Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! Ready to hit the waters off Calabash, North Carolina for some serious angling action? Captain Shad's got you covered with this 4-hour near shore fishing trip that'll have you hooked from start to finish. We're talking about targeting some of the most exciting gamefish in these parts - Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and even Barracuda. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's perfect for anyone looking to land some impressive catches and make some killer memories out on the Atlantic.
Alright, here's the scoop. We're talking about a 4-hour fishing adventure that'll take you just off the coast of Calabash. You and up to three of your buddies will hop aboard Captain Shad's boat, and we'll cruise out to where the big boys are biting. The waters around here are teeming with fish, and we know just where to find 'em. You'll be using top-notch gear, and the captain's got years of experience to help you land that trophy catch. Just a heads up - we don't provide any grub on this trip, so pack some snacks if you think you'll get hungry. Trust me, when the fish are biting, you might forget all about food anyway!
So, how do we do it around these parts? Well, we're mainly gonna be trolling - that's where we drag baited lines behind the boat as we cruise along. It's a killer technique for nabbing those speedy mackerel and barracuda. We'll set you up with some heavy-duty rods and reels, spooled with sturdy line to handle those hard-fighting fish. The captain's got an arsenal of lures and live bait that these fish just can't resist. And don't worry if you're new to this - we'll show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to reeling in the big one. Just be ready for some serious action when a fish hits - these guys don't go down without a fight!
Let's talk about what you might be reeling in on this trip. First up, we've got the Spanish Mackerel. These speedsters are a blast to catch, known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps. They usually hang out in schools, so when you hook one, chances are good you'll hook a few more. They're also mighty tasty if you're looking to bring some dinner home.
Next, we've got the King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call 'em around here. These are the big brothers of the Spanish Mackerel, and they put up one heck of a fight. Kings can grow over 50 pounds, and when they hit your line, you'll know it. They're famous for their long, blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Landing a big King is something you'll be bragging about for years to come.
Last but definitely not least, there's the Barracuda. Now, these toothy critters are the bad boys of the near shore waters. They're aggressive, they're fast, and they've got a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through your line if you're not careful. Hooking into a 'cuda is like hooking a torpedo - they'll take off like a shot and give you a fight you won't soon forget. Plus, they look pretty darn cool in photos, with those mean-looking choppers.
Now, let's talk timing. Spanish Mackerel are usually biting from April through November, with the peak season being late summer to early fall. That's when the water's warm and these fish are schooling up big time. Kings, on the other hand, start showing up in May and stick around until October. The big boys tend to come in closer to shore in the fall when the water starts cooling down. As for Barracuda, they're here year-round, but they're most active in the warmer months from late spring through early fall. No matter when you come, though, there's always something willing to bend your rod!
Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing these waters. Maybe it's the way the sun sparkles on the waves as you're cruising out. Or maybe it's the rush you get when your rod doubles over and line starts peeling off your reel. Could be the satisfaction of bringing a big fish over the gunwale, or the stories you'll share over cold drinks back at the dock. Whatever it is, folks who fish with us tend to come back again and again. It's not just about the fish - it's about the whole experience, from the salty air in your face to the camaraderie on the boat. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner.
So, what do you say? Ready to join us for some world-class fishing off the coast of Calabash? This 4-hour trip is perfect for a half-day adventure, whether you're squeezing it in during a beach vacation or making it the main event of your day. Remember, we can take up to four people, so grab your fishing buddies, your family, or even make some new friends on the boat. The fish are out there waiting, and Captain Shad knows just where to find 'em. Don't let this chance slip away - book your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Trust me, once you've experienced fishing Calabash-style, you'll be hooked for life!
Barracuda are the bad boys of our nearshore waters. These long, sleek predators can grow up to 5 feet and pack some serious teeth. You'll find them lurking around structure in clear, shallow water - reefs, wrecks, and even piers. They're ambush hunters, so look for them hanging motionless, ready to strike. Summer's your best bet for hooking into one of these fighters. Anglers love barracuda for their explosive strikes and acrobatic leaps. To target them, try casting or trolling with shiny lures that mimic baitfish. A wire leader is crucial - those teeth will make short work of regular line. Here's a local secret: if you see one following your lure, speed up your retrieve. That sudden burst often triggers their predatory instinct, leading to a savage strike. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke!
King Mackerel are real bruisers, often hitting 20-40 pounds around here. Look for them in deeper water, usually 40-150 feet down near reefs or wrecks. They're lightning-fast predators that'll give you a serious workout on medium tackle. Late spring through early fall is your best shot at hooking into one. Anglers love the thrill of battling these powerhouses - they'll make your reel scream. To up your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or mullet. A wire leader is a must, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook right away. Let the King run with it for a few seconds before tightening up. It'll increase your odds of a solid hookup on these toothy critters.
Spanish Mackerel are a blast to catch near Calabash. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around structures like piers or reefs. They're fast swimmers and put up a good fight on light tackle. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bite really heating up in summer. Folks love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their acrobatic jumps and tasty meat. To land one, try trolling with small spoons or jigs that mimic baitfish. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that's often a sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding nearby. These fish make great eating too, whether grilled, fried, or smoked. Just remember to keep it cold and eat it fresh for the best flavor.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150