Full Day North Carolina Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter targeting deep sea and inshore speciesAccommodates 4 anglers with flexibility to customize fishing locationsIncludes wreck fishing and various techniques for maximum action
Ready to spend a serious day on the water? This full-day charter with Vicarious Charters gives you the ultimate North Carolina fishing experience, covering everything from deep sea action to inshore hotspots. We're talking 8+ hours of pure fishing time, hitting multiple zones depending on what's biting and what you're after. Pack your cooler full because you'll be out there from sunrise to sunset, and trust me – the day flies by when the fish are cooperating. With room for up to 4 anglers (expandable to 6), this trip offers the flexibility most anglers crave. No set itinerary, no rushing between spots – just pure fishing based on conditions, seasons, and what's working best that day.
This isn't your typical half-day run-and-gun charter. We're talking about a full commitment to finding fish, whether that means running 20 miles offshore to hit the wrecks or working the inshore grass flats for reds. The beauty of a full day charter is the flexibility – if the offshore bite is slow, we can pivot to structure fishing or head inshore where the action might be heating up. You'll experience multiple fishing styles in one trip: bottom fishing over wrecks for amberjack, sight fishing for tripletail around floating debris, and working the flats for redfish. The captain knows these North Carolina waters inside and out, from the nearshore reefs to the deep drop-offs where the big fish live. Expect to cover some serious ground and adapt techniques throughout the day. Bring layers because offshore mornings can be chilly, but afternoons in the Carolina sun will have you peeling down to a t-shirt.
We'll be switching up techniques all day depending on where the fish are holding. For the offshore wreck fishing, we're talking heavy conventional tackle with circle hooks and cut bait – perfect for those bruiser amberjack that love to test your drag system. When we're hunting tripletail around floating grass mats and debris, expect lighter spinning gear with live shrimp or small jigs. The inshore redfish action calls for shallow-running spoons, topwater plugs, and live bait rigs worked around oyster bars and grass edges. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. The boat comes equipped with quality Penn and Shimano combos that can handle anything from 2-pound mackerel to 50-pound amberjack. We'll have a good mix of live bait, cut bait, and artificials on board. The captain will match the tackle to the target species and conditions, so you're always fishing with the right gear for the job.
Redfish are the inshore superstars here in North Carolina waters, and these copper-colored bruisers put up one hell of a fight. Most of our reds run between 20-40 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 50+ during peak season. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up in massive numbers along the beaches and around inlet mouths. What makes redfish so special is their attitude – they'll crush a topwater plug in 2 feet of water and then drag you into the nearest oyster bar. The sight fishing for these fish is absolutely addictive, especially when you can see their copper backs and black spots cruising the shallows.
Greater Amberjack are the offshore heavyweights that separate the men from the boys. These reef donkeys average 25-50 pounds and have zero quit in them. They live around wrecks and hard bottom in 60-150 feet of water, and when you hook one, it's going straight for the structure. Summer months bring the best amberjack action, though spring can produce some real giants before they head offshore to spawn. The fight is what legends are made of – long runs, powerful headshakes, and enough pulling power to make your arms burn. Land a big amberjack and you've earned serious bragging rights among the North Carolina fishing community.
Atlantic Mackerel might be smaller fish, but they make up for size with pure numbers and aggressive strikes. These silver bullets school up in massive quantities during their spring and fall migrations, creating some of the fastest action you'll find anywhere. They'll hit just about anything that moves – small jigs, spoons, even bare hooks. When you find a good school, it's not uncommon to boat dozens of fish in an hour. They're also fantastic table fare and make excellent bait for bigger species later in the day. Don't overlook these fish – they're a blast on light tackle and perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Tripletail are the weirdos of the offshore world, and that's exactly why targeting them is so much fun. These oddball fish love to hang around floating debris, buoys, and weed lines, often laying on their sides like they're dead. They're ambush predators with incredible camouflage, and spotting them takes a trained eye. Summer and early fall offer the best tripletail opportunities when they move inshore to spawn. The challenge isn't just finding them – it's presenting your bait perfectly without spooking them. When you nail the presentation and watch one come up to eat, it's pure magic. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table.
A full day charter with Vicarious Charters is hands-down the best way to experience everything North Carolina fishing has to offer. Instead of being locked into one fishing style or location, you get the flexibility to chase whatever's biting and adapt to conditions as they change. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a group wanting to maximize your time on the water, this trip delivers serious value. The memories you'll make fighting big amberjack, sight-casting to cruising redfish, and discovering what's lurking around the next piece of structure are
This rugged 2001 Glacier Bay center console is your ticket to North Carolina's best fishing grounds. Built pontoon-style for maximum stability when you're fighting that trophy catch, she's powered by twin 200HP Suzuki outboards that'll cruise at 30 knots to get you out to the deep water fast. The spacious layout easily handles 4 anglers with room to move around when the action heats up. Everything you need is onboard - GPS to find those productive spots, fish finder to locate the schools, radar for safe navigation, and VHF radio to stay connected. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long days targeting everything from inshore species to offshore giants. Whether you're working the wrecks, trolling the deep blue, or casting the shallows, this reliable workhorse will get you there and back safely while you focus on filling the cooler.
Scomber ScombrusFast, feisty, and fun to catch, Atlantic mackerel show up in huge schools along our coast during summer months. These sleek fish average 12-18 inches with beautiful metallic blue-green backs and distinctive wavy bars. They're pelagic, so we find them in open water anywhere from the surface down to 60 feet, often following baitfish. Late spring through early fall is your best bet when they move closer to shore. What makes them a blast? They hit hard, fight fast, and when you find a school, it's non-stop action. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish out there - rich, oily meat perfect for grilling. The secret is using small, shiny lures or sabiki rigs. Once you locate a school, work fast because they move constantly. Light tackle makes it even more fun.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers are the muscle cars of our offshore fishing. Running 30-50 pounds on average, amberjacks pack serious power and will test your arms on heavy tackle. We find them around wrecks and reefs in 60-200 feet of water, where they patrol looking for an easy meal. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love about them? Pure raw strength - they'll drag you to the bottom if you let them. The meat is firm and tasty, though larger fish can have some concerns. These fish aren't picky eaters - they'll hammer live bait, heavy jigs, or big plugs. Here's the trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the wreck. Once they hole up in structure, your chances drop fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-backed beauties are one of our most sought-after inshore targets. Redfish average 20-30 inches around North Carolina, with those distinctive black spots near their tails. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Summer through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great with that mild, sweet flavor, and give you that classic "tail walking" show. Plus, North Carolina holds the world record at 94 pounds! My go-to tip: when sight fishing, cast past the fish and work your bait back toward them. They spook easily if you drop it right on their heads. Gold spoons and live shrimp work magic here.
Lobotes SurinamensisThese odd-looking fish are becoming real favorites for sight fishing enthusiasts. Tripletail average 18 inches and 3-8 pounds, with a unique shape that earned their name from those rounded fins. The cool thing about them is they float on their sides near the surface, mimicking debris or weeds - perfect camouflage. We find them around floating structure, weed lines, and channel markers in 10-50 feet of water. Summer through early fall is peak season when water temps stay warm. What's special about targeting them? They're surprisingly acrobatic fighters for their chunky build, and the meat rivals grouper or snapper. Plus, sight casting to them is a real challenge. My key tip: approach quietly and cast well past them, then slowly work your bait back. They spook easily but once hooked, hold on tight.
Wanchese, NC