Family Fishing Adventure on Emerald Isle

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Emerald Isle, NC
$600 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Captain Travis leads this 4-hour family fishing trip off Emerald Isle, NC. It's a great chance to spend time together while trying to catch Bluefish, Cobia, and Mackerel. The trip is set up for all ages and skill levels, from kids to grandparents. You don't need to bring any gear – it's all provided, and the captain will show you how to use it. The atmosphere is relaxed and safe, perfect for newcomers or those who just want an easy day on the water. You can bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy while you fish. Up to 6 people can join, so it's ideal for a family outing. The boat leaves from Emerald Isle and heads to inshore fishing spots. While you're out there, you might land some exciting catches like King Mackerel or Spanish Mackerel. It's a nice mix of fun fishing action and laid-back family time. Remember, no smoking or alcohol on board – it's all about keeping things comfortable and safe for everyone.

Family Fishing Adventure on Emerald Isle

Fishing Fun for All

Scenic landscape with mountains in North Carolina

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Nice day out in the waters of Emerald Isle!

Angler fishing in the serene waters of Emerald Isle

Sail with us in the waters of North Carolina!

Lots of Wahoo biting in Emerald Isle fishing!

Family Fun Fishing on Emerald Isle

Hey there, anglers! Ready for some quality time on the water with the whole crew? Captain Travis here, and I've got just the trip for you. We're talking a half-day adventure off Emerald Isle that's perfect for everyone from little tikes to grandma and grandpa. No experience? No problem! We'll have you reeling in the big ones before you know it. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the waves for some unforgettable family memories.

What's the Scoop?

Picture this: You're out on the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic, the sun's warming your face, and there's a rod in your hand just begging for some action. That's what you're in for on our 4-hour family fishing trip. We'll be chasing after some real crowd-pleasers like bluefish, cobia, and both king and Spanish mackerel. Don't sweat the gear – I've got everything you need right here on the boat. And hey, if you've never fished before, or it's been a while, no worries at all. I'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time. Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks to keep those energy levels up. Oh, and for everyone's comfort, we keep things family-friendly – so no smoking or booze on board, alright?

Rods, Reels, and Ripping Lines

Alright, let's talk fishing! We'll be using a mix of techniques to land our catch. For the mackerel, we'll likely do some trolling – that's where we drag lures behind the boat as we cruise along. It's a great way to cover water and find the fish. When we spot some cobia, we might switch to sight fishing, where we'll cast lures or live bait right in front of their noses. And for those feisty bluefish? We might chum a bit to get them excited and then let the chaos ensue! I'll set everyone up with the right gear for each species, from light spinning tackle for the Spanish mackerel to heavier stuff for the big boys like king mackerel and cobia. Don't worry if you're new to this – I'll walk you through every cast and retrieve.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the stars of our show, shall we? First up, we've got the bluefish. These guys are like the bulldogs of the sea – all muscle and attitude. They'll hit just about anything that moves and give you a real fight on light tackle. They're around most of the year, but spring and fall are prime time.

Next, there's the cobia. These bad boys can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their powerful runs. They start showing up in May and stick around through September. When you hook one, hold on tight – they're known for their initial burst of speed that'll make your drag sing!

King mackerel, or "kings" as we call 'em, are the speedsters of the bunch. They can zip through the water at over 40 mph and make some spectacular jumps when hooked. We typically see them from late spring through fall, with the biggest ones showing up in the cooler months.

Last but not least, Spanish mackerel. These little rockets are perfect for kids and beginners. They're fast, they're feisty, and they're a blast on light tackle. Plus, they make for some mighty fine eating if you're looking to take home dinner. We start seeing them in April, and they hang around until the water cools off in October.

Time to Reel It In

Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. Whether you're looking to make some lasting family memories, introduce the kids to the joy of fishing, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this trip's got you covered. With a variety of species to target and techniques to try, there's never a dull moment. Plus, you've got me, Captain Travis, to make sure everyone has a safe, fun, and hopefully fish-filled day. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Give us a shout and let's get you booked for some Emerald Isle fishing action. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the species

Bluefish

Bluefish are all-out attackers, usually 3-10 pounds but can hit 20. You'll find them churning up bait schools in our bays and along beaches, especially in summer and early fall. They migrate south for winter, following the bait. Anglers love Blues for their aggressive strikes and strong fights - they'll destroy your lures if you're not careful. Their oily meat is great smoked or grilled fresh. When targeting Blues, look for birds diving or bait fish jumping - that often means a blitz is on. Metal lures like Hopkins or Kastmasters work well, as do topwater poppers. Live bait like mullet or bunker is dynamite too. A local tip: use wire leaders or you'll lose a lot of lures to their razor-sharp teeth. When a blitz is on, just about anything shiny in the water will get hit. It's fast, furious fishing that's hard to beat.

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers, often topping 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll spot them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30 to 70 feet of water. They migrate through our area from late spring to early fall, following the warmer water. Cobia are prized for their hard-fighting nature - they'll test your arms and your gear. Their firm, white meat is excellent eating too. When targeting cobia, sight fishing is key. Look for their distinctive shark-like profile near the surface, especially around structure. Bucktail jigs in the 4 to 8 oz range are go-to lures, but live eels or crabs work great too. A local tip: when you hook one, get it away from structure fast or it'll try to break you off. Be ready for a long, tough battle - cobia don't give up easily.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are real speedsters, often hitting 30 pounds or more. You'll find them in waters 40 to 150 feet deep, cruising near reefs and wrecks. They're most active here from late spring through fall when water temps hit the upper 60s. Anglers love targeting Kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - they'll really test your gear. Their meat is rich and flavorful too, great for smoking or grilling. When you're after Kings, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. A local trick is to use a stinger rig with two hooks to improve your hookup ratio. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Keep an eye out for birds working the water - that often means Kings are feeding on bait schools below.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are zippy little fighters, usually 1-2 feet long and a few pounds. You'll find them in big schools near the surface, often close to shore in summer. They love warm water, so late spring through early fall is prime time here. Anglers enjoy targeting Spanish for their fast action and tasty meat - they're great on the grill. Look for diving birds to spot feeding schools. These fish are speed demons, so use light tackle for more sport. Small shiny spoons or jigs work well - just reel fast to trigger strikes. Live bait like small mullet or anchovies is deadly too. A local trick: when you find a school, cast past them and retrieve through the school. Spanish will often hit lures on the drop, so be ready as soon as it hits the water. Watch those teeth when unhooking them!

About the Contender (Center Console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 42

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Captain Travis's 24-foot center console boat is ready to take your family on a fun fishing adventure off Emerald Isle. This sturdy vessel comfortably fits up to 6 guests, with plenty of deck space for casting lines and reeling in your catch. The boat is well-equipped with top-notch fishing gear, fish-finding electronics, and safety equipment to ensure a productive and secure trip for all ages. Its shaded cabin area offers a spot to cool off, while the open layout allows everyone to move around easily and enjoy the coastal scenery. With its reliable outboard motor, the boat can quickly reach prime fishing spots where bluefish, cobia, and mackerel are biting. Clean, well-maintained, and perfect for a half-day on the water, this family-friendly fishing boat sets the stage for great memories and hopefully some impressive catches to show off back at the dock.

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