Get ready to hit the nearshore waters of Emerald Isle for a fishing adventure that'll have you hooked! Our 5-hour charter puts you right in the thick of the action, where the fish are biting and the excitement never stops. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be mixing it up with both trolling and bottom fishing, giving you the best shot at landing some of the area's top gamefish. From the hard-fighting King Mackerel to the tasty Red Snapper, you never know what might end up on the end of your line. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get out there and make some waves!
Our 5-hour charter is the perfect mix of fishing and fun. We'll start by heading out to some prime spots just off the coast of Emerald Isle. The beauty of nearshore fishing is that we're close enough to land to keep things comfortable, but far enough out to where the big boys play. You'll get to try your hand at both trolling and bottom fishing, two techniques that'll keep you on your toes. With trolling, we'll be covering some serious water, dragging lures behind the boat to entice those surface-feeding predators like King and Spanish Mackerel. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll be dropping baits down to the structure where Grouper and Snapper love to hang out. It's like a seafood buffet down there, and you're invited to reel in the main course!
On this trip, we're bringing out the big guns - and by that, I mean some serious fishing gear. For trolling, we'll be using medium to heavy action rods paired with high-quality reels that can handle the blistering runs of a King Mackerel. We'll be pulling a spread of lures, from diving plugs to skirts, all designed to mimic the local baitfish. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll break out the beefy rods and braided line to muscle those Grouper up from their rocky lairs. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to setting the drag. And hey, if you're a pro, feel free to bring your own lucky rod. Just remember, out here, it's all about having fun and maybe telling a few fish stories along the way.
"Captain Will is a fantastic guide who went above and beyond to find fish, even on a challenging day! He tried all his favorite spots and even extended the trip by an hour and a half to keep us on the water. The boat was spotless and in excellent condition. I'm already planning to fish with him again in the fall when I'm back in town!" - Frank
"Capt. Will is very personable, knowledgeable, and helpful. I took my son on a trip and he had a great time. We didn't catch anything that we could keep (flounder and smaller fish) but it was okay because the experience was fun. We look forward to seeing Capt. Will in the fall." - Sarah
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of the nearshore waters. Known locally as "Kings," these fish can top 50 pounds and put on a show like no other. They're famous for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Kings are most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. When one of these bad boys hits your line, hold on tight - it's going to be a wild ride!
Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you; Black Sea Bass are pound-for-pound some of the feistiest fish in the sea. These structure-loving bottom dwellers are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They're available year-round, but the bigger ones tend to show up in cooler months. When you're reeling one up, be ready for that telltale head shake - it's like they're saying "no way" all the way to the surface.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of bottom fishing, Red Snapper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These ruby-red beauties can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 20 pounds or more. They love to hang around wrecks and reefs, using their powerful tails to bolt back to structure when hooked. Red Snapper season is limited, so when it's open, it's like Christmas morning for anglers. Landing one of these guys is always a photo-worthy moment.
Spanish Mackerel: The smaller cousins of the King, Spanish Mackerel make up for their size with their abundance and willingness to bite. These fish school up in big numbers, especially in the summer months. When you find a school, it's non-stop action. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and great for introducing kids or newcomers to the sport. Plus, they're delicious on the grill - nothing beats fresh-caught Spanish Mackerel tacos!
Gag Grouper: These are the bruisers of the bottom. Gag Grouper are known for their powerful first run - they'll take your bait and immediately try to wrap you around the nearest piece of structure. It's a true test of angler versus fish. They're most active in the cooler months, and when you hook into a big one, it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen. But trust me, the fight is worth it, and so is the dinner you'll have afterward.
Alright, folks, let's wrap this up like we're wrapping up a successful day on the water. This 5-hour charter out of Emerald Isle is the real deal. You've got the chance to tangle with some serious gamefish, learn new techniques, and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day out on the beautiful Carolina coast, this trip's got you covered. Remember, the fish are always biting - but your spot on the boat isn't guaranteed unless you book it. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call, reserve your date, and get ready for a fishing adventure that'll have you coming back for more. Trust me, once you've felt the pull of a King Mackerel or the weight of a Gag Grouper on your line, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
May 22, 2024
Capt. Will is very personable, knowledgeable, and helpful. I took my son on a trip and he had a great time. We didn't catch anything that we could keep (flounder and smaller fish) but it was okay because the experience was fun. We look forward to seeing Capt. Will in the fall.
June 7, 2025
Capt. Will is very personable, knowledgeable, and helpful. I took my son on a trip and he had a great time. We didn't catch anything that we could keep (flounder and smaller fish) but it was okay because the experience was fun. We look forward to seeing Capt. Will in the fall.
June 7, 2025
Gag Grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll test your strength. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them near structure in 60-250 feet of water - rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks are prime spots. Fall and winter are best as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love gags for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. To target them, use live bait like pinfish or squid on heavy tackle. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, reel fast and pull hard. Gags will dive for cover if given the chance, so you need to turn their heads quickly. It's a true tug-of-war, but landing a big gag is always worth the effort!
King Mackerel are speed demons of the sea, known for their blistering runs that'll test your gear and skills. These silver torpedoes average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in waters 40-150 feet deep, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. Kings love to chase bait schools, so look for diving birds to spot the action. Spring and fall are prime times as they migrate. Anglers love targeting kings for their fierce fights and tasty fillets. To up your odds, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Keep your drag set light - when a king hits, it'll smoke your reel if it's too tight. Just remember, these guys have some serious teeth, so watch your fingers when you're landing one!
Red Snapper are prized catches, known for their brilliant red color and delicious white meat. They typically run 5-20 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them in waters 60-300 feet deep, usually near reefs, wrecks, or other structure. These fish are most active in warmer months, making late spring through early fall prime time. Snapper put up a good fight and taste great, so they're popular with anglers and diners alike. To improve your chances, use fresh cut bait or live pinfish. Once you hook one, reel fast and steady - snappers often try to dive back into structure, so you need to turn their heads quickly. Just be ready for their initial run - it can be a doozy!
Sea Bass are bottom-dwellers that pack a punch for their size. Most run 1-2 feet long, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them hanging around structure in 60-180 feet of water - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms are prime spots. These aggressive feeders will hit just about anything, but squid and cut bait are reliable choices. Fall and winter are great times to target them as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love Sea Bass for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: when you find a school, drop right back down after catching one. They often stay put, letting you catch your limit quickly if you're on the right spot.
Spanish Mackerel are fast-moving, hard-fighting fish that provide great action. They usually run 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 12. Look for them in coastal waters, often near inlets or around bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. These fish are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Anglers love targeting them for both sport and food - they're excellent on the grill. To catch Spanish Mackerel, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind planers. A local trick is to watch for diving birds - they often indicate feeding mackerel below. When you find a school, cast small, flashy lures and retrieve quickly. Just watch out for those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Captain Will is a fantastic guide who went above and beyond to find fish, even on a challenging day! He tried all his favorite spots and even extended the trip by an hour and a half to keep us on the water. The boat was spotless and in excellent condition. I’m already planning to fish with him again in the fall when I’m back in town!