Ready for the big leagues of saltwater fishing? Stack N Bills' private full-day charter takes you way offshore where the real monsters lurk. We're talking 45 to 80 miles out into the Atlantic, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the fish grow to sizes that'll make your arms ache just thinking about reeling them in. This isn't your average day on the water - it's a full-on 8-hour expedition for serious anglers looking to tangle with some of the ocean's most prized game fish.
As soon as we clear the inlet, you'll feel the excitement build. The coastline fades behind us, and it's nothing but open ocean ahead. We'll be targeting the big boys out here - Wahoo that zip through the water like torpedoes, acrobatic Mahi Mahi that light up the water with their electric blue and gold, maybe even a majestic Sailfish if luck's on our side. And let's not forget about the bruiser Yellowfin Tuna that can turn a reel into a smoking mess.
But here's the kicker - we're not just limited to trolling for pelagics. If the mood strikes (or the bite's slow up top), we can switch gears and drop lines to the bottom. The reefs out here are home to some real bruisers like Amberjack and Grouper that'll test your back as much as your tackle. Cobia are another possibility, and they're known for putting up a fight that'll have you grinning for days.
On this trip, we're bringing out the big guns - literally. Heavy-duty rods, reels spooled with hundreds of yards of line, and an arsenal of lures and baits to match whatever the fish are craving. We'll likely start the day trolling, dragging a spread of lures or rigged baits behind the boat. It's a deadly effective method for covering water and enticing those high-speed pelagics to strike.
If we switch to bottom fishing, get ready for some old-school muscle work. We'll be using heavy weights to get our baits down where the big boys hang out. When a Grouper decides to eat, it's like hooking into a Volkswagen - they head straight for their rocky lairs and it's your job to turn them before they make it home.
Don't sweat the gear - we provide everything you need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle. Just remember to grab that North Carolina saltwater fishing license before you come aboard. You can snag one at Freeman's Bait & Tackle if you need it.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado): These neon-colored speedsters are a favorite for a reason. They're absolutely gorgeous when they're lit up, racing alongside the boat. Mahi are also acrobatic fighters, known for tail-walking across the surface and making spectacular leaps. The meat is top-notch too, making them the perfect "grand slam" of looks, fight, and table fare. We see them most often from late spring through fall, with summer being the peak season.
Wahoo: If you want to see a reel scream, hope for a Wahoo to climb on. These streamlined predators are built for speed, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. They hit lures hard and make blistering runs that'll have you holding on for dear life. Wahoo meat is excellent eating, with a mild flavor and firm texture. We find them year-round, but fall and winter often see the biggest specimens.
Yellowfin Tuna: Pound for pound, these might be the strongest fish in the ocean. Yellowfin are endurance fighters, capable of long, powerful runs that'll leave your arms burning. They school up offshore, and when we find them, the action can be fast and furious. These fish are the holy grail for sushi and sashimi lovers. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for Yellowfin off North Carolina.
Cobia: Also known as "lemonfish" or "ling," Cobia are curious creatures that often swim right up to the boat. Don't let their lazy appearance fool you - once hooked, they turn into bulldogs, making powerful runs and stubborn dives. They're most common in the warmer months, especially late spring and early summer. Cobia are excellent eating, with a sweet, flaky white meat.
Gag Grouper: These bottom-dwelling brutes are the reason you bring your weight belt. Gags are ambush predators, using their massive mouths to inhale prey. When hooked, they immediately head for the nearest structure, and it's a tug-of-war to keep them out. We catch them year-round, but regulations often limit when we can keep them. The meat is fantastic - mild and flaky, perfect for a fish fry.
There's something special about being that far offshore. The water takes on that deep, almost purple hue that screams "big fish territory." You're out there where the real giants roam, and every time the rigger pops or a rod doubles over, your heart starts racing. Will it be a monster Mahi? A tackle-busting Tuna? Or maybe even that Billfish of a lifetime?
Stack N Bills knows these waters like the back of their hand. They've put countless anglers on trophy fish, and they're always working hard to make sure you're in the right spot at the right time. With a 6-person max capacity, you're getting a personalized experience. There's plenty of room to fish, and the crew can give you the attention you need, whether you're a seasoned pro or this is your first time targeting the big boys.
Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it - this isn't a cheap trip. But you get what you pay for, and in this case, it's access to some of the best big game fishing the Atlantic has to offer. You're getting 8 full hours on the water, top-notch gear, and a crew that eats, sleeps, and breathes this stuff.
If you're serious about crossing some bucket list fish off your list, or if you just want to experience the thrill of battling true ocean predators, this is the trip for you. Remember, they only take 6 anglers max, so spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. That deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before you pull the trigger.
Don't spend another year dreaming about it. Get out there and make it happen. The fish are waiting, and trust me, that first screaming run from a Wahoo or the sight of a lit-up Mahi coming to the boat... it's something you'll never forget. Book your spot with Stack N Bills and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you reliving the stories for years to come.
Cobia are odd-looking bruisers, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-100 feet of water. May through July is prime time as they migrate north. Cobia are prized for their powerful, dogged fights and excellent table fare. To catch one, sight-fish with live eels or large jigs. Be patient - they can be finicky biters. Once hooked, be ready for long runs and even some jumping. Local tip: when you spot a cobia, don't speed up to it. Approach slowly and present your bait naturally for the best shot at a hookup.
Gag grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers, usually 10-30 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll find them around rocky ledges and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Fall and winter offer the best action before they move to deeper spawning grounds. Anglers prize gags for their powerful initial run and excellent table fare. To catch one, drop live pinfish or large jigs to the bottom. Once hooked, crank hard to pull them away from their rocky lairs. Local tip: when you feel the telltale thump of a grouper bite, reel fast and lift your rod tip sharply. This helps set the hook before they can retreat to structure.
Mahi Mahi are colorful fighters, usually running 15-30 pounds but capable of hitting 60+. You'll find them near floating debris or weedlines 30-80 miles offshore. They're most active in summer and fall, chasing flying fish and squid near the surface. Anglers love Mahi for their acrobatic jumps and delicious meat. To land one, try trolling with ballyhoo or skirted lures at 7-9 knots. Once you hook up, keep the boat moving - Mahi often travel in small groups, so you might catch several before they wise up. Don't forget to bleed and ice them quickly to preserve that sweet, mild flavor.
Wahoo are rocket-fast predators, typically 4-5 feet long and 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in blue water 100-400 feet deep, often near dropoffs or floating structure. Fall through spring is prime Wahoo season off North Carolina. Anglers prize them for their incredible speed - they can hit 60 mph in short bursts. To target Wahoo, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and diving plugs. Once hooked, hang on tight - their initial run is legendary. Wahoo make excellent eating too, with firm white meat perfect for grilling. Local tip: when you see one sky on your bait, don't set the hook immediately. Give it a few seconds to turn and fully take the lure.
Yellowfin tuna are torpedo-shaped powerhouses, typically 30-100 pounds here but capable of 200+. You'll find them in deep blue water 40-80 miles offshore, often marked by birds working bait schools. Fall and spring offer the best action. Anglers love yellowfin for their blistering runs and delicious sushi-grade meat. To catch them, try chunking with butterfish or trolling spreader bars at dawn. Once hooked, settle in for a long fight - these fish have incredible stamina. Local tip: when you see tuna busting bait on the surface, quickly toss out a topwater popper. The explosive strikes are unforgettable.
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