Expert Guided 4 Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly nearshore fishing within 10 miles of beachTargets Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and seasonal King MackerelAccommodates up to 6 guests on 4hour trips
Looking for a solid day on the water without heading way offshore? This 4-hour nearshore fishing trip keeps things close to home while still putting you on some great fish. We're talking about staying within that sweet 10-mile zone where the action stays consistent and the ride stays comfortable. Perfect for families who want to get the kids hooked on fishing, or anyone who prefers shorter runs and more time with lines in the water. With room for up to 6 anglers, you've got plenty of space to spread out and fish without bumping elbows.
This trip is all about keeping it simple and productive. We launch early and make a quick run to our fishing grounds, usually hitting structure and current breaks where baitfish stack up. The beauty of nearshore fishing is you're working familiar water that produces day after day. Expect to see other boats working the same areas - that's a good sign the fish are there. The vibe stays relaxed and family-friendly, so don't worry if you've got beginners aboard or kids who need extra help. We keep tackle straightforward and techniques simple, focusing on what works rather than getting fancy. Most days you'll be looking at light chop and manageable seas, making this a top-rated choice for anyone prone to seasickness on longer offshore runs.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Trolling small spoons and diving plugs covers water fast and triggers strikes from mackerel and bonito when they're feeding up in the water column. We'll typically pull 4-6 lines at different depths, adjusting speed based on water temp and bait activity. When we mark fish on the bottom or around structure, we'll anchor up and drop baits down for bluefish and whatever else is hanging around. Live bait works great when we can get it, but cut bait and artificial lures produce just fine. All tackle gets provided, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. We run medium-action spinning rods that handle everything from 2-pound Spanish mackerel up to 20-pound kings.
Spanish Mackerel show up in good numbers spring through fall, typically running 1-3 pounds with the occasional fish pushing 4-5 pounds. These guys hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them a customer favorite for light tackle action. They school up around bait balls and respond well to small spoons trolled at 4-6 knots. Kids love them because they bite readily and don't require perfect technique to land. Best fishing usually happens during moving tides when they feed most aggressively.
Bluefish are the workhorses of nearshore fishing, available most of the year in sizes from snapper blues up to 10-pound choppers. These fish fight dirty and never give up, making long runs and jumping when hooked. They'll eat just about anything you put in front of them, from cut bait on the bottom to trolled lures up top. Bluefish school heavily during their spring and fall migrations, creating some of the best action you'll find close to shore. Handle with care - those teeth are razor sharp.
King Mackerel move through during warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 68 degrees. These are the prize fish of the trip, capable of reaching 20-40 pounds with blistering runs that test your drag system. Kings patrol the edges of structure and drop-offs, often following schools of bait. When one hits, everything else stops while you fight what many consider the best eating fish in these waters. They're notorious for long runs and acrobatic jumps.
Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore show up during their seasonal migrations, usually fall and spring when water temperatures are transitioning. Bonito are speed demons that hit trolled lures at high speed and fight like fish twice their size. False Albacore, or "albies," are equally fast and even more acrobatic, known for their distinctive wavy markings and incredible stamina. Both species school up during feeding frenzies, creating some of the most exciting light tackle fishing you'll find. They're catch-and-release fish that provide pure sport.
This 4-hour nearshore trip delivers exactly what most anglers want - consistent action, comfortable fishing, and a variety of species without the time commitment or seasickness potential of longer offshore runs. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, looking for a half-day break from the beach, or just want to get bent rods without burning a whole day, this trip hits the mark. The 6-person capacity keeps groups manageable while leaving room for everyone to fish comfortably. Book early during peak season when these convenient trips fill up fast, especially weekends and holidays when families are looking for that perfect morning or afternoon on the water.
Hit the nearshore waters aboard A.B. Offshore's 27-foot Sailfish, a solid fishing machine built for chasing Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish within 10 miles of shore. This 2006 center console packs twin 225HP Yamahas that'll cruise at 50 knots, getting your crew of up to 6 anglers to the fish fast. The boat's rigged with everything you need - fish finder to mark schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the bite gets finicky. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the onboard head means no cutting trips short. During peak season, you might hook into Atlantic Bonito, False Albacore, or even King Mackerel. Perfect for families wanting to experience real saltwater action without venturing into deep blue water. The Sailfish handles nearshore conditions with confidence, giving you more time fishing and less time dealing with rough seas.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are tuna-family fish that show distinctive black stripes and swim with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. They typically weigh 6-12 pounds and form large schools that create surface feeding frenzies. These fish prefer water temps in the 60s and show up during warmer months in mid-water depths. While they're not table fare here in the states, they put up one heck of a fight with blazing fast runs reaching 40 mph. Guests love the action when we find a feeding school - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools, then troll fast-moving lures or cast metals into the chaos. Once you hook up, hold on tight because these fish don't quit until they're in the boat.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that average 3-20 pounds and show up in our nearshore waters from late spring through fall. These blue-green predators with razor-sharp teeth hunt in schools, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water like a washing machine. They're found around structure, flats, and open water, usually staying in the upper water column. Kids and beginners love them because they hit hard and fight strong - just be careful of those teeth when handling them. The smaller "snapper" blues make great table fare, while larger fish have a stronger flavor. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water boiling with activity, that's a bluefish blitz. Get some cut bait or a shiny spoon in there quick before the school moves on.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the heavy hitters of the mackerel family, typically weighing 20-30 pounds with some reaching over 90. These olive-backed speedsters cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often moving into shallower water during warmer months. They're found around structure and drop-offs, hunting schools of baitfish. What makes them special is their blistering runs - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and will test your drag system. The fight alone makes the trip worthwhile, and their rich, flaky meat is great smoked or grilled. Local secret: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often hit bait from the tail end first, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish. Watch for birds working bait schools.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are silver speedsters with yellowish spots that typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 8-11 pounds. They travel in large schools near the surface, making them perfect for our nearshore trips. These fish love warm water and show up consistently from late spring through early fall around structures and flats. What guests really enjoy is their aggressive strike and fast runs - they're one of the quickest fish in these waters. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills beautifully. Here's a local tip: when you spot diving birds, get there fast but drift quietly into the area. Spanish Mackerel spook easily, so cut the engine and let the current carry you to the feeding school rather than motoring right up to them.
Morehead City, NC, United States