NC Grouper Fishing - 26 Miles Offshore Solo!?

This video is of my first solo nc grouper fishing trip out of Wrightsville beach, NC. NC Grouper fishing can be really great if you know where you find the grouper. This is my story, including the struggles and failure.
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R E A L E S T A T E
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S O C I A L M E D I A
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F A Q
+ How long have you been making fishing KZbin videos? Since June 2020.
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D I S C L A I M E R
No products used in my videos are paid sponsorships. These are items I genuinely believe in and choose to show you through my storytelling. Thank you for your time and I appreciate the support!

[@brandonhughes0114]

Best video you’ve made yet. You’ve taken it up another level with that intro. Honestly I enjoy seeing the morning prep and unloading and searching for bait as much as the fishing part. That boat is freaking amazing.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I am happy to hear you say that because so much time goes into the prep. Not to mention the mental build of getting ready, hoping to find bait - which was a major struggle, to actually starting to fish. Thanks so much, Brandon.

[@capefearalive]

All about learning. Great video!!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Yeah man. This was a costly day but totally worth it. Thank you.

[@7thevanfishing]

So good Eric. Love the intro and acoustic guitar music. Stoked for you and your new boat and for what the future holds for you and your adventures man. Your ambition drives me that much more to be a better angler and give it 100% no matter how many times I get skunked. You’re the freaking man!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I think we both have just the right amount of crazy to keep doing it 😋 thanks so much brotha.

[@tl1000r6000]

That intro was awesome! I could tell throughout the video that you were super excited and wanted this first trip to be special. Only gonna get better from here man! Keep 'em comin!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I've been itching for a day out there for a few weeks now. I know that growing pains are a part of this kinda thing and I would be doing a disservice to y'all if I didn't show you the truth. Thanks for watching!

[@swordlord515]

Nice video on your Maiden voyage, I still to this day I analyze what I could’ve done better on my fishing trips. Extend your handle out to the last hole on your 4/0 penn senator, it will give you more torque for grouper.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

That's a really good tip and I appreciate that advice. Thanks so much for watching and I am always analyzing what I did and could have been better with. It's the only way that we grow...

[@rumboldj1]

Great Video as Always Eric!! A friend of mine Brad at Seabreeze storage can put you in a Rhodan with the light lithium battery. They aren't cheap that's the reason I dont have one lol. Keep up the great work Eric!!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I am working on getting one but like you said... they aint cheap. Haha. I have a couple houses under contract so I need to close them first.

[@jasonsotomayor2037]

Great video. You have a new subscriber.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I appreciate that so much, Jason. I have a ton of others too!

[@alexenrique4762]

Hey brother, when grouper fishing it will help to fish a heavy set up with mono instead of braid. Having that stretch from the mono really helps and you don’t pull nearly as many hooks a with the braid. I’m a big black grouper fisherman down here in the keys and I fish an Avet hxw raptor with straight 60lb mono main line. Then I will use 80lb or 100lb leader. And also having a longer fibreglass rod will help with fighting the fish as well you won’t wear your back out as much. I use an 8ft connely grouper digger. Having the right gear is crucial

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks for the advice buddy. I think I want to switch to a longer acid wrapped rod anyways. This video was my first try ever and I agree with you that I don’t want to horse them up.

[@ggw7948]

Awesome video. Congrats on the boat

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much buddy! I appreciate you checking it out.

[@ctcraftii]

Thank you for sharing Eric

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for watching, Charles. I appreciate it so much.

[@barrylawrence5621]

Love the video man! Today is the fourth anniversary of my dad‘s passing and this video brought back a lot of memories for me. Thanks for doing all you do to help us out!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for sharing that, Barry. I'm sorry to hear about your dad but aren't we lucky to have the memories?

[@stephenkachmar1391]

Great video-beginning, middle and the end! The reel deal! Good luck with your real estate venture.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for the comment. I spent a lot of time on this video and I appreciate the words. Haha.

[@delisawilliams6541]

So proud! You tell a great story! Just like your Dad did!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thank you. Love you.

[@edwardpotter7442]

Enjoyed the vid !

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for letting me know, Edward.

[@Hightideoutdoors]

Good video come get some of this Gulf Shores deep sea

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Haha. I think I’m seeing as deep as I’ll ever see considering I get pretty sea sick.

