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Elite 8-Hour Outer Banks Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Wanchese, NC, United States
- $550 - $950 price range
- Updated Date: October 15, 2025
Summary
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Rods Bent, Reels Screaming
Every catch counts on Wanchese coastal waters.
Wanchese fishing offers peace, fun, and challenge.
Cast, reel, repeat—Wanchese style fishing trips.
Rods bend often on Wanchese fishing days.
Fishing tradition runs deep in Wanchese, NC.
Cast lines where Wanchese waters always deliver.
Wanchese fishing brings adventure to every trip.
Anglers return often to Wanchese’s rich waters.
Wanchese, NC—where fishing stories come alive.
Discover timeless fishing charm in Wanchese, NC.
Every catch counts on Wanchese coastal waters.
Wanchese fishing offers peace, fun, and challenge.
Cast, reel, repeat—Wanchese style fishing trips.
Rods bend often on Wanchese fishing days.
Fishing tradition runs deep in Wanchese, NC.
Cast lines where Wanchese waters always deliver.
Wanchese fishing brings adventure to every trip.
Anglers return often to Wanchese’s rich waters.
Wanchese, NC—where fishing stories come alive.
Discover timeless fishing charm in Wanchese, NC.
Every catch counts on Wanchese coastal waters.
Wanchese fishing offers peace, fun, and challenge.
Cast, reel, repeat—Wanchese style fishing trips.
Rods bend often on Wanchese fishing days.
Full Day Fishing Frenzy: Wanchese's Hidden Gems
Get ready for an action-packed 8 hours on the water with Captain Lance Luke, your go-to guy for hauling in the big ones off Wanchese, NC. This full-day trip is perfect for anglers looking to mix it up and target a smorgasbord of species. From the hard-fighting amberjack to the elusive cobia, you'll be in for a real treat. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Lance has got the know-how to put you on the fish and keep those reels singing all day long.
What to Expect on the Water
As you push off from the docks of Wanchese, the anticipation builds. Captain Lance knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll be picking prime spots based on the day's conditions. You might start inshore, working the grass flats for speckled trout and redfish, before heading out to nearshore reefs for some triggerfish action. The beauty of a full day trip is the flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, there's always time to run to the next honey hole. With room for up to 4 guests, it's the perfect setup for a group of buddies or a family looking to make some lasting memories on the water.
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
Captain Lance is a master of multiple techniques, and he'll be pulling out all the stops to get you hooked up. Expect to do some jigging for those hard-fighting amberjack – it's a workout, but man, is it worth it when you feel that first hit. When the cobia are running, you might find yourself sight casting with live bait, trying to entice those curious fish. Trolling is always an option for covering more ground, and don't be surprised if you end up bottom fishing with cut bait for sheepshead around structure. The variety keeps things interesting, and you'll be picking up new skills all day long.
Top Catches This Season
Anglers have been crushing it lately, with some real doormat flounder coming over the rails. The triggerfish bite has been on fire, providing non-stop action and some tasty fillets to take home. One group even managed to boat a 50-pound cobia after an epic battle – now that's a fish story worth telling! The redfish have been schooling up in the shallows, giving fly fishermen a chance at some tailing reds in gin-clear water. It's been a banner year for variety, and the fall run is just around the corner.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Sheepshead: These striped bandits are the bane of many anglers, but boy, are they fun to catch. Known for their human-like teeth and uncanny ability to steal bait, sheepshead hang around pilings and oyster beds. They're tricky to hook, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be addicted. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the sea – firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you – triggerfish punch well above their weight class. These feisty little guys are known for their tough fights and their ability to lock themselves in holes with their dorsal fins. They're most active in the warmer months and love hanging around structure. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them a favorite for fish tacos.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of North Carolina fishing. They can be found in the surf, inlets, and backwaters, often tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs. In the fall, big bull reds move into the area, offering a chance at a true trophy fish. Their strong runs and dogged fights make them a blast on light tackle.
