8-Hour King Buster Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore fishing adventure targeting king mackerel and mahi mahiProfessional charter accommodates up to six guests for premium fishingTrip includes occasional sailfish encounters in North Carolina waters
Looking for serious offshore action without burning your whole day? This 8-hour King Buster trip with Whipsaw Fishing Charters hits that sweet spot perfectly. You'll get quality time chasing king mackerel, mahi mahi, and the occasional sailfish in some of North Carolina's most productive waters off Wrightsville Beach. With room for up to 6 anglers, this customer favorite delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you talking about it long after you're back at the dock.
Captain and crew know exactly where to find the fish along the continental shelf break, typically running 15-25 miles offshore where the blue water holds everything you're after. The 8-hour window gives you enough time to work multiple spots without feeling rushed, but won't have you dragging in after dark either. You'll start early to beat the afternoon chop and make the most of prime feeding times. The boat comes rigged and ready with all the tackle you need, from king rigs to mahi spreads. Bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't included - most folks pack a cooler with sandwiches and plenty of water. Don't forget sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses because you'll be in full sun most of the day.
This trip runs on proven offshore trolling methods that consistently produce fish in these waters. The crew will have multiple lines out using a mix of live bait, dead bait, and artificial lures depending on what the fish are showing interest in. King mackerel respond well to slow-trolled live menhaden or Spanish sardines, while mahi typically hit faster-moving lures and ballyhoo rigs. When conditions are right for sailfish, you'll see the spread adjusted with circle hooks and lighter drags to give these acrobatic fighters a fair shot. The captain reads the water constantly, looking for current breaks, temperature changes, and bird activity that signal feeding fish below. You'll learn to spot these signs too as the day progresses, making you a better angler for future trips.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of this trip, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped predators average 15-30 pounds off Wrightsville Beach, with plenty of fish pushing 40+ pounds during peak season from April through October. Kings are notorious for their blistering initial runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. They're also excellent table fare when bled and iced properly, making them a top choice for anglers who like to eat their catch. The trick is letting them make that first run without trying to horse them in - patience pays off with these speed demons.
Mahi mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing so addictive. Also called dolphinfish or dorado, these golden beauties typically run 10-25 pounds in local waters and are absolute dynamite on the rod. They love structure like floating sargassum weed or debris, and once you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish before they move on. Mahi season peaks from May through September when water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s. Their firm white meat makes them a favorite at the fish cleaning station, and they're one of the most sustainable fish you can target.
Atlantic sailfish are the wild card that can turn a good day into an epic one. These billfish aren't as common as kings and mahi, but when they show up, you're in for the fight of your life. Sailfish in North Carolina waters typically range from 30-60 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps and determined runs. Peak sailfish action happens during cooler months from November through March, but they can show up year-round when conditions align. Most captains practice catch and release with sails, giving you bragging rights and photos while preserving these magnificent fish for future generations.
The King Buster trip strikes the perfect balance between serious fishing and reasonable time commitment. Eight hours gives you enough water time to really get into the rhythm of offshore fishing without feeling wiped out for days afterward. The crew's local knowledge makes all the difference - they know which reefs, wrecks, and ledges hold fish during different seasons and tide cycles. You're not just trolling randomly; you're fishing with purpose based on years of experience in these waters. The 6-angler limit keeps things comfortable without overcrowding the boat, so everyone gets plenty of shots at fish throughout the day.
This world-class offshore fishing experience delivers consistent action on some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish. The combination of productive waters, experienced crew, and reasonable trip length makes the King Buster a top-rated choice for both serious anglers and families looking to get a taste of offshore fishing. Spots fill up quickly during prime season, especially on weekends and holidays. Whether you're after that trophy king mackerel for the wall or a cooler full of mahi for the dinner table, this trip gives you the best shot at both. Don't wait to secure your date - the fish are biting and the boat's ready to run.
Your ride for this 8-hour king mackerel hunt is a solid motorboat built for serious offshore action around Wrightsville Beach. She's rigged with everything you need to track down those kings, mahi, and maybe even a sailfish - GPS to get you to the hot spots and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long hours on the water. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out when the bite gets hot. This boat handles the offshore waters like a champ, getting you out to where the big fish are cruising and back to the dock with coolers full of fillets. Perfect setup for maximizing your time on the water without burning the whole day.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the speed demons of the offshore world - built like rockets with that signature sail fin stretched high. Most run 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen 100+ pounders. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, following warm currents and baitfish schools. Summer through early fall gives us our best shots when water temps hit that 75-80 degree sweet spot. What makes them special? The aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display you won't forget. Plus they're fantastic table fare when prepared right. Local trick: when you see one lit up bright blue and working a bait school, slow-troll a rigged ballyhoo just behind the action. They can't resist.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and green colors that light up like neon when they're fired up. Most of ours run 15-30 pounds and 3 feet long, though the bulls can hit 40+ pounds. They're surface cruisers, hanging around floating grass lines, debris, and current edges in blue water. Warm months from May through September are money time. What makes them special? They travel in schools, fight hard, and jump all over the place. Plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's the deal: when you hook one, leave it in the water and keep working the school. The others will stick around to see what's happening, and you can often double or triple up before they wise up and move on.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are our bread and butter out here - fast, aggressive, and always hungry. These silver bullets average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when conditions are right. Look for them along the 40-150 foot depths, especially around structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools. Spring through fall are prime time, with the bigger fish showing up when water temps hold steady in the low 70s. They hit hard and burn drag like crazy - that's what keeps people coming back. The meat's excellent too, though it's got some oil to it. Pro tip: rig your bait with a stinger hook about 6 inches back from the main hook. Kings love to hit from behind and that second hook will save you a lot of missed fish when they're being picky.
Wilmington