6 Hour Inshore: Flounder, Sea Trout And More
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target red drum, trout, flounder, and sheepshead inshoreFish creeks, grassflats, bridges using live and artificial baitsSixhour duration allows targeting multiple species effectively
When you book with Atlantic Blue Charters on the New River, you're getting access to some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters. This 6-hour fishing adventure gives you the time to really explore what our coastal ecosystem has to offer – from the shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to the deeper creek channels where flounder lay in ambush. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in saltwater fishing.
This top-rated charter starts early, giving you the full benefit of prime fishing hours. We'll hit multiple spots throughout the day – maybe starting in the creeks for some speckled trout action, then moving to the grass flats where redfish and black drum patrol the shallows. The New River system and Intracoastal Waterway offer incredible variety, and with 6 hours on the water, we've got time to adapt to conditions and target whatever's biting best. You'll fish around bridge pilings for sheepshead, work the edges of oyster bars, and maybe even venture into some of the deeper holes where big flounder hang out. The boat holds up to 3 guests comfortably, so you'll get plenty of personalized attention and coaching from your captain.
Depending on what we're targeting and your preferences, we'll use live bait, artificials, or a combination of both. Live shrimp and finger mullet are deadly on trout and redfish, while fresh cut bait works magic for black drum and flounder. If you prefer throwing artificials, we'll rig you up with soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that drive these inshore species crazy. The captain provides all tackle, but feel free to bring your own rod if you've got a favorite setup. We'll be fishing everything from 2 feet of water on the flats to 15-foot holes in the river channels, so expect to use different techniques throughout the day. Light tackle is the name of the game here – it makes every fish feel like a monster and keeps the action exciting all day long.
Southern Flounder are the crown jewel of North Carolina inshore fishing, and the New River system holds some genuine doormat-sized fish. These ambush predators lay flat on sandy bottoms and creek edges, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall is prime time for flounder, when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes them so exciting is the way they hit – often just a subtle tap followed by dead weight that suddenly comes alive. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh flounder on the dinner table.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can push 40+ pounds in our waters and they use every ounce of that weight to test your drag. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around oyster bars, dock pilings, and bridge supports where they crush crabs and oysters. Spring through fall offers the best action, and they're particularly active during moving tides. The fight is pure power – no fancy jumps, just sustained runs that'll make your arms burn.
Sheepshead are the ultimate technical challenge for inshore anglers. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're notorious bait stealers, requiring perfect timing and a quick hook set. You'll find them around any hard structure – bridge pilings, docks, rock piles, and oyster bars. Winter months can be particularly productive when they school up in deeper water. Landing a quality sheepshead requires skill and patience, making them a customer favorite among experienced anglers.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of New River fishing. These beautiful fish with distinctive black spots are aggressive feeders and fantastic on light tackle. They school up over grass flats and around creek mouths, especially during spring and fall migrations. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials – a well-placed soft plastic or topwater plug can trigger explosive strikes. They're also excellent table fare, making them perfect for anglers who want to take dinner home.
Redfish are the poster fish of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are aggressive, powerful, and absolutely gorgeous. In our waters, you'll encounter them tailing in shallow grass flats, cruising creek edges, and ambushing bait around structure. They're year-round residents, though fall offers some of the best action when they school up in large numbers. What makes reds so special is their fighting ability – they make long, powerful runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze through the water. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is about as exciting as inshore fishing gets.
Six hours on the water with Atlantic Blue Charters gives you the complete New River inshore experience. You'll fish multiple techniques, target various species, and explore some of North Carolina's most renowned fishing grounds. The extra time means we can chase whatever's biting best and give you the best shot at a mixed bag of quality fish. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just experience world-class inshore fishing, this trip delivers. The crew's local knowledge and dedication to putting clients on fish makes this a best trip choice for serious anglers. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Ready to chase flounder and sea trout around New River's best fishing spots? Our 19' Mako Pro handles everything these North Carolina waters throw at it - from shallow creek runs to choppy open water near the bridges. This boat cuts through rough conditions like butter, keeping you dry while we hunt red drum in the grass flats or work the ICW for sheepshead. With 6 hours on the water, we've got time to hit multiple spots and switch up tactics. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper holes. Icebox keeps your drinks cold and catch fresh. Whether we're tossing artificials or soaking live bait up river, this Mako's got the range and stability to put you on fish. Perfect setup for up to 3 anglers looking to make the most of New River's diverse inshore action.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, with most running 10-30 pounds though giants over 50 pounds show up regularly. They're bottom feeders that love oyster beds, muddy flats, and bridge pilings throughout our area. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What guests love is their bulldogging fight and the challenge of outsmarting these smart, structure-loving fish. They're excellent table fare under 15 pounds with firm, white meat. The secret around New River's bridges and ICW is using fresh blue crab or cut shrimp on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. These fish have powerful jaws that crush oysters, so don't be shy about setting the hook hard when you feel that tap-tap-tap.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the signature fish of our shallow waters, easily recognized by their copper-red color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most "slot fish" run 18-27 inches, while the big "bull reds" can push 40+ inches and really test your tackle. They cruise our grassflats, oyster bars, and creek edges in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Fall and spring offer the best action, though we catch them year-round. What makes them special is their power - they'll make screaming runs that remind you why they're called drum. They're also excellent eating in the smaller sizes with firm, sweet meat. The money shot here is sight-fishing the flats with gold spoons or live shrimp. When you spot that bronze back cruising shallow, cast ahead of them and work your bait slowly - they're curious but spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. Most range 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional 4+ pound "gator trout" that really get your heart pumping. They love our grassflats, creek mouths, and shallow areas throughout the ICW and New River system. Best fishing happens spring through fall, with dawn and dusk being magic hours. What guests enjoy is their willing bite and acrobatic jumps when hooked, plus they're outstanding table fare with delicate, white meat. They're also great for kids since they're aggressive and fight hard for their size. The local trick is working soft plastics or live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds. Listen for their feeding - they make distinctive slurping sounds when hitting bait on the surface.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead earn their "convict fish" nickname with bold black stripes on silver sides, but it's their human-like teeth that really grab attention. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 8+ pounders lurk around our dock pilings and bridge structures. They're year-round residents but spring brings the best action when they're more aggressive. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with incredible precision, making every hookup feel earned. The white, flaky meat rivals any fish in our waters. Around New River's bridges and docks, use small hooks with fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp, and fish tight to structure - I mean inches away. The moment you feel them picking at your bait, set the hook immediately. They'll steal your offering faster than you can blink if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms where they ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and around 2-5 pounds, though we've seen some reach 20+ pounds. They're found throughout our shallow coastal waters, creeks, and grassflats, especially during their fall migration from October through December when they head to spawn offshore. What makes them special is watching one materialize from what looked like empty bottom, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. The key trick here in New River is using live finger mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig, but keep your bait moving slowly - they'll follow it before striking. Their camouflage is so good you'll swear the bottom just came alive.
North Carolina