Wanchese Inshore Fishing - Speckled Trout & Red Drum
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target speckled trout and red drum in shallow waters under 7 feetPrivate 46 hour inshore trip accommodates up to 4 anglers maximumFish artificial reefs and oyster beds with individual rods provided
Get ready to fish some of the best shallow water spots along North Carolina's Outer Banks with Above C Level Adventures. Captain Clay runs a top-rated operation out of Wanchese, targeting speckled trout and red drum in waters less than 7 feet deep. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience - you'll fish with just 3 other anglers max, and everyone gets their own rod to work with. We're talking about productive oyster beds, artificial reefs, and grass flats where these inshore favorites love to hang out. The fishing here is legendary, and Captain Clay knows every productive spot from years of running these waters.
Your 4 to 6 hour adventure starts from the historic fishing village of Wanchese, right in the heart of some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters. Captain Clay keeps his groups small - just 4 anglers total - so you'll have plenty of room to fish and won't be fighting for space at the rail. Each person gets their own rod setup, which means you're always fishing, not waiting for a turn. We'll be working the shallow flats, oyster bars, and man-made structure that holds these fish. The boat is set up specifically for this type of fishing, with a shallow draft that lets us get into spots the bigger boats can't reach. You'll spend your time casting to visible structure, working the grass beds, and learning to read the water like a local. Captain Clay has been guiding these waters for years and knows exactly where to find feeding fish based on the tide, weather, and season.
We fish light tackle here - typically spinning gear with 15-20 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders. The shallow water and clear conditions mean finesse is key to success. You'll be working soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live bait depending on what the fish are telling us. Captain Clay will have you rigged and ready, but if you've got your own gear, bring medium-light spinning rods in the 7-foot range. We'll be sight fishing when conditions allow, which means you'll actually see the red drum before you cast to them. For speckled trout, we work the grass beds and drop-offs with paddle tails and shrimp under popping corks. The key to success in these shallow waters is staying quiet and making accurate casts to structure. Captain Clay will put you on fish, but your casting accuracy and patience will determine how many you bring to the boat. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing - he's great at teaching the techniques that work in these specific waters.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters around Wanchese. These fish can range from 2 pounds up to massive 40+ pound bulls that will test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime time for the bigger fish, though you'll find smaller ones year-round around the oyster beds. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. The fight is all about endurance - they don't jump or make long runs, but they use their broad sides and powerful bodies to stay deep and wear you out.
Summer flounder are the flatfish everyone wants to catch, and the waters around Wanchese hold some real doormat-sized fish. These ambush predators lie buried in the sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. The best action happens from late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. A 4-5 pound flounder is a nice fish, but the waters here regularly produce fish over 6 pounds. They're also some of the best eating you'll find - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped fish that love structure, especially around the oyster beds and artificial reefs we'll be fishing. They're notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans. Spring and fall bring the best sheepshead action, and a 3-4 pound fish is considered a good catch. They're challenging to hook because of their light bite, but once you figure out their feeding pattern, you can catch them consistently. The meat is excellent - firm and white with a mild flavor.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around Wanchese. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots are aggressive feeders that hit both artificial lures and live bait. The best fishing happens during the cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and around structure. A 2-3 pound speckled trout is a solid fish, but 4+ pounders are caught regularly in these waters. They're excellent table fare and put up a respectable fight on light tackle.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and the waters around Wanchese hold some of the best populations on the East Coast. These copper-colored drums are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. You'll find them in the shallows around oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the table, while the oversized bulls provide the fight of a lifetime. Fall is prime time when big schools of reds move through the area, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
This world-class inshore fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot. Captain Clay runs a customer favorite operation that focuses on putting you on fish while teaching you the techniques that work in these waters. You'll leave knowing more about inshore fishing and hopefully with a cooler full of fresh fillets. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of fishing time
This 2013 Key West bay boat is your ticket to prime speckled trout and red drum waters around Wanchese. The 22-footer runs smooth with its 150HP Yamaha, getting you to those productive shallow spots under 7 feet where the fish are biting. Built for serious anglers, it handles up to 4 people comfortably while you work the oyster beds and artificial reefs. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets, while the wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into position without spooking the fish. GPS keeps you on course to the hottest spots, and the onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those longer 6-hour sessions. At 40 knots max speed, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time running between spots. This bay boat's shallow draft design is perfect for accessing those back-country areas where the big reds cruise. Whether you're sight-fishing or working structure, this reliable platform gives you the stability and features needed for a productive day targeting North Carolina's premier inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with those powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds and muddy flats in shallow water, especially during spring spawning season when they school up and become much easier to target. They're famous for that drumming sound they make underwater - you can actually hear them! What makes them fun is the solid fight they put up, though keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating since the big ones get tough. My tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near structure. They're picky eaters but once hooked, they'll give you a real workout.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and once you catch one, you'll understand the obsession. These copper-colored fighters with the black eyespot near their tail typically run 20-35 inches around here. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars and grass flats. Spring through fall is prime time, but they bite year-round. What guests love is that powerful run they make when hooked and how they'll eat just about anything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, and approach quietly. Once you spot them, a well-placed cast usually gets bit.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are probably our most popular inshore target, and for good reason. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and love shallow grass flats where they ambush shrimp and small fish. They're most active during cooler months and bite best on topwater plugs early morning or late evening. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and the way they'll jump when hooked. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They school up in winter in deeper channels, but spring and fall fishing in the shallows is hard to beat. Here's what works: fish the grass edges with a popping cork and live shrimp, and work it slow. When they're feeding, you'll see the water explode.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll surprise you every time. These 1-8 pound fighters love hanging around any structure - docks, pilings, oyster beds - where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time when they spawn and school up near structures. They're notorious bait thieves with those powerful jaws, so you've got to be ready to set the hook hard when you feel them nibbling. The white meat is sweet and delicious, though they're tough to clean with those sharp spines. My advice: get your bait as close to the structure as possible and keep it pinned on tight. They'll try to steal it every time, but that's half the fun.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and love ambushing prey from their hiding spots in the sand. You'll catch them best from September through November when they're more active and feeding heavily before winter. They hit live minnows, sea worms, and clams really well. What guests love is watching them fight sideways since they bite from left to right - it's unlike any other fish. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find. Here's the trick: when you feel that subtle tap, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook. They like to nibble first.
Outer Banks