world-class sashimi-grade meat - there's nothing quite like fresh yellowfin on the table. They're also one of the few fish that can sustain long battles without giving up. My go-to trick is chunking with live bait when the trolling slows down. Cut up some bonito or blue runners, get them feeding, and then drop a live bait back in the slick. That's when the magic happens.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf Stream, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that light up like a neon show when hooked. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them hit 50+. They love hanging around floating sargassum and debris in the warm blue water, usually in the top 100 feet. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 75°F. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish out there with sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school - where there's one mahi, there's usually more nearby.
Carolina Beach, NC