World-Class Bottom Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Reel In Adventure: 8-Hour Bottom Fishing

Get ready to drop lines and haul in some serious fish on this full-day bottom fishing trip out of Wrightsville Beach. Captain Jason and the crew at Let's Hook Up Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish. We're talking grouper, snapper, and a whole mess of other tasty bottom-dwellers. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to see what's biting offshore!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the inlet, you'll feel that salty breeze and know you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out to some of Captain Jason's favorite fishing spots - maybe over a wreck or along a productive ledge. Once we find a good spot, it's all hands on deck. You'll be using heavy-duty bottom fishing gear, dropping baited hooks to the seafloor where the big boys hang out. There's nothing quite like the thump of a big grouper taking your bait! And don't worry if you're new to this - the crew's always happy to show you the ropes. We've got 8 solid hours to fish, so pace yourself and stay hydrated. By the time we head back to the dock, you'll have stories to tell and hopefully a cooler full of fish to show for it.

Rigging Up for Success

Bottom fishing is all about getting your bait down where the fish are, and keeping it there. We use sturdy conventional reels spooled with heavy line - usually 50-80 pound test. The terminal tackle is pretty straightforward: a weight to get you down, and a couple of circle hooks above it. Bait-wise, we'll be using cut bait, squid, or live pinfish depending on what's working best that day. The key is to feel for that telltale tap-tap of a fish mouthing your bait, then reel like crazy to set the hook. It takes some practice, but there's nothing like the rush when you hook into a big one and have to muscle it up from the depths. And hey, if you're having trouble, just holler - Captain Jason and the crew are always ready to lend a hand or share a tip.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Grouper: These bruisers are the kings of the reef. They love to hang out near structure and can put up one heck of a fight. Red grouper typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, but bigger ones aren't unheard of. They're most active in the warmer months, and boy do they taste good. When you hook one, get ready for a workout - they'll try to dive back into their rocky homes if you give them half a chance.

White Grunt: Don't let the name fool you - these fish are no pushovers. They're abundant around here and make for great eating. Grunts usually run 1 to 3 pounds and are known for the grunting sound they make when caught. They're a year-round target and often travel in schools, so when you find one, you've probably found a bunch. Kids especially love catching these feisty little fighters.

Red Snapper: Now we're talking! Red snapper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They typically weigh between 5 and 15 pounds but can get much bigger. These beauties have a relatively short open season, so if we're lucky enough to be fishing when they're fair game, it's a real treat. They like to hang out near reefs and wrecks, often in the same spots as grouper.

Black Grouper: These are the bigger cousins of the red grouper, and they're not afraid to show it. Black grouper can grow to over 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 15-30 pound range. They're ambush predators, so they love to hide in holes and crevices on the reef. When you hook one, be ready for a battle - they'll try to wrap you around every bit of structure they can find.

Black Sea Bass: These might be smaller than some of our other targets, but they more than make up for it in numbers and taste. Black sea bass usually weigh 1 to 5 pounds and are active year-round. They're often found in big schools over rocky bottoms or artificial reefs. When the bite is on, it can be non-stop action, perfect for keeping everyone engaged and having fun.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks come back to Wrightsville Beach for bottom fishing trips year after year, and it's not hard to see why. For starters, the variety of fish you can catch is pretty impressive. One drop might bring up a hefty grouper, the next a colorful snapper. It keeps things exciting - you never know what's going to be on the end of your line. Plus, most of these fish make for some mighty fine eating. There's nothing like grilling up your catch after a long day on the water.

But it's not just about the fish. Being out on the open water, miles from shore, is an experience in itself. You might spot dolphins playing in the wake or see flying fish skimming across the waves. And let's not forget the sunsets - if we time it right, you might catch a view that'll make you forget all about the fish for a minute. It's a full day of adventure, and whether you're out with family, friends, or co-workers, it's a bonding experience like no other.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - a full day of bottom fishing action waiting for you just off Wrightsville Beach. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, test your angling skills, or just enjoy a day out on the beautiful Atlantic, Captain Jason and the team at Let's Hook Up Charters have got you covered. Remember, these trips are popular and spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long to pull the trigger. Give 'em a call, get your date locked in, and start dreaming about that first drop of the day. The fish are out there waiting - all you've got to do is show up ready to reel 'em in!