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Top-Rated Oak Island Half-Day Fishing Charter
- Published Date: August 25, 2025
- Fishing
- Oak Island
- Updated Date: November 10, 2025
Summary
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Coastal Catches
Oak Island's Half-Day Offshore Fishing Adventure
Looking for a quick getaway on the water that packs in serious fishing action? Our half-day charter out of Oak Island is just the ticket. We'll cruise up to 10 miles offshore, giving you a taste of both nearshore and coastal fishing in one trip. Whether you're after hard-fighting mackerel or trophy red drum, we've got you covered. Best of all, we provide everything you need - from rods and reels to bait and ice. Just show up ready to reel 'em in!
What to Expect on the Water
Our trips run about 4-5 hours, giving you plenty of time to get lines wet without taking up your whole day. We'll head out from Oak Island and adjust our fishing spots based on where the bite is hottest. Some days that means trolling for Spanish mackerel just off the beach, other times we might run out to some deeper structure for sheepshead and sea bass. Your captain will read the conditions and put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you're comfortable and catching.
Top Catches This Season
We use a mix of techniques to target different species throughout your trip. For mackerel and bluefish, we'll often troll with small spoons or live bait. When targeting bottom fish like sheepshead, we'll anchor up and drop baits right on structure. Your captain will rig up the rods and show you the ropes. We provide quality gear suited for the fish we're after, from light spinning tackle for Spanish mackerel up to heavier conventional setups if we're tangling with big sharks or bull reds. The variety keeps things exciting - one minute you might be reeling in scrappy blues, the next you could be battling a bruiser king mackerel.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Spectacular! Captain Billy went above and beyond what was expected to ensure my family and I (five total) had a great time. He was very personable with us and the kids (ages 5, 7, 9) and made sure that we all had a great time. The water was pretty rough, but he did a great job of putting us on the fish and making sure lines stayed in the water while ensuring our safety. An absolute class act, highly recommend!" - Steven
"Great time fishing with captain billy, trolling for Spanish. đź‘Ťđź‘Ť recommend" - Nick
Species You'll Want to Hook
Little Tunny (False Albacore): These speedsters are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. We typically find them busting bait on the surface from late summer through fall. They're not great eating, but the explosive strikes and blistering runs make them a blast to catch and release.
Bluefish: Aggressive and toothy, blues are always eager to bite. They travel in schools, so when you find them the action can be non-stop. We catch them year-round, but spring and fall often see the biggest fish. Blues put up a great fight on light tackle and make excellent fish tacos.
Black Sea Bass: These structure-loving bottom fish are a staple of our nearshore reefs and wrecks. Sea bass are opportunistic feeders, readily taking both bait and jigs. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious. While we catch them year-round, the biggest fish show up in cooler months.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are one of our more unique-looking fish. They hang around pilings and reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. Sheepshead are tricky to hook but put up a great fight. We target them most of the year, with fall being prime time for big ones.
King Mackerel: These toothy predators are one of our most popular gamefish. Kings can top 50 pounds, making blistering runs and often skyrocketing out of the water. We catch them by slow-trolling live bait, with the biggest fish typically showing up from late summer through fall. They're excellent eating and make for some of the most exciting fights you'll experience in our waters.
Time to Book Your Spot
Our half-day trips offer the perfect mix of action, variety, and convenience. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to bend a rod or want to introduce the family to offshore fishing, we've got you covered. With all gear provided and an expert captain at the helm, you're set up for a fun, fish-filled day on the water. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Give us a call or book online - we can't wait to show you the best of Oak Island fishing!
Customer Reviews
Captains Family Fun
Steven Latham
October 14, 2024
Spanish Trolling Joy
Great time fishing with captain billy, trolling for Spanish. đź‘Ťđź‘Ť recommend
Nick Anthony
August 9, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are a favorite target for bottom fishing enthusiasts off Oak Island. These structure-loving fish typically weigh 1-4 pounds, though trophy specimens over 8 pounds are possible. You'll find them hanging around underwater structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms from spring through fall, with bigger fish in deeper waters. Sea bass are known for their excellent table fare - firm, white, and delicious. Anglers enjoy targeting them for both sport and food value. They put up a decent fight for their size, especially on light tackle. To catch them, drop baited hooks or jigs right into the structure. Squid and cut bait work well. Here's a local tip: when you catch one, keep your bait down there. Sea bass often school up, so you might land several from the same spot before they wise up and move on.
Bluefish
Bluefish are one of our most exciting summer catches here off Oak Island. These aggressive predators typically run 3-10 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them cruising the nearshore waters and inlets from late spring through fall, often in large schools. Bluefish are famous for their feeding frenzies, churning up the water as they attack bait balls. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting spirit and acrobatic leaps. While their strong flavor isn't for everyone, many locals swear by fresh-caught bluefish on the grill. To get in on the action, try casting metal lures or live bait into feeding schools. Pro tip: use wire leaders, as bluefish have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in seconds. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a sign bluefish are feeding below.
King Mackerel
King mackerel are one of our most prized gamefish here off Oak Island. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically run 10-30 pounds, though monsters over 50 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in offshore waters from late spring through fall, often around bait schools or structure. Kings are famous for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for both sport and food - their firm, oily flesh is excellent when fresh. To catch kings, try slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or blue runners. Keep an eye on your depth finder for bait balls or temperature breaks where kings like to hunt. Here's a local trick: use stinger rigs with two treble hooks to improve your hookup ratio. Kings often short-strike baits, so that trailing hook can make all the difference. When a king hits, hold on tight - the first run is usually their strongest!
Little Tunny
These small but mighty fighters are a blast to catch off Oak Island. Typically 10-20 pounds, Little Tunny hang out near the surface in warm coastal waters, often chasing bait schools. Look for them from late spring through fall, especially around points, inlets, and sandbars. They put up an impressive fight for their size, earning the nickname "false albacore." While not the best for eating, anglers love targeting them for pure sport. To hook one, try trolling with feathered lures or casting light jigs into feeding frenzies. A local tip: listen for the splashing - Little Tunny make a racket when they're busting bait on top. Once you find them, be ready for some drag-screaming runs. Just remember to handle them carefully if you're releasing, as they tire out quickly.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of our most unique and challenging catches here in Oak Island. These striped "convict fish" usually run 2-8 pounds, lurking around docks, pilings, and other barnacle-covered structures year-round. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush crustaceans. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tricky bite and excellent table fare. These fish are masters at stealing bait, so you'll need patience and a sensitive touch. For best results, use light tackle with small, strong hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Try to get your bait right up against the structure. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the lightest tap, set the hook hard. Sheepshead have tough mouths, so you need to drive that hook home. It's a bit of an art, but landing a big sheepshead is super rewarding.
About the Center Console Boats
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 225
Spectacular! Captain Billy went above and beyond what was expected to ensure my family and I (five total) had a great time. He was very personable with us and the kids (ages 5, 7, 9) and made sure that we all had a great time. The water was pretty rough, but he did a great job of putting us on the fish and making sure lines stayed in the water while ensuring our safety. An absolute class act, highly recommend!