[@thebert010]

So many sick moments in this one man! The storyteller opening, the part where I thought you were really getting after it until I realized that mason jar was honey, the endless break offs that we can all relate to.... Glad you didn't come away empty handed dude 🙌

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much dude. I don't think i have it like that yet to break out the moonshine at Darkthirty. lol

[@johnnyearliwine6698]

don't hurt to ask. I love bottom fishing. I am 69 and sold my boat. Enjoy your vids.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for checking them out. Yeah, Elias has been going with me consistently now that I’ve got it dialed in.

[@steffensamlal1854]

Great video I loved it, but all that excitement and your dog stayed asleep 😂

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for checking it out and letting me know. Yeah, Griffin only gets pumped up to wrestle and that’s it 🤣

[@NCSUME1]

Great video and production/editing. Nice ride to boot.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I appreciate it buddy. I’ve got ocean fever these days. Haha.

[@aaronhodges9347]

Send it. Cool intro bud.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks Aaron! I appreciate that.

[@WVCUR77]

Intro was awesome 👌. That trolling motor will make a huge difference.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks man. I put a little extra love into that one. I agree, just wish they weren't so high.

[@secretjourney4815]

Looks like an awesome day out there Eric. Loved the beginning, talking about your Dad. Really resonated with me. Thinking of family members telling fishing stories. So how long did it take the new boat to get out there 26/27 miles?

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much. Yeah, all we have are the stories at this point but that is what keeps the memories alive. It took me about an hour.

[@stevencarter562]

Great video! Getting those grouper off the bottom quickly is a a good reminder not to skip leg day at the gym…🤪

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

It took me a few to figure out how to get them up. It is a rhythm that you have to get in to.

[@jmnorris50]

man im exhausted just watching you fight those fish. looked like an exercise

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Haha. It wore me slam out man. I think I went to bed at 8 pm that night.

[@jakebrickhouse]

Cool vid bro. Really enjoyed the intro!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks man. Had to channel my inner 2006 for some background music.

[@jeffvoelker8221]

Just found your great video! thanks for sharing. I learned a lot.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Happy to have you buddy - ask away at any time.

[@chrisgums8377]

Yo! Loved the intro man. I could feel the first one you lost with my heart. Great vid, keep em coming.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks man. You know it won't be the last time I get humbled by a fish. Haha

[@PineyWoodsHomestead]

I thoroughly enjoyed your adventure from the story telling to the fishing. I'm glad I clicked on your video. It's good to watch other folks from NC. I grew up going to Topsail. It was a short drive from Mt. Olive. Now we are closer in the center of the state (near the NC Zoo) and I miss eastern NC. Can't wait to make it back one day and get back to that saltwater fishing. Great video. Be safe out there!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I actually went to Mount Olive for undergrad so I know that drive well. Haha. Thanks so much for watching the videos and leaving the comments. A 25' Parker has always been my dream but they have gotten so expensive that I kinda went the cheapest route I could go with something similar and I do love my Nauticstar, I am just working through some things. I also saw that you commented on my other channel videos as well and I want to thank you for the support throughout this journey to wherever it leads. I am rooting for you a new boat soon even though its worth the investment in my eyes.

[@PineyWoodsHomestead]

@@ericwilliamsfishing very cool. Our daughter was supposed to head to UMO but chose another school at the last moment lol. Parkers have gotten expensive but most everything has. You'll get the issues worked out with your boat. Even knew ones get older and need repairs. Your devotionals are very good. Keep on casting!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much - I appreciate you listening. You are right about that too. You are going to be working on them regardless of which one you choose. @@PineyWoodsHomestead

[@rodnrifle]

Great video!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much buddy. Keep working hard on your channel!

[@randallmiller572]

Awesome video dude!! You narrating at the beginning was really cool!! Took me back to my childhood watching Walker’s Cay Chronicles!! Awesome touch!! Got some blood on the boat!! You got that pump and wine down son!! So happy for you homie!! Your Ol man is looking down on you smiling buddy!!👊🏼

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Randall, you are the best man. I appreciate the love, time and time again. I hope he is, haha. I wish he could be here with me but we will catch another one together someday.

[@randallmiller572]

@@ericwilliamsfishing ❤️👊🏼

[@HateitLoveitRealLifeVideos]

Im following for the Fishing vids. As a fellow CB offshore guy, nice vid my man...tightllines

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I’m learning dude. It’s a different game but honestly so much more fun.

