Kids Fishing Trip in Wanchese, NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2-hour fishing trip designed specifically for childrenIncludes proper casting instruction and island hopping activitiesKids can discover hermit crabs and splash in shallow waters
Want to get your kids hooked on fishing? This private 2-hour kids fishing trip in Wanchese, NC is hands-down the best way to introduce young anglers to the sport. Captain Clay and the Above C Level Adventures crew know exactly how to work with kids – they're patient, encouraging, and make sure every child feels confident on the water. Whether your little ones have never held a rod or they've been begging you to take them fishing for months, this trip delivers the perfect mix of learning and fun that keeps kids engaged from start to finish.
This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's designed specifically with kids in mind. Captain Clay starts by teaching proper casting techniques in a way that makes sense to young minds, breaking down each step so kids build real skills they can use for years. The inshore waters around Wanchese provide the perfect classroom, with calm conditions and plenty of action to keep everyone excited. But here's where it gets even better – this trip includes some island hopping adventures where younger kids can splash around in shallow water, hunt for hermit crabs, and explore the fascinating marine life that calls these waters home. It's like getting two adventures rolled into one, ensuring that even the most restless little angler stays entertained throughout the entire 2-hour experience.
Captain Clay uses kid-friendly tackle and techniques that actually work for small hands. Light spinning reels paired with shorter rods make casting manageable, while live bait and simple bottom rigs keep the action consistent. The crew focuses on teaching fundamental skills like proper grip, smooth casting motion, and how to feel for bites – all explained in terms kids understand. They'll learn to read their rod tip, set the hook with confidence, and reel in their catch using proper technique. The inshore environment around Wanchese offers perfect conditions for learning, with protected waters that aren't too choppy and structure that holds fish consistently. Captain Clay knows exactly where to position the boat for the best action, often targeting grass beds, oyster bars, and shallow flats where kids can see the fish they're trying to catch.
Bluefish are absolute crowd-pleasers for young anglers because they fight hard and bite aggressively. These silvery predators typically range from 1-5 pounds in these waters and provide that heart-pumping action kids love. They're most active during spring and fall, often feeding in schools that create non-stop excitement. What makes bluefish perfect for kids is their willingness to hit both live and cut bait, plus they put up a fight that feels big without being overwhelming.
Black Drum offer a completely different experience – these bottom-dwellers can surprise young anglers with their size and power. Juvenile black drum in the 2-8 pound range are common in Wanchese's shallow waters, especially around oyster beds and grass flats. They're excellent for teaching kids patience and bottom fishing techniques. The steady, determined fight of a black drum gives kids time to learn proper fish-fighting skills without the frantic pace of other species.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, add an element of mystery that kids absolutely love. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottom waiting to ambush prey. When a flounder hits, kids get to experience that distinctive "tap-tap" bite pattern that makes them excellent teacher fish. Most summer flounder caught on these trips range from 14-18 inches, providing perfect action for young hands while teaching the importance of measuring fish and following regulations.
Sheepshead are the puzzle fish that keep kids thinking. With their human-like teeth and finicky feeding habits, they challenge young anglers to be gentle with their presentation. These black-and-white striped fish hang around structure like dock pilings and oyster bars, often requiring kids to learn precise boat positioning and bait presentation. Landing a sheepshead feels like solving a fishing riddle, making them incredibly rewarding for young minds.
Redfish are the crown jewel of any kid's fishing trip. These copper-colored bruisers are built for fighting and provide that trophy experience every young angler dreams about. Wanchese's marsh systems and grass flats hold good numbers of slot-sized redfish, typically ranging from 18-27 inches. What makes redfish special for kids is their power combined with their tendency to stay hooked once caught – they don't jump or throw hooks like some species, giving young anglers the best chance at landing their first real trophy.
This top-rated kids fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during peak season when families are looking for that perfect outdoor adventure. Captain Clay's expertise with young anglers has made this trip a customer favorite among parents who want their kids to develop real fishing skills in a fun, pressure-free environment. The 2-hour duration hits that sweet spot – long enough for kids to learn and catch fish, but short enough to hold their attention throughout the entire trip. With space for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for small family groups or a special outing with a few young fishing buddies. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates. Contact Captain Clay directly at 252-333-2279 to check availability and lock in your kids' fishing adventure. This world-class introduction to inshore fishing in the renowned waters around Wanchese will create memories that last a lifetime and might just spark a passion that defines your child's outdoor future.
Our 2013 22' Key West Bay Boat is the perfect fishing platform for getting kids hooked on angling in Wanchese waters. Powered by a reliable 150HP Yamaha that cruises at 40 knots, this shallow-draft boat easily navigates the sounds and creeks where young anglers can learn proper casting techniques and reel in their first catches. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of fish while the wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly into fishing spots without spooking the target species. Between fishing sessions, we'll hit nearby islands where kids can wade in shallow water hunting for hermit crabs and exploring tidal pools. The built-in icebox keeps drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh during our 2-hour adventure. With comfortable seating for up to 4 passengers, there's plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy watching young fishing enthusiasts develop their skills on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are perfect for teaching kids patience and proper bottom fishing technique. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically weigh 5-15 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds. They hang around oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. Kids get excited hearing them "drum" underwater - they actually make noise! The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to trick is using fresh peeler crab on a circle hook and letting it sit right on the bottom near structure. They're strong fighters that will test your drag and teach young anglers how to work a fish properly.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that kids love catching because they hit hard and fight like crazy. These blue-green fish with sharp teeth typically run 1-5 pounds around here, though we see some pushing 10-15 pounds. They travel in schools and go into feeding frenzies, especially around baitfish like menhaden. You'll find them in the surf, inlets, and shallow bays from late spring through fall. They're great eating when prepared fresh - the smaller ones taste best. Pro tip: use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. When you see birds diving and water churning, that's usually bluefish tearing into a school of bait fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect fish for kids - they're aggressive, beautiful with that distinctive black spot, and fight like bulldogs. Most run 18-27 inches around here, with their copper-red backs fading to white bellies. They love shallow flats, marsh edges, and around oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding. Kids get pumped seeing them cruise the shallows with their backs out of water. They're great eating and will hit just about anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or simple jigs. My favorite trick for young anglers is using a popping cork with live shrimp underneath. The cork keeps the bait off bottom and makes noise to attract them, plus kids love seeing that cork disappear when a red hits.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with black stripes and human-like teeth that kids always want to see up close. They typically run 2-5 pounds and up to 20 inches, hanging around docks, pilings, and any structure with barnacles. Spring and fall are best when they're feeding heavily on crabs, shrimp, and barnacles. They're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, but notorious bait stealers that require patience. You'll hear kids laughing when they see those buck teeth! The key is getting your bait right against the pilings - they rarely venture far from cover. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel them picking at the bait, set the hook hard because they have tough mouths.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are amazing fish that fascinate kids - they're flat with both eyes on one side and change colors like chameleons. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some pushing 5-6 pounds. These ambush predators bury in sandy bottoms near inlets, channels, and structure from spring through late fall. September and October are peak months. They make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Kids love the challenge since flounder are notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and steal your bait without getting hooked. The secret is using a bucktail jig tipped with squid or minnow, bouncing it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook.
Outer Banks