%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F2806%2Fimages%2Fimageedit_5_4751821704.png&w=1200&q=100)
NC Offshore Fishing: 4hr Charter Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $400 - $2,500 price range
- Updated Date: October 25, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fd01c1a09-5a17-4d80-b76a-e0525039c61a%2Fratecard%2F0da705c4-954c-4c93-877c-6cad27bd5536.jpeg&w=1200&q=75)
Offshore Bounty
null
null
Thrilling offshore fishing charters await.
Discover top fishing charters in North Carolina.
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
Thrilling offshore fishing charters await.
Discover top fishing charters in North Carolina.
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
Thrilling offshore fishing charters await.
Discover top fishing charters in North Carolina.
Half Day Offshore Fishing: Grouper, Mackerel & More
Ready to chase some serious fish in North Carolina's offshore waters? Atlantic Blue Charters has you covered with our half-day guided fishing trip that'll get you into the action where the big ones lurk. We're talking grouper, mackerel, and a whole lot more just waiting to bend your rod. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to tangle with some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're cruising out past the breakers, the coastline fading behind you as we push into the deep blue. That's where the magic happens. We've got two main strategies up our sleeves - trolling and bottom fishing. Trolling's great for covering ground and enticing those pelagics like king mackerel and bonito. When we drop lines to the bottom, we're after the bruisers like grouper and amberjack. Summer trips are extra special because we might just run into some mahi-mahi. Talk about a bonus!
Fishing Know-How
On this trip, we're bringing out the big guns. For trolling, we'll be pulling a spread of lures or baits behind the boat. It's a game of patience and excitement - one minute you're watching the wake, the next your reel's screaming. When we switch to bottom fishing, we're using heavy tackle to punch through the current. Grouper fishing isn't for the faint of heart; these fish hit hard and fight dirty. We'll show you how to work the rod and reel combo to give you the best shot at landing a monster.
Real Fisher Tales
"We had a wonderful day of fishing with Captain Drew. He was great with the kids and put us on the fish. The boys each had a great time battling amberjacks." - Kevin
Fish on the Menu
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the reef. Gags love structure and will put up one heck of a fight when hooked. They're most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for grouper hunting. Expect a serious workout when you hook into one of these bucket-list fish.
King Mackerel: Speed demons of the sea, king mackerel will make your reel sing. These torpedoes can hit speeds of 60 mph, giving you an adrenaline-pumping fight. Spring through fall is prime time for kings, and they're known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Nothing beats the rush of a smoking reel when a king decides to run.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their size fool you; triggerfish are feisty little brawlers. These reef-dwellers have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll give you a run for your money on light tackle. They're available year-round but really fire up in the warmer months. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish out there.
Atlantic Bonito: These relatives of the tuna family are speed merchants that travel in schools. Spring is the hot season for bonito, and they're a blast on light tackle. They may not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. When we find a school, it's non-stop action.
Sea Bass: The ultimate eating fish, sea bass are a staple for bottom fishing trips. They might not be the biggest, but they're abundant and delicious. You can catch these guys year-round, but they really bunch up in the cooler months. Don't be surprised if you catch your limit; these fish are eager biters and make for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have.
Why This Trip's a Keeper
Listen, if you're itching to get offshore and tangle with some serious fish, this is your ticket. We've got everything covered - rods, reels, bait, and know-how. All you need to bring is some sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a cold drink or two. Our half-day trip is perfect for fitting a big fishing adventure into a busy vacation schedule. You'll be back on land in time for dinner, with plenty of fish stories to tell. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give Atlantic Blue Charters a call and let's get you hooked up with some of North Carolina's finest offshore action. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.
Customer Review
Fish On With Drew
Kevin Haggerty
July 16, 2025
Learn more about the animals
Atlantic Bonito
Bonito are speed demons, often mistaken for small tuna. They school up nearshore in spring and fall, chasing bait fish to the surface. Look for birds diving - that's a dead giveaway. Most bonito run 3-5 pounds but can hit 12. They're a blast on light tackle, making blistering runs and sometimes jumping clear out of the water. We troll fast with small lures or live bait like mackerel or squid. Metal jigs work great too when you spot a feeding frenzy. Bonito aren't prized for eating, but they make excellent bait for bigger game. One local trick: if you see bonito busting bait but can't get a hit, try "skipping" a small metal lure across the surface. That often triggers a reaction strike.
Gag Grouper
Gag groupers are tough customers, usually hanging out near rocky bottoms and reefs in waters 40 to 150 feet deep. They average around 20 inches but can get up to 50 pounds for the big boys. These fish love structure, so we'll target wrecks and ledges offshore. Spring and fall are prime times as they move in closer to shore. Grouper put up a hell of a fight - once they grab your bait, they'll try to drag you back into their hole. Keep that reel locked tight and your rod low to yank 'em out. For bait, live pinfish or mullet work great. Gags make excellent table fare too, with firm white meat. One tip: when you feel that bite, reel like mad and don't give an inch of slack or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock.
Grey Triggerfish
Don't let their small size fool you - triggers are feisty little brawlers. We find 'em on reefs and hard bottoms in 60 to 300 foot depths. They top out around 13 pounds but most are in the 2-5 pound range. Spring and fall are good times to target 'em as they move inshore. Triggers have tough, leathery skin and a small mouth with some serious chompers. They're known for stealing bait, so use small strong hooks. Squid works great - cut it in strips that'll stay on the hook. When you feel that nibble, set the hook hard and start reeling. These guys taste great too, with sweet white meat. One tip: if you see snapper or grouper headed for your bait, get ready. Triggers will charge in to steal it from the bigger fish.
King Mackerel
Kings are speed demons, known for blistering runs that'll make your reel scream. We find 'em in 40 to 150 foot depths, often near structures like wrecks or reefs. They average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. Summer and early fall are prime, when water temps hit the mid-70s. Kings hunt in packs, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden is deadly. Use a stinger rig with two hooks - these guys are notorious for short-striking. Wire leaders are a must, those teeth are like razors. The fight is what makes kings so fun - when they hit, hold on tight. One local trick: troll just a bit faster than you think you should. Kings love to chase down a bait that looks like it's getting away.
Sea Bass
Sea bass are bottom-dwellers, hanging around wrecks and reefs in 60 to 120 foot depths. They're aggressive feeders, which makes them fun to catch. Most run 1 to 3 pounds, but they can get up to 9. We target them year-round, but fall and winter are prime when they school up offshore. Use light tackle with sensitive tips to feel those subtle bites. Squid or clam strips work great, but artificial lures like soft plastics catch plenty too. When you find a school, you can often catch one after another. Sea bass put up a decent fight for their size and taste excellent - sweet, flaky white meat. One tip: if you're not getting bites, try reeling up a few feet off the bottom. Sometimes they suspend a bit above the structure.
About the caymas
%2F%2Fusers%2Fd01c1a09-5a17-4d80-b76a-e0525039c61a%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fb2353b68-ce4c-4a93-aba8-8359ba26dc27.jpeg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 65
Number of Engines: 3
Horsepower per Engine: 300
We had a wonderful day of fishing with Captain Drew. He was great with the kids and put us on the fish. The boys each had a great time battling amberjacks.