Expert-Guided Oak Island Offshore Fishing Charter

Full-Day Oak Island Fishing: Offshore Adventure

Ready for a real Oak Island fishing experience? Our extended 10-hour trip takes you from the shoreline all the way out to 40-50 miles offshore, giving you the best shot at landing some of North Carolina's most sought-after catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and prime fishing spots to make this a day on the water you won't forget.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start bright and early, loading up the boat with everything we need for a full day of fishing. As we head out, you'll get to see Oak Island's beautiful coastline fade into the distance. Once we hit our first spot, it's all hands on deck. We'll be targeting a mix of nearshore and offshore species, so be ready to switch up techniques as we move between grounds. You might be bottom fishing for grouper one minute and trolling for king mackerel the next. Don't worry if you're new to this - our experienced captain will show you the ropes and make sure you're set up for success.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this trip, we'll use a variety of fishing methods to maximize our chances of a great catch. We'll do some trolling for pelagic species like king mackerel and cobia, using live bait or artificial lures. When we hit the right spots, we'll switch to bottom fishing for snapper and grouper. We provide all the gear you'll need - quality rods and reels, fresh bait, and all the tackle. Just bring some snacks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture your big moment. Oh, and don't forget a cooler for your catch - you'll want to show off those fish back at the dock!

Top Catches This Season

Oak Island's waters are teeming with fish year-round, but some of our top catches lately have been king mackerel, cobia, and red snapper. We've had anglers pulling in king mackerel in the 30-40 pound range, and let me tell you, those fights are something else. Cobia have been showing up strong too, especially around structure and buoys. And when we hit the right spots offshore, the red snapper fishing has been on fire. Remember, it's all catch and release for red snapper outside of the short federal season, but they're still a blast to catch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These speedsters are a favorite among Oak Island anglers. Known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics, king mackerel can reach sizes of up to 50 pounds in our waters. We typically target them by slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or blue runners. The best time to catch kings is from late spring through fall, with peak season being July to September. When a big king hits, hold on tight - you're in for a fight!

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dolphinfish, these colorful beauties are as fun to catch as they are delicious to eat. Mahi are known for their acrobatic leaps and vibrant colors that seem to glow in the water. We usually find them around floating debris or weed lines offshore. The best time to target mahi is from May to September. They're fast growers and can reach up to 30 pounds in our area, though most catches average 5-15 pounds.

Cobia: These powerful fish are like the bulldogs of the sea. Cobia are curious by nature and often swim right up to the boat, making them a sight-fisher's dream. They're strong fighters that can reach sizes over 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. We typically find them around buoys, channel markers, and other structure from May through September. When you hook into a big cobia, be ready for a battle - they don't give up easily!

Red Snapper: These prized bottom-dwellers are a real treat when they're in season. With their bright red coloration and tasty white flesh, red snapper are at the top of many anglers' wish lists. We target them in deeper offshore waters, usually in depths of 60-300 feet. The brief federal season typically falls in the summer months, but even outside of the season, catch-and-release fishing for these beauties is a blast. They can grow up to 40 pounds, but most catches are in the 5-15 pound range.

Little Tunny: Also known as false albacore or "albies," these small tuna species are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They're fast swimmers that often travel in schools, creating exciting topwater feeding frenzies. We usually find them from late summer through fall, chasing bait schools near the surface. While they're not considered good table fare, their speed and strength make them a favorite among sport fishermen. Expect catches in the 5-12 pound range, with some larger specimens showing up occasionally.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the waters off Oak Island. Maybe it's the variety - where else can you catch a king mackerel, a grouper, and a shark all in the same day? Or maybe it's the challenge of fishing different depths and techniques as we move from nearshore to offshore grounds. But if you ask our repeat customers, they'll tell you it's the moments of excitement when a big fish hits, the satisfaction of learning new skills, and the camaraderie that comes from spending a full day on the water with good company. Plus, there's nothing like coming back to the dock with a cooler full of fresh fish for dinner.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a real Oak Island fishing adventure, this extended full-day trip is hard to beat. With 10 hours on the water, we've got time to explore a variety of fishing grounds and target multiple species. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big king mackerel, dropping lines for tasty bottom fish, or just soaking up a day on the beautiful Atlantic, we've got you covered. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and we provide all the gear you need to land that fish of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some fishing memories!