Greater Amberjack: Aptly nicknamed "reef donkeys," amberjack are the bulldogs of the ocean. These powerful fish hang around wrecks and reefs, ready to test your stamina and tackle. They're most active in the warmer months and can grow to impressive sizes. Be prepared for a workout – these fish don't know when to quit.
Cobia: The prize of many anglers, cobia are like the unicorns of the fishing world. They show up in the late spring and early summer, often following rays or cruising near the surface. Sight fishing for cobia is an adrenaline-pumping experience – they're curious fish that will sometimes swim right up to the boat. With their long runs and acrobatic jumps, landing a big cobia is a memory that'll last a lifetime.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. The waters around Wanchese offer a unique mix of inshore, nearshore, and offshore opportunities all within reach on a full day trip. You're not locked into one type of fishing, which means every trip is different. Captain Lance's local knowledge is second to none, and he's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to keep the rods bent. Plus, the scenery ain't bad either – from the historic waterfront to the wild beaches of the Outer Banks, you're surrounded by natural beauty all day long.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of North Carolina's finest fish, this is the trip for you. Captain Lance has the experience, the gear, and the attitude to make sure you have a day you won't forget. Whether you're after your personal best or just want to fill the cooler with some good eating, this full day trip out of Wanchese has got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat is ready, and the only thing missing is you. Don't let another season slip by – grab your spot on the "Outcast" and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that monster fish and making memories that'll last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Let's get fishing!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish we target around Wanchese. These powerful swimmers can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and even manta rays from late spring through summer. Cobia often cruise near the surface, making for great sight fishing opportunities. They're prized for their hard fights and excellent table fare. Live eels or large jigs work well. Here's a local secret: when you spot one, cast well ahead of its path and let the bait sink. Cobia are curious and will often investigate if you don't spook them. Be ready though – when they hit, it's like hooking a freight train!
Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjack are heavyweight contenders in our offshore waters. These bruisers average around 40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them near wrecks, reefs, and other structure in deeper water, usually 60-240 feet. Spring and early summer are peak seasons as they move in to spawn. Anglers love AJs for their brutal strength – be ready for a serious workout. They're also good eating, but be aware of size limits. Live bait like blue runners works great, or try vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs. Here's a tip: when you hook one, get it away from the structure fast or it'll break you off. These fish fight dirty, so come prepared with heavy tackle and a strong back!
Grey Triggerfish
Grey triggerfish are a blast to catch around here. These odd-looking fish average 17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. You'll find them near reefs, rocky areas, and wrecks in water from 60 to 300 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months. Triggerfish put up a surprisingly tough fight for their size and have sharp teeth that can make unhooking interesting. Anglers love them for their tasty white meat. Use a heavy sinker to get your bait down, and go with squid – it stays on the hook better when these nibblers start pecking. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, start reeling immediately. These guys are quick to steal bait, so you've got to be quicker on the uptake.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a favorite target in our shallow waters. They typically run 28-33 inches when mature, but can grow much bigger – the state record is over 90 pounds! Look for them in water as shallow as 1-4 feet, around oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Fall is prime time when they school up. Redfish are known for their strong runs and hard-fighting spirit. They're also great eating, with a light, sweet flavor. Sight fishing for tailing reds in the shallows is a real thrill. Try topwater lures early morning or late evening for explosive strikes. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon – redfish can't seem to resist that flash and wobble.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are a unique target around Wanchese. These fish, typically 1-8 pounds, have a weird human-like set of teeth and dark stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." You'll find them hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs, munching on barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time, as they form big spawning groups offshore. Anglers love sheepshead for the challenge – they're notorious bait stealers. Use light tackle and set the hook fast when you feel that telltale nibble. For bait, you can't beat fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. The meat is delicious, but cleaning them can be tricky with those tough scales. My tip: bring a pair of pliers to help with the fins when you're cleaning your catch.
