World-Class Oak Island Fishing Charter | 8-10 Hours

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Oak Island
$600 - $2,000 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing off Oak Island, NC with this 8 to 10 hour charter. You'll cover a lot of ground, starting near the shore and heading up to 40-50 miles out. There's a good mix of fish to target - from King and Spanish Mackerel close in, to bigger game like Cobia and Grouper further out. The trip includes everything you need - license, gear, bait, even water and ice. So you can just focus on reeling 'em in. The crew knows these waters well and will put you on the fish. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to fill the cooler, there's something for everyone. It's a long day on the water, but time flies when the fish are biting. Bring a camera - you'll want to remember this one.

World-Class Oak Island Fishing Charter | 8-10 Hours

Big Catches of the Day

Reeling in Spanish Mackerel on Oak Island

Carolina coast bite is on

4 Spanish Mackerel caught while fishing at Oak Island

Oak Island pier catch of the day

Calm waters, big fish

Oak Island's Ultimate Offshore Fishing Adventure

Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on the water with Quality Time Charters' 8 to 10-hour offshore fishing trip. We'll cruise out from Oak Island, NC, hitting prime fishing spots from the nearshore reefs all the way to the deep blue 40-50 miles out. Whether you're after hard-fighting pelagics or tasty bottom fish, this trip's got you covered. With all the gear and know-how provided, you just need to bring your A-game and be ready to reel 'em in.

Trip Overview

We'll meet up bright and early at the dock, load up the boat with ice and bait, and head out as the sun's coming up. The beauty of this long-range trip is the variety - we might start by trolling for Spanish mackerel near the beach, then push offshore for some king mackerel action, and finish the day dropping lines for grouper and snapper on deep water structures. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a day of top-notch fishing. We provide everything from rods and reels to licenses and drinks, so you can focus on landing the big one.

Rods, Reels, and Techniques

On this trip, we'll use a mix of fishing methods to target different species. For the mackerel and other pelagics, we'll set up a spread of lines and troll with live bait or artificial lures. When we're after bottom fish, we'll use heavy conventional tackle with cut bait or jigs. If the cobia are running, we might even do some sight casting with big bucktails. The beauty of offshore fishing is adapting to what's biting, and we've got the gear and know-how to make it happen. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - your captain and mate will be there to show you the ropes and make sure you're in on the action.

Target Species

King Mackerel: These speedsters are a favorite target for good reason. They're fast, they fight hard, and they can get big - we're talking 30-40 pounders not uncommon. Kings love to hit live bait or trolled spoons, and when they strike, hold on tight! Late spring through fall is prime time for kings off Oak Island.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dolphin fish, these are the acrobats of the offshore world. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, and their vibrant colors make for great photos. They're also excellent eating. We typically find them around floating debris or weed lines, often in the warmer months from late spring through early fall.

Cobia: These bruisers are like the linebackers of the sea. They're strong, they're stubborn, and they can grow to over 100 pounds. Cobia often show up around buoys, channel markers, or even swimming on the surface. May and June are peak months, but we can find them throughout the summer. When you hook one, be ready for a workout!

Red Snapper: These tasty bottom dwellers are a prized catch. They love structure and we find them on natural and artificial reefs. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, so we'll target them when allowed. They put up a good fight and make for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have.

Little Tunny: Also called false albacore or "albies," these are speed demons. They're smaller cousins of the tuna family, usually in the 10-20 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and stamina. Albies often show up in big schools, creating exciting topwater action. Fall is typically the best time to target them, but we can find them throughout the warmer months.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with us tend to make it a regular thing, and for good reason. The variety of fish we can target on a single trip is hard to beat. One minute you're battling a hard-charging king mackerel, the next you're feeling the telltale thump of a grouper taking your bait on the bottom. Plus, the offshore waters here are less crowded than some of the more well-known fishing destinations, giving you a better shot at quality fishing time. And let's not forget the views - there's something special about being out on the open water, watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. It's not just fishing, it's a full-on coastal experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a full day of diverse, action-packed fishing off the beautiful North Carolina coast, this is your trip. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to tangle with some hard-fighting offshore species, or a newcomer wanting to try your hand at deep sea fishing, Quality Time Charters has got you covered. With all gear provided and expert guidance from our seasoned captains, you're set up for a day of success on the water. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Book your Oak Island offshore adventure today and get ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The big ones are out there waiting - let's go get 'em!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Red Snapper are a prized catch, known for their vibrant color and delicious taste. Adults typically run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but monsters over 30 pounds are possible. You'll find them hanging around structure in deeper offshore waters, usually 100 feet or more. These fish are most active in warmer months. They're ambush predators, so fishing near reefs, wrecks, or oil rigs is your best bet. Red Snapper put up a good fight and make for some of the best eating around. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor is hard to beat. To target them, drop your bait to the bottom with enough weight to hold in the current. Live bait like cigar minnows or squid works great. Watch your line closely - their bite can be subtle. Once hooked, reel quickly to pull them away from structure. They'll try to dive back down, so be ready for some rod-bending action. Careful handling is important, as their sharp gill plates can cut you up.

