%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F29253%2Fimages%2F1743064936202image-2025-03-27t163410.467.png&w=1200&q=100)
Expert-Guided 6-Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Wanchese, NC
- $325 - $900 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F84e1ef38-4d74-45e4-8dbf-61932780be3e%2Fratecard%2Fimage-2025-03-27t160539.793.png&w=1200&q=75)
On the Water Action
Young angler’s proud redfish catch!
Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!
Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!
Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!
null
null
null
Mackerel and triggerfish catch with the crew!
Big redfish catch with smiles!
Nice redfish catch with happy anglers!
Young angler’s proud redfish catch!
Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!
Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!
Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!
null
null
null
Mackerel and triggerfish catch with the crew!
Big redfish catch with smiles!
Nice redfish catch with happy anglers!
Young angler’s proud redfish catch!
Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!
Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!
Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!
6-Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure
Trip Overview
Hey there, anglers! Ready for a killer day on the water? Our 6-hour nearshore fishing trip is the perfect mix of open ocean action and calm sound fishing. We'll cruise to some of my favorite spots where the fish are always biting. You'll get to try your hand at catching everything from speedy Spanish Mackerel to hard-fighting Amberjack. And the best part? It's a private trip, so it's just you and your crew (up to 5 people) with me as your guide. No crowded party boats here - we're talking personalized attention and non-stop fishing action.
What to Expect on the Water
Alright, let's talk game plan. We'll start by heading out to some nearshore hotspots where the big boys hang out. I'm talking Cobia, Amberjack, and maybe even some King Mackerel if we're lucky. We'll use a mix of techniques to keep things interesting - sometimes we'll be casting lures, other times we'll drift with live bait. As the day goes on, we might switch it up and head to some calmer waters in the sound. That's where we'll target Redfish, Trout, and Sheepshead. I'll show you how to jig for bottom fish too. Trust me, six hours will fly by before you know it!
Fishing Tactics and Gear
On this trip, we're bringing out all the stops. We'll be rigged up with top-notch gear - light and heavy rods, depending on what we're after. For the faster fish like Spanish Mackerel, we might troll with Clark spoons or cast some gotcha plugs. When we're after those big Amberjack, get ready for a workout! We'll drop jigs down deep and crank 'em up fast. For the bottom fish, we'll use cut bait or shrimp on a fish finder rig. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through each technique. By the end of the day, you'll be fishing like a pro.
Top Catches This Season
Let me tell you about the fish we're after - they're all crowd-pleasers. King Mackerel are the speedsters of the sea. These silver bullets can hit speeds of up to 60 mph, so when one takes your bait, hold on tight! Greater Amberjack, or "reef donkeys" as we call 'em, are like the linebackers of the ocean. They'll test your strength and your gear. Cobia are the curious ones - sometimes they'll swim right up to the boat. They put up a great fight and taste even better. Bluefish are our toothy terrors - small but fierce, and they'll hit just about anything. And don't forget about Black Sea Bass - these bottom-dwellers might not look like much, but they're delicious eating.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
You know what I love about this trip? It's perfect for everyone. If you're a seasoned angler, you'll appreciate the variety of species and techniques we use. But if you're new to fishing or bringing the kids along, don't sweat it. We'll make sure everyone has a great time and catches fish. Plus, with a 6-hour trip, we've got plenty of time to find the hot spots. No rushing, no stress - just pure fishing fun. And let's be real, there's nothing like the feeling of reeling in your first big fish of the day. That's the moment that hooks people for life.
Species You'll Want to Hook
King Mackerel: These bad boys are the sprinters of the sea. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. When a King Mackerel hits, your reel will scream! They love to chase fast-moving baits, so we often troll for them. The bigger ones can top 50 pounds, giving you a real fight on your hands.
Greater Amberjack: We call these guys "reef donkeys" for a reason - they're stubborn and strong as an ox. Amberjack hang around wrecks and reefs, usually in deeper water. They're a year-round target, but the bite is best in spring and fall. When you hook one, be ready for a workout. These powerhouses can weigh over 100 pounds!
