Expert-Guided Offshore Fishing in Wanchese, NC

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

North Carolina
$300 - $1,650 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing action off the coast of Wanchese, NC. We'll head out 20 miles into the Atlantic for an 8-hour trip that's perfect for anglers looking to mix it up. Our first stop is bottom dropping for tilefish – these deep-water dwellers put up a good fight and make for excellent eating. As we move around, we'll switch to trolling and target some of the ocean's fastest swimmers: mahi, barracuda, and wahoo. These fish are known for their acrobatics and speed, so be prepared for some excitement when they hit. We leave early to make the most of the day, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. With room for 5 guests, it's a great trip to bring some friends or family along. The waters off Wanchese are known for their variety, so you never know what might end up on the end of your line. Pack some snacks, grab your sunscreen, and let's see what's biting out there!

Expert-Guided Offshore Fishing in Wanchese, NC

Reels in Action

Casting lines in NC’s pristine waters

A fishing trip in the great outdoors of NC

Sunset fishing adventures await you

Reeling in big catches daily

Three people enjoying a fishing trip at Kitty Hawk

Explore NC’s vibrant fishing spots

Reel in the Big Ones: Wanchese Offshore Adventure

Hey there, anglers! Ready to leave the dock behind and get into some serious fishing action? Our 8-hour trip out of Wanchese is the real deal. We're talking 20 miles offshore where the big boys play. This isn't your average day on the water – we're going after the heavy hitters like tilefish, mahi, barracuda, and wahoo. It's an early start, but trust me, when you're hauling in fish after fish, you'll be glad we got out there at first light. Grab your spot now and let's make some waves!

What's the Deal Out There?

Alright, here's the lowdown on our offshore run. We're pushing 20 miles out, which means we're in prime territory for both bottom fishing and trolling. You'll get a taste of everything – from dropping lines for those tasty tilefish to watching your rod bend double when a wahoo hits. We've got room for 5 anglers, so bring your A-team or make some new fishing buddies. Fair warning: we don't provide grub, so pack a cooler with enough to keep you fueled for 8 hours of non-stop action. And hey, leave some room for fresh fish, 'cause you're gonna need it!

Techniques That'll Fill the Box

Listen up, 'cause this is where the magic happens. We're mixing it up with two killer techniques. First, we'll do some bottom dropping for tilefish. We're talking heavy weights and big baits to get down where these tasty buggers hide. Then we switch gears and break out the trolling gear. We'll be pulling a spread of lures that'll make any game fish's mouth water. Bright colors, noisy lures, and maybe even some live bait if the conditions are right. It's all about variety out here – one minute you're muscling up a tilefish, the next you're in a high-speed chase with a wahoo. That's the beauty of fishing Wanchese waters!

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These speedsters are the perfect warm-up for your day. They're known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Kings love to hit fast-moving lures, so when we're trolling, keep your eyes peeled for that rod to go off. Best time to target them? Late spring through fall, when the water's warm and the bait is thick.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these neon-colored beauties are a favorite for both their looks and their taste. They're curious fish, often traveling in schools, so when you hook one, keep it in the water to attract its buddies. Mahi are summer stars, showing up when the water hits that perfect temp. And let me tell you, there's nothing like watching a bull mahi light up in electric blue and green as it fights boat-side.

Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish: These deep-water dwellers are the prize of bottom fishing. They've got a face only a mother could love, but man, are they delicious. We drop our lines way down – sometimes 600 feet or more – to get these guys. They're here year-round, but the fishing's best when the seas are calm enough to hold bottom. Tilefish put up a stubborn fight, so when you feel that thump, start cranking!

Wahoo: If you're after speed, wahoo is your fish. These streamlined torpedoes can hit speeds over 60 mph and make some of the most exciting runs you'll ever experience. We troll for them with heavy tackle and lures that can take the abuse. Peak wahoo season is late summer into fall, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. And trust me, we do.

