Full Day Fishing Trip - Morehead City, NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour full day targeting inshore and nearshore speciesCaptain Adam Price provides local expertise and adaptive fishingAccommodates families, groups, and experienced anglers up to six
Captain Adam Price knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish for a full 8-hour adventure along North Carolina's Crystal Coast. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a real fishing trip where you've got time to work different spots, adapt to conditions, and really dial in on what's biting. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater action or you're a seasoned angler looking to put some serious fish in the box, this full-day charter gives you the flexibility to make it happen. With Captain Adam's local knowledge and willingness to move around based on what's happening that day, you'll spend your time where the fish are, not where they were yesterday.
Your day starts early, but that's when the magic happens out here. Captain Adam runs a top-rated operation that focuses on both inshore and nearshore fishing, which means you're not locked into one style all day. Maybe we start working the inshore structure for some aggressive cobia, then move out to the nearshore reefs where the king mackerel are running. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is having the time to really explore and adapt. You'll fish multiple spots based on tides, bait movement, and seasonal patterns that change throughout the year. This isn't a cookie-cutter experience – every trip is different because the fishing is different. Captain Adam's got the patience to work with beginners and the skills to keep experienced anglers engaged all day long. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, so you've got plenty of room to spread out and work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies.
We mix it up based on what we're targeting and where we're fishing. For the nearshore action, you'll be trolling with planers and wire line to get those baits down where the kings and mahi are cruising. Captain Adam knows how to read the water and adjust trolling speeds to match what the fish want on any given day. When we're working inshore structure, we switch gears to live bait fishing and jigging around docks, bridges, and artificial reefs. The tackle is sized right for each situation – heavy enough to handle a big cobia or barracuda, but not so heavy that you can't feel what's happening down there. You'll learn to work different baits, from live menhaden and shrimp to artificial jigs and plugs. Captain Adam takes the time to show you the right techniques, whether that's how to work a jig around structure or how to fight a fish properly without losing it at the boat. The gear stays sharp and ready, and there's always backup tackle rigged and ready to go when the bite gets hot.
King mackerel are the bread and butter out here, especially during their spring and fall runs when they're feeding heavily along the nearshore reefs and structure. These fish hit hard and fast, often jumping clear out of the water when they feel the hook. You'll find them anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50-plus pounds. The best action typically happens from April through June and again in September through November when water temperatures are in that sweet spot.
Mahi mahi show up when conditions are right, usually following warm water pushes and floating debris lines. These are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, with their electric colors and acrobatic fights. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Mahi are incredibly aggressive and will hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs, making them a customer favorite for their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare.
Great barracuda are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. These ambush predators lurk around structure and will absolutely destroy a bait when they decide to feed. They're built for speed and known for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. Barracuda fishing is visual and exciting – you'll often see them following your bait before they commit to the strike.
Crevalle jack are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, providing arm-burning fights that test your endurance. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, often found in schools around bridges, docks, and nearshore reefs. They'll hit live bait, jigs, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Jack crevalle are perfect for kids and beginners because they're aggressive and relatively easy to hook, but they fight hard enough to make everyone feel like they caught something special.
Cobia are the prize catch of the inshore waters, often called the "brown shark" because of their appearance and the way they cruise around structure. These fish can reach impressive sizes, with 30 to 50-pound fish being common in these waters. Cobia are curious and intelligent, often following the boat or investigating baits before deciding to eat. They're excellent table fare and provide a strong, determined fight that's different from the speed runs of kings or the jumping antics of mahi.
This full-day fishing experience gives you everything you need for a memorable day on the Crystal Coast waters. Captain Adam's local knowledge, combined with 8 hours of fishing time, means you'll have multiple opportunities to connect with quality fish while learning techniques that will make you a better angler. The flexibility to move between inshore and nearshore fishing keeps things interesting all day long, and there's always a backup plan when conditions change. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you want to spend a full day chasing personal best fish, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its finest.
This 28-foot Albemarle sportfisher is built to handle the waters around Morehead City with twin 240HP Yanmar engines that'll get you to the fish at 32 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers on full-day trips targeting inshore and nearshore species along the Crystal Coast. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a productive day on the water - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Captain Adam Price knows these local waters inside and out, adapting his approach based on what's biting and where. With a toilet, kitchen, and even a bed onboard, you'll have all the comforts needed for those long 8-hour fishing adventures. Whether you're a family group or seasoned anglers, this boat gives you the range and reliability to explore different fishing grounds and make the most of your time chasing whatever's running off the North Carolina coast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that look like brown sharks but fight like submarines. Most weigh 20-50 pounds, with 60+ pounders possible. They cruise alone around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-100 feet, often swimming just below the surface. Late spring through early summer is prime time during their spawning migration. What makes cobia special is they're both great fighters and excellent eating - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that will often swim up to investigate the boat. The secret is sight fishing - once you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of them. They usually eat immediately but fight hard once hooked, making long powerful runs.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the ocean, typically weighing 5-15 pounds but capable of reaching 30+ pounds. These brassy-gold fighters cruise shallow flats, around structure, and nearshore reefs in 10-50 feet of water. They're active year-round but really heat up during summer months. What makes jacks special is their raw power - pound for pound, they're among the strongest fish in the ocean. While not prized for eating, they're incredible sport fish that will test your tackle and endurance. Look for diving birds - jacks push baitfish to the surface where birds attack from above. My tip: use heavy tackle and keep constant pressure. These fish fight dirty, using their broad sides to leverage against you.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the wolves of the reef, averaging 2-4 feet but occasionally reaching 5+ feet. These silver speedsters patrol shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-80 feet of water. They're aggressive year-round in our warm waters, but summer months are best. What makes cuda fishing exciting is their explosive strike and initial run - they'll hit a lure at 30+ mph. While not great table fare due to potential ciguatera, they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. The trick is keeping your lure moving fast - barracuda are attracted to flash and speed. Use wire leaders and watch your fingers when landing them - those razor teeth mean business. They're curious fish too, often following lures right to the boat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter off Morehead City, typically running 15-40 pounds with the occasional monster pushing 60+. These silver rockets cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure, wrecks, and ledges. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line like few other fish. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The key is using a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - kings love to attack from below and the commotion drives them crazy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see, flashing gold, green, and blue before fading when boated. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we occasionally hook 50+ pounders. They hang around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water, usually 15-30 miles offshore. Late spring through early fall is peak season when Gulf Stream water moves closer inshore. What guests love about mahi is their acrobatic fight - jumping, tail-walking, and bulldogging all the way to the boat. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more - mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually several more nearby.
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