Ready to ditch the shore and chase some real monsters? Our 8-hour offshore trip is where the magic happens. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll have you telling stories for years. Picture yourself battling a shark that's bigger than your buddy's car, or reeling in a mahi-mahi so colorful it looks like it swam right out of a tropical postcard. This ain't your average day on the water – it's an all-out, adrenaline-pumping hunt for the ocean's top predators.
Alright, here's the scoop. We're gonna load up the boat with you and five of your closest pals (or soon-to-be fishing buddies) and hit the deep blue. We're talking about heading way out where the water turns that deep cobalt color and the big boys play. You'll be using heavy-duty gear that's up to the task of wrangling in some serious fighters. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a day of non-stop action. Just a heads up – we don't provide any grub on this trip, so pack yourself a cooler with enough snacks and drinks to keep you fueled for a full day of battling beasts.
Listen up, 'cause this ain't your grandpa's pond fishing. We're gonna be using a mix of techniques to target different species. For the sharks and 'cudas, we might do some drift fishing with big, juicy baits. When we're after kings and mahi, get ready for some high-speed trolling action. You'll be working with heavy-duty rods and reels, spooled with line that could tow a truck. We've got all the latest fish-finding tech on board, so we'll be putting you right on top of the action. And when that reel starts screaming? Hold on tight and get ready for the fight of your life.
Thresher Shark: These bad boys are the ninjas of the shark world. With a tail as long as their body, they use it like a whip to stun their prey. Threshers can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Late spring through fall is prime time for these tail-whipping terrors. Hooking into one of these is like trying to stop a runaway freight train – it's an experience you won't forget.
King Mackerel: AKA Kingfish, these speedsters are the drag-screamers of the Atlantic. They can hit speeds of up to 60 mph, making for some of the most exciting topwater strikes you'll ever see. Kings average around 20-40 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 50+ pounder. These silver missiles are at their peak from April to November. When a king hits your bait, hold on tight – they've been known to spool entire reels in seconds.
Barracuda: With a face full of razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude to match, 'cudas are the punks of the sea. They're lightning-fast ambush predators that'll test your reflexes and your gear. Most 'cudas we catch are in the 3-4 foot range, but they can grow up to 6 feet long. These toothy critters are year-round residents, but the action really heats up in the summer months. Watching a barracuda rocket out of the water with your bait is a sight you won't soon forget.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the beauty queens of the offshore world. With their vibrant blues, greens, and yellows, they're as gorgeous as they are delicious. Mahi are incredible acrobats, known for their aerial displays when hooked. They usually range from 15-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders aren't unheard of. Summer and early fall are prime time for mahi. The best part? They often travel in schools, so when you find one, get ready for a frenzy.
Greater Amberjack: Nicknamed "reef donkeys" for good reason, these bruisers are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They love to hang around wrecks and reefs, and they'll test every ounce of your strength. Most jacks we catch are in the 20-40 pound range, but they can grow over 100 pounds. Spring and fall are the best times to tangle with these powerhouses. Be prepared for a workout – amberjacks are known for their relentless, bulldogging fights.
Look, I've been running these trips for years, and I still get pumped every time we leave the dock. There's just something about being out there in the big blue, miles from shore, with the possibility of hooking into a true sea monster. It's not just about the fish, though. It's about the stories you'll tell, the bonds you'll form, and the memories you'll make. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time offshore, there's nothing quite like the rush of battling a big fish under that Carolina sun.
So, what do you say? Ready to leave the kiddie pool behind and dive into some real fishing action? Our 8-hour offshore trips are booking up fast, especially during peak season. Don't miss your chance to tangle with some of the ocean's top predators and come back with stories that'll make your fishing buddies green with envy. Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it. Let's get out there and make some waves!
Barracudas are some of the fastest, most aggressive fish we target. They're easy to spot with those long, slender bodies and fearsome teeth. Most 'cudas we catch are 3-4 feet long, but the big ones can hit 6 feet. You'll find them lurking around reefs and mangroves in shallow coastal waters. These ambush predators rely on sight to hunt, so they're most active during daylight hours. We catch them year-round, but summer is prime time when water temps are in the 70s and 80s. Barracuda put up an awesome fight - they're known for explosive runs and acrobatic leaps. Light tackle spinning gear is the way to go. I like using a 10 lb test line with artificial lures. Bright, flashy lures that mimic baitfish work best. Cast near structure and retrieve fast - barracuda can't resist chasing down a fleeing "baitfish." Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Greater amberjack are bruisers - powerful fish that put up a heck of a fight. We find them around offshore reefs and wrecks, usually in water 60 feet or deeper. Most jacks we catch are 30-50 pounds, but they can top 100. Look for that dark strip along their sides - it gets darker when they're fired up. Spring and early summer are prime time as the jacks move inshore to spawn. These fish are pure muscle and they don't quit. Expect long, powerful runs once hooked. Heavy tackle is a must - 50 lb test minimum. Live bait like blue runners works great, or you can drop big jigs. Here's a local trick - when a jack takes your bait, don't set the hook right away. Let it run for a few seconds first. This helps ensure a good hookset in their tough mouths. The meat is good eating too, just be aware of ciguatera risk with the really big ones.
King mackerel are one of our most popular gamefish here. These sleek predators average around 30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in waters 40-150 feet deep, usually near harbors and inlets. Kings are speed demons, only matched by wahoo for sheer velocity. We target them spring through fall when water temps hit the upper 60s. Trolling with planers and heavy tackle is the go-to method. Live bait like blue runners or menhaden works great. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics once hooked. The meat has high oil content, so it's excellent for smoking. One tip - when using live bait, rig with two hooks. Put one in the bait's mouth and let the other dangle. Kings often bite the back half first, so this helps you hook up more consistently. Hold on tight when one hits - the initial run can smoke your reel!
Mahi mahi are one of the most beautiful fish you'll ever see. Their sides flash gold, blue and green - like a light show underwater. We find them offshore near floating debris and weed lines. Most mahi run 15-30 pounds, but they can top 80. These acrobatic fighters are a blast to catch. They grow and reproduce quickly, so the population stays strong. We target them year-round, but summer and fall are best. Mahi hit hard and fight with jumps and long runs. To catch them, we'll troll near floating debris or cast live bait like ballyhoo. I like using 30-50 lb tackle. Here's a pro tip - when you hook one, keep it in the water. The rest of the school will often stick around, letting you catch several before they wise up and leave. The meat is fantastic too - firm, mild and great on the grill.
Thresher sharks are a real sight to see out here. These big fish can stretch up to 20 feet long, with that signature whip-like tail making up half their length. We usually find them 40-50 miles offshore in waters 60-70°F. They're powerful swimmers, bursting up to 30 mph when hunting. Threshers use that long tail to stun schools of fish before eating them. Spring to fall is prime thresher season. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic jumps and strong fights. To land one, we'll troll with heavy tackle - 50-80 lb line and an 8/0 hook. I like to use mackerel or sardines for bait. Keep an eye out for bait balls near the surface, that's where threshers often hunt. When you hook one, be ready for an epic battle. These sharks don't give up easy, but that's what makes catching them so rewarding.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 12
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 660