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Epic Gulf Stream Fishing NC | 10-Hour Adventure

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Topsail Beach, NC
  • $75 - $1,750 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious offshore fishing? This 10-hour trip with Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures takes you deep into the Gulf Stream, 25 to 40 miles off North Carolina's coast. You'll be targeting big game fish like Mahi Mahi and King Mackerel in the warm, blue waters. There's even a chance to hook into a Sailfish if you're lucky. It's a full day on the water, so come prepared for an adventure. With room for four anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast and reel in your catch. The captain knows these waters well and will put you on the fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or looking to test your skills offshore, this trip offers a real taste of deep-sea fishing. Just remember, the Gulf Stream is always changing, so flexibility is key. Pack some snacks, bring your sunscreen, and get ready for a day of rod-bending action on the open ocean.
Epic Gulf Stream Fishing NC | 10-Hour Adventure

Big Catches at Sea

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A person fishing in Hampstead

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Catch of the day: Massive Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina

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Fishing in Hampstead

Skipjack the fishing dawg approves of this trip!

Three fishing rods and tackle by the Hampstead pond

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Two people fishing in North Carolina

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Three Spanish Mackerel, a large catch in Hampstead

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One Spanish Mackerel fish caught while fishing in Hampstead

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Four people fishing in Hampstead

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fisherman with big catch in nc

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Scenic fishing location in NC

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A person fishing in Hampstead

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Catch of the day: Massive Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina

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Fishing in Hampstead

Skipjack the fishing dawg approves of this trip!

Three fishing rods and tackle by the Hampstead pond

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Two people fishing in North Carolina

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Three Spanish Mackerel, a large catch in Hampstead

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One Spanish Mackerel fish caught while fishing in Hampstead

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Four people fishing in Hampstead

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fisherman with big catch in nc

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Scenic fishing location in NC

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A person fishing in Hampstead

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Catch of the day: Massive Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina

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Fishing in Hampstead

Skipjack the fishing dawg approves of this trip!

Three fishing rods and tackle by the Hampstead pond

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Gulf Stream Fishing NC: 10-Hour Offshore Adventure

Hey there, anglers! Ready to test your skills against some of the most exciting fish the Atlantic has to offer? Our 10-hour Gulf Stream fishing trip is the real deal. We're talking about heading 25 to 40 miles offshore, where the water turns that gorgeous cobalt blue and the big boys come out to play. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a full-on, sunrise-to-sunset quest for the catch of a lifetime. So grab your sunscreen, your camera, and your game face. We're about to show you what deep-sea fishing in North Carolina is all about!

Trip Overview

Alright, let's break it down. We'll meet up at the crack of dawn, load up our top-notch boat, and point her nose towards the horizon. As we cruise out, you'll feel the anticipation building – and trust me, it's worth the wait. Once we hit the Gulf Stream, it's go time. We'll be targeting some serious heavyweights like Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, and if Lady Luck's on our side, maybe even a Sailfish. This trip is no joke – it's a full 10 hours on the water, which means plenty of time to find the hot spots and reel in some monsters. It's not for the faint of heart, but for serious anglers looking for a world-class offshore experience? You've just hit the jackpot.

What to Expect on the Water

So, how do we make the magic happen out there? We're talking about some serious deep-sea fishing techniques. Once we reach our sweet spot, we'll be deploying a mix of trolling and live bait fishing. We'll set up a spread of lines with colorful lures skipping across the surface – that's like ringing the dinner bell for pelagic predators. For the live bait enthusiasts, we'll have some frisky ballyhoo or blue runners ready to go. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the water or that telltale ripple on the surface – it could mean a school of Mahi is about to crash the party. And let me tell you, when a Sailfish decides to crash your bait, hold on tight. That first run is like nothing else in the fishing world. We've got all the gear you need, from sturdy rods to top-of-the-line reels, so all you need to bring is your A-game and maybe a pair of lucky fishing socks.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's talk targets, folks. First up, the Mahi Mahi, or Dolphinfish if you're feeling fancy. These neon-colored acrobats are a sight to behold and a blast to catch. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep it in the water – its buddies might come investigate, giving you a shot at multiple hookups. Mahi can grow up to 30 pounds in our waters, and they're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Plus, they're delicious – talk about a win-win!

