Ready for some serious rod-bending action off the Carolina coast? Stack N Bills' private half-day charter is your ticket to hooking into some of the Atlantic's most exciting gamefish. Whether you're an early bird or afternoon angler, this 4-hour trip gets you right where the bite is hot. We'll run anywhere from just off the beach to 14 miles out, chasing everything from Spanish Mackerel to Blackfin Tuna and maybe even a Sailfish if lady luck's on our side.
As soon as we clear the inlet, it's go-time. We'll start scanning for birds, bait balls, and those telltale surface ripples that scream "fish on!" Depending on what's running, we might set up a trolling spread for pelagics or drop lines for tasty bottom dwellers. Our captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so trust me, you're in for a treat. And don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just remember to grab your North Carolina saltwater fishing license before we shove off. You can snag one at Freeman's Bait & Tackle right before the trip.
Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from your average pier casting. We'll likely mix it up with some high-speed trolling for wahoo, slow-trolling live baits for mahi, or maybe even some kite fishing if the sailfish are in town. When the bottom fishing's on fire, we'll switch gears and drop some heavy jigs or live baits to tempt those reef dwellers. Our crew's always got their finger on the pulse of what's biting, so we'll adjust our strategy on the fly to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish and a camera roll full of grins.
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These neon-green and yellow acrobats are the crowd-pleasers of the offshore world. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays once hooked, and their meat is second to none for the grill. Mahi can grow up to 30 pounds in our waters, with the best bite typically from May through September. When you see a school of these beauties, it's not uncommon to hook multiple fish in quick succession – talk about an arm workout!
Wahoo: Speed demons of the sea, wahoo are like the cheetahs of the ocean. They can hit speeds of up to 60 mph and strike a lure with bone-jarring force. We target these striped torpedoes mainly in the warmer months, but they can surprise you year-round. Landing a 40+ pound wahoo is a true feat of angling skill, and their white, flaky meat makes for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste.
Atlantic Sailfish: The holy grail for many offshore anglers, sailfish are the ballerinas of the big game world. Known for their stunning dorsal fins that stretch nearly the length of their body, these fish put on a show like no other when hooked. We see them most often in the late summer and fall, but they can make surprise appearances any time of year. Even if you're catch-and-release, getting a photo with one of these majestic creatures is a memory that'll last a lifetime.
There's something special about being out on the big blue, surrounded by nothing but water and sky. One minute you're cruising along, taking in the sea breeze, and the next, it's all hands on deck as reels start screaming. That's the thrill of offshore fishing – you never know what's going to happen next. Maybe you'll tangle with a monster wahoo that nearly spools you, or perhaps you'll hit the jackpot with a triple-header of mahi. And let's not forget the camaraderie – there's nothing like sharing fish stories and high-fives with your crew as you head back to the dock, tired but grinning from ear to ear.
Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – offshore fishing isn't always a walk in the park. Some days the fish play hard to get, and the seas might get a little sporty. But that's all part of the adventure, and it makes those moments when everything comes together even sweeter. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a first-timer eager to feel the rush of a big game fish on the line, this half-day trip with Stack N Bills is your golden ticket.
Remember, we've only got room for 6 lucky anglers per trip, and these slots fill up fast – especially during peak season. So if you're itching to get out there and tangle with some of North Carolina's finest offshore gamefish, don't wait. Grab your crew, lock in your date, and get ready for a fishing trip you'll be talking about for years to come. Just keep in mind that deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Trust me, once you're out there with the salt spray in your face and a bent rod in your hands, you'll be glad you pulled the trigger. Let's make some fishing memories!
Atlantic sailfish are impressive game fish, usually 6-8 feet long and 50-80 pounds. You'll find them in our warm offshore waters, often near the surface down to about 60 feet. They're fast, acrobatic fighters known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. Peak season here is late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. Anglers love targeting sailfish for the thrill of the fight - it's like hooking a rocket. To up your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like mullet or ballyhoo. Keep an eye out for birds working bait schools, that's a good sign sailfish might be around. When you hook one, be ready for it to go airborne and make long runs. Patience is key - let it tire itself out before trying to bring it in. It's all catch and release for these beauties.
Atlantic sailfish are impressive game fish, usually 7-8 feet long and 50-80 pounds. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often near the surface down to about 60 feet. They're fast, acrobatic fighters known for their spectacular leaps and runs. Peak season here is late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. Anglers love targeting sailfish for the thrill of the fight - it's like hooking a missile. To up your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like mullet or ballyhoo. Keep an eye out for birds working bait schools, that's a good sign sailfish might be around. When you hook one, be ready for it to go airborne and make blistering runs. Patience is key - let it tire itself out before trying to boat it.
Wahoo are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish that can reach 5-6 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll find them in our offshore waters year-round, but they're most common in summer and fall. Wahoo hang around weed lines, drop-offs and floating debris in 100-400 feet of water. They're lightning fast - clocked at 60 mph - which makes for an exciting catch. Anglers love wahoo for their speed, hard strikes and tasty white meat. To target them, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and lures like bullet heads or jet heads. Keep an eye on your electronics for bait schools, that's where wahoo will be hunting. When you hook one, hang on tight and be ready for screaming runs. Local tip: adding a strip of fresh bonito to your lure can entice more bites.
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