[@carlosllama9979]

You had a rough start to your day… but I saw you make the necessary adjustments instead of just reeling you using your body way to go, bro thank you for a great video. Keep them coming…. At the end of the day, it was a good day…💪

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks man. In all new things, there is always a learning curve. I appreciate you watching!

[@huntinandscrappin306]

Best video you’ve ever made. Keep it up brother. Fishing at nags head this week. Praying for a cooler of Spot and Sea Mullet 😂

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks dude. This one was special and I honestly debated wether or not the footage was good enough. I decided to tell the honest story of start to finish and it be "what it is". Good luck for a cooler full!

[@MatthewTN1]

Them large fish are no joke. I'll have to take a day and go with you man. Looks like too much fun!!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Eat your wheaties the night before. lol

[@rogerjones1628]

Man the intro was awesome, really good stuff... Those fish make you feel like your are big game hunting with a BB gun😂😂

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks Roger, I have never felt so weak in my life. I still have bruises a week later. Haha

[@NeasYellek]

Awesome video. If you ever want someone to come help with video and fishing let me know. Keep the lines tight.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for checking it out!

[@MrBlueballer88]

Hey man I really enjoy your videos, Im originally from there and my family still lives in Wrightsville. I go back every year. I would love to see a video on the evening bite( land based or boat). I find myself often having time in the evening but difficult to find what's and where is around. Great video on the pompano you made! Really cool seeing a different way to catch them and just seeing them in places which most don't know there at in the deeper channels. Even a video about bait would be sweet. Different bates, crabs of all kinds, muddies, sand fleas. Maybe we can fish together even! Either way great content!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks for watching man and I’ll be honest, very few videos are in the afternoon. I always struggle with an evening bite too and I always have better luck going early and fishing until they turn on.

[@MexicoPescadoro]

Cool video brother! I too just became a first time center console captain about a year ago. Went from shore fishing to kayak, kayak to jet ski and now a little 17.5 center console. The learning curve is steep for sure. Placement of the boat depending on the drift and where the structure is what I find to be the hardest part so far. Have you ever tried a Sabiki for bait? That's what I use to make bait in the Sea of Cortez. Works very very well. Macks, sardines small grunts and rock bass. I don't have a windlass so anchoring is kind of a pain in the ass so I drift fish. I've had break offs on 100lb mono so I was told to switch it over to 150 for my area that I fish. I've had a 5/0 hook snapped, a spin rod snapped, countless jigs lost to breakoffs... It's so addicting though. Loved the video and I could relate so I had to comment. Subscribed!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for the comment, especially since you have gone through what I’m going through now. Congrats on your new boat! I know how excited that feels. Haha. I’ve since added a trolling motor and that has been a game changer for me. I have only had one great day so far but it’s hard to want to do any other fishing, to be honest. Haha. My best day came from fishing live bait that I caught with sabiki rigs and I’ve been trying to use cut and frozen but it honestly doesn’t catch nearly as well. I’ve been working on building up a trolling spread so that I can spend the first part of the morning chasing the pelagics and then start bottom fishing later so that’s the next step of the channel. It’s been a blast and thanks for subscribing. I’ve never claimed to know everything and I enjoy sharing and teaching the important lessons I’ve been learning.

[@donniewhitmanjr2724]

Power pro my man. Too much stretch in mono. Half of your retrieve/pump is lost to that stretch. Great video! 👍

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

This used reel came with about 60’ of that 100 mono and it quickly went in the trash. Haha.

[@donniewhitmanjr2724]

@@ericwilliamsfishing right.. we've actually anchored the boat using power pro when we got hung up while drifting an area. Tough stuff

[@nicgreenisen1399]

Great video! I've heard dogs get seasick easier than humans do, and little buddy looked pretty laid out even with a big fish flopping in front of him. You know your dog, what do you think?

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

He has gone to sleep on the boat since he was a puppy and isn’t the conventional lab. He doesn’t care about fetching either.

[@livebaitfishing4030]

Good stuff good to see you getting off and having a solid day. Seems like the tax man could have been at one of those spots.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

The more I think about that loop knot breaking, that had to be related to teeth being involved. You are right.

[@NcSojourner]

You can reversed pull the anchor,,no need for a ball.. Different style of Danforth, used to made in Swansboro ,have a couple of them..ill show ya,if ya want.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I have spotlock now but I appreciate it.

