Ready for a day packed with action on the water? Join Captain Lance Luke for an 8-hour fishing trip out of Wanchese, NC that'll have you chasing some of the Outer Banks' most exciting catches. Whether you're after the powerful pull of an amberjack or the delicate bite of a triggerfish, this full-day charter gives you the time and expertise to target a variety of species in the rich waters off North Carolina's coast.
Climb aboard Captain Lance's well-equipped vessel for a day of non-stop fishing action. With 8 hours at your disposal, you'll have plenty of time to explore the best fishing spots around Wanchese. Depending on the season and conditions, you might find yourself battling cobia near the inlets, targeting red drum in the sound, or heading offshore for some triggerfish action. Captain Lance knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan to maximize your chances of landing some impressive catches.
This isn't your average cast-and-wait fishing trip. Captain Lance employs a mix of techniques to keep the action hot all day long. You might start off jigging for amberjack, switch to trolling for cobia, then finish up with some live bait fishing for flounder. He'll match the method to the target species and conditions, ensuring you're always using the most effective approach. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, you'll pick up some valuable skills and have a blast doing it.
The waters around Wanchese are teeming with a variety of sought-after fish. Amberjack are known for their hard-fighting nature and can really test your strength. Triggerfish, with their unique shape and tasty flesh, are always a welcome addition to the cooler. Cobia, often called "crab eaters," are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Redfish, or red drum, are a local favorite, especially when they're tailing in the shallows. And let's not forget about the ever-popular flounder – these flatfish make for some excellent table fare.
Fishing with Outcast Fishing Charters OBX isn't just about filling the cooler (although that's a nice bonus). It's about the experience of being on the water, learning new techniques, and the thrill of the catch. Captain Lance's knowledge and enthusiasm are contagious, and his ability to put you on fish is what keeps anglers coming back year after year. Plus, with a maximum of 4 guests, you're guaranteed personalized attention and plenty of room to cast.
Sheepshead: These striped bandits of the sea are known for their human-like teeth and their uncanny ability to steal bait. Targeting sheepshead is a true test of an angler's finesse, as their bite is so subtle you might not even feel it. They're typically found around structures like pilings and reefs, and when you hook one, be ready for a fight – they're pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish in these waters.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you – triggerfish are feisty little creatures that put up a surprisingly good fight. They get their name from the "trigger" mechanism in their dorsal fin, which they use to lock themselves into crevices. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks, and they're known for their sweet, firm white meat that's excellent for fish tacos.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of North Carolina inshore fishing. They can be found in the sounds and inlets, often giving themselves away by their distinctive tail-waving behavior in shallow water. Fall is prime time for big "bull" reds, but you can catch them year-round. Their strong runs and head-shaking fights make them a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts.
Greater Amberjack: Locally known as "reef donkeys" for their stubborn fighting ability, amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the nearshore waters. These powerful fish will test your stamina and your gear. They typically hang around wrecks and reefs, and when you hook one, be prepared for a battle. The best time to target them is usually late spring through summer.
Cobia: These curious fish, sometimes called "lemonfish," are prized for both their fighting ability and their excellent taste. Cobia often follow large rays or sharks, so keep your eyes peeled for these big, dark shadows in the water. They have a reputation for making blistering runs and spectacular jumps when hooked. The cobia run typically starts in late spring and can last through the summer, making them a popular target for Wanchese anglers.
A full day of fishing with Captain Lance and Outcast Fishing Charters OBX is more than just a trip – it's an adventure you'll be talking about for years to come. With his local knowledge, variety of fishing techniques, and commitment to putting you on fish, you're in for a top-notch experience on the water. Whether you're aiming to catch your personal best, learn new skills, or just enjoy a day out with friends and family, this is the charter for you. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your Wanchese fishing adventure. Get ready to create some lasting memories and maybe even some new fishing stories to tell!
Cobia are one of Wanchese's most sought-after gamefish. These powerful brown bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. We typically find them May through September around buoys, wrecks, and even free-swimming near the surface. Cobia put up an epic fight with long runs and acrobatic jumps. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Sight-fishing for cobia is a rush - we'll look for their distinctive shape cruising just under the surface. To hook one, I like pitching live eels or large bucktail jigs. A local trick: if you spot a cobia, cast well past it and work your bait across its path. They can be finicky, so sometimes a more subtle approach pays off. Once hooked, be ready for a long battle.
Greater amberjack are hard-fighting beasts that'll test your stamina. These bluish-grey torpedoes average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep wrecks and reefs in 60-240 feet of water, usually April through October. AJs are prized for their powerful runs and aerial acrobatics - be ready for a workout. They make good eating too, just watch for size limits. To target them, we'll drop live bait or heavy jigs near structure. When you hook up, hold on tight and pump that rod. A local tip: if the bite's slow, try "butterflying" a live bait by cutting slits in its sides. The erratic action drives AJs crazy. Just be careful handling these strong fish when you get them boat-side.
Grey triggerfish are a fun catch off Wanchese. These tough little fighters usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh up to 13 pounds. You'll find them around hard-bottom areas, ledges, and reefs in 60-180 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months. Triggerfish put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare with their sweet, white meat. To target them, I like using squid on a small hook with a heavy sinker. Drop it to the bottom, then reel up a few turns. Triggerfish tend to nibble before committing, so be ready for subtle bites. Once you feel weight, reel fast and steady - their tough mouths make them pros at throwing hooks. A local trick: chum with some crushed shells to get them fired up.
Redfish, or red drum, are a favorite target in Wanchese's shallow waters. These bronze beauties with the distinctive tail spot typically run 3-10 pounds inshore, but can get much bigger offshore. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster beds, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a great fight, often with exciting topwater strikes. They're also excellent eating when caught within slot limits. To hook one, I like using live or cut mullet on a circle hook. Cast near structure and let it sit. When you feel that telltale thump, resist the urge to set the hook - just start reeling and let the circle hook do its job. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in super shallow water is a rush you won't forget.
Sheepshead are a unique catch around Wanchese. These striped fish, often called 'convict fish', typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches. You'll find them hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles to munch on. Spring is prime time, as they form big spawning groups offshore. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tricky bite and tasty white meat. To land one, you've got to be quick on the hookset. I tell folks to use light tackle and fish close to pilings. Bait your hook with fiddler crabs or clams, let it hit bottom, then slowly work it up. When you feel that nibble, set the hook hard and fast. It takes some practice, but the fight and dinner plate reward are worth it.