Hey there, fishing fans! Captain Gregg here, ready to take you and your crew on an epic offshore adventure from Oregon Inlet. Picture this: 11 hours of non-stop action, 35 miles out where the big boys play. We're talking sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, and more, all waiting to test your skills and fill your photo albums. The Billy Holton's got room for six, so round up the family and let's make some waves!
Listen up, folks - this ain't your average day on the pond. We're heading to the deep blue, where the water's as clear as glass and the fish are as colorful as a box of crayons. The Billy Holton's a sturdy vessel, perfect for both seasoned anglers and first-timers. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - I'll show you the ropes. We'll cruise out about 35 miles, where the real action happens. Pack some grub and your favorite drinks, 'cause once we're out there, it's all about the fish (and maybe a bit of family bonding, if you're into that sort of thing).
Alright, let's talk shop. Out here, we're all about trolling - that's dragging baited lines behind the boat as we cruise. We'll set up a spread of lines, some on outriggers, some straight back. We use a mix of artificial lures and natural baits to entice those big pelagics. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the water or floating debris - that's where the mahi-mahi love to hang out. For the billfish, we'll be watching for those telltale fins cutting through the surface. When we get a hit, it's all hands on deck! Even the kids can get in on the action, reeling in the catch of a lifetime (with a little help from the grown-ups, of course).
Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. Last week, the Johnson family hooked into a 250-pound blue marlin - took Dad and both kids to bring that beast to the boat. The week before, little Susie landed a 30-pound mahi-mahi all by herself - you should've seen the grin on her face! And just yesterday, we had a double hookup on sailfish. Trust me, there's nothing quite like watching two of those acrobats dancing on the waves at the same time.
Atlantic Sailfish: These speedsters are the track stars of the ocean. They can hit speeds up to 68 mph and put on a show like you wouldn't believe. Sailfish love to tailwalk across the water and make spectacular leaps. They're most common here in the late spring and early summer, but we see 'em year-round. Catching one of these beauties is like winning the fishing lottery - pure excitement!
Blue Marlin: The heavyweight champ of our waters, blue marlin are the stuff of legends. These massive fish can top 1,000 pounds, though most we see are in the 200-400 pound range. They're powerful fighters that'll test your stamina and your gear. Blue marlin start showing up in May and stick around through September. Landing one of these giants is a bucket-list achievement for any angler.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the crowd-pleasers of the offshore world. With their vibrant blue, green, and yellow colors, they're as pretty as they are tasty. Mahi are fast growers and great fighters, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. We find them around floating debris or weed lines, and they're a summertime favorite. The best part? They're delicious on the grill!
Wahoo: If you're looking for speed, wahoo's your fish. These streamlined predators can hit 60 mph in short bursts, making for some screaming runs when hooked. They've got a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, so we handle 'em carefully. Wahoo meat is highly prized for its flavor and texture. We see them year-round, but fall and winter are peak seasons. When a wahoo strikes, hold on tight - it's gonna be a wild ride!
Look, I've been running these trips for years, and there's a reason folks keep showing up at the dock with grins on their faces. It's not just about the fish - though, let's be honest, hauling in a big one is pretty darn awesome. It's about the whole package. The salty air in your face as we cruise out. The excitement when a rod goes off. The teamwork it takes to land a big fish. And yeah, maybe it's about the stories you'll tell for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, there's something special about a day on the water with family and friends.
Alright, folks, here's the deal. The fish are biting, the weather's looking good, and the Billy Holton's ready to roll. All we need now is you and your crew. Whether you're looking to cross some species off your bucket list or just want to spend a day making memories with the family, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around. Give us a call, book your trip, and get ready for a day of offshore action you won't forget. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
These beauties are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, known for their spectacular leaps and that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. They average around 7.5 feet long and 50 pounds, but can get up to 10 feet and 140 pounds. You'll find them in warm waters 30 to 65 feet deep, but they can dive down to 650 feet when hunting. Best fishing is winter in the Florida Keys or year-round in South Florida's "Sailfish Alley." Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic fights - they'll dive and jump repeatedly. To land one, let your bait swim freely at 30-65 feet with a slow-moving boat. When it bites, hold on tight and wait for it to run before you start reeling. Use heavy gear - 12-15 weight rod, 50-pound reel. Bright pink and white flies or lures work well.
Blue marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females reaching up to 1,800 pounds and 16 feet long. You'll find them in warm waters along the equator, especially near Hawaii, Panama, and Mexico. They're migratory, so timing is key - the Gulf of Mexico is good year-round. These fish put up an epic fight with powerful runs and spectacular jumps. Trolling is the go-to method, either with live bait like ballyhoo or artificial lures. A local tip: in Kona, Hawaii, they've perfected trolling with artificial lures for blues. When you hook one, be ready for a battle - these fish can break gear if you're not careful. Bring heavy-duty equipment and plenty of stamina. The meat's good eating too, but watch out for high mercury levels in larger fish.
Mahi mahi are a sight to behold, with their golden sides and bright blue-green backs. They're fast growers, usually 3-4 feet long and 15-30 pounds. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines in warm offshore waters. They spawn year-round, so you can catch them most times, but summer's often best. Mahi are popular for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. To catch 'em, troll near those floating objects with live bait like ballyhoo or squid, or try some flashy artificial lures. Here's a tip: watch for frigate birds - they'll often lead you right to the mahi. When you get one on, be ready for some jumps and runs. The meat's great for grilling or pan-frying, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat.
Wahoo are speed demons, clocking in at up to 60 mph. They're long and sleek, usually 3-5 feet but can hit 8 feet. You'll find them in warm waters worldwide, often near the surface down to about 65 feet. In the Gulf, they hang around oil platforms. Best fishing is July to November in Florida, May to October in Hawaii. Anglers love wahoo for their blistering runs and tasty meat. To catch one, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with a spread of 4-6 lures. Use wire leaders - their teeth will slice through mono. A local trick: if slow trolling, rig up a fresh ballyhoo with a skirted lure head. The meat's fantastic - firm, white, and mild. Makes killer fish tacos too. Just remember, they're gone in a flash once they die, so get them on ice quick.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cat
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 115