Elite Offshore Fishing Charters in Wilmington NC

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

$650 - $2,200 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of offshore fishing action in Wilmington, NC? You're in for a treat with MaTunaHoo Sportfishing's 12-hour charter. We'll head out into the Atlantic, where the possibilities are endless. Depending on what's biting, we might drop lines to the bottom or troll for a variety of game fish. You could be reeling in hard-fighting amberjack one minute and battling a speedy wahoo the next. Mahi mahi, grouper, bonito, mackerel, and tuna are all on the menu too. With a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of time on the rods. Our experienced crew knows these waters and will put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time, we'll make sure you have a blast. Just remember to bring your camera – you never know what might end up on the end of your line out here!

Elite Offshore Fishing Charters in Wilmington NC

Big Fish, Big Smiles

Trophy sized catch in North Carolina.

A single greater amberjack fish, a 42-inch catch from Wilmington

A big and heavy giant caught in NC!

Look at the length of that beauty!

A foot for comparison on how big this fish is.

Reel in the Big Ones: Offshore Fishing Wilmington NC

Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious offshore action? MaTunaHoo Sportfishing's 12-hour charter out of Wilmington, NC is where it's at. We're talking deep blue waters, monster fish, and the kind of stories you'll be telling for years. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the Gulf Stream!

What's the Deal?

Alright, here's the scoop: We're heading out for a full day of fishing, from sunup to sundown. We'll be hitting the offshore waters where the big boys play. Depending on what the fish are doing, we might be bottom fishing for grouper or trolling for pelagics. It's all about reading the water and following the bite. You'll be on a top-notch boat with all the gear you need, so just bring your A-game and a good attitude. Oh, and don't forget to pack a lunch - trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there!

How We Roll

Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. We use a mix of techniques to put you on the fish. When we're trolling, we'll be pulling a spread of lures and baits behind the boat. It's like setting up an all-you-can-eat buffet for the big boys out there. For bottom fishing, we'll be dropping lines with heavy weights and circle hooks. It's all about feeling that thump and setting the hook just right. We've got top-of-the-line gear, from the rods and reels to the fish finder. And let me tell you, when that reel starts screaming, it's go time!

The Usual Suspects

Alright, let's talk fish. We're targeting some real bruisers out here. Blackfin tuna are like little footballs with fins - they hit hard and fight even harder. These guys are great eating and make killer sushi. Atlantic sailfish are the showstoppers of the ocean. When one of these bad boys decides to put on an aerial display, it's something you'll never forget. Atlantic bonito might not be the biggest, but they're fast as lightning and a blast to catch on light tackle. Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish, are like the supermodels of the sea. They're gorgeous to look at and even better on the grill. And then there's the wahoo - these are the speed demons of the ocean. When a wahoo hits your line, hold on tight because it's gonna be one heck of a ride!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running charters for years, and there's a reason folks keep coming back for more. It's not just about catching fish (though we do plenty of that). It's about the whole experience. The sun coming up over the horizon as we head out. The first glimpse of a frigate bird circling, letting you know there's action below. The rush of adrenaline when a big fish hits and the line starts peeling off the reel. And let's not forget the camaraderie - there's nothing like sharing a cold one at the end of the day, swapping stories about the ones that didn't get away. That's what keeps people coming back, trip after trip.

Species Spotlight

Blackfin Tuna: These guys are the pocket rockets of the tuna world. They might not get as big as their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. Blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds, but they pull like they're twice that size. They travel in schools, so when you find them, it's often fast and furious action. Best time to target them is fall through spring, and they make some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste.

Atlantic Sailfish: Now we're talking bucket list fish. Sailfish are known for their incredible speed and acrobatics. When one of these beauties decides to go airborne, it's like watching a marine ballet. They can reach lengths of 7-8 feet and weights over 100 pounds. Spring and early summer are prime time for sails off Wilmington. Even if you're doing catch and release, getting a photo with one of these magnificent creatures is worth the price of admission.

Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their size fool you - these little powerhouses punch way above their weight class. Averaging 5-10 pounds, bonito are like turbo-charged footballs. They're often found in big schools, which means non-stop action when you find them. Late winter to early spring is the best time to target them. Smoked bonito dip is a local delicacy you've got to try.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the glamour boys of the offshore world. With their vibrant colors and high-flying antics, mahi are a blast to catch. They can grow up to 50 pounds or more, but even the smaller "peanuts" are a ton of fun on light tackle. Summer is prime time for mahi. And let me tell you, there's nothing better than fresh mahi tacos after a long day on the water.

Wahoo: If you're looking for speed, wahoo is your fish. These streamlined predators can hit speeds of 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They average 30-50 pounds but can get much bigger. Late summer and fall are the best times to target wahoo. They're not called "ocean bacon" for nothing - the meat is out of this world delicious.

