Wahoo are fast, aggressive predators and one of the most exciting fish an offshore angler can encounter. During the fall, we typically run anywhere from 25 to 60 miles offshore from Topsail, depending on weather, sea conditions and where we believe the fish will be holding. The goal isn’t simply to run to a certain number on the GPS. Finding fish is about putting together a puzzle.
We are looking at weather, sea conditions, water temperatures and recent fishing activity. Once offshore, we pay close attention to temperature breaks, current edges, weed lines, bottom structure and, most importantly, concentrations of bait. Wahoo are often found where conditions come together and predators have an opportunity to feed.
When targeting wahoo, We commonly use a combination of high-speed lures and rigged baits, including ballyhoo, with some running higher in the water column and others pulled deeper. Wire leaders and appropriate terminal tackle are essential when targeting these fish. We vary lure colors, sizes and running depths to determine what the fish want that particular day.
While wahoo are a major target during the fall, they aren’t the only fish we chase. Depending on the conditions, our offshore fishing can produce blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, sailfish and other pelagics. We also regularly bottom fish, targeting species such as grouper, snapper and triggerfish. The ability to switch between trolling and bottom fishing allows us to adapt to the conditions and give our customers more opportunities throughout our day.
One of the biggest advantages of fishing offshore from Topsail is the ability to adapt. We may leave the dock with wahoo at the top of the list, but the ocean doesn’t always follow a plan. Our job is to locate the best water, find the bait and structure, and put our crew in the best position possible to catch whatever is feeding there.
Meet Capt. Dan
Capt. Dan’s passion for offshore fishing started long before Badfish Fishing Charters. As a child, he spent time fishing the North Carolina coast with his grandparents, traveling to Carolina Beach and Topsail and getting hooked on the ocean from the very beginning. He always said that one day he was going to become a boat captain.
That childhood dream eventually became a career. Dan started as a mate for a charter operation before moving into commercial fishing. He eventually earned his captain’s license and began running his own operations, combining commercial and charter fishing. Today, he specializes in offshore fishing, regularly running 10–60 miles offshore and offering both pelagic and bottom-fishing trips.
Over the last few years, Dan has also expanded into tournament fishing and has placed in several tournaments, continuing to build his experience and knowledge of North Carolina’s offshore waters. Capt. Dan operates a 31-foot Luhrs Express Sportfisher out of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Badfish Fishing Charters offers anglers the opportunity to experience North Carolina’s offshore fishery firsthand.
