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Premium NC Offshore Fishing | 8-Hour Charter

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

Summary

Get ready for a full day on the water with our 8-hour charter trip off the North Carolina coast. We start nearshore in the early hours, then head further out as the day warms up, giving you a taste of both inshore and offshore fishing. This extended trip lets us venture beyond the 25-mile mark, where the big catches lurk. Our experienced crew at Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures knows just where to find the action. With room for four guests, you'll have plenty of space to reel in some impressive fish. Whether you're after bottom-dwellers or pelagic species, this trip offers the perfect mix of variety and excitement. Bring your sun protection, snacks, and a cooler for your catch – we'll provide everything else you need for a great day of fishing. Don't forget your camera to capture those "fish tale" moments!
Premium NC Offshore Fishing | 8-Hour Charter

Reels and Keels

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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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8-Hour Offshore Fishing: NC's Hidden Gems

Hey there, angler! Ready to push past the breakers and discover what North Carolina's offshore waters are really hiding? Our 8-hour charter with Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures is your ticket to the good stuff. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll have you telling stories for years to come. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're heading out where the big boys play!

What's the Deal?

This ain't your average day on the water, folks. We're kicking things off nearshore, getting you warmed up with some action close to home. But as the sun climbs and the bite heats up, we're pointing the bow offshore and cruising past that 25-mile mark. That's where the magic happens. You'll be dropping lines where the fish grow big and the crowds thin out. It's the sweet spot between a quick trip and a full day slog – perfect for serious anglers who want results without burning a whole day.

Rods, Reels, and Ripping Drags

Listen up, because this is where it gets good. We're not messing around with dinky bait and light tackle here. We're rigged for war with heavy duty gear that can handle whatever decides to chomp down on your hook. Expect to be trolling with some serious spread – we're talking about multiple lines trailing colorful lures that mimic the local bait fish. When a big king mackerel or mahi decides it's lunchtime, you'll know it. That reel's gonna start singing, and that's when the real fun begins. Don't worry if you're new to this rodeo – Captain Phil's got your back and will walk you through every step.

Reel Talk from Happy Anglers

"Captain Phil was awesome. Went above and beyond to make the trip awesome. Will definitely book again" - JESSICA

Fish on the Radar

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are like the sports cars of the sea. They'll hit your lure hard and fast, often leaping clear out of the water in the process. Typically weighing in around 2-4 pounds, they're not the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Best targeted in the warmer months, Spanish mackerel are a blast on light tackle and make for some mighty fine eating too.

King Mackerel: Now we're talking! 'Kings' as we call 'em, are the big cousins of the Spanish. These toothy critters can top 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common. When a king hits, hold on tight – they're known for blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Fall is prime time for kings, but we catch 'em all summer long. Nothing beats the sight of a big king skyrocketing on a bait fish at the surface.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dolphinfish (but don't worry, they're not related to Flipper), mahi are the beauty queens of the offshore world. With their electric blue and gold colors, they're a sight to behold. These acrobatic fish love to put on a show, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. We typically find them near floating debris or weed lines. The best part? They're absolutely delicious on the grill.

Greater Amberjack: Pound for pound, these bruisers might be the toughest fish in the sea. We call 'em 'reef donkeys' for a reason – they fight like stubborn mules. Found around offshore wrecks and reefs, amberjack will test your arms and your back. But the fight is worth it when you're posing with a 40+ pounder at the end of the day.

Cobia: These curious fish are the dark horses of our waters. Sometimes called 'lemonfish' or 'ling', cobia have a habit of surprising anglers by following hooked fish right up to the boat. They grow big – we're talking 50+ pounds – and they're not afraid to use that weight in a fight. Cobia season is a big deal around here, usually kicking off in late spring. Land one of these bad boys and you've got some serious bragging rights.

Time to Get Your Fish On

Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there. But why read about it when you could be living it? Our 8-hour trip is the real deal – enough time to get you into the thick of the action without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line offshore, Captain Phil and the crew at Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures have got you covered. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Give us a call, book your trip, and get ready for a day of fishing you won't forget. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life!

Customer Review

Capt Phil Wows

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Captain Phil was awesome. Went above and beyond to make the trip awesome. Will definitely book again

JT
JESSICA THOMAS

May 27, 2024

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are one of the most sought-after gamefish in North Carolina waters. These powerful battlers average 30-50 pounds but can exceed 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures in 20-100 foot depths. May through September is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love cobia for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Sight-fishing for cruising fish is a popular technique - look for their distinctive shark-like profile near the surface. Live eels or large jigs are top baits. A local tip: when you spot cobia, cast well beyond them and work your bait back into their path. These curious fish will often investigate a properly presented offering. Be ready for strong runs and determined fights when you hook up with a big cobia!

Cobia

Greater Amberjack

Greater Amberjack are bruisers that will put your arms and gear to the test. These powerful fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep offshore wrecks and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between deep and shallow haunts. Anglers target AJs for their incredible strength - prepare for a battle! They also make great eating when prepared properly. Live bait like blue runners or speedo mackerel is deadly, but big jigs work too. A local trick is to use a fish-finder rig with a live bait swimming down to the structure. Be ready to lock down the drag and hold on tight when a big amberjack picks up your offering. These fish don't give up easily!

Greater Amberjack

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or "kings," are prized gamefish that'll really test your gear. These sleek predators can top 50 pounds and make blistering runs when hooked. Look for kings in 30-150 foot depths around reefs, wrecks, and offshore structures. They show up in spring and stick around through fall, with the biggest fish often caught in late summer. Anglers love targeting kings for their hard-fighting nature and tasty fillets. Live bait like blue runners or menhaden is tough to beat. A local tip: use stinger rigs with two hooks to improve your hookup ratio since kings often short-strike baits. Slow-trolling natural baits or pulling diving plugs are reliable techniques. Just be ready for explosive strikes and screaming runs when a big king hits!

King Mackerel

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi-mahi, also called dolphinfish, are some of the most colorful and acrobatic fish you'll encounter offshore. Averaging 15-30 pounds, these fast-growing fish are found near floating debris and weedlines in blue water beyond 20 miles out. Summer and early fall offer the best action as they follow warm currents. Mahi are prized for their delicious mild white meat and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. To find them, look for frigate birds working - that often means mahi are feeding below. Trolling ballyhoo or small lures is effective, but once you locate a school, casting light jigs or live bait can trigger a frenzy. A local secret is to keep a hooked fish in the water to hold the school close to the boat. The vibrant colors of a fresh-caught mahi are truly a sight to behold.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are a favorite target for anglers in North Carolina waters. These speedy swimmers average 1-2 feet long and put up an exciting fight on light tackle. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around inlets and nearshore structures. Spring through fall is prime time, with peak action in summer as they follow baitfish migrations. Locals love Spanish for their tasty, firm white meat that's great grilled or fried. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or live bait like mullet or menhaden. Watch for diving birds - that's a good sign Spanish are feeding below. A local trick is to use a long fluorocarbon leader since these fish have sharp teeth that can slice through lighter line. Keep an eye out for their distinctive gold spots when you bring one in.

Spanish Mackerel
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