Get ready for an epic deep sea adventure off the Outer Banks! We're talking serious offshore action, where the big boys play. Our crew at Fishing Taxi Sportfishing knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're itching to put you on some monster tilefish. This ain't your average day on the water – we're going where few dare to tread, 28 miles out where the ocean floor drops to a whopping 275 feet. If you've got the guts, we've got the gear to make this the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Picture this: You're standing on the deck of our top-notch fishing vessel, the salt spray in your face as we cruise past the breakers and into the deep blue. We're not messing around here – we're headed straight for the sweet spots where tilefish and seabass call home. These deep-dwelling critters are the prize, but hey, if we hit our limit early, we might just switch gears and troll for some mahi-mahi in the Gulf Stream. It's like a fishing buffet out there, and you've got a VIP pass.
We've got room for six lucky anglers on this trip, so bring your A-game and maybe a couple buddies. Just a heads up – we don't provide meals on this one, so pack a lunch that'll keep you fueled for the fight. Trust me, when you're reeling in a chunky tilefish from the depths, you'll be glad you brought those extra sandwiches.
Alright, let's talk shop. Deep sea fishing for tilefish isn't your run-of-the-mill cast and retrieve. We're talking about specialized techniques that'll test your skills and maybe even build some new ones. We'll be using heavy-duty electric reels – yeah, you heard that right. These bad boys are essential when you're fishing the bottom at depths that'll make your ears pop just thinking about it.
We'll rig up with braid line that could probably tow a truck, paired with some meaty circle hooks. Bait of choice? Usually a nice chunk of squid or cut fish. Once we find a promising spot on the fish finder, it's time to send those baits down. And I mean way down. You'll be watching that line counter tick up to numbers you didn't even know existed on a fishing reel.
The bite can be subtle at these depths, so keep those hands on the rod and stay alert. When a tilefish hits, it's game on. Cranking these guys up from their deep-water lairs is like reeling in a cinder block with fins – a true test of grit and determination. But trust me, when you see that golden sheen break the surface, it's all worth it.
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish you're after on this deep sea adventure. First up, we've got the Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish. These golden beauties are the reason we're burning all this fuel to get out here. They're not just a pretty face – tilefish are known for their firm, white flesh that's a hit in high-end restaurants.
Tilefish are bottom-dwellers, usually hanging out in waters from 250 to 1500 feet deep. They love muddy areas where they can burrow and make their homes. These fish can grow up to 40 inches and weigh over 50 pounds, though most of what we catch are in the 5 to 15-pound range. The fight they put up is impressive, especially considering the depths we're pulling them from.
Then there's the Black Sea Bass – a favorite among anglers for both sport and table fare. These guys are structure-loving fish, often found around the same deep reefs and wrecks as the tilefish. They might not be as big as their golden neighbors, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight.
Sea bass are known for their distinctive black coloration and their tendency to change sex as they grow larger. The bigger ones are almost always female, having started life as males. They're aggressive feeders and will often hit the bait hard, giving you a nice jolt when you're least expecting it.
Both these species are at their best in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. That's when they tend to school up in the deep waters offshore, making for some epic fishing days when we can find them.
Look, I've been running these trips for years, and I've seen grown men get misty-eyed when they land their first big tilefish. There's something about battling a fish from the depths that gets in your blood. It's not just about the size of the fish – though that doesn't hurt – it's about the whole experience.
You're out here, miles from shore, feeling like you're on the edge of the world. The camaraderie on the boat, the anticipation as the lines go down, the rush when the rod bends – it's addictive. And let's not forget the bragging rights. Not everyone can say they've gone toe-to-fin with a deep-sea dweller and come out on top.
Plus, the eating's good. Really good. Tilefish and sea bass are some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean. Flaky, mild, and versatile – they're the kind of catch that'll have you firing up the grill as soon as you hit the dock.
Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're still reading, you know this trip is something special. We're not talking about your average day of fishing here – this is the real deal, the kind of adventure that separates the weekend warriors from the die-hard anglers.
Spots on these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. If you're itching to test your mettle against some of the ocean's most prized bottom-dwellers, don't wait. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or heck, come down to the dock and talk to us in person. We'll get you set up with everything you need to know.
Remember, the ocean's big, but our boat isn't. We've only got room for six, so round up your crew and lock in your date. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a new challenge or a newbie ready to dive into the deep end, we've got you covered. Book now, and get ready for a fishing story you'll be telling for years to come. The tilefish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?
Atlantic goldeneye tilefish are a real treat to catch out here in the deep. These golden-spotted beauties typically run 24-39 inches and can weigh up to 65 pounds. You'll find them in saltwater depths of 250-800 feet, usually near the bottom. We target these guys year-round, but spring and summer can be prime. Tilefish put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. To catch one, drop a weighted rig with fresh squid or eel to the bottom. Be patient - wait for a solid tug before setting the hook. Here's a local secret: tilefish aren't picky eaters, but they love squid. Try rigging up a squid-patterned lure for some extra action. Keep in mind these fish like warm water around 80°F, so we'll be hunting them in the right spots. The golden color and unique taste make landing a tilefish a real highlight for many anglers on our trips.
Black sea bass are a popular target here in the Outer Banks, especially from late spring through summer. These chunky little fighters typically weigh 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 8 pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in depths up to 120 feet. They put up a good scrap until they break the surface. Folks love catching sea bass for their tasty white meat. To land one, I recommend using a medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line. Drop your bait to the bottom - squid or cut fish work great. A two-hook rig can be deadly. Keep an eye out for the bigger males in deeper water. Interestingly, these fish are born female and some change to male later in life. One local tip: if you're not getting bites, try moving just 50-100 feet. Sea bass tend to school up tight, so a small shift can make a big difference.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 315