World-Class Bottom Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Wrightsville Beach, NC
$400 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: September 22, 2025

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing off Wrightsville Beach? Captain Jason and the crew at Let's Hook Up Charters have you covered with this 8-hour bottom fishing trip. You'll be targeting popular coastal species like Grouper, Snapper, Grunt, and Black Seabass. Whether you're new to fishing or have plenty of experience, this trip offers something for everyone. The clear waters around Wrightsville Beach are home to plenty of prime fishing spots, and the crew uses proven techniques to put you on the fish. They provide quality gear and know-how to give you the best shot at landing a tasty catch. It's a hands-on experience, so be ready to get involved and maybe even reel in dinner. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a great way to spend a day on the water with friends or family. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. If you're up for a rewarding day of fishing in beautiful coastal North Carolina, this trip fits the bill.

World-Class Bottom Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Coastal Catches

Waves meet fishing lines in Wrightsville Beach.

Wrightsville Beach fishing—peaceful mornings, big catches.

Every cast tells a story at Wrightsville.

Grey triggerfish caught while fishing in NC

Cast, reel, and relax on Wrightsville Beach.

Full Day Bottom Fishing: Grouper, Bass & More

Ready to get your hands on some serious bottom fish? Captain Jason and the crew at Let's Hook Up Charters have got you covered with this full-day trip off Wrightsville Beach. We're talking 8 solid hours of dropping lines and pulling up some of the tastiest fish in these parts. Whether you're green as seaweed or salty as they come, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be targeting the big boys like Grouper and Snapper, plus a bunch of other hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll keep your rod bent all day long.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll push off from Wrightsville Beach bright and early, so grab your coffee and let's hit it. The ride out's your chance to soak in that Carolina coastline and get pumped for the day ahead. Once we hit our spots, it's all hands on deck. We're talking about some serious bottom fishing here - you'll be working those rods and reels, feeling for that telltale thump of a big ol' grouper taking the bait. Captain Jason's got eyes like an osprey when it comes to finding the honey holes, so trust me, you'll be in for some action. And don't worry if you're new to this game - we'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Rigs, Reels, and Reef-Wreckers

When it comes to bottom fishing, it's all about having the right setup. We're talking heavy-duty rods, beefy reels, and line that can handle the abuse these fish dish out. We'll be using a mix of natural baits and jigs, depending on what's working that day. You'll learn how to work a fish finder, read the bottom structure, and drop your bait right where the big boys are hiding. It's not just about strength - finesse plays a big part too. You've got to feel for those subtle bites and know when to set the hook. And when you hook into a big grouper? Hold on tight, 'cause these reef-wreckers don't come up easy!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's talk targets. First up, we've got the Red Grouper. These bruisers are the kings of the reef, with their bright red color and bucket mouths that can inhale a bait faster than you can say "Fish on!" They love to hang around structure and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them year-round, but they really turn on in the warmer months. Next, there's the White Grunt, also known as "pigfish" for the grunting noise they make. Don't let their size fool you - these tasty little guys are a blast to catch and make for some excellent eating.

Red Snapper is another prized catch on our trips. With their vibrant red scales and fierce fighting spirit, they're a favorite among anglers. These guys are most active in the warmer months and love to hang around reefs and wrecks. Then there's the Black Grouper, the bigger, badder cousin of the Red. These monsters can grow over 100 pounds and will test your arms and your gear. They're a bit trickier to find, but when you hook one, you're in for the fight of your life.

Last but not least, we've got the Black Sea Bass. These sleek, dark fish might not be the biggest, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and taste. They're aggressive feeders and you can often catch them one after another once you find a good spot. They're around all year, but the bigger ones tend to move offshore in the summer months.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks, this ain't just fishing - it's an experience. You're out there on the big blue, salt spray in your face, feeling that rush every time your line goes tight. It's about the camaraderie, swapping stories, and maybe a little friendly competition to see who lands the biggest fish of the day. And let's not forget the payoff - there's nothing quite like heading home with a cooler full of fresh fish, knowing you've earned every single one. Whether you're looking to put some meat in the freezer or just want to tangle with some hard-fighting fish, this trip delivers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're itching to get out on the water and put some serious bend in your rod, this full-day trip with Let's Hook Up Charters is your ticket. Captain Jason and the crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on the fish. Remember, we're limited to 6 anglers per trip, so don't wait too long to lock in your spot. Oh, and keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable - but trust me, once you're out there hauling in grouper and snapper, you won't be thinking about anything else. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you hooked up!

