North Carolina Offshore Fishing Charters

North Carolina Offshore Fishing Charters

Best Offshore Fishing Charters in North Carolina

North Carolina: 196 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(173 reviews)
Topsail Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(44 reviews)
Manteo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $2,600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(269 reviews)
Beaufort
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(25 reviews)
Nags Head
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $650

Offshore Fishing in North Carolina

With over 12,000 miles of estuarine shoreline, North Carolina is an angler’s heaven. It boasts quick access to bays, sounds, and the deep waters, as the Gulf Stream passes by. Come offshore fishing in North Carolina and discover some of the East Coast’s best deep water fishing grounds, with some of the world’s most prized creatures passing by throughout the year. 

Where to Go

The Outer Banks

There’s no better place to begin your offshore excursion than the OBX. From Duck in the north to Hatteras in the south, via Roanoke Island and the Oregon Inlet, you’re never far from deep waters. Not only are you just a stone’s throw from the Gulf Stream, but fishing is also a way of life along the barrier islands, meaning you’ll have the help of a captain who’s been on the water their whole life. 
 

The Crystal Coast

Further south, the Crystal Coast also boasts plenty of opportunities to go offshore fishing in North Carolina. Head beyond the bays and sounds to the rich waters offshore, and you’ll be in for a treat. Plenty of charters attempt the long run out of Morehead City, Beaufort, and Atlantic Beach, with the islands just out of Wilmington offering the quickest dash to the offshore fishing grounds. 
 

When to Go

In summer, the calmer waters provide for a smoother ride to sea. Not only that, but Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Marlin will also offer plenty of entertainment out in the Gulf Stream. A trip in winter may provide the best rewards, though, as Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna make their way past, giving you the chance to land a trophy catch and a delicious treat at the same time.

What to Expect

In order to cut across the choppy waters of the Atlantic, you’ll need a powerful offshore sportfishing boat. These machines come fitted with everything you need for a smooth ride to sea, as well as enough to keep you comfortable for a long day on the water. 
 
You’ll usually need at least 10 hours on the water to give yourself enough time to reach the offshore fishing grounds and fish, with many captains preferring a 12-hour trip to maximize your fishing time. Avid anglers will love the multi-day trips on offer, giving you the chance to focus on fishing away from all of life’s distractions for as long as you want.
 
One thing’s for sure, offshore fishing in North Carolina is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Not only will you need at least a full day on the water, but you’ll also go up against some of the ocean’s biggest creatures. You should have some experience with a rod and reel before coming aboard, ready to test your strength to fill the boat. 

How to Prepare

Your fishing license is covered by your offshore fishing charter, so that’s one thing less to worry about. In fact, you won’t have much to do before coming aboard at all, with charter captains ensuring everything you need for a productive day. Just bring some drinks and snacks, dress appropriately, and away you go. 
 
“The Tar Heel State” offers some of the best offshore fishing in the country, so why not make it your next destination for a fishing trip? Come and put your skills to the test in true style!
 
North Carolina
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Based on 26,609 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Offshore Fishing in North Carolina

