Elite NC Offshore Kayak Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Topsail Beach, NC
$75 - $1,750 price range

Summary

Ready for a serious offshore kayak fishing challenge? Our Kayak Mothership Trip takes experienced anglers beyond the breakers to where the big fish play. We'll head out to prime NC waters, targeting Spanish and King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, Albacore, and various bottom-dwelling species. This 6 to 10 hour adventure is all about pushing your kayak fishing skills to new limits. You'll need to bring your own kayak and gear, as we're focused on getting you to the best offshore spots. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a chance to fish with a small group of dedicated anglers. Our team at Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures knows these waters inside out, so you're in for some top-notch fishing action. If you've been wanting to take your kayak fishing offshore, this is your chance to make it happen in the rich waters of North Carolina.

Elite NC Offshore Kayak Fishing Adventure

Offshore Kayak Catches

Couples all time bonding is fishing on NC waters.

Three Spanish Mackerel, a large catch in Hampstead

Family offshore fishing success today.

One Spanish Mackerel fish caught while fishing in Hampstead

Safe and fully equipped kids fishing charter

Kids first fishing success trip

Get Ready for Epic Offshore NC Kayak Fishing

Looking to take your kayak fishing to the next level? Our 6 to 10-hour private offshore charters in North Carolina are just the ticket. We're talking big fish, open water, and the kind of adventure that'll have you buzzing for weeks. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a chance to test your skills against some of the Atlantic's most prized game fish.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're perched in your kayak, miles from shore, with nothing but blue water in every direction. That's what you're in for on our Kayak Mothership Trip. We'll motor you out past the breakers where the big boys play. This trip is for those who've got some experience under their belt and are itching for more. We're talking Spanish and King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, Albacore, and a whole bunch of bottom dwellers just waiting to bend your rod. Just remember, you'll need to bring your own kayak and gear for this one. We've got room for three anglers, so grab your buddies and let's hit the high seas!

What to Expect on the Water

Once we're offshore, it's time to deploy the kayaks and get to work. We'll be using a mix of techniques out here, depending on what's biting. Trolling is a big part of the game when you're after pelagics like Kings and Mahi. We might also do some vertical jigging for Amberjack or drop baits down deep for those tasty bottom fish. The beauty of kayak fishing is the stealth factor – you can sneak up on fish that might spook from a bigger boat. Plus, fighting a big fish from a kayak? That's a whole different ballgame. It's just you, the fish, and your wits. No fancy fighting chairs here!

Top Catches This Season

Offshore kayak fishing in NC is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get, but it's always sweet. This season, we've been crushing it with the Spanish Mackerel. These speedsters have been thick, and they're a blast on light tackle. The King Mackerel have also been showing up in force, giving kayakers the fights of their lives. And let's not forget about the Mahi Mahi – these acrobatic beauties have been popping up more and more, adding a tropical flair to our catches. Bottom fishing has been steady too, with plenty of grunts, sea bass, and the occasional grouper to keep things interesting.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about offshore kayak fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the pure, unadulterated challenge of it all. Or the chance to tangle with fish that outweigh your kayak. Whatever it is, once you've tried it, you're hooked. Our regulars tell us it's the perfect mix of excitement and serenity. One minute you're drifting peacefully, taking in the vast ocean around you. The next, you're locked in an epic battle with a fish that's determined to drag you to Cuba. It's addictive, plain and simple.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down some of the heavy hitters you might encounter on your offshore adventure:

Little Tunny (False Albacore): These pocket rockets are like the sports cars of the sea. They're not the biggest fish out there, but what they lack in size, they make up for in speed and stamina. Expect blistering runs that'll have your reel singing. They're most common in the fall, and they're a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts.

Spanish Mackerel: These toothy critters are the perfect warm-up act. They're fast, they're feisty, and they're delicious. Look for them from spring through fall, often in schools that can light up your fish finder like a Christmas tree. They're suckers for flashy lures and will give you a fun fight on light gear.

King Mackerel: Now we're talking. Kings are the bigger, badder cousins of the Spanish. They're known for their screaming runs and aerial acrobatics. Hooking one of these from a kayak is like strapping yourself to a rocket. They're most active in the warmer months and can push well over 40 pounds. Buckle up!

Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These are the beauty queens of the offshore world. With their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, Mahi are a bucket list fish for many anglers. They love structure, so we often find them around floating debris or weed lines. They're here in the summer months, and they're not just pretty – they're tasty too!

Greater Amberjack: If you're looking for a workout, look no further. Amberjacks are like underwater freight trains. They live near reefs and wrecks and will test every ounce of your strength. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, so be ready for a long, grueling fight. They're around most of the year, but spring and fall are prime time.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase. If you're still reading, you know this trip is calling your name. Offshore kayak fishing in NC isn't just a day out – it's a chance to push your limits, to test your skills against some seriously impressive fish. And let's be real, the bragging rights alone are worth the price of admission. Whether you're after that trophy King, a tasty Mahi, or just want to experience the thrill of battling big fish from a tiny plastic boat, we've got you covered. Spots are limited to just three anglers per trip, so don't sit on your hands. Grab your gear, rally your crew, and let's make some memories on the high seas. Book now, and get ready for a fishing adventure that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Greater Amberjack

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or "kings," are sleek, toothy predators that can reach over 5 feet and 50 pounds. You'll find them from just off the beaches out to 200 feet of water, often near bait schools. They're here spring through fall, with the biggest fish usually showing up in late summer. Kings are prized for their blistering runs - when they hit, hold on tight! Their fight is more about speed than power. The meat is oily but good smoked or in fish dip. Trolling with live bait like menhaden or blue runners is deadly effective. Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from those razor teeth. My favorite trick: slow-troll a live bait under a balloon to keep it at the right depth. Kings can't resist it.

Little Tunny

Greater Amberjack are powerful fighters that'll give you a real workout. These big boys can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 30-50 pound range. Look for them around wrecks, reefs, and other structure in 60-240 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months from spring through fall. Amberjack put up an amazing fight - they're known for making strong runs and can wear out even experienced anglers. Their meat is good eating too, with a firm texture great for grilling. To land one, you'll need heavy tackle - at least 50 pound test line. Live bait like blue runners or sardines works well, or try jigging with metal lures. My top tip: when you hook one, get it away from the structure fast or it'll break you off. Crank hard and don't let up until you've cleared that bottom structure.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Spanish Mackerel are smaller cousins of kings, usually 2-4 pounds but can reach 12. They show up in big schools nearshore and around inlets from spring through fall. Look for diving birds to find feeding schools. These little speedsters are a blast on light tackle. They make fast runs and often jump when hooked. The meat is excellent fresh - sweet and flaky. Spanish will hit small shiny lures, spoons, or live bait like finger mullet. Try casting into feeding schools or trolling along the beaches. Quick tip: use a fast retrieve - these fish like to chase down their prey.

Spanish Mackerel

Mahi Mahi are one of the prettiest fish you'll ever see, with electric blue and green colors that light up when they're hooked. They average 15-30 pounds but can get up to 50+. We find them offshore around floating debris and weed lines, usually within the top 100 feet of water. These acrobatic fish put on a great show, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. Peak season is May through September when the water warms up. Mahi are aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything - live bait, cut bait, or artificials all work well. My go-to setup is trolling with ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water. The rest of the school will often follow it to the boat, letting you catch several more.

Sitemap