If you’re chasing a fish that hits like a freight train and fights until your arms give out, Amberjack fishing off Carolina Beach, North Carolina, will put you to the test. These deep-water brutes, nicknamed “reef donkeys”, are all muscle and attitude. Hook one, and you’ll understand why they’re the fish serious anglers travel for.
The man who knows how to find them is Captain Fox Johnson, owner of FoxSea Lady Charters. A lifelong Carolina fisherman, Captain Fox has spent decades mastering the reefs, wrecks, and ledges that sit offshore from Carolina Beach. He knows where the Amberjack stack up, what triggers them to bite, and how to help anglers land fish that fight far above their weight class.
The Boat and the Captain
Trips run aboard the FoxSea Lady, a 35-foot Bertram sportfisher built for offshore battle. Powered by twin diesels and outfitted with top-of-the-line sonar, radar, and heavy-duty tackle, she’s designed for comfort and control during long runs to deep structure. The layout offers plenty of space for up to six anglers and a wide cockpit built for big-game action.
Captain Fox Johnson is known for his no-nonsense, hands-on approach. He reads the current, the wind, and the bait movement like second nature. He doesn’t just take you fishing — he teaches, times the drop, and positions the boat so you’re always in the strike zone. Whether you’re new to offshore fishing or have years of experience, you’ll appreciate his precision and patience.
The Fight You Came For
Amberjack are pure muscle. When they strike, they do it hard — with a thud that nearly rips the rod from your hands. Then they dive straight for the bottom, testing both your strength and your gear. These fish often weigh between 30 and 80 pounds, with true trophies topping 100.
They gather 25–50 miles off the Carolina coast around deepwater wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 100–250 feet of water. The battles are long, loud, and brutal — a real fight for anyone who thinks they’re ready.
- Vertical Jigging: Heavy jigs ripped fast through the water column — pure reaction strikes.
- Live Bait Drops: Blue runners, pinfish, or cigar minnows rigged deep into wreck structure.
- Drift Fishing: Covering ledges and reefs to locate aggressive fish.
- Double Hook Runs: When the school’s fired up, multiple anglers can hook up at once — chaos in the best way.
Season and Conditions
Amberjack are found in these waters year-round, but the action peaks from April through October when Gulf Stream currents warm the coast. Summer brings calm seas, perfect temperatures, and the kind of consistent offshore bite that keeps rods bending all day.
Best Times to Go:
- April–May: Pre-spawn fish schooling tight on structure.
- June–August: Peak summer season with aggressive, feeding Amberjack.
- September–October: Cooler water, lighter crowds, and trophy potential near the deeper wrecks.
What to Expect on Your Trip
A typical Amberjack charter with FoxSea Lady Charters starts early with a 40- to 60-mile run into blue water. Once the captain locates structure and bait activity, lines go down. When a fish hits, expect raw power — the rod bends, the drag screams, and the crew gets ready with gaffs and cameras.
Between hookups, the crew keeps everything smooth and professional — re-rigging lines, icing catches, and coaching anglers through the fight. The goal isn’t just to catch fish, but to make sure everyone walks away with a story and a real sense of accomplishment.
Why Choose FoxSea Lady Charters
- Local Knowledge: Decades of experience fishing Carolina Beach and the Gulf Stream edge.
- Professional Gear: Top-quality reels, rods, and electronics for deep-water fishing.
- Comfortable Ride: Spacious 35’ Bertram with all the power and room you need.
- Proven Results: Consistent catches, strong reviews, and repeat anglers season after season.
Book Your Carolina Beach Amberjack Trip
If you want a trip that pushes you to your limit, Amberjack fishing with FoxSea Lady Charters delivers. These fish hit like wrecking balls, fight like freight trains, and give every angler a story worth telling.
Captain Fox Johnson and his crew run one of the most respected operations on the Carolina coast — the kind of charter that turns first-time guests into lifelong clients.
Book your trip today and find out why Carolina Beach is one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets for offshore big-fish action.
FoxSea Lady Charters
- Carolina Beach, NC