Great Barracuda: With a mouthful of teeth and an attitude to match, 'cudas are the bad boys of the reef. They're ambush predators, so we often find them hanging around structure or following our boat. Barracuda are here all year, but they're most active in warmer months. When one hits, hold on tight – their initial run is explosive!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running these waters for years, and I still get pumped every time we leave the dock. There's something special about Wanchese fishing. Maybe it's the mix of species, or the way the Gulf Stream brings in the big ones. Whatever it is, once you fish here, you're hooked. We've got regulars who book their next trip before we even hit the dock. It's that good. And with 8 hours on the water, you've got time to really get into it – no rush, just pure fishing bliss.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching to feel that rod bend and hear that reel scream, you need to get out here with us. We're talking about a full day of world-class fishing, 20 miles offshore where the real action is. Whether you're after your personal best or just want to fill the cooler with some of the tastiest fish in the sea, this is your ticket. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait. Grab your crew, call dibs on your favorite rod, and let's make it happen. Book now, and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be bragging about for years to come. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish

Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish are deep-water bottom dwellers we target 300-800 feet down. They're not much to look at, but the meat is fantastic - sweet and flaky. Most run 5-15 pounds, but they can get up to 35. We find them over mud and clay bottoms, often near the edge of the continental shelf. They're here year-round, but fishing is best in warmer months when the Gulf Stream pushes in close. Anglers enjoy the challenge of fishing super deep and the reward of bringing up these tasty critters. Electric reels are a huge help - cranking from that depth by hand is brutal. Use chunks of squid or cut fish on a dropper loop rig. Once you find a spot holding tilefish, you can often limit out quickly. Just watch for sharks trying to steal your catch on the way up.

Great Barracuda

Great Barracuda are the toothy terrors of the reef. These long, sleek predators can stretch 6 feet and hit 60+ pounds, though most run 10-30. You'll find them prowling around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges in 20-100 feet of water. They're here year-round but most active in warmer months. Cudas are known for their lightning-fast attacks and leaping ability when hooked. Anglers love the challenge and thrill of battling these aggressive fighters. Just watch those teeth - they're no joke. To catch one, try trolling tube lures or spoons near structure. Live bait under a float is deadly too. When you hook up, keep tension and watch for jumps. Use wire leaders and keep your hands clear when landing them. The meat's rarely eaten due to ciguatera concerns, but they're a blast to catch and release.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are sleek, powerful fish that can reach up to 5 feet long and 100 pounds. We typically see them in the 20-40 pound range around here. They're fierce fighters known for blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Kings hang out near structure in 40-150 feet of water, often cruising the edges of reefs and wrecks. Summer and early fall are prime time, when water temps hit the mid-70s. Anglers love targeting kings for their challenging fight and tasty meat. To up your odds, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Keep your drag set light - these guys will smoke a tight drag in seconds. Watch those teeth when you're unhooking them too. Nothing beats the thrill of a smoker king peeling line off your reel at 40 mph.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi, also called dorado, are one of the most exciting fish to catch offshore. These colorful acrobats usually run 15-30 pounds but can top 60. Look for them around floating debris and weedlines in blue water, typically 20+ miles out. They're fast-growing and short-lived, so there's always plenty around. Summer and fall are best, but we catch them year-round here. Mahi are famous for their wild aerial displays when hooked - they'll jump a dozen times trying to throw the hook. The meat is excellent too, mild and flaky. To find them, keep an eye out for frigate birds working an area. Once you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around. A live bait like a pilchard under a kite is deadly on big bulls.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, capable of 60 mph bursts. These sleek, striped torpedoes average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. We find them in blue water beyond the break, usually over 100 feet deep. Late summer and fall are prime, when they follow bait schools inshore. Wahoo are prized for their blistering runs and delicious white meat. Nothing beats the scream of a reel when a 'hoo hits a trolled lure at high speed. They're usually loners, so multiples are a bonus. To target them, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots using wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through mono. Dive planers to get lures down is key. Bright colored jets and bullets are wahoo candy. Hold on tight when you hook up - the first run is insane!

About the Topaz (Convertible)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Volvo

Maximum Cruising Speed: 23

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for an action-packed day on the water? Join us for an 8-hour offshore fishing trip in Wanchese, NC, where we'll take you 20 miles out to some prime fishing spots. Our experienced crew knows exactly where to find the best catches, whether you're looking to drop lines for tilefish or troll for fast-moving species like Mahi, Barracuda, and wahoo. We'll head out early in the morning, giving you plenty of time to try different fishing techniques and maximize your chances of landing a variety of fish. With room for up to 5 guests, it's the perfect opportunity to bring along friends or family for a day of ocean adventure. Don't miss out on this chance to test your skills against some of the most sought-after fish in these waters. Book your spot now and get ready for a full day of offshore fishing action!

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