Learn more about the species

Black Grouper

Black Grouper are powerhouses, typically 2-3 feet long but can reach a whopping 5 feet and 125 pounds. Find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 30-300 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime fishing time. Anglers prize Black Grouper for their brute strength and delicious, firm white meat. When hooked, they'll try to dive back into structure, so heavy tackle is a must. Use at least 80-pound braid and a sturdy rod to handle their powerful runs. Live bait like pinfish or blue runners works well, but they'll hit cut bait too. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, start reeling immediately. Black Grouper tend to inhale their prey whole, so a quick hookset is crucial. Be prepared for a long, grueling fight - these fish don't give up easily. The reward is worth it though, both for the battle and the dinner table.

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are feisty little fighters, usually 1-2 pounds but can reach up to 8. You'll find them around underwater structures like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring to summer is prime fishing time when they move closer to shore. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive bite and excellent table fare. The meat is mild, flaky, and great for a variety of recipes. When fishing for Black Sea Bass, use medium tackle with 20-30 pound line. They're not picky eaters, so squid, cut bait, or even artificial lures work well. Here's a local tip: once you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish quickly. They're competitive feeders, so keep your bait in the strike zone. Remember, bigger males tend to hang in deeper water, so if you're after a trophy, try pushing out a bit further. The federal season runs from February 1-28 and May 15 through December 31, so plan your trip accordingly.

Red Grouper

Red Grouper are bruisers, typically weighing 5-10 pounds but can hit 50 in rare cases. Look for them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 30-300 feet of water. These aggressive predators put up a serious fight when hooked. Prime fishing is spring through fall when water temps are right. Anglers love targeting them for their tough battles and excellent table fare. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for grilling or blackening. To improve your chances, use heavy tackle and drop your bait right to the bottom. Live pinfish or squid work great. Just be ready when they hit - Red Grouper will try to dive back into structure and break you off if you're not quick on the draw. Patience and a steady hand are key to landing these hard-fighting bottom dwellers.

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are prized catches, averaging 1-2 feet but capable of growing to 3 feet and 35+ pounds. You'll find them in deep waters of 100-300 feet, typically around reefs, wrecks, and other structure. Summer is prime time, with peak season from June to August. Anglers love Red Snapper for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent eating quality. The meat is mild, slightly sweet, and great for a variety of dishes. When targeting them, use heavy tackle and drop your bait all the way to the bottom. Live bait like cigar minnows or squid works well, but they'll also hit artificial lures. Here's a local tip: chum the water to get them feeding, then present your bait in the chum slick. Be ready for a strong initial run when they hit - Red Snapper are known for making a beeline back to structure, so you'll need to turn them quickly to avoid getting broken off.

White Grunt

White Grunt are fun, scrappy fish that usually run 6-12 inches but can reach up to 20. You'll find them hanging around reefs, docks, and mangroves in waters up to 100 feet deep. They're most active at night, feeding on crustaceans and small fish. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are moderate. Anglers enjoy targeting grunts for their tenacious fight and tasty white meat. They're not picky eaters, so various natural baits work well - shrimp, squid, or cut fish on a simple bottom rig does the trick. For best results, fish near structure and be ready for their distinctive grunting sound when you hook one. It's a unique experience that adds to the fun. While not huge, White Grunt make up for size with numbers and eagerness to bite. They're great for introducing kids to saltwater fishing or just enjoying steady action on light tackle.

About the Let's Hook Up Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Hop aboard for a full day of offshore fishing adventure in the beautiful waters off Wrightsville Beach, NC. Captain Jason and his skilled crew at Let's Hook Up Charters will take you on an 8-hour bottom fishing trip, targeting prized catches like Grouper, Snapper, Grunt, and Black Seabass. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand at fishing for the first time, this trip offers something for everyone. The captain's expertise and top-notch equipment give you a great shot at reeling in some impressive fish. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for a day out with family or friends. Soak in the coastal scenery, learn new techniques, and experience the excitement of battling fish in the clear Atlantic waters. Just remember, deposits can't be refunded, so make sure you're ready for a full day of fishing fun when you book!

Sitemap