Wilmington
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $675
Captain
Gabriel Chandler
Wilmington, United States
Federal waters
50+ reviews
Operating a 29' World Cat Pilothouse, Capt. Gabriel ensures a comfortable fishing experience in the waters of Wilmington, North Carolina. The crew will demonstrate techniques such as bottom fishing, spinning, popping, trolling, drifting, jigging,
or something unique to the area. For special requests, such as bow fishing, message Capt. Gabriel.
Brett E.
First mate
Charters
- WilmingtonInstant ConfirmationTrips fromUS $675
Rating
4.9
71 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (72)
What anglers say
94%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
93%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
94%
Caught fish
All reviews (71)
Showing 1 – 5 of 71 reviews
Jesse NguyenRepeat angler
Texas, US•Member since 2024•2 trips5.0VerifiedNEWSuper fun charter
8 Hour Trip – Offshore • 6 adults • 2 childrenThis trip was really fun. My wife and I took our three daughters and son on an 8hr off shore trip. Gabe is a really nice guy, very personable and knowledgeable. Caught some cool fish including a baracuda and grouper. Tried our luck drifting for shark but hey, if you actually know how to fish you know it is what it is. Essentially in an 8hr trip we got 22 miles out and were able to troll, bottom fish, and drift for sharks. Three people knew very little about fishing, two of us I’d say are pretty skilled and knowledgeable, and everyone had a great time. Would recommend to anyone. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water if sunny! Will likely charter again when we come visit family out here again. Five stars, would recommend to anyone.
Reported catch:
Hollis BNorth Carolina, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedCaptain Gabe is great!
4 Hour Trip – Sharks • 6 adults • 4 childrenIf you're looking for a fishing charter that's fantastic for families, especially with kids, Captain Gabe is the one to book. From the very beginning, he went above and beyond. Before we even arrived, he helped us figure out parking, which made the morning so much less stressful. We booked the 6:00 a.m. four-hour charter, and despite the challenging conditions, we had an awesome time. We caught flounder, black sea bass, toadfish, lizardfish, and even hooked a shark before it got away! The best part of the trip, though, wasn't just the fishing it was Captain Gabe himself. He was absolutely incredible with our four kids (ages 11, 10, 8, and 7). He was patient, encouraging, and made sure each of them felt included and had a great experience. It's not easy keeping kids engaged on a fishing charter, but he made it look effortless. Captain Gabe genuinely cares about his guests having a great experience. We can't recommend him highly enough, especially for families traveling with kids. We'll absolutely be booking with him again the next time we're in town!
Sarah GerlachOhio, US•Member since 20265.0Verified“Good bait means good fish”
4 Hour Trip – Sharks - 10:00 AM • 6 adults • 4 childrenTop comments from our kids (ages 4-12): “I give it a 10 out of 10 stars!” “I loved catching that chonker of a Drum fish.” “Dad, that was the most fun I’ve ever had fishing.” Despite not having the best weather for the trip, Gabe and Brett made the trip memorable. The kids loved going fast on the boat, learning about the different fish and the different baits to catch them. Their excited smiles were well worth it. Thanks again!
Devin AndrewsNorth Carolina, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedNEWcaught a ton of fish.
8-HR Offshore • 6 adultsCaptain was awesome caught a ton of fish from groupers and red snappers to a big amberjack and tons of take home meat. great guy to charter with. i dont understand how anybody could leave a bad review unless they dont inderstand how fishing works. wel be back at least once a year
Reported catch:
William CrumpWisconsin, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedNEWAwesome trip
5 Hour Trip – Sharks • 2 adultsGreat trip, caught lot of fish. Sharks, flounder, grouper, toads. Flounder and grouper out of season but still great to catch. Gabriel was awesome and very knowledgeable. We will be booking again next year during flounder season.
Real catches shared by our community
- Catch and Cruise NC - World CatWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC - World CatWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC - World CatWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC – PursuitWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC - World CatWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC - World CatWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC – PursuitWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC - World CatWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC - World CatWilmington, NC
- Catch and Cruise NC – PursuitWilmington, NC
Our Fishing Locations
What's biting with Catch and Cruise NC - World Cat in Wilmington
Head to offshore wrecks and do bottom fishing for Amberjacks. There's a steady bite from other big fellas, including Sailfish, Tuna, and Marlin.
Top catches for September
Fishing reports
Spanish Mackerel Nearshore, Big Offshore
Sep 11, 2026 • Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach fishing report.
Fishing has been hot both nearshore and offshore! Nearshore, there’s a ton of bait around with Spanish mackerel feeding hard. We’ve been putting fish in the boat trolling the schools and floating live bait.
Offshore has been producing some serious fish, with big sharks, amberjack, grouper, snapper, triggerfish and more hitting the deck.
Plenty of action right now—come get in on the bite!
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Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish & Jacks
Aug 21, 2026 • Wilmington
Fishing is really starting to heat up around Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, and it feels like we’re getting an early taste of the fall bite.
Inshore & Nearshore:
The inlets have been loaded with fish, especially on the outgoing tides. We’re seeing a strong mix of Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and crevalle jacks. Every time we roll through the jetty on an outgoing tide, birds are working bait being flushed out of the inlet, and there are plenty of fish underneath them.
Offshore:
There’s a ton of life moving around offshore right now. We’ve been seeing big migrations of bait and predator fish, including running into a large school of red drum while trolling roughly 18 miles offshore.
The offshore wrecks, ledges, and nearshore structure are producing a wide variety of fish. Recent trips have produced cobia, black grouper, red drum, and flounder, with plenty of other life showing up around the structure.
Everything we’re seeing points toward the early fall fishing season starting to roll in. September is traditionally one of the best months of the year to fish our coast, whether you want to stay nearshore or push offshore.
