Elite NC Offshore Charter: Stack N Bills

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Atlantic Beach
$800 - $3,600 price range
Updated Date: August 25, 2025

Summary

This full-day fishing trip out of Morehead City takes you 45 to 80 miles offshore for some serious deep-sea action. You'll be targeting big game fish like Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna in the open ocean. If you prefer, we can also hit the reefs for species like Amberjack, Grouper, and Cobia. The crew provides all the gear you'll need, and they're happy to show you different fishing techniques. It's an 8-hour adventure, so come prepared for a full day on the water. Remember to grab your North Carolina saltwater fishing license before the trip – you can pick one up at Freeman's Bait & Tackle if needed. The boat can accommodate up to 6 guests, making it perfect for a group outing or a more personal experience. Just keep in mind that the deposit is non-refundable, so be sure you're good to go before booking.

Elite NC Offshore Charter: Stack N Bills

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Epic Offshore Adventure: Morehead City's Fishing Paradise

Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime off the coast of Morehead City! This full-day guided adventure takes you 45 to 80 miles offshore where the big boys play. We're talking monster pelagics and reef dwellers that'll test your skills and make for some killer fish stories. Whether you're chasing speedsters like Wahoo or battling behemoths like Grouper, this 8-hour excursion has it all. Grab your buddies (up to 6 can join) and let's hit the Gulf Stream for some serious rod-bending action!

What to Expect on the Water

Rise and shine, anglers! We'll meet at the dock bright and early, load up the boat with top-notch gear, and point our bow towards the deep blue. As we cruise out, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake. Once we hit our sweet spots, it's game on. We'll mix it up between trolling for the big pelagics and bottom fishing over reefs and wrecks. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so get ready for some hot bites. Don't forget your camera – whether it's a trophy Mahi or your first Grouper, you'll want proof of your epic catch.

Techniques & Gear Breakdown

On this trip, we're bringing out the big guns. For trolling, we'll set out a spread of ballyhoo and lures to entice those Wahoo and Tuna. When we switch to bottom fishing, get ready to drop some hefty lead and bait to the structure below. We provide all the gear, from Penn International reels to custom rods that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. New to offshore fishing? No sweat. The crew will show you the ropes, from setting the drag to proper fish-fighting techniques. Just remember to bring your North Carolina saltwater fishing license (you can grab one at Freeman's Bait & Tackle if you need it).

Top Catches This Season

Morehead City's offshore waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In spring and early summer, Mahi Mahi light up the spread with their acrobatic fights and vibrant colors. As summer heats up, so does the Wahoo bite – these speed demons will make your reel scream. Fall brings schools of Yellowfin Tuna, perfect for sushi lovers. And don't sleep on the bottom fishing – Grouper and Amberjack provide arm-burning battles any time of year. The variety is what keeps anglers coming back for more!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These neon-green and gold acrobats are a sight to behold. Known for their spectacular aerial displays, Mahi can grow up to 50 pounds in our waters. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, get ready for multiple hookups! Mahi are most abundant from May to September, and their sweet, flaky meat makes for excellent table fare.

Wahoo: If you're after pure speed, Wahoo is your target. These streamlined predators can hit speeds over 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll leave your arms burning. Wahoo fishing peaks in late summer and fall, with some monsters topping 100 pounds. Their firm, white meat is prized for its delicate flavor – perfect for the grill or sashimi.

Yellowfin Tuna: The prize of the offshore world, Yellowfin are the endurance fighters of the sea. Expect long, powerful runs and epic battles that can last over an hour for big specimens. Fall is prime time for Yellowfin, with fish ranging from 30 to over 100 pounds. Sushi lovers, this is your dream catch!

Cobia: These curious, hard-fighting fish are a favorite among Morehead City anglers. Often mistaken for sharks at first glance, Cobia can grow over 100 pounds and put up a stubborn fight. They're most common from May to September, often hanging around buoys or following large rays. Cobia make for excellent eating, with a mild flavor similar to swordfish.

