Ready to reel in some serious action off the Sneads Ferry coast? Our half-day offshore charter takes you where the big fish play, up to 10 miles out in the Atlantic. We're talking king mackerel that'll make your drag sing, grouper that'll test your muscle, and a whole cast of hard-fighting fish that'll keep your rod bent from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our crew's got the know-how to put you on the fish and the gear to land 'em. Let's make some waves and fill some coolers!
As we push off from Sneads Ferry, you'll feel the excitement build with every nautical mile. Our half-day trips are the sweet spot for anglers who want a taste of offshore action without committing to a full day. We'll cruise out up to 10 miles, where the water turns that deep, beautiful blue and the fish start to get serious. You'll be dropping lines for a mix of species that'll keep you guessing - one minute you're battling a hard-charging king mackerel, the next you're muscling up a hefty grouper from the depths. And don't sleep on the black sea bass, grunts, and porgies - these tasty bottom-dwellers make for some of the best eating around.
Out here, we mix it up to maximize your chances of a stellar catch. We'll do some trolling for the pelagics like king mackerel and cobia, dragging lines with live bait or flashy lures that mimic their favorite snacks. When we're targeting those reef-dwelling grouper and sea bass, we'll switch to bottom fishing. You'll be dropping weighted rigs baited with squid or cut fish, feeling for that telltale thump that means dinner's on the other end. Our crew's always on hand to show you the ropes, whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your offshore skills. We've got top-notch gear aboard, but feel free to bring your own if you've got a lucky rod.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the sprinters of the sea. Known as "kings" for good reason, they'll make your reel scream with blistering runs. We usually find them in the warmer months, and they love to chase our trolled baits. Expect a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear, and some mighty fine eating if you decide to keep one for the grill.
Greater Amberjack: Pound for pound, these bruisers are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. We call 'em "reef donkeys" because they're stubborn as mules when you're trying to pull them up. They hang around wrecks and reefs year-round, but really fire up in the spring and fall. Be ready for a workout - these guys don't come to the boat easy!
Great Barracuda: With a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude, 'cudas are the pirates of these waters. They're lightning-fast and will often sky on your bait, putting on an aerial show before the battle even begins. We catch them year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months. Just watch those teeth when we're unhooking them!
Gag Grouper: These bottom-dwelling heavyweights are prized for their firm, white flesh. Gags love structure, so we'll be dropping baits near ledges and reefs. They've got serious pulling power, so when you hook one, you better hang on tight and start cranking. The bite is best in the cooler months, making them a great target for our fall and winter trips.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you - these little guys punch above their weight class in both fight and flavor. They're abundant on the reefs and wrecks we fish, often providing non-stop action when we find a good school. You can catch them year-round, but they move a bit deeper in the summer heat. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, and absolutely delicious on the dinner plate.
Our half-day offshore trips hit that sweet spot for a lot of folks. You get the thrill of big game fishing without burning a whole day or breaking the bank. Plus, the variety keeps things interesting - you never know what's gonna grab your line next. Our regulars love the chance to tangle with some serious fighters and bring home a cooler full of fresh fillets. And for those new to offshore fishing, it's the perfect intro to the blue water action. We've had families create yearly traditions, buddy groups settle bets, and solo anglers cross dream catches off their bucket lists. There's something special about being out there where the land disappears and it's just you, your crew, and the endless blue.
If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that offshore rush, we've got your ticket. Our half-day charters out of Sneads Ferry are primo for both seasoned salts and newcomers looking to test the waters. We'll put you on the fish, show you the ropes, and make sure you head back to the dock with some great catches and even better stories. Just remember, the boat don't wait and neither do the fish - so lock in your date now. Grab your sunscreen, your lucky hat, and let's go make some waves! Book your NC offshore adventure with Badfish Fishing Charters today, and get ready for a reel good time on the Atlantic.
Black Sea Bass are tasty little fighters that pack a punch for their size. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they can reach 8 or more. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms from 60-180 feet deep. They're most active in spring and fall as water temps change. Anglers love sea bass for their aggressive bites and delicious white meat. They're not huge, but they're feisty and often bite in good numbers. Use light to medium tackle with small hooks and cut bait or squid. When you feel a tap, set the hook quick – sea bass have small mouths and can be bait stealers. A cool thing about these fish: they're hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing to males as they grow. For the best action, anchor up and chum to keep a school fired up under the boat.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the bottom, all muscle and stubborn fight. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Find them around rocky ledges and reefs from 60-250 feet deep. Fall and winter are peak seasons as they move closer to shore. Gags are prized for both their tenacious battles and their excellent table quality. When you hook one, be ready for a tug-of-war – they'll dive for any hole they can find. Use heavy tackle and stout leaders. Live bait like pinfish or squid works well, but big jigs can also entice a strike. Here's a local trick: when you feel that initial thump, wait a second before setting the hook. Let the gag really inhale the bait. Then, reel fast and pull hard to get its head turned before it can hole up.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, all teeth and attitude. They average 3-4 feet but can grow over 6 feet long. You'll spot them lurking around shallow reefs or cruising the surface offshore. Summer's prime time, when water's warmest. Cudas are famous for their explosive strikes and gill-rattling jumps. While not great eating, they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Try trolling shiny lures or free-lining live bait near the surface. When a cuda hits, it's like lightning – set the hook fast and hang on. Watch those teeth when you land one – they can slice through leader like butter. If you're catch-and-release, use a dehooker to avoid those razor jaws. It's all about quick reflexes and smart handling with these speedsters.
Greater Amberjack are bruisers of the ocean, commonly reaching 40-50 pounds. Look for them around offshore wrecks and reefs in 60-240 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall, often gathering in schools. Jacks are prized for their powerful runs and dogged fights – they'll test your arms and your gear. While not the best table fare, many anglers target them purely for sport. To hook up, drop live bait or heavy jigs near structure. Once you get a bite, hold on tight and start cranking. These fish love to dive for cover, so you've got to turn their heads fast. Pro tip: when you feel the jack tiring, keep steady pressure. They often have one last burst of energy right at the boat.
King Mackerel are speed demons of the sea, hitting 35 mph in bursts. These silver torpedoes average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them from the surface down to 150 feet, often near inlets or around bait schools. They're most active in warmer months when water temps hit the upper 60s. Anglers love Kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Their firm, oily flesh makes great smoked fish dip too. To land one, try slow-trolling live bait like mullet or menhaden. Keep your drag set light – when a King hits, it'll peel off line like nobody's business. Once hooked, be ready for a fight. These fish don't give up easy, but that's what makes 'em so fun to catch.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150