Premier 10-Hour Offshore Fishing in Topsail NC

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Topsail Beach, NC
$75 - $1,750 price range
Updated Date: September 22, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a unique offshore fishing adventure with Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures in Topsail, NC. This extended full-day trip takes you to the Frying Pan Tower, a converted light tower that's now a one-of-a-kind B&B. You'll be kayak fishing right in its shadow, targeting a variety of species like pompano and grouper. The Frying Pan Shoals offer diverse fishing grounds - from rocky shallows to shipwrecks and deep-water ledges. You can try your hand at pelagic fishing with one line while bottom fishing with another. It's a small-group experience, limited to just two kayaks for maximum comfort given the long boat ride. You'll need to bring your own kayak and gear for this specialized trip. The mix of offshore action, unique location, and exclusive feel make this a bucket-list adventure for serious kayak anglers. Book your spot now for a day of fishing you won't soon forget.

Premier 10-Hour Offshore Fishing in Topsail NC

Offshore Kayak Action

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

Epic Offshore Adventure: Frying Pan Tower Fishing

Get ready for the ultimate kayak fishing experience off the coast of Topsail, NC! This extended full-day trip takes you to the legendary Frying Pan Tower, where deep-sea monsters and trophy fish await. We're talking serious offshore action here, folks – the kind of trip that'll have you telling fish tales for years to come.

Trip Overview

Hop aboard our mothership and prepare for an adventure like no other. We'll cruise out to the Frying Pan Tower, a converted light station that's now a quirky B&B in the middle of the ocean. Once we arrive, you'll launch your kayak and find yourself in a angler's paradise. The Frying Pan Shoals offer a smorgasbord of fishing habitats – from rocky shallows to shipwrecks and deep-water ledges. You'll be doubling up on the action, with one line set for pelagics and another for bottom fishing. This is the real deal, offshore kayak fishing at its finest.

On the Water

This ain't your average inshore kayak trip, folks. We're talking serious offshore fishing from a kayak, which means you need to come prepared. Bring your own kayak and gear – we're looking for anglers who know their stuff. You'll be tackling a mix of techniques out here. For the pelagics, we might be trolling or using live bait rigs. When it comes to bottom fishing, you'll want to load up on heavy jigs and cut bait to tempt those grouper and hogfish. The current can be strong, so be ready for a workout. But trust me, when that rod bends double with a big king mackerel or a beefy grouper, you'll forget all about those sore arms.

Customer Stories

"Even though the weather changed on us Capt Phillip still managed to put us on some fish. We had a great trip and are looking forward to booking him again in the future" - Johnny

"Even though weather kept us from our original plan of going further offshore capt Phillip still put us on fish. He was courteous and very accommodating. We will definitely use him again in the future." - Johnny

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These speedsters are the adrenaline junkies of the ocean. Known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, hooking a king is like strapping a rocket to your kayak. They typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, but monsters over 50 pounds aren't unheard of. Late summer and early fall are prime time for kings around the Frying Pan Shoals.

Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): With their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, mahi are a favorite among offshore anglers. These fish are as beautiful as they are delicious. Look for them around floating debris or weed lines. They're most common in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. The average size is 15-30 pounds, but 50-pounders are possible!

Hogfish: These oddball-looking critters are prized for their sweet, flaky meat. They're bottom dwellers, usually found around rocky areas and ledges. Hogfish require some finesse to catch – light tackle and small hooks baited with shrimp or squid are your best bet. The average size is 2-10 pounds, but anything over 15 pounds is considered a trophy.

African Pompano: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your typical inshore pompano. African pompano are big, powerful fish that put up a heck of a fight. They're often found near structures like shipwrecks or the tower itself. Most fish range from 10-30 pounds, but 50-pounders are possible. Late summer and fall are prime times to target them.

Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the reason you brought your heavy gear. Gags love structure, so we'll be targeting them around the rocky bottom and ledges of the Frying Pan Shoals. They're known for their powerful initial run, trying to break you off in the rocks. Most keeper gags are in the 10-30 pound range, but 50+ pounders are caught every year. Fall is typically the best time for big gags.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

This trip is the crown jewel of our kayak fishing offerings, and for good reason. Where else can you launch your kayak 30 miles offshore and fish in the shadow of an old lighthouse? The variety of species and fishing techniques keeps things exciting – one minute you might be battling a screaming king mackerel, the next you're locked in a tug-of-war with a stubborn grouper. And let's not forget the bragging rights. When your buddies are talking about their bass fishing trip, you can casually mention how you caught a 30-pound mahi from your kayak in the middle of the ocean.

