Ready for some serious offshore action? Grab your sea legs and join us for a full day of deep sea fishing off the coast of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. We're talking big fish, open water, and the kind of stories you'll be telling for years. Our experienced crew at Badfish Fishing Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're itching to put you on some trophy catches.
We're not messing around with this trip. We're heading 30-40 miles offshore where the big boys play. You'll have 6-8 hours to battle it out with some of the Atlantic's most prized game fish. We're talking King Mackerel that'll make your arms ache, colorful Mahi Mahi that fight like crazy, and bottom-dwelling monsters like Grouper and Snapper. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew's got your back. We'll set you up with top-notch gear and show you the ropes. Just be ready for some serious action when that reel starts screaming!
Out here, we use a mix of techniques to put fish in the boat. For the pelagics like Kings and Mahi, we'll be trolling with live bait or artificials. When we're targeting those tasty bottom fish, we'll drop lines with cut bait or jigs. Our boat's decked out with state-of-the-art fish finders, so we'll put you right on the honey holes. We provide all the gear you need – sturdy rods, quality reels, and a variety of baits and lures. Just bring your game face and maybe some sunscreen. The North Carolina sun can be brutal out on the open water!
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the kings of the coastal waters for a reason. They're fast, they're mean, and they can grow over 50 pounds. Kings love to hit trolled baits and put up a fight that'll leave you grinning. Spring through fall is prime time for these smokers, with summer being the peak season.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dolphinfish, these technicolor beauties are a favorite for both their looks and their taste. They're acrobatic fighters, known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. We typically find them around floating debris or weed lines. Summer and early fall are your best bet for Mahi.
Red Snapper: These bottom-dwellers are prized for their flaky white meat. They're strong fighters that love to head for structure when hooked. We target them over reefs and wrecks. The season for Red Snapper is tightly regulated, so we'll let you know if they're on the menu for your trip.
Spanish Mackerel: The smaller cousins of the King, Spanish Mackerel are fast and fun to catch. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. These fish are perfect for light tackle enthusiasts. Spring and fall are the best times to target them as they migrate along the coast.
Black Sea Bass: These structure-loving fish are a blast to catch and delicious to eat. They might not be the biggest, but they make up for it in numbers. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms. You can catch them year-round, but they move to deeper waters in the winter.
Folks come from all over to fish these waters, and it's not just for the fish. There's something special about being out on the open ocean, watching the sun rise over the horizon as we steam out to the fishing grounds. You might see dolphins playing in our wake or spot a sea turtle cruising by. And let's not forget the rush when a big fish hits and the reel starts singing. It's addictive, plain and simple. Plus, our crew loves nothing more than seeing the look on an angler's face when they land their personal best. That never gets old.
If you're itching for some world-class offshore fishing, Badfish Fishing Charters in Sneads Ferry is your ticket to the action. We've got the know-how, the gear, and the hot spots to make your deep sea dreams a reality. Whether you're a seasoned salt or a first-timer, we'll make sure you have a day on the water you won't forget. Just remember, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. So don't wait – give us a call and let's get your adventure on the books. The big ones are out there waiting, and we can't wait to help you catch 'em!
King mackerel are hard-fighting speedsters that can top 50 pounds, though most run 10-20. We find them from near shore out to the break, often around bait schools and structure. They show up in spring and stick around through fall. Kings are famous for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. To target them, we'll slow troll live baits like blue runners or menhaden. Wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs. One local tip - when a king skyrockets on your bait, don't set the hook immediately. Let it run with the bait for a few seconds to ensure it's got it good. Kings make for some exciting action, especially on light tackle. The meat can be a bit strong, but it's great smoked or in fish dip. Just be aware of mercury concerns with the bigger ones.
Black sea bass are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that make for great eating. They typically run 1-4 pounds, with some big boys pushing 8+ pounds. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs and rocky bottoms in 50-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time, when they move inshore to spawn. These fish put up a good scrap until they break the surface. To target them, I like using a medium rod with 20-30 lb line and a two-hook bottom rig baited with squid or cut fish. The bigger males tend to hang in deeper water, so that's where you want to focus for trophy-sized bass. One local trick - if you find a good spot, anchor up and chum to keep the fish around. Just be mindful of size and bag limits during the season.
Spanish mackerel are speedy, hard-fighting fish that run in big schools. Most are 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. We find them near the surface around structure and bait schools, often within sight of the beach. They show up in spring as the water warms and stick around through fall. These fish are a blast to catch - they hit hard and make blistering runs. Plus, they're excellent eating. To target them, I like using light tackle with small spoons or jigs. Cast into the school and retrieve quickly. Live bait like finger mullet works great too. One tip - always have wire leader, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. The best action is often early morning when they're busting bait on the surface. Keep an eye out for birds diving to find the schools.
Red snapper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Adults typically run 5-10 pounds but can reach 30+. You'll find them holding on reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet. Summer is prime time when they move shallower to spawn. These fish put up a stubborn battle, often trying to dive back to their structure. Light tackle enthusiasts love the challenge. To target them, we'll anchor up over good bottom and fish with heavy weights and strong circle hooks. Fresh cut bait like cigar minnows works well. One local tip - when you hook one, get it up quick or it'll dive and break you off. Always check regulations, as seasons are strictly managed. The meat is fantastic - mild, sweet, and great on the grill. It's no wonder these are one of our most popular targets.
Mahi mahi, also called dolphin, are one of the most beautiful and exciting fish we target. They typically run 5-15 pounds nearshore, with bigger bulls over 30 pounds offshore. We find them around floating debris and weedlines, often within 30 miles of the beach. Summer and early fall are prime. These acrobatic fish put on a show when hooked, with spectacular aerial displays. They also make excellent table fare. To catch them, we'll troll ballyhoo or lures, or pitch live baits when we spot them. One local trick - always have a pitch rod ready. When you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around. Mahi are curious and will often stay with their hooked buddy, letting you catch multiples. The meat is mild and versatile - great for fish tacos or grilled with fruit salsa.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150