Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the waters of Wanchese, NC for some top-notch fishing action? We've got you covered with our flexible charter trips that'll have you reeling in the big ones in no time. Whether you're looking for a quick 4-hour jaunt or a full 8-hour day on the water, we'll make sure you get the most out of your time with us. We're talking both trolling and bottom fishing, so you'll get a taste of everything these rich waters have to offer. From Seabass to Cobia, Flounder to Tilefish, and even those feisty Grey Triggerfish, there's no shortage of action waiting for you out here.
Alright, let's break it down for you. When you step aboard our boat, you're in for a real treat. We've got room for up to 5 guests, so bring your buddies or the family along for the ride. Now, we don't provide meals on this trip, so make sure to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. Trust me, you'll need it when you're battling some of these fish! We'll start by heading out to some of our favorite spots – I've been fishing these waters for years, and I know just where the fish are biting. We'll mix it up between trolling for those surface-feeders and dropping lines for the bottom-dwellers. It's all about giving you a well-rounded experience and maximizing your chances of landing some impressive catches.
Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. We'll be using a combination of techniques to target different species throughout the day. For trolling, we'll set up a spread of lines behind the boat, using lures that mimic baitfish to attract those King Mackerel and Mahi Mahi. It's a sight to see when one of those lines starts screaming! When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll be using heavy tackle and bait to entice those Seabass and Flounder. I'll show you how to feel for the bite and when to set the hook – it's all in the wrist! And don't worry if you're new to this; I'll walk you through every step. By the end of the trip, you'll be jigging and dropping like a pro.
Let me tell you, the fishing has been on fire lately. We've been hauling in some monster King Mackerel, with a few topping the 40-pound mark. The Mahi Mahi have been putting on a show too, with their acrobatic jumps and beautiful colors. Just last week, we had a group land a 50-pound Cobia – that fight had everyone on the edge of their seats! And for those of you who love a good eating fish, the Flounder and Black Sea Bass have been plentiful. There's nothing quite like fresh fish for dinner, and you'll have plenty of stories to tell about how you caught it yourself.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch. They're known for their blistering runs and can hit speeds of up to 60 mph when they're chasing bait. We typically find them in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. When you hook one, hold on tight – they'll give you a fight to remember!
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish, these beauties are a favorite among anglers. They're not only stunning to look at with their vibrant blue, green, and yellow colors, but they're also acrobatic fighters. We often find them near floating debris or weed lines. The best part? They're delicious on the grill!
Cobia: These bruisers are like the linebackers of the sea. They're strong, stubborn, and can grow over 100 pounds. We usually start seeing them in late spring when they migrate up the coast. If you're lucky enough to hook one, be prepared for a long, grueling fight – but trust me, it's worth it.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and are prized for their tender, white meat. We target them near the bottom, often in estuaries or near structure. The key to catching flounder is patience and a delicate touch – you need to feel that subtle bite.
Black Sea Bass: These guys might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're a ton of fun to catch and great eating. We find them around reefs and wrecks, and they're suckers for a well-presented bait. When you find a school, it's not uncommon to catch one after another – perfect for filling the cooler!
You know, I've been running these charters for years, and there's a reason folks keep booking trips with us. It's not just about the fish – although that's a big part of it. It's about the experience. The way the sun glints off the water as we head out in the morning. The excitement when that first rod bends over. The camaraderie that builds over the course of the day as we swap stories and work together to land the big ones. And let's not forget the sense of accomplishment when you reel in that fish you've been dreaming about. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time out, there's something special about being on these waters that keeps people coming back for more.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing Wanchese has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Whether you're looking for a quick half-day adventure or want to make a full day of it, we've got options to fit your schedule. Remember, we can take up to 5 guests, so gather your crew and let's make some memories. The fish are biting, the weather's been great, and we're ready to show you a day on the water you won't forget. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call or book online, and we'll get you set up for an awesome day of fishing. See you on the boat!
Black Sea Bass are bottom-dwellers with attitude. Most run 1-3 pounds, but we occasionally see some pushing 8. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 60-120 feet of water. They're most active in late spring and summer when they move closer to shore. Sea bass put up a scrappy fight for their size and are excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat. To catch them, drop down squid strips or cut bait on a two-hook bottom rig. Once you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Here's a tip: when you feel the bite, reel down quickly and lift - don't jerk the rod. Their mouths are tough, and a hard hookset often pulls the bait right out.
Cobia are bruisers, often mistaken for sharks with their long, sleek bodies. Most run 30-50 pounds, but 100-pounders aren't unheard of. We find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate up the coast. Cobia put up a stubborn, powerful fight that'll test your arms and your gear. They're also fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's great on the grill. To land one, sight fishing is key. Look for them cruising just under the surface, then pitch a live eel or large jig. Be patient on the hookset - cobia often mouth the bait before committing.
King Mackerel are monsters of the open water, averaging 20-30 pounds but sometimes topping 90. These speedsters love warm waters 40-150 feet deep, cruising near the surface. We typically target them from spring through fall when they're most active. Kingfish put up an incredible fight, known for blistering runs that'll test your gear. Their firm, oily flesh makes great eating too. To land one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. A wire leader is a must – their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Keep an eye out for birds diving on bait schools, that's often where you'll find the kings lurking below.
Mahi Mahi, also called dorado, are some of the most beautiful fish you'll ever see. They're usually 15-30 pounds but can push 60. We find them around floating debris and weed lines in the warmer months. Mahi are incredible fighters, known for acrobatic leaps and long runs. They're also excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor. To catch them, we'll troll with ballyhoo or pitch live bait to any floating structure we spot. A local trick: if you hook one, keep it in the water. Others will often follow, giving you a shot at multiple hookups. The bite can be explosive, so stay ready!
Southern Flounder are ambush predators, lying camouflaged on the bottom waiting to pounce. Most run 2-5 pounds, but trophy fish over 10 aren't uncommon. We find them in sandy or muddy areas of bays and inlets, especially near structure. Fall is prime time as they move towards deeper water to spawn. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision. They're not hard fighters, but they make up for it on the dinner table - some of the best-eating fish out there. To catch them, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like mullet or minnows. Work your bait slowly along the bottom, and when you feel that telltale thump, give them a moment before setting the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Volvo
Maximum Cruising Speed: 23
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 250