Time to Get Your Fish On

Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase. If you're looking for a world-class offshore fishing experience, you've found it right here in Wilmington. We've got the boat, we've got the know-how, and we've got the fish. All we need is you. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list, want to stock up your freezer with some premium fillets, or just want to experience the thrill of big game fishing, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the MaTunaHoo before they're all gone. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Let's make some fishing memories!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic bonito are like mini torpedoes - small but lightning fast. These cousins of the tuna family usually run 2-10 pounds and school up in big numbers. You'll find them in our nearshore waters, often within sight of the beach, especially in spring and fall. Bonito are surface feeders, so watch for birds working or fish busting on top. They're not the biggest, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and pure speed. Light tackle anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and tasty meat that's great for smoking or grilling. These fish migrate with the bait, so timing is key. Spring and fall are typically best as they pass through our waters. Trolling small spoons or casting light jigs into feeding schools are go-to tactics. When you find one, you've usually found a bunch - it's not uncommon to hook up on every cast when you're on a hot school. Local secret: If the bonito are being finicky, try "match the hatch" with small silver spoons that mimic their favorite bait fish. A fast retrieve is often the ticket - these speedsters love to chase down their meals.

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic sailfish are the sprinters of the ocean, clocking speeds up to 70 mph. These beauties average 6-8 feet long and put on quite a show when hooked, leaping and thrashing at the surface. You'll find them in our warmer offshore waters, usually in the top 100 feet or so. Spring and fall are peak seasons as sailfish follow bait migrations. They're a bucket list catch for many anglers because of their acrobatic fights and that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. It's all catch-and-release for these guys, but the photo ops are priceless. Sailfish love to hunt in packs, corralling bait balls with those big dorsal fins. Keep an eye out for frigate birds diving - that's often a good sign sailfish are feeding below. We typically troll with ballyhoo or small lures, but live bait fishing can be dynamite too. Here's a pro tip: When a sail takes the bait, don't set the hook right away. Give it a few seconds to really eat it, then slowly increase drag. These fish have soft mouths, so a gentle touch goes a long way in keeping them buttoned up during those spectacular aerial displays.

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are small but mighty fighters, usually weighing 15-30 pounds. You'll find them in the warmer Atlantic waters off our coast, often hanging around reefs or underwater structures. These guys love to school up and feed near the surface, which makes for some exciting topwater action. Late summer through fall is prime time for blackfin, when they move closer to shore chasing bait schools. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. The meat is dark red and has a rich, bold flavor that's great for searing or grilling. To up your chances, look for birds working the water - that's a good sign blackfin are feeding. Try trolling small lures or live bait like pilchards. When you hook one, be ready for some acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. These little tuna punch well above their weight class. One local tip: If you see them busting on the surface, try casting a popper or stick bait into the frenzy. The aggressive strikes on top can be a real thrill. Just make sure you've got your drag set right - blackfin can smoke a reel in seconds if you're not careful.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi-mahi, also called dolphinfish, are the acrobats of the offshore world. These colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll spot them near floating debris or weed lines in our bluewater, usually within the top 100 feet. Summer is prime time for mahi, but we can catch them spring through fall. Anglers love 'em for their aerial shows, beautiful colors, and fantastic eating. The meat is mild and versatile - great for anything from sushi to fish tacos. Mahi are curious fish, often following boats or investigating anything floating. Look for birds hovering over debris - that's a good sign mahi are lurking below. Trolling with ballyhoo or casting live bait near flotsam are reliable tactics. When you hook one, keep the boat moving - often the whole school will follow the hooked fish, letting you catch multiples. Here's a local trick: If you find a weed line or floating log, toss out a live bait and wait. Mahi are suckers for live bait, and their competitive nature often brings the whole school to the party. Just be ready for some chaos when they start biting!

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the drag-screaming speedsters of the deep. These streamlined predators can hit 60 mph and average 30-50 pounds, with some topping 100. You'll find them in our offshore waters, often near dropoffs or underwater structures. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time, as they follow bait migrations. Anglers prize them for their blistering runs and excellent table fare. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for grilling or searing. Wahoo are typically loners or found in small groups. They're ambush predators, so trolling at high speeds (12-15 knots) with lures or rigged baits is the go-to method. When a wahoo hits, hang on tight - their initial run can smoke a reel if you're not ready. Pro tip: Use wire leaders. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono or fluoro like butter. And don't forget to look for temperature breaks or current edges on your fish finder - wahoo love to hang out where warm and cool waters meet.

About the MaTunaHoo

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for an epic day of fishing off the coast of Wilmington, NC? Hop aboard for a 12-hour offshore adventure that'll have you reeling in some serious catches. We'll head out to where the big fish play, targeting a variety of species depending on what's biting. You might find yourself battling with hard-fighting amberjack, hauling in colorful mahi-mahi, or landing a prized grouper. The possibilities are endless - we could also encounter bonito, mackerel, tuna, or even the lightning-fast wahoo. With room for four guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast your line and enjoy the action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time, this trip promises a full day of excitement on the Atlantic. Just remember to bring your camera - you never know what surprise catches might be waiting beneath the waves!

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