Cobia: Ah, the cobia - one of my personal favorites. These curious fish sometimes swim right up to the boat, giving us a perfect shot. They're most common from late spring through summer. Cobia are known for their long, powerful runs. Plus, they're excellent eating fish. A 30-pounder is a great catch, but they can grow much larger.
Bluefish: Don't let their size fool you - bluefish are fierce fighters. These toothy predators travel in schools, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop. They're around most of the year but really fire up in the warmer months. Bluefish will hit just about any lure or bait, making them great for beginners and kids.
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwellers might not look like much, but they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. We find them around rocky bottoms and reefs. Sea bass fishing is good year-round, but it peaks in the cooler months. They're not huge - a 5-pounder is considered big - but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and taste.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, let's recap. We're talking about a full 6 hours of non-stop fishing action. You'll get to try different techniques, target a variety of fish, and maybe even bring home dinner. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip has something for everyone. And remember, it's a private charter - just you and your crew. So why wait? Grab your friends, family, or fishing buddies and let's get out on the water. The fish are biting, and we've got a cooler to fill. Book your spot now, and I'll see you at the dock!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black Sea Bass are bottom-dwelling brawlers that punch above their weight. These fish love structure, so look for them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas in 60 to 120 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round. Sea bass typically run 1 to 4 pounds, but bigger ones over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. They put up a stubborn fight, using their bulky bodies to dive for cover. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious – perfect for fish tacos. To catch 'em, drop cut bait or squid on a bottom rig. You can also jig with bucktails tipped with strips of squid. Here's a local trick: if you're getting nibbles but no hookups, switch to smaller hooks. Sea bass have relatively small mouths for their size.
Bluefish
Bluefish are the piranhas of the coast – all teeth and attitude. These chompers show up in big schools, usually in the warmer months. You'll find them anywhere from the surf to several miles offshore, often in 20 to 60 feet of water. Blues put up a scrappy fight for their size, usually 2 to 10 pounds. They're known for their feeding frenzies, churning up the surface as they attack bait schools. It's a sight to see. To catch 'em, try casting metal lures or trolling spoons. Blues will hit just about anything shiny. Watch your fingers when unhooking these toothy critters. For eating, bleed them out right away and get 'em on ice. Smaller ones are best on the grill. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, there's a good chance blues are pushing bait to the surface.
Cobia
Cobia are the oddballs of the nearshore scene. These curious fish often hang around buoys, channel markers, or even sea turtles. They grow big, sometimes topping 100 pounds, and put up a slugging match when hooked. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate along the coast. You'll usually spot them cruising just under the surface in 20 to 80 feet of water. Cobia are prized for their firm, white meat – some of the best eating in the ocean. To catch one, have a rod ready with a live eel or large jig. When you see a cobia, cast well ahead of it and be ready for an explosive strike. These fish can turn on a dime, so stay alert. Once they're near the boat, watch out for those powerful tail swipes.
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack are bruisers of the deep, lurking around reefs and wrecks from 60 to 250 feet down. These powerful fish can top 100 pounds, so bring your heavy tackle. They're most active in warmer months, especially spring and fall. Jacks put up a brutal fight, using their strength to dive for cover. It's like hooking a freight train. To target them, drop large live baits or hefty jigs near structure. Once hooked, get 'em turned quick or they'll break you off. The meat is firm and great for grilling. Here's a tip: when you see schools of baitfish getting nervous on the surface, there's a good chance jacks are hunting below. Get ready for sore arms – these fish don't give up easy.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel are speed demons of the nearshore waters, often reaching 30 pounds or more. These sleek predators hang out around 40 to 150 feet deep, cruising the warmer waters from spring through fall. Look for them near structures like reefs or wrecks where baitfish congregate. Kings put up an amazing fight, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. Their firm, oily flesh is prized for smoking too. To land a big one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. A wire leader is a must – those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When a king skyrockets on your bait, get ready for an adrenaline rush. These fish are lighting fast and will make your reel sing.
About the 25' Mako
%2F%2Fusers%2F84e1ef38-4d74-45e4-8dbf-61932780be3e%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fimage-2025-03-27t154137.231.png&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
