Atlantic Beach Half-Day Offshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Atlantic Beach, NC
$500 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Get ready for a fun half-day of fishing off Atlantic Beach, NC with Coastal Carolina Charters. We'll head out to target Mackerel, Bluefish, and other species that are biting. This trip is great for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to wet a line - no matter your skill level. Our experienced guides will show you the ropes and help you catch more fish. We provide all the gear you need, and we'll even clean and fillet your catch at the end of the day. The boat can take up to 4 guests, so bring your crew and let's hit the water. With a little luck, you'll be heading home with a cooler full of fresh fish and some great memories. Check our calendar and book your spot - the fish are waiting!

Atlantic Beach Half-Day Offshore Fishing Adventure

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

Two coho salmon caught during fishing trip at Atlantic Beach

Hooked on Atlantic Beach fishing!

Four large fish caught during Atlantic Beach fishing

Big bites in Atlantic Beach waters!

Coastal fishing at its finest!

Catch of the day in North Carolina!

Half-Day Offshore Fishing: Atlantic Beach's Best

Ready to feel that salty breeze and the tug of a big one on your line? Our half-day offshore fishing trip out of Atlantic Beach, NC is just the ticket. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered. We'll cruise past the breakers into the rich Atlantic waters where Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and more are waiting to give you a run for your money. With room for four, it's the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon with family or friends, making memories and maybe even landing dinner.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on the fish. We provide all the gear you'll need - top-notch rods, reels, and tackle that'll give you the best shot at landing the big one. No need to worry if you're new to this; we'll show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to setting the drag just right. And when you do reel one in? We've got you covered with complimentary catch cleaning and filleting. Nothing beats taking home fresh fish for the grill.

Offshore Fishing 101

Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from casting off the pier. We'll likely be using a mix of techniques, depending on what's biting. Trolling is a favorite - we'll set out lines behind the boat as we cruise, mimicking baitfish and enticing those predators to strike. We might also do some bottom fishing for species like Black Sea Bass, dropping baited hooks to the seafloor where these tasty fish hang out. The beauty of offshore fishing is the variety; one minute you could be reeling in a feisty Spanish Mackerel, the next you're battling a hard-fighting Bluefish. It's all about reading the water, watching for birds (they'll often lead us to the fish), and being ready when that reel starts singing.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel are the speedsters of the sea. These sleek, silver torpedoes can hit speeds of up to 40 mph, making for an exciting fight when they take your lure. They typically show up in our waters from April to October, with peak season in the summer months. Anglers love them for their acrobatic jumps and the delicious, firm white meat they provide.

Bluefish are the bullies of the ocean, and hooking into one is like picking a fight with a bar bouncer. These aggressive predators travel in schools, chopping through bait with razor-sharp teeth. They're here year-round but really fire up in the spring and fall. The thrill of a bluefish blitz, where they whip the water's surface into a frenzy, is something every angler should experience.

Black Sea Bass might not look like much, but don't let their appearance fool you. These bottom-dwellers put up a surprisingly good fight and are prized for their sweet, flaky meat. You can catch them year-round, but they tend to move offshore in the winter. They love structure, so we'll often target them around reefs and wrecks.

King Mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are the prize many offshore anglers dream of. These big cousins of the Spanish Mackerel can top 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. They're here from spring through fall, with the biggest fish usually caught in the late summer and early fall. Landing a king is a true test of your angling skills - they're known for blistering runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds.

Grey Triggerfish might look a bit odd with their small mouths and tough scales, but they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. These reef-dwellers are cunning bait-stealers, so hooking one takes a bit of finesse. They're most abundant in the warmer months and are a favorite among bottom-fishing enthusiasts for their firm, sweet fillets.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the waters off Atlantic Beach. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the waves as you're reeling in your catch. Or the thrill of watching your rod tip suddenly bend double as a fish strikes. Our guests tell us time and time again how this trip recharges their batteries, gets them away from the daily grind, and reconnects them with nature. And let's be honest - there's nothing quite like the pride of bringing home fresh fish you caught yourself. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing or you're an old salt looking for your next big catch, our half-day trip hits the sweet spot.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to make some waves and maybe some personal best catches? Our half-day offshore fishing trip is calling your name. With all the gear provided, expert guidance, and the promise of adventure on the open water, all you need to bring is your sense of excitement (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your spot. Whether you're a local looking for a quick getaway or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Atlantic Beach fishing, this trip is your ticket to an awesome time on the water. Give us a call or book online - we can't wait to show you what's biting!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are a favorite for both sport and table. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-3 pounds, but can reach up to 8. You'll find them around structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms - usually in 60-120 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Sea bass are known for their firm, white meat and mild flavor, making them a top choice for the dinner table. They're fun to catch too, putting up a good scrap for their size. When targeting them, try using squid or cut bait on a two-hook bottom rig. Here's a local tip: if you catch one, keep fishing that spot. They tend to congregate in groups, so where there's one, there's likely more.

Bluefish

Bluefish are hard-fighting, toothy predators that'll give you a run for your money. These aggressive fish average 3-5 pounds but can get up to 20. Look for them in coastal waters, inlets, and bays from spring to fall. They're known for their feeding frenzies, or "blitzes," where they churn up the water chasing bait fish. That's when the action gets wild. Bluefish put up a mean fight and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're tasty if prepared right. Try using metal lures or live bait like mullet or menhaden. A word to the wise: bring wire leaders. Those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono like it's nothing. And watch your fingers when unhooking - they've been known to take a chunk out of careless anglers!

Grey Triggerfish

Grey Triggerfish are tough little customers that pack a punch for their size. These odd-looking fish typically run 2-5 pounds and hang out around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Triggers are prized for their tasty white meat, similar to grouper. They're fun to catch too, with a scrappy fight that belies their size. When targeting them, use small hooks baited with squid or cut bait. Here's a local secret: triggers have small mouths, so don't use too big a hook. And be ready for a quick bite - they're known for their lightning-fast strikes. Once hooked, get 'em up quick. These clever fish will often dive for cover in the reef, making them tough to land if you give 'em too much time.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or "kings," are the speed demons of our offshore waters. These sleek predators can top 50 pounds, though 10-20 pounders are more common. Look for them in deeper waters, usually 30-150 feet deep, near structures like reefs or wrecks. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're most active here from late spring through fall, with peak action in summer. While not the best eating when large, smaller kings are good on the grill. To target them, try slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or blue runners. Here's a pro tip: use a stinger rig with two treble hooks to improve your hookup ratio. These toothy critters are known for short-striking baits, so that trailing hook can make all the difference.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are a favorite target for both fun and food. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in large schools near the surface, often around structures like reefs or wrecks. They're speed demons, clocking up to 5.5 meters per second, which makes for an exciting fight on light tackle. Spring through fall is prime time, with peak action in summer when water temps hit the 70s. Spanish Mackerel are known for their tasty, oily flesh - great for grilling or smoking. When targeting them, try trolling or casting small, shiny lures that mimic their favorite baitfish. A local trick: look for diving birds to find feeding schools. Just remember, they've got some teeth on 'em, so watch those fingers when unhooking!

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