Connect with pros like Tried and True Charters .The Capt and first mate were professional, friendly and knowledgeable. They knew their stuff and took us right where we needed to be to catch the fish. Sit back relax and they put you in the perfect position to have a great fishing adventure.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Connect with pros like Tried and True Charters .The Capt and first mate were professional, friendly and knowledgeable. They knew their stuff and took us right where we needed to be to catch the fish. Sit back relax and they put you in the perfect position to have a great fishing adventure.
Mark  B.
Mark B. Cranberry Township, PA
Don't let a little sea sickness interfere with going out and having fun. I really want to come try again and we caught a total of five fish despite my sea sickness.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don't let a little sea sickness interfere with going out and having fun. I really want to come try again and we caught a total of five fish despite my sea sickness.
Lisa  C.
Lisa C. Arden, NC
Water is choppy but weather was great. Had a great time. Just hold on and enjoy the ride
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Water is choppy but weather was great. Had a great time. Just hold on and enjoy the ride
Thomas  G.
Thomas G. Moundsville, WV
Take a dramamine the night before the trip if you think you even might get sea sick! Once the boat stops and you're still rocking and rolling in the waves it hits you hard! But definitely take the trip! It was so much fun for the one that wasn't sea sick :)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take a dramamine the night before the trip if you think you even might get sea sick! Once the boat stops and you're still rocking and rolling in the waves it hits you hard! But definitely take the trip! It was so much fun for the one that wasn't sea sick :)
Christie  S.
Christie S. Cuba, MO
Iโ€™m not an experienced fisherman by any means so my best recommendation is hire a professional to take you where the fish are! You canโ€™t go wrong with Captain Randy & 1st Mate Nick with Fish Whistle fishing charter!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Iโ€™m not an experienced fisherman by any means so my best recommendation is hire a professional to take you where the fish are! You canโ€™t go wrong with Captain Randy & 1st Mate Nick with Fish Whistle fishing charter!
James  N.
James N. Edmond, OK
CB is a great little beach town. Bracketed by Wilmington and Southport - it's a good place to stay, eat, fish & beach.. or drive 30 mins and explore some of the other local areas. Several very nice golf courses nearby too
Excellent
5.0 / 5
CB is a great little beach town. Bracketed by Wilmington and Southport - it's a good place to stay, eat, fish & beach.. or drive 30 mins and explore some of the other local areas. Several very nice golf courses nearby too
Matt  B.
Matt B. Mooresville, NC
Plan accordingly. Take motion sickness precautions. Talk to the captain for anything needed during trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Plan accordingly. Take motion sickness precautions. Talk to the captain for anything needed during trip.
Doug  M.
Doug M.
Highly recommend Old North State fishing charter Great for family and kids aslo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Highly recommend Old North State fishing charter Great for family and kids aslo
Steven  J.
Steven J. Roanoke, Virginia
Contact the Captain you are booked with and get as much info as you can from him. Capt. Vinny knew what was coming with a late weather forecast change, and let us know the night before our trip what we were to expect. So we made a change of plans and set out on schedule to a different destination. May weather in North Carolina is somewhat unpredictable and changes fast. So keep in touch up to departure and they will put you on the fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Contact the Captain you are booked with and get as much info as you can from him. Capt. Vinny knew what was coming with a late weather forecast change, and let us know the night before our trip what we were to expect. So we made a change of plans and set out on schedule to a different destination. May weather in North Carolina is somewhat unpredictable and changes fast. So keep in touch up to departure and they will put you on the fish!
Jerry  C.
Jerry C. Greensboro, NC
Start with a shorter trip with an experienced captain (such as Captain Randy). These guys know the sound so well, youโ€™re almost guaranteed to have a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Start with a shorter trip with an experienced captain (such as Captain Randy). These guys know the sound so well, youโ€™re almost guaranteed to have a great time.
Paul  K.
Paul K. Cinnaminson, NJ
Yes, this was my first time. Despite the seas being a little rough we had a good time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, this was my first time. Despite the seas being a little rough we had a good time.
Janet  S.
Janet S. Telford, PA
Enjoying everything they have to offer. Fishing, sights and the great restaraunts.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Enjoying everything they have to offer. Fishing, sights and the great restaraunts.
Danny  G.
Danny G. Sanford, North Carolina
make sure pack sweatshirt weather can be little tricky . But water calm fish biting !
Excellent
5.0 / 5
make sure pack sweatshirt weather can be little tricky . But water calm fish biting !
Jack  K.
Jack K. Hanover, PA
We didn't fish Emerald Isle. We went out of Beaufort but the fishing was great and the weather was beautiful. I had a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We didn't fish Emerald Isle. We went out of Beaufort but the fishing was great and the weather was beautiful. I had a great time.
BRUCE  M.
BRUCE M. Charlotte, NC
Book with Tim (Rabid Tuna), trust him and his crew to deliver you a safe and rewarding experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with Tim (Rabid Tuna), trust him and his crew to deliver you a safe and rewarding experience.
Don  P.
Don P. Worthington Hills, KY
Be prepared for weather to change on you but May is great for Mahi and may still find some Wahoo around. If you are wanting to target Blue Marlin this is a good place to do so.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for weather to change on you but May is great for Mahi and may still find some Wahoo around. If you are wanting to target Blue Marlin this is a good place to do so.
Kalvan  P.
Kalvan P. Garner, NC
I would recommend waiting a little later in the year for the water temps to warm up a bit.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would recommend waiting a little later in the year for the water temps to warm up a bit.
Ernest  E.
Ernest E. Mount Sidney, VA
Be prepared for changes in weather and ensure you pick and experienced Captain.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for changes in weather and ensure you pick and experienced Captain.
Chris  A.
Chris A. Coal Grove, OH
When you are researching a boat to fish with, contact the Captain and get their opinion when it would be best to go fishing for what you want to catch. I talked often with my Captain so we could plan for a great trip on the water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
When you are researching a boat to fish with, contact the Captain and get their opinion when it would be best to go fishing for what you want to catch. I talked often with my Captain so we could plan for a great trip on the water.
Christopher  L.
Christopher L. Mechanicsburg, PA
Make sure to take adequate food and drink. Donโ€™t forget your sunglasses like I did!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure to take adequate food and drink. Donโ€™t forget your sunglasses like I did!
Gabriel  B.
Gabriel B. Fayetteville, NC

Top Targeted Offshore Fishing Species in North Carolina