NC Fishing Charters - Full Day Offshore Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing charter targeting King Mackerel and CobiaFlexible itinerary includes sound fishing and ocean bottom fishingEight-hour trip accommodates up to six guests with experienced crew
Ready to spend a solid 8 hours chasing some of North Carolina's best fish? X-Spearmint Sportfishing has you covered with our top-rated full-day charter that gives you the flexibility to fish where the action is hottest. Whether you want to split your time between the sound and offshore waters or go all-in on the deep blue, we'll put you on the fish. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and with space for up to 6 anglers, you can bring your crew for a world-class fishing experience that'll have you talking for years.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives us real time to work the water and find where the fish are biting. Depending on conditions and what you're hoping to catch, we can start in the sound targeting redfish in the shallows, then push offshore for the bigger players like king mackerel and cobia. If you're feeling ambitious, we can spend the entire day in blue water, running further out where the tilefish and seabass live on the bottom structure. The boat is equipped with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so you just need to show up ready to fish. Fair warning though: bring your own lunch and plenty of water, because we're not coming back until we've made the most of every hour.
We fish smart out here, using proven methods that put fish in the boat. For the kings and cobia, we'll troll with live bait and artificials, covering water until we find the schools or structure they're holding on. When we're bottom fishing, we're dropping rigs down to 100+ feet where the tilefish and seabass hang out around the hard bottom and ledges. In the sound, it's all about reading the water - working the grass lines, oyster bars, and drop-offs where redfish cruise looking for an easy meal. We've got quality Penn and Shimano gear rigged and ready, from light tackle for the inshore action to heavy conventional setups for when we hook into something that wants to take line. The captain will put you on the right technique for whatever we're targeting, whether that's slow-trolling live bait, jigging structure, or sight-casting to tailing reds.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of North Carolina offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can stretch the tape to 40+ pounds and will test your drag system when they make their screaming runs. Best action is typically spring through fall when they're following the bait schools along the coast. What makes kings so addictive is their speed - one minute you're trolling along, next minute your reel is singing and 30 pounds of pure muscle is heading for the horizon. They're also excellent table fare when handled right.
Atlantic bonito might be smaller than their king mackerel cousins, but don't let that fool you - these fish are pure adrenaline on light tackle. They travel in schools and when you find them, it's game on. Spring and fall are prime time when they're chasing bait close to shore. Bonito are built for speed with their torpedo-shaped bodies, and they'll give you a fight that makes 5-pounders feel like 20. Plus, they make fantastic sashimi if you're into that.
Redfish are the reason we love fishing the sound. These copper-colored bruisers can push 30+ inches and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll find anywhere. Peak season runs late summer through fall when they school up in massive numbers. Reds are ambush predators that cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish, and when one crushes your bait in 3 feet of water, it's pure magic. They're strong fighters that use their broad tails to bulldoze toward structure.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your trip legendary. These brown sharks (that's what some folks call them) can reach 40-50 pounds and have a habit of showing up when you least expect it. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're moving along the coast. Cobia are curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you shot after shot with live bait or jigs. They're powerful fighters that dive hard and make long runs, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat.
Little tunny round out our target list and provide fast action when conditions are right. These small tunas are schooling fish that create feeding frenzies when they push bait to the surface. You'll find them spring through fall, often mixed in with the bonito schools. What little tunny lack in size they make up for in attitude - they're aggressive biters that hit artificials hard and fight way above their weight class. When the water explodes with feeding tunny, you'll understand why offshore fishing gets in your blood.
Look, there's a reason our calendar fills up fast - this is the kind of fishing trip that creates lifelong memories and turns casual anglers into serious fishermen. Eight hours on the water with experienced guides who know exactly where to find the fish is worth every penny. You're not just buying a fishing trip; you're investing in stories you'll tell for decades. The flexibility to fish both inshore and offshore means we can adapt to conditions and put you on whatever's biting best. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a newcomer ready to experience North Carolina fishing at its finest, this charter delivers. Don't wait around - the fish are biting and your spot is waiting.
Our 30-foot Custom Carolina is built for serious offshore fishing along North Carolina's coast. This performance fishing machine was crafted in 2012 and fully restored in 2021, powered by twin 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 40 knots. Whether you're chasing King Mackerel and Cobia in deep water or working the bottom for Tilefish and Seabass, this boat handles it all. The fish finder helps locate your targets while GPS and radar keep you on course. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 8-hour trips. With space for up to 6 anglers and a head for convenience, you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat. From sound fishing to pushing offshore for bigger game, this Carolina boat delivers the performance and comfort you need for a productive day on the water.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are built for speed, hitting 40 mph when they're chasing bait. These silver torpedoes with dark stripes typically run 5-12 pounds and travel in big schools that feed near the surface. You'll spot them by watching for diving birds or seeing their fins cutting through the water like mini sharks. They prefer mid-depth coastal waters in 60+ degree temps, making late spring through early fall your best bet. While they're not great table fare here, bonito put up a scrappy fight that's pure fun on lighter tackle. Once you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw - small spoons, jigs, or live bait. Pro tip: when they're feeding aggressively, downsize your lure to match the baitfish they're chasing.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are North Carolina's brown sharks that aren't sharks - solitary fish that average 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. We target them around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet during their spring migration, typically May through July. What makes cobia special is they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. These fish are curious and often swim right up to the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. They'll eat almost anything - bucktail jigs, live bait, even topwater plugs. The trick is to spot them cruising near the surface or hanging around structure. Once hooked, they make powerful runs toward the bottom. My advice: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure since they love to wrap you up in whatever structure is nearby.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter off our coast, typically running 20-40 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 50+. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall are prime times when they're feeding heavily on menhaden and blues. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost anything out there. The meat is excellent when handled properly, though it's oily and strong-flavored. My go-to trick is using a stinger rig with two hooks on wire leader since these fish love to hit bait from behind. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and be ready for multiple screaming runs.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, also called false albacore, are 10-15 pound torpedoes with tiger stripes that'll test your drag system. These scrappy fighters travel in schools, feeding aggressively near the surface from late summer through fall when water temps are in the 70s. You'll find them around inlets, jetties, and nearshore waters chasing bait. While the dark red meat isn't everyone's favorite, the fight is what brings people back - they're incredibly strong for their size and make blistering runs. They hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait when schooled up and feeding. The key is finding diving birds or surface commotion where they're corralling baitfish. Once you're into them, multiple hookups are common since they hunt in packs. Work fast and light - these fish don't stick around long in one spot.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are our signature shallow water fighters, easily spotted by their copper sides and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 25-35 inches, but we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 40+ inches in deeper water. They love 1-4 foot depths around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths throughout our sounds. Spring and fall bring the best action when they're feeding heavily before seasonal moves. What guests love most is the explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights these fish deliver. Plus, slot-sized reds make fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat. The key to consistent success is watching for their backs and tails in skinny water. Work your lures slowly and be ready - when a big red crushes a topwater plug, it's something you'll never forget.
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