Get ready to hit the big blue with Captain Paul on a full-day fishing adventure you won't soon forget. We're talking 10 solid hours of prime offshore action, where the Crystal Coast's best catches are just waiting for you to drop a line. This ain't your average day on the water – it's a chance to tangle with some real heavyweights of the sea. Whether you're itching to battle a hard-fighting kingfish or dreaming of that photo with a trophy wahoo, Captain Paul's got the know-how to put you on the fish. With room for you and four of your buddies, this trip is perfect for small groups looking to make some serious fishing memories. Just remember to pack a cooler – there's no food provided, but trust me, you'll be too busy reeling 'em in to worry about snacks.
Alright, let's break down what you're in for. We'll shove off from Beaufort bright and early, so be ready to roll with the sunrise. As we cruise out past the breakers, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins – they love to show off in our wake. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's go time. We'll be using a mix of trolling and bottom fishing, depending on what's biting. Captain Paul's got all the gear you need, from sturdy rods to top-notch reels and the freshest bait around. You might start off targeting those inshore redfish, feeling the thump when they hit your line. But as we push further out, that's when the real giants come into play. Be ready for some serious arm-wrestling if a wahoo decides to take your bait – these speedsters can really make a reel sing!
There's something special about fishing the waters off Beaufort that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the variety – one minute you're jigging for blackfin tuna, the next you're watching a mahi light up the water with its electric colors as it dances on the end of your line. Or maybe it's the thrill of never knowing what you might hook into next. But I'll tell you what really sets this trip apart – it's Captain Paul's sixth sense for finding the fish. He's been navigating these waters longer than some of us have been walking, and he's got a knack for reading the sea like it's an open book. Plus, there's just something about being out there, miles from shore, with nothing but blue water all around you. It's the kind of experience that sticks with you, long after you've docked and headed home.
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish you'll be chasing on this trip. First up, we've got the wahoo. These torpedo-shaped speedsters are the drag-screamers of the offshore world. They're known for their blistering runs and their ability to turn a calm fishing trip into an adrenaline-pumping battle in seconds. Wahoo can top 100 pounds, and they're at their best in the late summer and fall. When you hook one, hold on tight – they've been known to strip 400 yards of line in a single run!
Next, we've got the northern kingfish, often called king mackerel or just "kings" by the locals. These are the acrobats of the sea, known for their spectacular leaps and gill-rattling head shakes. Kings are most active in the warmer months, and while they average around 20 pounds, it's not uncommon to tangle with 40-pounders out here. They're a blast to catch on light tackle, and they make for some mighty fine eating too.
Last but definitely not least, there's the blackfin tuna. These muscular powerhouses might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. Blackfins are year-round residents in these parts, but they really turn on in the fall and winter. When you hook up with a blackfin, be ready for a down-and-dirty slugfest. They'll test your stamina and your gear, often diving deep and circling the boat. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh blackfin sashimi cut right there on the boat.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish you might catch or the memories you'll make out there on the big blue. But the truth is, nothing I say can compare to actually being out there, feeling that first tug on your line, and watching a monster fish break the surface. This 10-hour trip with Captain Paul is the real deal – it's your chance to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Crystal Coast has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line in the ocean, you're in for a treat. So why wait? Round up your crew, grab your sunscreen, and let's get you booked. The fish are out there waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. See you on the water!
Blackfin tuna are the smallest tuna species we target, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Most run 15-25 pounds, with some pushing 40. We find them offshore in warm waters, often schooling with skipjack. Fall through spring is the best time to target blackfin around here. Anglers love them for their hard runs and jumps when hooked. The dark red meat is also top-notch for sashimi or grilling. To catch blackfin, we'll often chum them up, then cast live baits or vertical jig. A local trick is using small blue and white feather jigs - blackfin can't resist them. When you hook one, get ready for some smoking runs. Their endurance is incredible for their size. Pound for pound, blackfin put up one of the best fights of any offshore species we target. Plus, nothing beats fresh tuna steaks for dinner after a day on the water.
Northern kingfish are feisty little bottom-dwellers that put up a good scrap on light tackle. Most run 10-14 inches and under 2 pounds. You'll find them in the surf zone and nearshore waters, usually over sandy or rocky bottoms. Late summer is prime time as they move in close to shore. Kingfish are fun to catch and make great eating with their mild, white meat. To target them, use small hooks and pieces of shrimp, squid, or bloodworms. Fish right on the bottom where these guys like to root around for food. A cool trick is to look for diving birds - that often means kingfish are pushing bait to the surface. Cast into those areas and you might hook into a bunch. Don't set the hook too hard, their mouths are pretty soft. Overall, kingfish are perfect for beginners or anyone who wants steady action on light gear.
Wahoo are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet long but can reach over 8 feet. We typically find them in deeper offshore waters, especially near floating debris or structures. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo season off Beaufort. Anglers love targeting wahoo for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. The meat is also excellent - mild and flaky white flesh that's great for fish tacos. To land one of these speedsters, we'll troll at a fast clip of 12-15 knots using wire leaders and lures like bulletheads or diving plugs. Keep your drag set tight and be ready for some screaming runs when a wahoo strikes. It's an adrenaline rush reeling one in, and the photo ops are always epic with their tiger-striped bodies.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 250