[@chillinspearfishin]

I found out the same things you did 😂

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Haha. We are in the same club then...

[@nickgrubbs]

Damn that was a pretty day. Is that a Maxel reel? If it is, I've got 2 I love.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

That is a Shimano Speedmaster II 16, spooled with 80lb braid.

[@jeffjohnston1268]

Get you some tanacoms, get them fish off the bottom quick. If you get tired of goin by yourself, im in the same boat, 'm always looking a fishing buddy

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Man, I think I'd do the tanacom stuff if I was in hundreds of feet but only 130 less - I guess I'm a purist. Haha

[@NcSojourner]

Either one of you guys need, want a hand,I'm local...knowledgeable

[@NcSojourner]

That last fish and dog interaction was hilarious....

[@floatinflyinandfishing]

at least you grabbed some spanish, I havent hooked one in a couple of weeks, plenty of blues off mercers but i havent caught anything else. bigger question for me is…what does it take for the dog to get excited about fish?

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Haha. Griffin just doesn't do the boat and fish thing like Odin did. I wish he cared enough that I felt like he enjoyed it but he also sleeps majority of the time so I don't have to worry about him... Give and take. Haha. The Spanish have been on the beach this week.

[@floatinflyinandfishing]

@@ericwilliamsfishing just got back, spanish for sure hugging the beach and pier. I was throwing bucktails with a slam shady trailer. had to use big 1 oz because of the wind today. 1/2 oz was getting blown back in my face. had a ton of strikes had 5 paddle tails bitten in half, probably because the bucktails were too big and slam shady’s I cant find a 3 inch. hooked a couple with gotcha’s but lost them like always with the trebles.

[@rojasrendom]

very good video friend i have my boat i just bought and i live in raleigh nc I would like to go fishing at this point, can you give me a mark to reach that point?

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thank you for watching. Google 23 mile rock and that’s where this was.

[@jamesz7415]

Video intro was awesome and hit all the notes of hearing my dad talk about bottom fishing growing up. It really hit home in a meaningful way. Finally got a boat that I can do a little bottom fishing with on my own in the fall, had a couple good trips and looking forward to hopefully going a bunch more this year. Two things: On the jig fish that broke you off, it sounds like you're saying the loop knot was in tact but it was cut on the bottom. The amount of pressure you were putting on those fish wouldn't have broken the 100lb line at full breaking strength, is it possible you tied your knots to the solid ring instead of the split ring? The solid ring has a sharper edge and will absolutely cut you off fairly quickly, as happened on both of those fish. You mentioned the form and lifting with your legs later in the video already, but the fish you lost earlier in the video on the way up appeared to be from "over doing" your lifts before cranking. Once you have the fish off the bottom, avoid jerky/yank like pulls and roll with slow steady pressure. Glad you got out there and made the memories!! Best of luck this upcoming season!!

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Thanks so much for the comment. Most of us fisherman have our lineage to thank for still having the love and drive to get out there and do it. If my dad didn't bring me up in freshwater then I probably wouldn't be where I am today with the salt. It's pretty cool that you got a boat that's also capable and I wish you luck for 2023. I honestly can't tell you what happened or why that first fish broke off the way it did. I know it wasn't tied to the solid ring and I am assuming it was something with some teeth. I have been about 10 times since this video and I haven't had an issue like it. This was day one so I had to figure it out by doing it. I have it dialed in now and you can check out some of my other bottom fishing videos to see that this was really just a trial and error kinda day. I've learned those first few cranks are super important and once you get the fish up about 10', just crank them in and it doesn't require any legs. Live and learn - I am going to kill them this year after everything I learned last year. Thanks again for the comment and I appreciate you brotha.

[@jamesz7415]

@@ericwilliamsfishing Good stuff man. Tough telling on the lost jig fish then... Those UFO (unidentified fishy objects) will keep you up at night haha. Good luck on the water this season and I'll be trying to do some of the same up out of MHC. Tight Lines!!

[@johnnyearliwine6698]

No need to go alone. I will go with you.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

I enjoy it but thanks for offering.

[@hotlinepressurewashing3064]

Sounds like you need a cameraman 👀

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Lol. No one would want to film when they can be dropping too.

[@jojo-fnchanel9215]

What type of rod is that with the speedmaster 16?