King Mackerel

Little Tunny, also called False Albacore or Bonita, are small tuna that pack a serious punch. These torpedo-shaped fish usually weigh 10-12 pounds but can get up to 20. They're fast swimmers that travel in schools, making for exciting fishing when you find them. Look for them near the surface in warm, nearshore waters around points, inlets, and sandbars. Fall is prime time as they migrate south. Anglers love targeting Little Tunny for their hard-fighting spirit. They'll give you a real workout on light tackle. Trolling with feathered lures or live bait like Bluefish works well. For a fun challenge, try fly fishing - just let them run when hooked or they'll snap your line. Listen for splashing to find feeding schools. The meat is dark red and stronger tasting than typical tuna. Clean them well if you plan to eat them. These little powerhouses make for great action, whether you're after them or using them as bait for bigger game.

Little Tunny

King Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and your reflexes. These sleek predators average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Look for them from just off the beaches to well offshore, often around bait schools. Kings are most active in warmer months as they migrate. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. That aggressive nature makes for heart-pounding strikes and fights. To target them, try slow-trolling live bait like mullet or menhaden. Use wire leaders - their razor sharp teeth will slice through mono. Watch for birds working bait schools to find feeding kings. When you hook up, let them run to tire out before trying to boat them. Kings make good eating when prepared right. Smaller ones are best for the table. Bleed and ice them quickly to preserve quality. Whether you're after smoker kings or just want some drag-screaming action, these fish deliver excitement.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Cobia are solitary fish that can reach impressive sizes - up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll often spot them near buoys, wrecks, or other structures in 30-70 feet of water. During their spring spawning run, we sight fish for them on the surface. Later in summer, target them around reefs and rips. These hard-fighting fish will test your tackle and your arms. Cobia are known for powerful runs and tricky behavior near the boat. They're a prized catch for both their fight and their excellent table fare. The firm, white meat is delicious. To land one, try drifting live eels or pitching bucktail jigs. I like using 4-8 oz jigs in various colors. Don't be afraid to work different depths in the water column. Cobia can be finicky, so patience and changing up your presentation can pay off. When you hook up, be ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easily!

Red Snapper

Mahi Mahi, also called Dorado, are a favorite for both their acrobatic fights and tasty fillets. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them around floating debris and weed lines offshore, especially in warmer months. Mahi are fast growers and voracious feeders, which makes for exciting fishing. They often travel in schools, so hooking one can lead to multiple catches. Their aerial displays when hooked are a thrill to watch. To target them, troll near floating structure or cast live bait to visible fish. Fly fishing for surface-feeding Mahi is also a blast. Once you hook up, leave a hooked fish in the water to keep the school around. Work quickly - Mahi can be here and gone in a flash. Their firm, white meat is versatile for cooking. Just be sure to ice them down fast to preserve that quality. Whether you're after a trophy bull or just want some great action, Mahi rarely disappoint.

About the Center Console Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Ready for an epic day of fishing off Oak Island? This 8-10 hour charter takes you from the shoreline all the way out to 40-50 miles offshore, giving you tons of opportunities to reel in a variety of fish. We're talking King and Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Bull Red Drum, Shark, Black Seabass, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper - the list goes on! No need to worry about gear or licenses - we've got you covered with everything you need, including bait, ice, and water. Our expert guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you can count on a smooth and productive day out on the ocean. Whether you're into nearshore action or want to test your skills in deeper waters, this trip has something for everyone. Don't miss your chance to land a keeper and make some great memories. Book your spot now and get ready for an awesome Oak Island fishing adventure!

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