World-Class Gulf Stream Fishing | 12-Hour Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for a serious fishing challenge? This full-day trip takes you over 50 miles out to the Gulf Stream's edge. It's our longest adventure, perfect for small groups of 2-3 anglers looking to test their skills in deep waters. Weather permitting, we'll hunt for big game fish like Sailfish and Tuna. You'll need stamina for this one, but the potential catches make it worth it. Our boat is equipped for offshore action, and we'll be targeting the most productive spots. Expect a full day on the water, starting early and returning late. Pack snacks, sunscreen, and your A-game - this isn't your average fishing trip. Whether you're an experienced angler or looking to level up, this Gulf Stream adventure offers a real shot at landing something impressive. Remember, we're at nature's mercy out there, so flexibility is key. But when conditions align, it's hard to beat the rush of battling big fish in open water.

World-Class Gulf Stream Fishing | 12-Hour Charter

Gulf Stream Giants

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

Extreme Full Day Fishing: Topsail's Gulf Stream Adventure

Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're itching for a serious offshore challenge, boy, do I have the trip for you. Our Extreme Full Day Fishing adventure out of Topsail Beach, NC is the real deal. We're talking about pushing past the 50-mile mark to hit the sweet spot where the Gulf Stream's warm waters meet cooler currents. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a hardcore fishing expedition for those who want to tangle with some of the ocean's most prized gamefish.

Trip Overview

Alright, let's break it down. We're looking at a full day on the big blue, and I mean full. We'll be leaving at the crack of dawn and not heading back until we've had our fill of world-class fishing. This trip is perfect for small groups of 2-3 serious anglers who don't mind putting in the hours for potentially massive payoffs. We're talking the chance to hook into sailfish, tuna, and a whole bunch of other hard-fighting pelagics. Just a heads up – this trip is weather-dependent. We need calm seas and clear skies to make the long run out to the fishing grounds safely. But when the conditions line up, oh man, it's go time!

What to Expect on the Water

Once we hit the Gulf Stream, it's all hands on deck. We'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species. Expect to do some trolling with spreader bars and ballyhoo rigs for the bigger game fish. We might also stop to do some jigging or live baiting if we mark fish on the finder. The key out here is versatility – conditions can change fast, and we need to be ready to switch up our tactics at a moment's notice. Don't worry if you're not an expert; I'll be there to guide you through every cast and hookset. Just be ready for some serious action when those reels start screaming!

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing out here can be red hot. We've been crushing it with blackfin tuna lately – these guys fight like they're twice their size and make for some killer sushi. King mackerel have been showing up in good numbers too, giving anglers a run for their money with their blistering runs. But the real stars of the show are the sailfish. When one of these acrobatic beauties decides to skyrocket out of the water, it's a sight you'll never forget. And let's not forget about the mahi mahi (dolphinfish) – they're not just beautiful, they're delicious too!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Blackfin Tuna: These compact powerhouses are the bread and butter of our offshore trips. They school up in good numbers and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. Blackfin are around most of the year, but fall and winter are prime time. They're suckers for chunked bait and can be caught on both conventional and light tackle for an extra challenge.

Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of our Gulf Stream trips. Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of speeds up to 68 mph. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays and are a bucket-list catch for many anglers. Late spring through early fall is your best bet for hooking into one of these beauties. Remember, we practice catch and release with sailfish to keep the population healthy.

King Mackerel: Also known as kingfish, these toothy predators are a blast to catch. They make scorching runs and can grow to over 50 pounds. We target them by slow-trolling live bait or by using large spoons. Kings are most abundant in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall.

Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, these are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They're known for their acrobatic fights and their tendency to travel in pairs. Mahi are fast growers and can be found year-round, but summer is prime time. They love to hang around floating debris, so keep your eyes peeled for weedlines or floating logs.

