Get ready for some serious rod-bending action off the coast of North Carolina! Captain Drew's 6-hour offshore trip out of Snead's Ferry is the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. We're talking about the chance to battle everything from hard-fighting Spanish Bonita to acrobatic Sailfish and tasty Mahi Mahi. This ain't your average day on the water – it's a full-on offshore adventure that'll have you hooked from the moment we clear the inlet.
Once we push off from Snead's Ferry (just a quick drive from Surf City), Captain Drew's gonna point us towards the fertile fishing grounds offshore. Some days, we'll be setting up trolling spreads with both live and dead baits, giving us the best shot at enticing those pelagic predators cruising the blue water. Other times, we might switch it up and drop jigs on local wrecks and reefs, where monster grouper and hard-pulling bottom fish love to hang out. The beauty of this trip is its versatility – we're always adapting to what the ocean's giving us that day, maximizing your chances of hooking into something big.
Offshore fishing in NC is all about variety, and boy, do we have options! Depending on the season and conditions, we could be battling high-flying Sailfish one minute and then filling the cooler with tasty Blackfin Tuna the next. King Mackerel are always a blast, known for their blistering runs that'll make your drag sing. And let's not forget about the possibility of hooking into a beast of a Bluefin or Yellowfin Tuna – those fights are the stuff of fishing legend. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the offshore game, Captain Drew's got the know-how to put you on the fish and create some unforgettable moments on the water.
There's something special about fishing these waters that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of never knowing what's gonna hit your line next. Or the way the sun paints the ocean as we head out at dawn. For many, it's the camaraderie that builds when you're out there with your buddies, working together to land that fish of a lifetime. And let's be honest – the bragging rights that come with a successful day offshore don't hurt either! With room for up to 6 guests, this trip's perfect for small groups looking to share in the excitement (and maybe a little friendly competition).
King Mackerel: These sleek, silver speedsters are a favorite target for good reason. Known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps, King Mackerel (or "Kings" as we call 'em) can grow up to 5 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. We typically find them in good numbers from spring through fall, with peak action in the summer months. There's nothing quite like the scream of a reel when a big King decides to make a run for it!
Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish, these are some of the most beautiful and delicious fish in the sea. With their vibrant blue, green, and gold colors, Mahi are a sight to behold when they're lit up beside the boat. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and hard fights, often traveling in schools which can lead to multiple hookups at once. Plus, they make for some of the best eating you'll ever have – talk about the perfect combo of sport and table fare!
Sea Bass: While we might be targeting them specifically or catching them as a bonus while bottom fishing, Black Sea Bass are a staple of NC offshore fishing. These structure-loving fish have a knack for putting up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're typically found around wrecks and reefs, and when you find 'em, you can often catch a bunch. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious – perfect for a fresh fish fry back at the dock.
Gag Grouper: If you're looking to test your muscle against a true bottom-dwelling bruiser, Gag Grouper are your fish. These powerful predators love to hang around rocky bottoms and wrecks, often growing to impressive sizes. When you hook into a big Gag, be ready for a battle – they'll do their best to dive back into their structure, so you've gotta be quick on the reel. The reward? Some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever put on a grill. Just remember, these guys are heavily regulated, so we always fish for them responsibly.
Look, I could go on all day about the epic fishing we've got waiting for you out here, but there's only one way to really understand – you've gotta experience it yourself. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or looking to score your first offshore catch, Captain Drew's 6-hour trip is your ticket to some world-class fishing action. We provide all the gear, expertise, and local knowledge – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Spots on these trips tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Atlantic Blue Charters a call today and let's get you out on the water for a day of fishing you won't soon forget. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit out in the blue water, you'll be hooked for life!
Gag Grouper are hard-fighting bottom fish that put up a great battle. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around rocky structures and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. Fall is prime season as they move to shallower areas. Anglers target gags for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch one, use heavy tackle and drop large live baits like pinfish or mullet near the bottom. When a gag hits, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from the structure. If they make it back to their hole, you'll likely lose them. One local trick is to use a hand-crank reel instead of a spinning reel. It gives you more torque to muscle these brutes away from the rocks.
King Mackerel are a prized catch off the North Carolina coast. These fast, powerful fish average 20-30 pounds but can reach over 90. You'll find them in depths from 40-150 feet, often near inlets and harbors. Kings are most active in warmer months when water temps hit the upper 60s. Anglers love targeting them for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. The meat is rich and flavorful too. To boost your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or mullet. Keep an eye out for birds working bait schools - that's often a good sign kings are feeding nearby. When a king hits, be ready for a fight. These fish will make long, fast runs trying to shake the hook, so maintain steady pressure and be patient.
Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch off our coast. These colorful fighters usually run 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them around floating debris and weed lines in blue offshore waters. Spring through fall is prime time as the water warms up. Mahi are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. To target them, troll ballyhoo or small lures around anything floating on the surface. Keep an eye out for birds working - that often means mahi are feeding below. Once you hook one, leave your bait in the water. Mahi travel in schools, so you might catch several from the same spot. The key is acting fast before they move on.
Sea Bass are a favorite for both eating and catching around here. These aggressive bottom-dwellers usually run 1-3 pounds but can reach 9 or more. You'll find them around hard structure like wrecks, reefs and rock piles in 60-120 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall as water temps change. Anglers love sea bass for their willingness to bite and delicious white meat. To target them, drop cut bait or jigs right on the bottom. Once you find a school, you can often catch them one after another. Just remember to check regulations - there are size and bag limits. A good tip is to use circle hooks. They tend to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making for an easy release of undersized bass.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 65
Number of Engines: 3
Horsepower per Engine: 300