NC Gulf Stream Fishing: 12hr Offshore Adventure

Reel in the Big Ones: 12-Hour Gulf Stream Adventure

Get ready to chase down some serious fish on this 12-hour offshore trip with Atlantic Blue Charters. Captain Andrew Jackson knows these North Carolina waters like nobody's business, and he's itching to put you on the hottest bite in the Gulf Stream. Whether you're after hard-fighting tuna, acrobatic mahi-mahi, or the elusive billfish, this trip's got it all. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work those rods when the action heats up.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be pushing out early, so grab your coffee and sea legs. The run to the fishing grounds takes a few hours, but trust me, it's worth every minute. Once we hit blue water, it's game on. We'll be trolling spread of lures and maybe even some live bait if the conditions are right. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface – that's often a dead giveaway for where the fish are feeding. Captain Andrew's got all the top-notch gear you need, from Penn International reels to custom rods that can handle anything from a feisty mahi to a monster bluefin. And don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing – the crew's always happy to show you the ropes.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

Out here in the Gulf Stream, we're not messing around with little pannies. We're talking serious gamefish that'll test your stamina and make your arms feel like jelly. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Trolling's the bread and butter – we'll drag a spread of lures or rigged baits behind the boat at varying distances. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot a weedline, we might switch it up and do some chunking or live baiting. For the bottomfish like grouper and snapper, we'll drop jigs or live bait down deep. The key is staying flexible and reading the water. Captain Andrew's got a sixth sense for finding the fish, so even if Plan A isn't working, he's always got a Plan B (and C and D) up his sleeve.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Overall just a fantastic trip. Captain Anderew and his mate were awesome. We caught the species we were most interested in which was Wahoo and Mahi. The weather was perfect and his new boat was amazing. Don't hesitate to book with Captain Andrew you will love the southern personality and his dedication to make it a trip to remember. Thank you Captain for an awesome adventure." - Dwight

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These neon-colored speedsters are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Mahi can grow up to 50 pounds, but even the smaller "peanuts" put up a great fight. They love to hang around floating debris and weedlines, so keep your eyes peeled for any structure on the surface. Peak season is typically late spring through early fall.

Wahoo: If you're after pure speed, wahoo are your fish. These streamlined predators can hit speeds of 60 mph and make drag-screaming runs that'll have your heart pounding. They're typically found in slightly deeper water than mahi, often around underwater structures or drops. Wahoo meat is prized for its firm texture and mild flavor. The best wahoo fishing is usually in the warmer months, but we can catch them year-round in the Gulf Stream.

Yellowfin Tuna: These torpedo-shaped powerhouses are the bread and butter of offshore fishing. Yellowfin can range from 30 pounds up to well over 100, and they fight like their lives depend on it (because, well, they do). They're often found in schools, so when we hook up, it's not uncommon to have multiple rods go off at once. That's when things get really exciting! Yellowfin are most abundant in the summer and fall, but we can find them in good numbers most of the year.

Bigeye Tuna: The bigger, badder cousin of the yellowfin, bigeye tuna are the giants of the deep. These bruisers can top 200 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength and willpower. They tend to feed deeper than yellowfin, so we often target them with deep-dropped lures or by chunking. Bigeye are most common in the cooler months, but can be caught year-round if you know where to look (and Captain Andrew does).

Gag Grouper: When we're targeting the bottom dwellers, gag grouper are one of the prime catches. These beefy, brown-mottled fish love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs. They're ambush predators, so the key is to get your bait right in their face. Gags can grow up to 50 pounds or more, and they'll do their best to drag you back into their rocky lairs. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious. We can catch them year-round, but they're most active in the cooler months.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're even thinking about an offshore trip, this is the one you want. Captain Andrew and the crew at Atlantic Blue Charters have the experience, the gear, and the know-how to put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some serious gamefish or a newbie who wants to see what the fuss is all about, this 12-hour Gulf Stream trip has got you covered. The only thing missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now before someone else does. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's go fishing!