Wahoo: The speed demons of the ocean. Wahoo are built for velocity, with a sleek body that can propel them to over 60 mph. They're not as common as some of our other targets, but when we do hook one, it's always memorable. High-speed trolling with artificial lures is our go-to method for wahoo. Fall and winter are typically the best seasons for these elusive fighters.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

I'll tell you what – there's something special about fishing the Gulf Stream that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the anticipation as we cruise out past the sight of land. Or the thrill of watching a sailfish light up in electric blue as it zeroes in on the bait. Could be the way your arms feel like jelly after battling a yellowfin tuna for an hour. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of getting under your skin. It's not just fishing; it's an adventure, plain and simple. And the best part? Every trip is different. You never know what the ocean's going to throw at you out there, and that's half the fun.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you've made it this far, I know you're itching to get out on the water. Our Extreme Full Day Fishing trip isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're up for the challenge, I promise it'll be a day you won't forget. We've got limited spots available, and they tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready to test your skills against some of the toughest fish in the Atlantic, give us a shout at Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures. We'll get you set up with everything you need for an epic day on the Gulf Stream. Don't let another season slip by – book your trip today and let's make some fishing memories!

Learn more about the animals

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic sailfish are the sprinters of the sea, reaching speeds up to 70 mph. These beauties average 6-8 feet long and 80-120 pounds. You'll spot them in the warmer Gulf Stream waters, typically 100-200 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they follow bait schools. Sailfish are famous for their spectacular aerial displays - they'll leap and dance across the water, shaking that iconic dorsal fin. It's a sight you won't forget. Anglers love the challenge and the thrill of the fight. When hooked, they'll make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Light tackle with 20-30 pound test line works well. Live bait like ballyhoo or mullet is your best bet. Here's a pro tip: when you see one in the spread, drop back a bait and let it swim naturally. Sailfish often prefer an easy meal over a fast-moving lure.

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus family, typically weighing 15-30 pounds. You'll find them in the warmer waters off Topsail, usually 100-300 feet deep near the Gulf Stream edges. These speedsters love to chase bait, so look for birds working the surface. Best fishing is fall through spring when water temps are 68-80°F. Anglers love blackfin for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps - pound for pound, they're one of the hardest fighting fish out there. The meat is excellent too, darker and richer than yellowfin. When you hook one, let it run to tire itself out before reeling. Use light tackle with 30-50 lb fluorocarbon leader and circle hooks. Chunk fishing with cut bait or live bait like pilchards works great. Just remember, they have sharp eyes, so keep your gear scaled down.

King Mackerel

King mackerel, or "kings," are the speedsters of our coastal waters. They typically run 10-20 pounds, but 30-40 pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them from the beach out to the Gulf Stream, usually in 30-150 feet of water. Kings love structure, so look near reefs, wrecks, and dropoffs. They're most active here from late spring through fall when water temps hit the 68-75°F sweet spot. Anglers prize kings for their blistering runs - when they hit, hold on tight! They're also excellent eating, with firm, white meat perfect for grilling. To land a big one, try slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or mullet. Use wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. Here's a local trick: when you see Spanish mackerel jumping, kings are often lurking below. Drop a live bait down and hang on!

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi, also called dorado, are one of the most colorful fish you'll see. They usually run 15-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders show up. You'll find them in the warmer Gulf Stream waters, often around floating debris or weed lines. Summer and early fall are prime times when water temps hit 70-80°F. Mahi are famous for their acrobatics - they'll leap and shake, flashing those brilliant blue and gold colors. Anglers love them for the exciting fight and top-notch eating. The meat is firm, white, and delicious. To catch mahi, troll near floating objects or chum and cast. They're aggressive feeders, so bright lures or live bait like ballyhoo work well. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water. Others will often follow, giving you a shot at multiple hookups.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the drag-screamers of the deep. These sleek, striped torpedoes average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them in the warm Gulf Stream waters, usually beyond 100 feet deep. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time off Topsail. They're famous for blistering runs - when a wahoo hits, your reel will sing! Anglers love the challenge and the excellent eating. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for grilling. To target wahoo, high-speed trolling is the way to go. Run lures at 12-18 knots, using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Stick with purple, blue, or black and white color combos. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for frigate birds. They often follow wahoo schools, giving away their location. When you see the birds working, get ready for action!

Sitemap