Old Drum Fishing - Beaufort, North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Night fishing for Red Drum in Pamlico Sound watersAll fishing equipment provided by experienced charter serviceSmall group capacity accommodates up to four guests
When the sun starts to set over the Crystal Coast, something magical happens in the Pamlico Sound. The old red drum start moving, and if you know where to look, you're in for one hell of a night. This isn't your typical afternoon fishing trip – we're talking about targeting trophy redfish under the stars, where these copper-colored giants come alive in the shallows. Back Sound Fishing Charters has been putting anglers on these fish for years, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like feeling a 40-inch red drum peel drag off your reel while the moon reflects off the water around Beaufort.
This top-rated night fishing adventure takes you into the heart of North Carolina's premier red drum fishery. We'll be working the productive waters of Pamlico Sound, where the shallow grass flats and oyster bars create perfect hunting grounds for these legendary fish. The trip accommodates up to four anglers, so you're looking at an intimate experience where everyone gets plenty of shots at fish. We provide all the tackle you'll need – heavy spinning gear that can handle these bruisers, circle hooks, and fresh bait that the reds can't resist. All you need to bring is some food and drinks to keep you fueled through the night. The boat is equipped with proper lighting for night fishing, so you can see your rod tips and handle fish safely in the dark. Plan on being out there when these fish are most active, which means we'll time our trip around the tides and moon phase for maximum success.
Night fishing for old drum requires a different approach than daytime angling. We'll be using heavy conventional and spinning setups spooled with 30-50 pound braid to handle these fish in shallow water with structure. The technique revolves around presenting cut bait – usually mullet, menhaden, or blue crab – on the bottom near oyster bars, grass edges, and creek mouths where these fish cruise for food. We'll anchor up on productive spots and let the fish come to us, watching rod tips for that telltale bounce that means a red is mouthing your bait. Circle hooks are mandatory to protect these fish, and we'll show you the proper hookset technique – basically just start reeling when you feel weight. The key is staying quiet and patient. These old drum are smart and spooky, especially the bigger ones. We'll also have some artificials ready if the fish are aggressive – paddle tails and spoons can produce explosive strikes when worked around structure.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These copper-sided fighters are built like tanks and fight twice as hard in shallow water. The Pamlico Sound system produces some of the best red drum fishing on the East Coast, with fish ranging from slot-sized 18-27 inchers up to massive 40-50 pound bulls that'll test your tackle and your backing. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but these fish are catchable year-round in North Carolina waters. What makes targeting old drum so special is their behavior – they're incredibly smart fish that have survived decades by being cautious, but when they decide to feed, they commit hard. You'll feel that signature head shake and bulldogging run that redfish are famous for. The bigger fish especially love to make long, steady runs that'll have your drag screaming. Many of these old drum are catch-and-release only due to size regulations, but getting your hands on a 20-pound-plus red drum is a memory that'll last forever. They're also known for their distinctive black spots near the tail – some fish have one spot, others have dozens, and local legend says each spot represents a year of the fish's life.
If you're serious about tangling with some of North Carolina's best redfish, this night trip is exactly what you've been looking for. The combination of Beaufort's world-class fishery, experienced local knowledge, and the right equipment makes this a customer favorite for both visiting anglers and locals who know quality fishing. These old drum don't wait around, and neither should you – the best fishing happens when conditions align perfectly, and having a spot reserved means you won't miss out when everything comes together. Whether you're looking to check a trophy red off your bucket list or just want to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Crystal Coast has to offer, this trip delivers the goods. Book your night on the water and get ready to see why Pamlico Sound redfish have such a legendary reputation among serious anglers.
Ready to chase some legendary Red Drum in the Pamlico Sound? This reliable motorboat is your ticket to the best inshore fishing Beaufort has to offer. Equipped with a top-notch GPS system to navigate these productive waters and a fish finder to locate those trophy drum hiding in the shallows, you'll be fishing smart from the start. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Perfect for targeting those big old drum that cruise these waters at night - we're talking about fish that have been around the block and know how to put up a fight. All your tackle and gear is included, so just pack your cooler with snacks and drinks for the trip. The shallow draft design lets us get into those skinny water spots where the big reds like to feed, especially around the grass flats and oyster bars that make this area famous.
Beaufort, NC