If you want to get out there, send us a message and let’s go put you on some fish.
Catch and Cruise NC
Wrightsville Beach & Carolina Beach
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Spanish Mackerel & Flounder Nearshore Bi
Aug 13, 2026 • Wilmington
The nearshore bite is strong right now, with Spanish mackerel providing some of the most consistent action around the jetties. Large schools of silversides are moving through, birds are actively working the bait, and the Spanish are feeding heavily. We’ve been finding fish by trolling around the jetties, then stopping to cast and jig once we locate a school. The second half of the outgoing tide has been especially productive, although we’re seeing fish throughout the day, including early mornings and afternoons.
Mullet are also becoming very plentiful, bringing plenty of life into the inshore waters. Flounder are around in excellent numbers, and with North Carolina’s September 1–14 flounder season approaching, it’s a great time to plan a trip if you’re hoping to bring home a keeper.
A little farther offshore, king mackerel are providing good trolling opportunities, particularly during the first few hours after sunrise. Bottom fishing remains productive throughout the day and becomes less dependent on the tide as we push farther offshore.
Looking ahead, we’re approaching one of our favorite stretches of the fishing calendar. September and October bring changing water temperatures and increased fish movement, creating excellent opportunities both nearshore and offshore. Wahoo fishing should continue building into the fall, with September through November offering some of our best opportunities for offshore trolling.
Current highlights: Spanish mackerel, flounder, king mackerel, bottom fish and plenty of bait — with the fall offshore season right around the corner.
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Wrightsville & Carolina Beach Fishin
Aug 1, 2026 • Wilmington
This week, the nearshore bite is on fire. Summer flounder fishing has really turned on, the mullet run is in full swing, and redfish are moving in and out of the jetties consistently. Big barracuda are also showing up just off the beach, providing exciting action on light tackle.
When the weather gives us a good offshore window, the fishing has been excellent. Live bait has been producing quality bottom catches, while early morning trolling has been putting king mackerel in the boat. Farther out in the Gulf Stream, anglers are finding big wahoo along with quality snapper and grouper.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family trip close to the beach or an action-packed offshore adventure, now is a great time to get on the water.
If you have any questions about planning a fishing trip out of Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to help you choose the trip that’s best for the current conditions and the species you’d like to target.
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July 2026 fishing report
Jul 17, 2026 • Wilmington
Fishing along the Carolina Beach coast continues to produce plenty of action despite the summer heat. Sharks remain one of the most consistent bites, making for exciting trips with opportunities at quality fish throughout the day.
One of the biggest highlights right now is the number of large barracuda showing up. These fish are incredibly aggressive around hooked fish, and it’s common to watch them follow a catch all the way to the boat—or even steal it before you can land it. Getting them to commit, however, takes the right presentation. Large barracuda have seen plenty of rigs over the years, so lighter, less visible wire leaders often produce more bites. That said, presenting a large live bait can trigger an instinctive reaction, and even cautious fish will often crush a properly presented offering.
For anglers looking to bring home dinner, flounder, red drum, and black drum continue to provide good opportunities around the inlets, docks, marsh edges, and other inshore structure. Live bait remains the top producer, and the larger schools of mullet finally beginning to arrive should only improve the bite over the coming weeks. This year’s mullet run started a little later than normal, but the bait is finally showing up in good numbers.
Nearshore anglers should also keep a live bait ready for king mackerel. Big kings are still cruising just off the beaches and can provide an unforgettable fight when conditions allow.
If offshore conditions become too rough, don’t overlook the jetties and Intracoastal Waterway. Success inside has been highly dependent on the tides, with moving water producing the best action. Planning your trip around a favorable tide can make all the difference on days when the ocean isn’t cooperating.
Offshore, the fishing remains excellent whenever the weather provides a window. American red snapper season is open, giving anglers another outstanding opportunity to fill the cooler. Grouper and snapper fishing continues to be very productive, while big amberjack are providing hard-fighting action over the wrecks and ledges. Blue water anglers are also finding solid numbers of mahi and wahoo, making offshore trips well worth the run when sea conditions allow.
As always, weather determines everything this time of year, so keep an eye on the forecast and take advantage of the calm days when they come. Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water!
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Summer Bite Continues Along the Caro
Jul 5, 2026 • Wilmington
July is doing what July typically does along the Carolina coast—the fish are still here, but they’re more spread out than they were in the spring. That means patience, fresh bait, and making the most of every opportunity.
Nearshore, we hooked a nice cobia this week, proving they’re still around for anglers willing to put in the time. Live bait and fresh-cut bait are producing far better than frozen this month and are the biggest keys to success.
Big barracuda are stacked up on the nearshore reefs and wrecks. If you’re targeting them, scale down your wire leader and present a large live bait naturally. Many of these fish have seen plenty of lures, so a stealthy presentation makes all the difference.
Spanish mackerel continue to blitz bait along the beaches, but with so much natural forage in the water, they’ve become a little more selective. You may not get as many bites as earlier in the season, but the quality has been excellent.
Grey trout and red drum are still being caught, although they aren’t feeding as aggressively as they do during the spring and fall transitions. Working live bait around structure during moving water has been the most consistent approach.
The sponey dog fish have slowed up when Shark fishing and will be replaced by much larger sharks luke big tiger sharks, hammer heads, bull sharks and black tips so not as many shark but overall kich bigger and more exciting.
Overall, we’re catching fewer fish than we were a month ago, but the quality has remained outstanding. Summer fishing is all about adapting to the conditions, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Book your trip now and let us put you on the fish—whether you’re chasing sharks, Spanish, cobia, barracuda, or whatever decides to bite next.
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