Next, we've got the King Mackerel, or "Kingfish" as we call 'em around here. These sleek, toothy predators are the speed demons of the sea. They can hit speeds of up to 60 mph, which means when they strike, your reel's going to scream. Kings can top out at over 50 pounds, and they're at their peak in our waters from late spring through fall. When you're reeling one in, watch out for those last-minute runs – they're known for making powerful dives right at the boat.

Now, if we're really lucky, we might tangle with the crown jewel of the Atlantic – the Atlantic Sailfish. These billfish are the stuff of fishing legends. With their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and their ability to light up in brilliant blues and purples when excited, hooking a Sailfish is an experience you'll never forget. They're known for their incredible acrobatics, often spending more time in the air than in the water once hooked. Sailfish in our area typically range from 6 to 8 feet in length and can weigh up to 100 pounds. While they're around all year, your best shot at a Sailfish is during the late summer and early fall. Remember, these beauties are catch-and-release only – we want to make sure they're around for future generations of anglers to enjoy.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running these trips for years, and I still get a kick out of watching first-timers' faces when that reel starts singing. There's something special about being out there in the big blue, miles from shore, locked in a battle with a fish that's all muscle and attitude. It's not just about what ends up in the cooler – it's about the stories you'll tell, the pictures you'll show off, and that indescribable feeling of accomplishment when you finally bring a big one over the gunwale. Plus, let's be real – bragging rights at the local watering hole are worth their weight in gold.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're still reading, I'm guessing you're itching to get out on the water. This 10-hour Gulf Stream trip is the real deal – it's challenging, it's exciting, and it's the kind of day that turns casual anglers into die-hard offshore enthusiasts. We've got room for four lucky anglers, so grab your fishing buddies and lock in your date. Just remember to bring some snacks and drinks – fighting big fish works up an appetite! Don't let another season slip by without checking this off your bucket list. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or hit that 'Book Now' button. The Gulf Stream's calling, and trust me, you want to answer. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Sailfish

Mahi Mahi are a real treat to catch out here. These colorful fish put on quite a show, changing from blue and green in the water to golden yellow once landed. They're typically 15-30 pounds but can get up to 80 pounds. We find them near floating debris and weed lines in the warm Gulf Stream waters, usually within 100 feet of the surface. Spring and summer are prime time, when the water warms up. Anglers love Mahi for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights. Plus, they're excellent eating - firm white meat with a mild, sweet flavor. To hook one, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid near floating objects. My tip: watch for frigate birds circling - they'll often lead you right to a school of hungry Mahi.

Atlantic Sailfish

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are one of our go-to targets offshore. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish typically run 20-40 pounds, but the big ones can top 90 pounds. We find them in open water from 40-150 feet deep, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're here spring through fall when the water's warm. Kings are popular for their blazing speed - they'll smoke a reel like nobody's business. They also make for some good eating if prepared right. To catch one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Here's a local trick: use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings are notorious for short-striking, so that trailing hook helps stick 'em.

King Mackerel

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Atlantic Sailfish are the prize catch on many of our trips. These beauties are unmistakable with their huge dorsal "sail" fin. They average 6-8 feet long and 30-50 pounds. We find them in the warm Gulf Stream waters, usually within 100 feet of the surface. Spring and fall are best, when they're migrating through. Anglers love sailfish for their incredible aerobatics - they'll leap and dance across the water when hooked. It's all catch-and-release, but the photo ops are unbeatable. To target them, we'll often slow-troll with live bait like ballyhoo. My tip: when a sailfish takes the bait, give it a moment to swallow before setting the hook. Then hang on tight - you're in for a wild ride!

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
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