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Elite 8-Hour Outer Banks Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Wanchese, NC, United States
- Updated Date: November 28, 2025
Summary
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Outer Banks Catch of the Day
Full Day Fishing Adventure in Wanchese, NC
Ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action? Captain Lance Luke's got you covered with this 8-hour guided trip out of Wanchese. Whether you're after hard-fighting amberjack, tasty triggerfish, or the elusive cobia, we'll put you on the fish using a mix of techniques. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's the perfect way to experience the best fishing the Outer Banks has to offer.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll kick things off early, meeting at the dock in Wanchese as the sun's coming up. Captain Lance will have the boat prepped and ready to go, loaded with all the gear you'll need for a successful day. Depending on what's biting, we might start inshore, work the inlets, or head out to some nearshore hotspots. The beauty of a full day trip is we've got time to try different spots and tactics until we find the bite. You'll get to try your hand at jigging, trolling, and fishing with live and cut bait. And don't worry if you're new to fishing - Captain Lance will be there every step of the way to help you land that trophy catch.
Techniques and Tactics
On this trip, we'll use a variety of fishing methods to target different species. For amberjack, we often use vertical jigging techniques around underwater structures. It's a workout, but the fight these fish put up is worth every drop of sweat. When we're after triggerfish, we'll likely use bottom fishing techniques with cut bait or squid. For cobia, we might sight fish if conditions are right, casting live bait or artificial lures to these curious fish. And if the red drum are running, get ready for some exciting topwater action or slow-trolling with live bait. Captain Lance will read the conditions and adjust our approach throughout the day to maximize your chances of success.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Amberjack: These powerhouses of the ocean are a favorite among anglers for their sheer strength and stamina. Known as "reef donkeys," greater amberjack can grow up to 40 inches and put up a fight that'll test even experienced anglers. They're typically found around wrecks and reefs, and the waters off Wanchese are prime amberjack territory. Spring through fall is the best time to target these bruisers, with peak action often in the summer months. When you hook into one, hang on tight - the initial run of an amberjack is something you won't forget!
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you - triggerfish are crafty opponents and delicious table fare. These colorful fish got their name from the way they can lock their dorsal fin in place, making them tough to pull from their hidey-holes. We typically find them around the same structures as amberjack, but they require a bit more finesse to catch. Triggerfish have small mouths and sharp teeth, so using the right hook size and bait is crucial. They're available year-round, but the bite is often best in the warmer months. And if you've never tried triggerfish for dinner, you're in for a real treat - their sweet, firm white meat is considered a delicacy by many.
Redfish (Red Drum): A staple of North Carolina fishing, redfish offer great action for anglers of all skill levels. These copper-colored beauties can be found in the sounds, inlets, and nearshore waters around Wanchese. In the fall, we often target large "bull" reds that can top 40 inches. The excitement of watching a big red crush a topwater lure or seeing your rod double over when one picks up a bait is hard to beat. Redfish are available year-round, but fall is prime time for the big ones. Whether you're sight-casting in shallow water or working deeper holes, hooking into a red drum is always a thrill.
Cobia: Often called "man in the brown suit" due to their dark coloration, cobia are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These curious fish can grow to over 100 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Cobia typically show up in our waters in late spring and stick around through the summer. Sight-fishing for cobia is an exciting visual game - we'll cruise along, looking for these fish near the surface or around structure. When we spot one, it's a race to get a bait in front of it before it disappears. Landing a big cobia is a true accomplishment for any angler.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are one of the more unique-looking fish you'll encounter. Don't let their appearance fool you though - these fish are masters of bait-stealing and can be challenging to hook. We often target them around pilings, bridges, and other structures where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Using small hooks and crabs or fiddler crabs for bait, the key is to detect their subtle bite and set the hook quickly. Sheepshead are available year-round but are most active in the warmer months. They're also excellent eating, with firm, white meat that's similar to triggerfish.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing out of Wanchese with Captain Lance isn't just about catching fish - it's about the whole experience. From the moment you step on the boat, you're in for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully, some bent rods. Captain Lance's years of experience mean he knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's always happy to share his knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you'll come away from this trip with new skills and great memories. And let's not forget the views - there's something special about being out on the water, watching the sun rise over the Outer Banks as ospreys dive for their breakfast. It's the kind of day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, are you ready to experience some of the best fishing Wanchese has to offer? With Captain Lance at the helm, you're in for a day of non-stop action, great conversation, and hopefully, a cooler full of fish to take home. Whether you're looking to check amberjack off your bucket list, want to tangle with a bull red, or just want to spend a day on the water with friends or family, this full-day trip has got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your adventure. Grab your sunscreen, your favorite fishing hat, and let's get out there - the fish are waiting!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are one of our most prized catches here in Wanchese. These powerful fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. May through July is prime cobia season as they migrate up the coast. Anglers love cobia for their hard fights and excellent eating quality. They're often mistaken for sharks when you first spot them. To catch one, sight-fish with live eels or large jigs. My local tip: keep an eye out for rays - cobia often follow them looking for an easy meal. Cast your bait just ahead of the ray and hold on tight. When a big cobia hits, you're in for one heck of a battle!
Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjack are bruisers that'll test your stamina. These powerful fish average around 40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around offshore wrecks and reefs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love AJs for their sheer strength - hook into one and you're in for a workout. They're not the best eating, but the fight more than makes up for it. Live bait like blue runners works great, or try jigging with heavy metal lures. My tip: when you hook up, get the fish away from the structure fast or it'll break you off. Once you've got it in open water, settle in for a long battle. These fish don't give up easy!
Grey Triggerfish
Grey triggerfish are some of the coolest fish we target here. They usually hang out near reefs and wrecks in 60-180 feet of water. Most run 2-5 pounds, but they can get up to 13. These guys are crafty - they've got sharp teeth and can lock themselves in crevices with their dorsal fin when threatened. Late spring through fall is prime triggerfish season. Anglers love catching them for their feisty fight and excellent table fare. To land one, use a sturdy hook with squid or cut bait. Drop it straight down by the structure and keep your line tight. When you feel a bite, reel fast - triggerfish are notorious bait stealers. Watch out for those teeth when you bring 'em in!
Redfish
Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite target around here. You'll find them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep in bays and around oyster reefs. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can get much bigger offshore. Look for their distinctive spot near the tail. Redfish put up a great fight and they're delicious eating too. Fall is the best time to catch them, when they school up to spawn. These fish aren't picky eaters - they'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. For a fun challenge, try sight-casting to them in clear shallows. My local tip: on windy days, fish the lee shores where bait gets pushed up. Cast a gold spoon or soft plastic and get ready for some action!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are a real treat to catch around Wanchese. These striped oddballs typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks and reefs. You'll find them year-round, but spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. That makes them tricky to hook - you've got to feel for that subtle nibble. Once you do hook one though, they put up a scrappy fight. The meat is sweet and delicate, making them great eating too. My top tip: use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crab bait. Get it right next to pilings or other structure, and be ready to set the hook fast when you feel that telltale tap.