Gag Grouper: When it comes to bottom fishing, Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champs. These bruisers love to hole up in rocky structure and wrecks, and they'll do their best to drag you back down once hooked. The challenge is getting them away from their hiding spots before they break you off. Grouper season typically runs from May to December, with some fish topping 50 pounds. Their firm, white flesh is highly prized for its sweet flavor.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the waters off Morehead City. Maybe it's the thrill of never knowing what might grab your bait next. Or the camaraderie that builds when you're battling big fish miles from shore. Our experienced crew lives for those moments when a reel starts screaming and everyone rushes to clear lines. We've seen seasoned anglers whooping with joy and first-timers shocked at the power on the other end of the line. Whether you're after a new personal best or just want to fill the cooler with some of the tastiest fish in the sea, this trip delivers memories that'll last a lifetime.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience the offshore fishing adventure of a lifetime? Spots on our full-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Remember, we can take up to 6 anglers, so grab your fishing buddies and lock in your date. While we can't control the weather (or the fish), we can promise you a day of world-class fishing action in some of the most productive waters on the East Coast. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, snacks, and a cooler for your catch – you might be heading home with some epic fish tacos! Book now and get ready to create some fish stories you'll be telling for years to come. The big ones are out there waiting – let's go catch 'em!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are the oddballs of our offshore waters. Often mistaken for sharks, these brown bruisers can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. We find them around buoys, wrecks, and even free-swimming near the surface, typically in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime Cobia time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love Cobia for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They're not the prettiest fish, but they make up for it with attitude. Sight-fishing for Cobia is a blast - look for their distinctive shape just below the surface. When you spot one, toss a bucktail jig or live eel in front of it. Here's a pro tip: if a Cobia follows your bait but won't bite, try "walking the dog" with your lure. That erratic action often triggers a strike from these curious predators.

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the bottom. These fish average 20-30 pounds but can top 80. You'll find them hugging structure in 60-250 feet of water - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms are prime spots. Fall and winter are the best seasons as they move to shallower waters. Gags are prized for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. When you hook one, be ready for a tug-of-war. They'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs, so you need to turn them quick. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works great, but big jigs can also produce. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and lift your rod tip high. This helps pull the fish away from structure before it can hunker down. And always use stout tackle - these fish won't give up easily!

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch offshore. These colorful beauties average 15-30 pounds but can reach up to 87 pounds. You'll find them near floating debris and weedlines, often 45-80 miles out. Mahi are fast-growing and spawn year-round, so there's always a good chance of hooking one. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights once hooked. The meat is excellent - mild and sweet. To increase your odds, look for frigate birds diving - they'll lead you right to the Mahi. When you spot a school, keep one hooked fish in the water to hold the others around the boat. Use live bait like ballyhoo or bright lures that mimic flying fish skipping across the surface. The golden rule with Mahi: the faster you reel, the better your chances of landing one.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, clocking in at up to 60 mph. These sleek, blue-striped fish average 3-5 feet long but can reach over 8 feet. We usually find them in the warmer months, 45-80 miles offshore near drop-offs and floating structure. Wahoo are prized for their intense fights and delicious, firm white meat. They're loners, so when you hook one, it's often a memorable battle. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is the go-to method - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Skirted lures, especially purple and black combos, are Wahoo candy. Here's a local tip: when a Wahoo hits, don't set the hook. Just start reeling fast and hang on tight. These fish often hook themselves with their initial burst of speed.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna are the heavyweight champions of our offshore waters. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 60-100 pounds, but monsters over 200 are possible. We find them 45-80 miles out, often in the top 330 feet of water. They're year-round targets, but summer and fall are peak seasons. Yellowfin are prized for their hard fights and top-notch sushi-grade meat. When a school gets fired up, the action can be non-stop. We use a variety of techniques - trolling, chunking, and even topwater plugs can all be effective. Live bait like sardines or squid is hard to beat. Here's a local secret: when you see birds working the surface, there's a good chance Yellowfin are below. Run up slowly, cut the engines, and start chunking. The fish will often come right to the boat. Just be ready for screaming reels and sore arms!

About the Stack N Bills

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Single Detroit

Maximum Cruising Speed: 22

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 800

Ready for an epic day of fishing off the Morehead City coast? Hop aboard our spacious offshore vessel for an 8-hour adventure that'll take you 45 to 80 miles out into the deep blue. We're talking serious big game fishing here - you'll have a shot at hooking monster Wahoo, colorful Mahi Mahi, acrobatic Sailfish, and hard-fighting Yellowfin Tuna. But that's not all - we can also hit up the reefs for some bottom fishing action, targeting species like Amberjack, Grouper, and the mighty Cobia. Whether you prefer trolling, jigging, or bottom fishing, we've got you covered with all the gear you'll need. Just remember to grab your North Carolina saltwater fishing license before we set out. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's the perfect trip to share with friends or family. Get ready for an action-packed day on the water that'll have you coming back for more!

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