5.0(2 Reviews)4 Hour Nearshore Fishing Trip In North Carolina
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour nearshore fishing trip targeting multiple species offshoreCaptain Drew Jackson provides experienced local fishing guidanceAtlantic Blue Charters accommodates up to 6 guests
Ready to experience some of the best nearshore fishing North Carolina has to offer? Atlantic Blue Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – a solid 4-hour trip targeting prime species right off Snead's Ferry. Captain Drew Jackson knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built his reputation on putting guests on fish while making sure everyone has a great time doing it. Whether you're bringing the family or heading out with your fishing buddies, this trip hits that sweet spot where you get quality fishing without burning a whole day on the water.
Captain Drew runs a tight ship that accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention. You'll launch from Snead's Ferry, which puts you in prime position to hit productive nearshore waters without wasting time running to distant spots. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to work different areas and techniques while keeping things manageable for anglers of all experience levels. Drew's approach focuses on reading conditions and adjusting tactics throughout the trip – some days that means working structure for cobia, other days it's running and gunning for Spanish mackerel schools. The boat comes equipped with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. Don't worry about bringing lunch since you'll be back in time for a late breakfast or early lunch on shore.
Most of your fishing will involve trolling with a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait depending on what's working. Drew typically starts by setting up a spread that covers different depths and speeds – this lets you target multiple species at once. Spanish and king mackerel love shiny spoons pulled at the right speed, while bonito and albacore often prefer smaller lures or live bait presentations. When the bite is hot, you might find yourself pulling lines and casting into feeding schools. The captain will handle boat positioning and gear setup, but be ready to grab a rod when something hits. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, especially when targeting larger kings or potential shark bycatch. The first mate stays busy keeping lines untangled, netting fish, and making sure everyone gets their turn at the action. Bottom fishing comes into play when targeting sea bass or flounder, usually over structure or drop-offs that Drew has marked over years of fishing these waters.
"Everyone had a great time. My adult nephews have never fished off a boat in the ocean and were a bit nervous at first. Captain Drew and his First Mate made sure everyone knew what to expect and walked them through everything! They are already talking about booking again next time they come for a visit." - Kelly
"Drew is very knowledgeable, hard working and an all around great person. Enjoyed our day and will definitely book again. Thank you!" - Alan
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing here, especially from late spring through fall. These aggressive feeders hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. They typically run 1-3 pounds and absolutely hammer small spoons and jigs. What makes Spanish mackerel so fun is their willingness to bite – when you find a school, multiple hookups are common. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
King mackerel represent the trophy potential on these trips, with fish ranging from school-size 10-pounders up to smoker kings pushing 30+ pounds. Kings are ambush predators that cruise structure and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for trolling operations. They're notorious for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with larger fish typically showing up during cooler months. The key to consistent king fishing is covering water at the right speed with the right presentation – something Captain Drew has dialed in after years on these grounds.
Atlantic bonito bring pure speed and athleticism to the fight, often mistaken for small tunas by visiting anglers. These fish are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies and incredible stamina. Bonito schools move fast and feed aggressively, creating some of the most exciting fishing you'll find nearshore. They typically weigh 2-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Bonito are also fantastic eating when prepared fresh, though they don't keep as well as other species. Look for them around temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish concentrate.
Albacore tuna represent the premium catch on these nearshore grounds. These fish combine the speed of bonito with significantly more size and power, typically ranging from 10-25 pounds in local waters. Albacore are highly prized both for their fighting ability and their exceptional meat quality – this is sushi-grade tuna we're talking about. They're more temperature sensitive than other species, often requiring specific water conditions to show up in catchable numbers. When conditions align and albacore move inshore, they provide some of the most memorable fishing experiences available off the North Carolina coast.