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

www.tackledirect.com/shimano-grpjc58xxh-grappler-type-j-jigging-rod.html

[@tftoutdoors6582]

How is fishing offshore in may 🤔 n North Carolina

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

May is supposedly a really good month of fishing pushing through for the first time. Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Cobia, Grouper. All viable options.

[@tftoutdoors6582]

@@ericwilliamsfishingI’m happy to hear that! Thanks and awesome video

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

@@tftoutdoors6582 Thank you buddy. I have really enjoyed learning this offshore game.

[@tftoutdoors6582]

@@ericwilliamsfishingupdate I got seasick

[@joemarkivich635]

I am from Pennsylvania. I’m looking at moving to North Carolina in about 2 years. I mostly want to move because of these amazing fishing videos. Is it worth it to move as a ocean hobby fisherman? Also if you don’t mind me asking how much would I need to spend to have a boat set up that would work for this type of offshore fishing? I am an engineer so I will have decent income but am by no means a millionaire haha.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Hey Joe, this isn’t a short answer but I’ll give you my explanation. The only reason I’m able to get out on these gorgeous days is because I’m a Realtor and I set my own schedule. If I see a window coming up, I’ll move everything around accordingly. With that being said, we only have a couple days a month where it’s glassy conditions whereas most days would be somewhat of a beating or non fish able. The glassy days are incredible and make up for the majority of the non fish able stuff. That risk would be your call. My boat was 30k but I got a killer deal on it. I’ve also put another 8-10k in getting it sea worthy, gear and tackle, and safety equipment. Is it worth it to be able to do what I do? Absolutely. Is it as perfect as all of these videos make it seem? Not at all. Would it be a cheaper cost of living down here? Yes it would. Let me know if you ever have real estate questions. Thanks, sir.

[@joemarkivich635]

@@ericwilliamsfishing for starters thank you for the information. I really appreciate it. Fortunately as a professional a lot of companies will allow you to adjust your schedule, such as work a Saturday for a day off in the middle of the week so something like that is not impossible for me. Plus always have vacation days worst case scenario haha. I am probably going to get a boat similar in size to yours (I’ll have to sell my lake boat I take on rivers and Lake Erie). That being said do you have a decent amount of days where you get rocked a little bit but can still go out (what are the largest waves you feel comfortable being out in)? If it is a little rougher can you do more near shore and get less beat up and be safer as opposed to offshore? And lastly what are some areas to start looking at where I might be able to find a job and a house? It’s a little while away but I want to start doing research and do my due diligence.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

@@joemarkivich635 I think it's totally worth it if you can approach it like I do, where you make it work with your schedule. As for engineering positions on the coast, I'd start with Virginia Beach (Basically North Outer Banks), Nags Head/ Manteo area (Outer Banks), Morehead City, and then Wilmington Region (Where I am). I am in great contact with agents in most of NC so I can get you set up when the time comes, if you don't end up with a job in Wilmington. The fishing is very different based on those 4 areas, since they are all about 75 miles apart throughout the coast. All of them offer that opportunity to get into the ocean though, Wilmington being the farthest from the stream, yet best Jetty system. My boat is a 22' Nauticstar Offshore Model and I never go if it's bigger than 3'. I get sea sick so I am limited on conditions and I understood that risk before I made such a big purchase. Luckily for me, we get a ton of offshore wind days so I can go in the ocean 4/5 times a month because we get Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, and Bonita within that 5 mile range. (From Spring to Fall) Also, fishing the inlet areas are a great way to target flounder, red drum, sheepshead, speckled trout, and black drum. Jumping back to the boat question... one of my buddies has an 18' Carolina skiff and he has fished for reds in 2' and taken it 30 miles out on the glassy days. Do I recommend that? No... but you can catch every NC saltwater species with an 18-23' boat with a modified to deep V Hull. If I had to pick one boat that did it all, I'd go with a 22 - 25' bay boat. I have an 16' inshore/hunting boat and the larger boat is basically my ocean rig. I'm not sure if you have seen any videos about Pamlico Sound Redfish yet but you should add that to your NC list if you haven't yet. Here is a video from a couple years ago... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSYoJRrjJufn6s

[@cletusdeletus8550]

hey what size boat is that your going out in

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Nauticstar 2200 XS, it’s 22 foot and three inches.

[@cletusdeletus8550]

@@ericwilliamsfishing thank you !