Ready to feel that rush when a monster fish takes your bait? Our 8-hour offshore fishing trip out of Topsail Beach is calling your name. We're talking serious deep-sea action here, folks. Captain Andrew Jackson knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some trophy fish. Whether you're dreaming of battling a hard-fighting Mahi Mahi or hoping to land a tasty Red Snapper for dinner, we've got the know-how to make it happen. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the Gulf Stream – the big ones are waiting!
Picture this: You're cruising out past the breakers, the coastline fading behind you as we head for the fertile fishing grounds 30+ miles offshore. The anticipation builds as Captain Andrew scans his fish finder, looking for those telltale signs of a hot bite. We'll be targeting the wrecks, reefs, and underwater structures where the big boys hang out. You might be jigging for grouper one minute, then switching gears to troll for wahoo the next. It's all about reading the water and adapting to what's biting. And let me tell you, when that reel starts screaming, it's go time! You'll be in for the fight of your life as you work to bring your catch to the boat. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and make sure you're ready when that big moment comes.
We're not messing around out here – we come prepared with top-notch gear to handle whatever the ocean throws at us. We're talking heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with braided line that can take a beating. For bottom fishing, we'll set you up with circle hooks and hefty sinkers to get down where the grouper and snapper are hiding. When we switch to trolling, out come the spreader bars and ballyhoo rigs – irresistible to pelagic predators like Mahi and Wahoo. Captain Andrew's got a few secret lures up his sleeve too, but I can't spill all our tricks here! The boat's equipped with state-of-the-art electronics to find the fish, and we've got plenty of cooler space to ice down your catch. All you need to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat.
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King Mackerel: These speedsters are the reason we call 'em "smokers." When a King takes off with your bait, hold on tight – your reel's about to start smoking! They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Kings typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, but we've seen some push 50+ out here. Spring and fall are prime time for Kings, and they're a blast on light tackle.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dolphinfish, these neon-colored beauties are a sight to behold. They're fast-growing and always hungry, which makes for non-stop action when you find a school. Mahi can hit 30+ pounds, but even the smaller "peanuts" put up a great fight. They're also fantastic eating – nothing beats fresh Mahi tacos after a day on the water. Look for them around floating debris and weed lines, especially in the warmer months.
Wahoo: If you want to see your line peel off at warp speed, pray for a Wahoo strike. These torpedo-shaped fish are built for speed and can rip line off your reel at 60 mph. They're typically in the 30 to 50-pound range, but trophy fish over 100 pounds aren't unheard of. Wahoo meat is prized for its firm, white flesh. We target them by high-speed trolling, often in the cooler months when they move closer to shore.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of bottom fishing, Red Snapper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These ruby-red beauties hang around reefs and wrecks, and can grow to impressive sizes – 20+ pounders are not uncommon. They're known for their strong initial run, trying to dive back to their structure. Red Snapper season is strictly regulated, so we'll make sure to hit them hard when it's open.
Gag Grouper: When it comes to brute strength, few fish can match a big Gag Grouper. These bulldogs of the deep will test your arms and your gear as they try to wrap you around the nearest wreck. A decent Gag might go 20 to 30 pounds, but they can grow much larger. We drop big live baits to tempt these bottom-dwellers, and the fight is on as soon as they bite. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white flesh that's great for grilling.
Listen, if you're itching for some serious offshore action, this is your ticket. We're talking about a full day on the water with endless possibilities. Maybe you'll be the one to reel in that monster Wahoo or land a cooler full of tasty Mahi. Captain Andrew's got the skills to put you on the fish, and trust me, there's nothing like that salt air and the sound of drags buzzing to cure what ails you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, give us a call, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The big ones are out there – let's go get 'em!
King mackerel are speed demons that'll make your reel scream. These long, silvery fish with razor teeth cruise the open waters, usually 5-20 miles offshore. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Kings hit hard and make blistering runs - be ready for some serious action. Prime season is April through October when water temps are in the 70s. We troll for them using live bait like menhaden or dead cigar minnows. Wire leaders are a must to prevent bite-offs. When a king hits, it'll often skyrocket out of the water. The initial run is spectacular, so make sure your drag is set right. Local tip: use two hooks on your rig - one in the bait's nose, one further back. Kings often strike the tail of the bait first. While not the best eating, kings smoke up nicely. The fight alone makes them a favorite target for many anglers.
Gag grouper are tough fighters that'll make you work for your catch. These gray-colored ambush predators hang out near rocky bottoms, reefs, and drop-offs in 60-250 feet of water. Adults average 20-30 inches but can grow up to 5 feet long. They're masters at diving for cover, so you'll need stout gear to pull them away from structure. Best fishing is fall through spring when they move to shallower waters. Use heavy tackle - at least 50-pound test - and large circle hooks baited with live pinfish or mullet. Let your bait sink to the bottom, then slowly reel up. When you feel that telltale thump, get ready for a battle. Gags are prized for their firm, white flesh. Many anglers consider them the best-tasting grouper. Just be careful not to lose your rod overboard when one of these bruisers hits. A local trick: keep your rod tip low and reel fast to get them away from the rocks before they can hole up.
Red snapper are some of the tastiest fish in the sea. These ruby-colored bottom dwellers hang out near reefs, wrecks and other structure in 60-300 feet of water. They average 5-10 pounds but can grow up to 35 pounds. The biggest ones are usually in the deepest water. Prime fishing is May through October. Use heavy tackle with circle hooks - these fish have a serious tug. Drop your bait to the bottom and wait for that telltale thump. When you hook one, crank fast and steady to get them off the bottom before they can dive for cover. Red snapper put up a good fight, especially the bigger ones. But the real prize is the dinner plate. The meat is sweet and flaky, considered some of the best eating in the Gulf. Local tip: try butterfly filleting your catch - it removes the bones while keeping the fillet intact for easy grilling.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can hit speeds over 60 mph and put up one heck of a fight. We find them along the edges of the Gulf Stream, usually in 100-300 feet of water. They average 4-5 feet long and 30-50 pounds, but monsters over 100 pounds are possible. Prime wahoo season is late summer through fall when water temps are in the upper 70s. These guys are loners, so we target them by high-speed trolling at 12-18 knots. Use wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When a wahoo hits, hang on tight. The initial run is spectacular. Many anglers lose fish on that first blistering run when the reel overheats. Local tip: use a leather glove to palm the spool and slow the fish down. Wahoo make great eating too - the meat is firm and mild-flavored, excellent for grilling.
Mahi mahi are some of the prettiest fish you'll see, with electric blue and green colors that fade fast after they're caught. We find them around floating debris and weed lines, usually 5-30 miles offshore. They grow quick but don't live long, averaging 3-4 feet and 15-30 pounds. These acrobatic fighters put on an amazing show when hooked. They'll leap and tailwalk across the surface. Spring through fall is prime time, with peak action in the warmer summer months. Mahi travel in schools, so when you find one, get ready for more. Trolling with ballyhoo or small lures works well. Once you hook up, leave your bait in the water - the school will often stay with the hooked fish. Mahi make excellent table fare too. The meat is mild and sweet. For an extra fun day, bring lighter tackle and fly fishing gear to sight cast when we find a school on the surface.
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