Atlantic Blue Charters has earned its reputation by consistently putting anglers on fish while providing the kind of personalized service that keeps customers coming back. Captain Drew's local knowledge and commitment to customer satisfaction make this 4-hour nearshore trip an outstanding value for anyone looking to experience quality fishing without the time commitment of longer offshore adventures. The 6-person capacity ensures you won't feel crowded, and the focus on multiple species means there's always something to target regardless of conditions. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing or looking to add some variety to your angling resume, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot with Atlantic Blue Charters and see why Drew Jackson has become the go-to captain for nearshore fishing out of Snead's Ferry.
Get ready to fish the North Carolina waters aboard this exceptional 34-foot Caymas! This offshore powerhouse is the only boat in the Sneads Ferry/Topsail area equipped with a Seakeeper 2 stabilization system, which means you'll stay comfortable even when the Atlantic gets choppy. The boat's legendary ride quality keeps you focused on landing Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and whatever else is biting out there. Captain Drew Jackson has this fishing machine loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS navigation gets you to the hot spots fast. When visibility drops, the onboard radar keeps you safe. Stay connected with the VHF radio and enjoy tunes from the multimedia system between hookups. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. After battling fish all morning, rinse off in the onboard shower or use the head when needed. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. Whether you're targeting cobia, sea bass, or hoping to tangle with a shark, this Caymas delivers the performance and comfort that separates a good fishing day from a great one.
Thunnus AlalungaThese bullet-shaped speedsters are some of the most prized catches off North Carolina's coast. Albacore typically run 18-25 inches and weigh 20-45 pounds, with those big pectoral fins that can stretch nearly a third of their body length. You'll find them in deeper offshore waters during warmer months, traveling in massive schools that can span up to 19 miles wide. What makes them special? They're the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat tuna" - firm texture, mild flavor, and perfect for the dinner table. They never stop moving since they need constant water flow over their gills to breathe. When trolling for albacore, keep your lures 50-90 feet behind the boat and remember - land that first fish quickly because if it escapes, it'll spook the entire school and they'll vanish.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, hitting 40 mph when they're chasing baitfish. These silver bullets with dark stripes typically run up to 12 pounds and 30 inches, traveling in huge schools that feed aggressively on the surface. You'll spot them easily - their dorsal fins stick up like little shark fins, and the diving birds overhead are a dead giveaway. They're found in mid-water columns rather than on the bottom, preferring water temps in the 60s though they can handle the 50s. While they're not great eating in the US, they put up a fantastic fight and make excellent bait for bigger game. The cool thing about bonito is once you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Watch for the birds working - that's your ticket to fast action with these aggressive little tunas.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the prize of our nearshore waters - these olive-backed fighters typically weigh around 30 pounds but can push well over 90. You'll find them cruising depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure and temperature breaks. The bigger fish usually hold closer to shore in inlets and harbors. What makes kings so popular? Pure speed and power - they're matched only by wahoo when it comes to blistering runs. The grayish meat has high fat content and decent eating, though it's really about the fight with these fish. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hammer blue runners, menhaden, and squid depending on the season. Here's the key: always rig with two hooks on a wire leader - one through the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to attack from the rear, and that second hook will save you from a lot of heartbreak when that big fish turns away.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silvery speedsters with their distinctive yellow spots are perfect targets for our nearshore trips. Spanish mackerel typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds, but they punch well above their weight class when it comes to the fight. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structures, jetties, and drop-offs, especially during the warmer months when they move closer to shore. They're lightning fast swimmers - one of the quickest fish in the Atlantic - which makes for exciting action once you hook up. The meat is fantastic too - mild flavor that's great grilled, fried, or even smoked. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so always use a wire leader or they'll cut you off in a heartbeat. When you see birds diving and working the surface, that's usually a dead giveaway there's a school of Spanish feeding underneath.
5.0 out of 5.0Everyone had a great time. My adult nephews have never fished off a boat in the ocean and were a bit nervous at first. Captain Dre...
Drew is very knowledgeable, hard working and an all around great person. Enjoyed our day and will definitely book again. Thank you...
North Carolina