4.0(4 Reviews)Nearshore & Offshore Trolling Adventures
4.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore trolling targets King Mackerel, Mahi, Cobia, and AmberjackCaptain Phillips guides fishing adventures with 6guest capacityNearshore and offshore waters provide diverse fishing opportunities
Captain Phillips knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard the Tail Chaser, you're in for a day of serious fishing action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trolling trip delivers the kind of nonstop action that keeps folks coming back season after season. We're talking King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Mahi, Cobia, and Amberjack – basically everything that makes your drag scream and your heart race. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, buddy trips, or corporate outings where everyone wants to get their hands dirty.
This isn't your typical sit-and-wait fishing trip. We're covering serious ground, running both nearshore and offshore depending on where the fish are biting. Captain Phillips and his crew know exactly when to push out to the blue water for those trophy Kings and Mahi, or when to work the nearshore structure for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and all the terminal gear. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and get ready for a workout. When we're on the fish, it's all hands on deck, and that's when the real fun begins. You'll see dolphins playing in our wake, maybe some sea turtles cruising by, and if we're lucky, some serious gamefish crashing the spread.
We run a spread of lures and live bait that's dialed in for whatever's running. Depending on the season and conditions, we might pull diving plugs for Kings, feathers and spoons for Spanish, or switch it up with ballyhoo rigs when the Mahi are thick. The captain adjusts our trolling speed based on what we're targeting – sometimes we're cruising at 6 knots for Kings, other times we'll bump it up when we're looking for that aggressive Cobia bite. The boat's rigged with outriggers to spread our lines wide, and we're constantly watching the fish finder and adjusting our course to stay on the productive water. When something hits, you'll know it – the rod tip loads up, the reel starts singing, and it's game on.
"My husband and the guys he took with him had a wonderful time!! The experience was great and he will definitely book another trip!" - Susan "Our family of 6 (our adult kids and their girlfriend & boyfriend) all had a great time! Action was pretty much non- stop from the time the first line was dropped in the water! Great boat and both Captain Brandon and his first mate were Fantastic. We enjoyed our catch that evening at a local restaurant and then also two days later when we cooked them up at home. Great trip!" - Tracey "Had a great time on the Tail Chaser with Brandon & Dave!! Great weather and beautiful views of the coastline. Caught some fish and saw some dolphins and sea turtles too. Highly recommend this professional crew!" - Molly
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These silver bullets can stretch anywhere from 15 to 40+ pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 50. They're most active during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall, and they'll absolutely destroy a well-presented bait. What makes Kings so special is their initial run – when a big one hits, it's pure adrenaline as they peel line off your reel at breakneck speed. They're also fantastic eating, especially the smaller "eating size" fish in the 15-25 pound range.
Mahi Mahi are pure eye candy both in the water and on the dinner table. These golden beauties average 10-30 pounds in our waters, though bull Mahi can push 40+ when conditions are right. They're most abundant during the summer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore, bringing that blue water bite within range. What anglers love about Mahi is their aerial show – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their phones. Plus, they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Cobia are the bruisers of the bunch, averaging 20-50 pounds with the potential for much larger fish. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are most active during their spring and fall migrations, when they're cruising the nearshore waters in good numbers. What makes Cobia fishing so exciting is their aggressive nature – they'll often come right up to the boat, following hooked fish or checking out our spread. When a big Cobia hits, it's a straight-up brawl with powerful runs and dogged determination.
Spanish Mackerel might be the smaller cousins of the Kings, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and attitude. These 2-5 pound speedsters are perfect for keeping the action constant, especially when the bigger fish are being finicky. They're most active during the warmer months and they'll hit just about anything you throw at them – spoons, feathers, small plugs. Kids absolutely love Spanish Mackerel because they're almost guaranteed action, and they're excellent in the pan.
Bluefish are the vacuum cleaners of the ocean, and when they're feeding, it's mayhem. These 3-15 pound fighters are known for their sharp teeth and aggressive feeding habits. They show up in big schools during their seasonal migrations, and when you find them, you can often catch them as fast as you can get your line back in the water. Bluefish are perfect for novice anglers because they're not picky about what they eat, and they put up a
Captain Phillips' 38' Luhrs 380 Tournament is built for serious offshore fishing action. This tournament-grade sportfisher handles both nearshore and deep water runs with ease, giving you the perfect platform to target King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Mahi, Cobia, and Amberjack. The flybridge puts you right in the action while the captain works the trolling spread. Below deck, you'll find all the comforts for a full day on the water - air conditioning to cool off between fights, a full kitchen and fridge to keep the drinks cold, plus a bed, shower, and head for longer trips. The fish finder and GPS keep us on the fish, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and work multiple lines. The multimedia system and TV provide entertainment during travel time, but once the rods start bending, that's all the entertainment you'll need.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are notorious for their aggressive feeding frenzies and razor-sharp teeth - they'll attack anything that moves. These blue-green fighters typically weigh 3-15 pounds and show up in big schools during summer months. Find them in surf zones, around jetties, and over sandy bottom in 10-40 feet. They're here from late spring through early fall, with peak action in summer. Guests get a kick out of the fast-paced action when blues are blitzing baitfish on the surface. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids and beginners. Meat's good eating when fresh, especially the smaller fish. Watch those teeth when handling them - they can give you a nasty bite even on the deck. Use cut bait or oily baits like mackerel for best results.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - their dark color and single dorsal fin fool a lot of people at first glance. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds and can hit 100+. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, often cruising right on the surface. Spring migration and summer months are prime time, especially during spawning season. Guests love cobia because they're sight-fishing targets that fight like freight trains and taste amazing - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're curious fish that'll often come right up to the boat. My go-to trick: drop a bucktail jig right in front of their nose and work it slowly. Don't worry about color - they'll eat anything if you put it in the right spot.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter, changing colors like a light show when brought to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm blue water. Spring through fall offers the best shots when water temps climb. What guests love most is their aerial show - these fish go absolutely nuts when hooked, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Plus, the meat is top-shelf eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you find one mahi, stick around and work the area hard. They often travel in small groups, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are aggressive predators that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some monsters over 50. These speed demons cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps hit 68-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line like crazy and put up a real scrap. The meat's excellent too, with firm white flesh that's perfect on the grill. Here's a tip: always use a wire leader and double-hook your live bait. Run one hook through the nose and let a treble dangle near the tail - kings love to hit from behind and you don't want them cutting you off with those razor teeth.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed merchants that'll test your reflexes with their lightning-fast strikes. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and stretch 12-20 inches. They school up near the surface around structure, jetties, and open flats. Warmer months bring them closer to shore where they're perfect targets for light tackle fun. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and numbers - when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's great grilled or smoked. Quick tip: use small spoons or jigs and keep them moving fast. Spanish mackerel have sharp teeth, so a short wire leader saves tackle, but don't make it too heavy or you'll spook them.
4.0 out of 5.0My husband and the guys he took with him had a wonderful time!! The experience was great and he will definitely book another trip...
Our family of 6 (our adult kids and their girlfriend & boyfriend) all had a great time! Action was pretty much non- stop from the...
Had a great time on the Tail Chaser with Brandon & Dave!! Great weather and beautiful views of the coastline. Caught some fish and...
Captain Philips did not take us due to boat mechanical issues so passed us along to Captain David. I’m not exactly sure how this w...
Carolina Beach, NC