Wanchese Nearshore Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 46 hour nearshore fishing adventure for up to 4 guestsTarget mackerel and ribbonfish through wreck fishing and trolling techniquesExperienced crew provides equipment and guidance for all skill levels
Looking for some serious fishing action off the North Carolina coast? Above C Level Adventures has you covered with their top-rated nearshore fishing trips out of Wanchese. Captain Clay and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming. Whether you're chasing Spanish mackerel around the wrecks or trolling for kings in deeper water, this 4-6 hour trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts at the Wanchese marina, where you'll meet Captain Clay and get the rundown on what's been biting lately. The boat heads out to productive nearshore waters, targeting structure and temperature breaks where fish congregate. You'll be working depths anywhere from 20 to 60 feet, hitting artificial reefs and natural bottom structure that holds baitfish - and the predators that feed on them. The crew keeps the group small at just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of room to fish and personal attention when the action heats up. These aren't crowded party boat conditions - you're fishing with a captain who's invested in making sure everyone gets their shots at quality fish.
The beauty of nearshore fishing around Wanchese is the variety of techniques you'll use. When working the wrecks and reefs, you'll be bottom fishing with conventional tackle, dropping baits down to where black drum and redfish cruise the structure. The captain provides all the gear, from medium-heavy spinning outfits to conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle whatever grabs your bait. For the trolling action, you'll be pulling spoons, diving plugs, and rigged baits behind the boat at varying speeds to trigger strikes from mackerel species. The crew handles the technical stuff - setting the spread, adjusting speeds, and reading the fish finder - while you focus on fighting fish. Live bait fishing is also in play when conditions are right, with the crew securing fresh menhaden or other local baitfish to entice larger predators.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing here, and for good reason. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. They show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, feeding aggressively on small baitfish around structure. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite - when you find a school, you can often catch them one after another until your arms are tired.
Bluefish bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These toothy predators can range from small "snappers" up to 10+ pound "choppers" that'll give you a real workout. They're notorious for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked. Blues are opportunistic feeders that show up throughout the warmer months, and they're not picky about what they eat - making them a reliable target when other species are finicky.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds and sometimes much larger. These bottom-dwellers love structure and are famous for their bulldogging fights - they won't jump, but they'll use their size and strength to try to wrap you around whatever wreck or reef they're living on. The best black drum fishing typically happens in spring and fall when these fish move into nearshore waters to feed and spawn.
King mackerel are the prize catch that every angler hopes for on these trips. These pelagic speedsters can range from 10-pound "school fish" up to 40+ pound monsters that locals call "smokers" for their ability to peel line off your reel. Kings are most active during the warmer months and are typically caught trolling, though they'll also take live baits. When you hook into a big king, be ready for a fight that can last 20 minutes or more of give-and-take action.
Redfish round out the target species list and represent some of the most consistent action you'll find. These copper-colored drum typically run 18-27 inches in nearshore waters and are known for their strong, sustained runs. Reds are year-round residents that feed actively around structure, and they're particularly exciting because they often feed in schools - when you catch one, there are usually more in the area. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers who want to take dinner home.
Captain Clay's nearshore trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing season when the mackerel are running thick and the drum fishing is hot. The flexibility of the 4-6 hour timeframe means you can adjust your trip length based on how the fishing is going - if the bite is wide open, you might want to stay out longer to make the most of it. All tackle and bait are included, so you just need to bring your fishing license, sun protection, and drinks for the day. Contact Captain Clay directly at 252-333-2279 to check availability and lock in your dates. These Wanchese waters have been producing quality fishing for generations, and with Above C Level Adventures, you're tapping into local knowledge that can't be bought - only earned through years of working these productive nearshore grounds.
Hit the waters around Wanchese aboard this reliable 22' Key West Bay Boat that's built for serious fishing action. The 2013 model runs smooth with its 150HP Yamaha engine, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for those spooky fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots and mark productive areas. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long fights with mackerel and ribbonfish. This bay boat handles nearshore conditions well and gives you the stability needed when you're battling fish or working multiple rods. Captain Clay knows these waters and this boat will put you on fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are bottom-dwelling bruisers that range from 5-30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 50+. They hang around oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure in 10-40 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. These fish are pure power, making long, steady runs that'll test your tackle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Bigger ones are better released. They're suckers for fresh crab - blue crab or peeler crab on a circle hook fished right on bottom. Key tip: when you feel that steady thump-thump bite, don't set the hook hard. Let the circle hook do its job and just start reeling steady pressure.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that typically run 5-15 pounds around here, though we see some pushing 20+. They're voracious feeders that hunt in packs, churning up baitfish in what we call a "bluefish blitz." You'll find them in surf, around inlets, and over structure from spring through fall. They love cooler water and overcast days when baitfish are active. Guests love the hard strikes and bulldogging fights - these fish don't give up easy. The smaller ones are great eating with firm, flaky meat, though the big ones can be strong-tasting. Here's the key: when you see birds working over breaking fish, get there fast. Blues hit anything shiny - spoons, poppers, or cut bait. Just watch those teeth when handling them.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore trips, averaging 15-40 pounds with some reaching 60+. They patrol depths of 40-100+ feet around structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools. Summer and early fall are peak season when water temps hit 70-80°F. These fish make blistering runs that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds - pure adrenaline fishing. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling. We troll with live bait on wire leaders, using a stinger hook setup since kings often hit the tail first. Local trick: when marking bait on the sounder, drop the boat back and forth through the area. Kings follow the thermocline, so keep your baits at different depths until you find where they're feeding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are bronze beauties that typically run 18-30 inches around our waters. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-6 feet of water where their backs sometimes show above the surface. Spring and fall are money seasons when they school up tight. These copper missiles make powerful runs and never quit fighting - they'll bulldoze you into structure if you let them. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for blackening or grilling. Look for that telltale black spot near the tail. They're suckers for live shrimp or cut bait, but topwater plugs create explosive strikes. Pro tip: when you spot tailing reds in skinny water, approach quiet and cast well ahead of them. They spook easy but once hooked, hold on tight.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are silver speedsters that usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-8 pounds. They travel in schools near the surface, making them perfect for our trolling trips. You'll find them around structure and open water from late spring through early fall when water temps hit the 70s. These fish are lightning fast - they'll hit spoons and jigs hard and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that's great grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast - they spook easily but if you stay quiet and keep your lures moving, you can often pick up several before they move on. Their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are a must.
Outer Banks