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Expert-Guided Carolina Coast Offshore Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Carolina Beach, NC, USA
- $325 - $1,500 price range
Summary
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Offshore Action Shots
Fish Tales, Wrightsville Style!
Reel in Wrightsville Wonders!
Redfish: Angler's Dream!
Ocean's Bounty, Hooked Bliss!
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Fish Tales, Wrightsville Style!
Reel in Wrightsville Wonders!
Redfish: Angler's Dream!
Ocean's Bounty, Hooked Bliss!
null
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Fish Tales, Wrightsville Style!
Reel in Wrightsville Wonders!
Redfish: Angler's Dream!
Ocean's Bounty, Hooked Bliss!
Carolina Coast 3/4 Day Offshore Adventure
Ready to hit the open water and reel in some serious fish? Our 3/4 Day Offshore trip with SWF Charters is your ticket to an action-packed day on the Carolina coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to test your skills or a family wanting to make some big catches together, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be targeting a mix of hard-fighting bottom dwellers and trophy pelagics, so get ready for a cooler full of fish and a day full of memories.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll push off from the dock early, cruising out to where the big ones lurk. Captain Nick knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a whole playbook of secret spots that consistently produce. We'll start by dropping lines for some bottom fishing action, working the wrecks and reefs where grouper and snapper hang out. As the day heats up, we might switch gears and troll for some of the larger pelagics that cruise these waters. The beauty of this trip is its versatility – we can adapt to what's biting and what you're hoping to catch.
Techniques & Tackle Talk
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of bottom fishing and wreck fishing techniques. For the bottom dwellers, we'll be using heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line, paired with sturdy rods that can handle the pressure when a big grouper decides to head for its hole. We'll be dropping baits like squid, cut fish, and live pinfish to entice those reef monsters. When we're working the wrecks, we might switch to jigging or live bait fishing, depending on what's working that day. Don't sweat the gear – we've got you covered with top-notch equipment that's up to the task. Just bring your game face and maybe a pair of pliers for those trophy pics!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Red Grouper: These bruisers are the kings of the bottom, and they put up one heck of a fight. Red grouper typically hang out in depths of 60 to 400 feet and can grow up to 50 pounds. They're ambush predators, so when you hook one, be ready for a powerful first run as they try to dive back into their rocky lairs. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious – perfect for a post-trip fish fry.
White Grunt: Don't let their size fool you – white grunts are scrappy fighters that are a blast to catch. These tasty bottom dwellers get their name from the grunting sound they make when caught. They typically weigh 1-2 pounds but can get up to 8 pounds. Grunts are abundant year-round and make for great eating, so they're always a welcome addition to the cooler.
Greater Amberjack: Fondly known as "reef donkeys" among anglers, greater amberjacks are powerhouses that will test your stamina. These fish can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their hard-charging runs and dogged fights. Spring and fall are prime times to target AJs, and they're often found around wrecks and offshore reefs. Be prepared for an arm-burning battle when you hook into one of these bad boys.
Cobia: Also called ling or lemonfish, cobia are curious fish that often swim right up to the boat. They're hard-fighting and grow big, with some specimens topping 100 pounds. Cobia have a long season in Carolina waters, typically showing up in spring and sticking around through fall. They're often found near structure or following large rays. The meat is firm and white, making them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of many an offshore trip, red snapper are as beautiful as they are delicious. These ruby-red beauties can grow over 30 pounds and are known for their strong initial run when hooked. Red snapper season is typically limited, so catching one is always a special occasion. They're often found near natural and artificial reefs in depths of 60 to 200 feet. When you bring one of these guys over the gunwale, you know you're in for some world-class eating.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our 3/4 Day Offshore trip isn't just about filling the cooler (though we do plenty of that). It's about the whole experience – the salt spray in your face, the anticipation as your line goes tight, and the rush of adrenaline when a big fish breaks the surface. Captain Nick's years of experience mean you're not just fishing, you're getting an education on the local waters and the creatures that call them home. Plus, with a smaller group size of just 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and time on the rail. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list or just want to spend a day making memories with family and friends, this trip delivers.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, the fish are out there waiting, and Captain Nick's ready to put you on them. This 3/4 Day Offshore trip is the perfect balance of serious fishing and good times. You'll come back with a cooler full of fish, a camera full of photos, and stories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're a local looking for your next big catch or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Carolina offshore fishing, this is the trip for you. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your sunscreen, your favorite lucky hat, and let's get out there where the big ones live. Book now, and let's make some fishing magic happen!
Learn more about the species
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjacks are powerhouses that'll test your strength. These streamlined fish can reach 6 feet and over 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. Look for them around offshore wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Amberjacks are prized for their hard-fighting ability - they'll make blistering runs and use their weight to bull-dog you. Bring heavy tackle and be ready for a workout. Live bait like blue runners or speedy jigs work well. These fish have firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled or blackened. One local trick: when you see them circling structure, drop a live bait right in their path for an instant hookup. Just watch out for that first run - it's a doozy!
White Grunt
White Grunts are fun, feisty fish that'll keep your rod bent. They're usually 6-12 inches long, with silvery-blue bodies and distinctive yellow stripes. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas in waters up to 100 feet deep. White Grunts are most active at night, feeding on crustaceans and small fish. They're aggressive eaters, so they're not too picky about bait. Use small hooks with pieces of shrimp or squid for best results. These fish are known for the grunting sound they make when caught - it's actually their air bladder vibrating. While they may not be the biggest fish out there, White Grunts are great eating with a mild, sweet flavor. They're perfect for fish tacos or a simple pan fry. Pro tip: try jigging near structure with small bucktail jigs to entice a bite.
Red Grouper
Red Snappers are prized catches off the Carolina coast. These beautiful fish range from pink to deep red and can grow up to 3 feet long, though most we catch are 1-2 feet. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 30-600 feet of water. They're most active May through October during spawning season. Anglers love targeting Red Snapper for their tasty white meat and the fight they put up. These fish will make a run for cover when hooked, so be ready. For best results, use heavy tackle with fresh bait like cigar minnows or squid. Drop your line all the way to the bottom - that's where the big ones lurk. Red Snapper have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Just don't overseason it - a little lemon and butter is all you need to let that natural taste shine through.
Cobia
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish to target off our coast. These sleek, powerful fish can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. They're often mistaken for sharks with their broad, flat heads. You'll find cobia around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris from May through September. They're curious fish and will often swim right up to the boat. Sight-casting to cobia is a rush - they'll inhale large jigs or live eels. Once hooked, be ready for strong runs and acrobatic jumps. Cobia put up an amazing fight on both light and heavy tackle. Their firm, white meat is delicious and often compared to swordfish. Here's a pro tip: if you see rays or sea turtles, look for cobia swimming with them. Cast a bucktail jig nearby and hold on tight!
Red Snapper
Red Grouper are staples of our offshore fishing. These tasty bottom-dwellers are typically 5-15 pounds but can reach over 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months. Red Grouper are ambush predators, so they won't chase baits far. Use heavy tackle with large live baits or hefty jigs right on the bottom. When a grouper hits, it's a hard thump followed by a powerful dive for cover. Be ready to muscle them away from structure. These fish have excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's great for sandwiches or fish tacos. Local tip: if you're marking fish but not getting bites, try "power reeling" a large jig off the bottom. The fleeing action often triggers a strike.
