Ready to test your angling skills against some of the Atlantic's hardest-fighting fish? Coastal Carolina Charters has you covered with our 6-hour offshore trip out of Atlantic Beach. We're talking serious deep-sea action here, folks. You and up to three buddies will have the whole boat to yourselves as we cruise past the breakers in search of trophy catches. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want the thrill of battling a big mahi, this is the trip for you. Let's dive into what makes this offshore run a can't-miss experience for any serious angler visiting the Crystal Coast.
When you step aboard our offshore rig, you're in for a full day of big-game fishing action. We'll motor out past the nearshore waters and into the deep blue where the real monsters lurk. This ain't no pond fishing, folks - we're talking about targeting fish that'll make your arms ache and your fishing stories legendary. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you right on top of the hottest bite. Whether we're trolling for wahoo, jigging for amberjack, or sight-casting to a school of mahi, you'll be using top-notch gear and benefiting from years of local knowledge. Fair warning: once you've experienced the rush of hooking into a 50-pound yellowfin, inshore fishing may never feel the same!
When we're chasing the big boys offshore, we pull out all the stops. Depending on what's biting and where, we might employ a few different techniques. Trolling is a go-to method - we'll set out a spread of lines with colorful lures or rigged baits skipping along the surface. This is deadly for wahoo, mahi, and tuna. If we mark some structure holding fish, we might switch to jigging or dropping live bait. For the amberjack and other reef dwellers, heavy tackle and strong arms are a must. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - our mate will be right there to show you the ropes. We provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need, all top-quality stuff that can stand up to the abuse these fish dish out. Just bring some sunscreen, snacks, and a good attitude - we'll take care of the rest.
Look, there's a reason our offshore trips are booked solid during peak season. It's not just about the fish - though trust me, when you're hooked up to a screaming reel with a mahi doing acrobatics behind the boat, that's pretty darn exciting. It's the whole package. The anticipation as we clear the inlet and hit the open ocean. The way the water changes color as we reach the Gulf Stream. Spotting that tell-tale frigate bird circling, knowing there's likely a weed line and fish below. And yeah, it's about the fish too - the heart-pounding moment when a reel starts singing and everyone scrambles to clear lines. Whether you're a seasoned salt or it's your first time offshore, that rush never gets old. Add in the laid-back vibe, some fish stories swapped between bites, and the satisfaction of filleting your catch at the dock - it's a day you won't soon forget.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch and make for some tasty eating too. Kings love to hit fast-moving baits, so trolling is often the ticket. They've got a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, so we use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, but we catch 'em year-round. Nothing beats the sight of a big king skyrocketing on a bait!
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the showstoppers of the offshore world. With their electric blue and gold colors, high-flying acrobatics, and delicious meat, mahi are at the top of many anglers' wish lists. We typically find them around floating debris or weed lines. They're voracious feeders and often travel in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for more! Mahi fishing really heats up in the summer months.
Greater Amberjack: If you want a workout, look no further than the amberjack. These bruisers hang around wrecks and reefs, and they pull like a freight train. We often target them with heavy jigs or live bait. The biggest ones are called "reef donkeys" for a reason - they'll test your strength and your gear. AJs are most active in the warmer months, but we can find them year-round.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the open ocean, wahoo are prized for both their fight and their firm, white meat. They're typically a bycatch when we're trolling for other species, but what a bonus catch they are! Wahoo can swim up to 60 mph in short bursts, so when one hits, hang on tight. These guys are around all year but seem to be most common in the winter and early spring.
Albacore Tuna: While not as glamorous as their bigger bluefin and yellowfin cousins, albacore (also called longfin tuna) are still a worthy adversary. They're fast, hard-fighting, and make excellent eating. We often find them in cooler waters, so they're a great target in the spring and fall. Albacore tend to school up, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop!
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're itching to feel the bend in your rod from a trophy offshore catch, our 6-hour private charter is calling your name. With room for four anglers, it's perfect for a group of friends or a family outing. Remember, offshore fishing isn't just about filling the cooler (though that's a nice bonus). It's about the experience - the salt spray in your face, the camaraderie on the boat, and the pure, heart-pounding excitement when a big fish hits. We provide everything you need except your food and drinks, so all you have to do is show up ready for action. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Coastal Carolina Charters a call and let's get you out on the blue water where the big boys play. Trust me, once you've felt the rush of offshore fishing, you'll be hooked for life!
Greater amberjack are hard-fighting fish that'll test your strength. They can grow over 6 feet long and 100 pounds, though 30-40 pounders are more common. Look for them around deep wrecks and reefs offshore. Amberjack have a distinctive dark stripe running from their eye to their first dorsal fin. They're aggressive predators, so jigs and live bait both work well. Spring is prime time, as they gather to spawn from April to May. Anglers love targeting AJs for their powerful runs - when one of these bruisers takes off, you better have a good grip on your rod. The meat is good eating too, though be aware of size limits. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, get it off the bottom fast or it'll dive for cover and break you off. Crank hard and be ready for a battle. It's serious arm-workout fishing that offshore anglers can't get enough of.
Albacore tuna are a smaller tuna species, typically 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds. You'll find them in deep, warm Atlantic waters off our coast. These bullet-shaped fish travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide, which makes for some exciting fishing when you locate them. They're prized for their light, mild meat - it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat." We usually troll for albacore, positioning lures 50-90 feet behind the boat. Live bait like mackerel or sardines works great too. The best time to target them is during daylight hours since that's when they feed. One local tip: if you hook the lead fish in a school, you've got a good shot at catching a bunch more in that same spot. Just be ready for a fight - these guys never stop swimming and put up a good battle. The season's always open with no size or bag limits, so it's a fun species to target year-round.
Wahoo are sleek, fast-swimming fish that put up an incredible fight. They average 3-5 feet long but can reach over 8 feet. You'll find them in our offshore waters, often near floating debris. Wahoo are one of the ocean's fastest fish, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. That speed, combined with their razor-sharp teeth, makes them a challenge to land. We usually troll for them at high speeds, around 12-15 knots, using wire leaders since their teeth slice through regular line. Peak season here is July to November. Wahoo meat is delicious - mild and flaky, great for fish tacos. One tip: if you're slow trolling, try fresh ballyhoo on a skirt. When a wahoo hits, it's like hooking a freight train. Hold on tight and get ready for some screaming reels. It's an offshore fishing experience you won't forget.
Mahi mahi, also called dorado, are one of the most colorful fish you'll see. They're fast-growing, usually 3-4 feet long and 15-30 pounds. You'll spot them offshore near floating debris or weedlines. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard runs when hooked. They're also great eating fish with a mild, sweet flavor. Peak season here is summer into fall. We often troll for them, but sight casting to schools is a blast if conditions are right. Mahi travel in groups, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Here's a tip: keep the first one you catch in the water to hold the school close to the boat. It's pretty cool watching these neon blue and green fish light up as they chase lures. Whether it's the fight, the looks, or the table fare, mahi mahi are an offshore favorite that check all the boxes.