The Frying Pan Tower itself adds a whole other layer of cool to this trip. It's a piece of maritime history, and fishing around it feels like you're in on a secret spot that most anglers will never experience. Plus, the structure it provides makes for some epic fishing opportunities.

We keep this trip limited to just two kayaks to ensure everyone has plenty of space and gets the attention they need. It's not for the faint of heart or the inexperienced, but for serious kayak anglers, this is about as good as it gets.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're still reading this, I know you're itching to get out there. This trip is the real deal – the kind of adventure that separates the weekend warriors from the die-hard anglers. It's challenging, it's exciting, and it's the kind of trip that'll have you reliving every moment for years to come.

Remember, we only take two kayaks per trip, so spots fill up fast. Don't miss your chance to experience world-class offshore kayak fishing right here off the coast of North Carolina. Whether you're after a trophy king mackerel, a tasty hogfish, or just want to test your skills against some of the ocean's toughest fighters, this is the trip for you.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, secure your spot, and get ready for the offshore kayak fishing adventure of a lifetime. The big ones are out there waiting – let's go catch 'em!

Customer Reviews

Fish On Any Weather

Even though the weather changed on us Capt Phillip still managed to put us on some fish. We had a great trip and are looking forward to booking him again in the future

Johnny Jackson

June 4, 2025

Adaptable Captain

Even though weather kept us from our original plan of going further offshore capt Phillip still put us on fish. He was courteous and very accommodating. We will definitely use him again in the future.

Johnny Jackson

June 5, 2025

Learn more about the species

African Pompano

African Pompano are a trophy catch that'll test your drag. These silvery powerhouses average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around deep reefs and wrecks in 100-250 foot depths. They're attracted to strong current, so look for areas with good water movement. African Pompano put up a stubborn fight, using their deep bodies to dig in and test your stamina. Live bait like blue runners or goggle-eyes works well, but they'll also hit jigs and butterfly jigs. The bite can be finicky, so patience is key. What makes them special is their rarity - landing a big one is a real accomplishment. They're available year-round but tend to be more active in warmer months. Here's a local secret: when you spot them on the fish finder, drop a live bait straight down - they often hit on the fall. The meat is excellent eating too, similar to other pompano species.

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll put your gear to the test. These bruisers average 10-30 pounds but can reach over 70. You'll find them around rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 foot depths. They're ambush predators, so look for areas with plenty of structure and baitfish. Live bait like pinfish or squid works well, but they'll also hit jigs and large plugs. The fight is all about power - expect a big initial run as they try to dive back into their hole. Gags are prized for their firm, white meat, making them a favorite for the dinner table. They're available year-round, but regulations often limit seasons. Fall tends to be prime time as they move to shallower water. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from the structure before they can break you off. Landing a big gag is always a thrill.

Hogfish

Hogfish are a unique target that'll test your skills. These odd-looking reef dwellers average 2-10 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and coral reefs in 30-100 foot depths. They use their pig-like snouts to root for crustaceans, so look for areas with plenty of structure. Hogfish are notoriously tricky to hook - they're masters at stealing bait. For best results, use light tackle and small hooks with live shrimp or crabs. Spearfishing is another popular method. The fight isn't spectacular, but the challenge is in fooling them to bite. What really makes hogfish special is the table quality - many consider it the best-tasting fish in the sea. They're available year-round, but winter tends to be prime time as they congregate to spawn. Here's an insider tip: create some commotion on the bottom to draw them in closer before dropping your bait.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are prized gamefish that'll give you a real fight. These speedsters average 20-40 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in depths of 40-150 feet, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're migratory, so prime fishing is spring and fall as they move through. Kings are voracious predators - they'll hit just about anything that moves. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden is a go-to tactic. For artificial lures, try spoons or diving plugs that mimic baitfish. Kings make great eating too, with firm, oily meat perfect for smoking. When you hook one, be ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. A local trick: use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. Nothing beats the thrill of a big king smoking line off your reel at 40 mph.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch offshore. These colorful acrobats put on a show, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can reach over 60. Look for them near floating debris or weedlines in blue water. Mahi are fast-growing and aggressive feeders, so they're usually plentiful and eager to bite. Spring through fall is prime time as water temps warm up. Troll with ballyhoo or artificial lures, or pitch live baits when you spot them. The fight is spectacular - expect repeated jumps and blistering runs. Mahi also make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a pro tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water to attract others in the school. Mahi are a blast for anglers of all skill levels, and the neon colors are like nothing else you'll see.

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