Coastal Fishing-Oriental, North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target false albacore, spanish mackerel, cobia, and sharks inshoreExplore Beaufort Inlet waters with spinning and fly rod techniquesSmall group fishing adventure for up to two guests
Oriental sits right where the Neuse River meets Pamlico Sound, making it one of North Carolina's hottest inshore fishing spots. When you book with Baldheaded Bobby Guide Service, you're getting access to some of the most productive waters along the Crystal Coast. We'll work the Beaufort Inlet and surrounding flats, targeting everything from false albacore runs to prowling cobia. This is a top-rated two-angler trip that puts you right in the action, whether you're casting to feeding fish or working structure for bottom dwellers.
Your day starts early at the Oriental marina, where you'll meet your guide and go over the game plan. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – one minute you're sight casting to a school of Spanish mackerel, the next you're dropping bottom rigs for bluefish. We run a well-equipped boat that handles the inlet waters with ease, giving us access to both the protected sound and the open ocean structure. The guide reads the conditions daily, so whether it's working the grass flats on a calm morning or hitting the inlet mouth when the tide's moving, you're always fishing the best water available. Expect to move around throughout the day as we follow the fish and adjust to what's biting.
This trip covers all the bases when it comes to inshore techniques. We'll have spinning rods rigged and ready for sight casting when we spot schools working on top. Fly rods are available for those who want to throw streamers at busting fish – nothing beats the fight of a false albacore on fly gear. When the fish are holding deeper or relating to structure, we'll switch to bottom fishing with circle hooks and fresh cut bait. Trolling comes into play when covering water to locate scattered cobia or when the Spanish mackerel are spread out along the drop-offs. All tackle is provided, from the light spinning gear perfect for Spanish mackerel to the heavier rods needed when a big cobia decides to test your drag. The guide carries a full selection of lures, from deadly spoons for trolling to jigs for sight casting.
Atlantic Bonito, also called little tunny locally, show up in good numbers from late summer through fall. These mini-tunas are built for speed and put up a fight way above their weight class. Most fish run 3-8 pounds, but they'll scream drag off your reel like nothing else in these waters. They travel in schools and feed aggressively, making them a customer favorite for both spinning and fly rod action. The best fishing happens when water temps start dropping in September and October.
Cobia are the heavyweight champions of this fishery, with fish ranging from 20-50 pounds common in these waters. They're curious fish that often cruise just under the surface, making them perfect targets for sight casting. Spring and early summer are prime time, when they're moving through the inlet heading to their spawning grounds. Catching one is like hooking into a submarine – they'll test every piece of your tackle and give you a workout you won't forget.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially during summer months. These fish are aggressive predators that hit everything from small jigs to trolled spoons. They average 1-3 pounds but make up for their size with numbers and willingness to bite. They're also excellent table fare, making them a hit with families looking to take fish home for dinner.
Bluefish bring the attitude to every trip. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon when they're on the bite. Size varies from small snappers to chopper blues pushing 10+ pounds. They'll hit anything that moves and fight dirty all the way to the boat. Prime time is fall when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration.
Oriental's inshore waters offer world-class fishing opportunities that change with the seasons, keeping every trip fresh and productive. Baldheaded Bobby Guide Service knows these waters inside and out, from the best grass flats for sight fishing to the productive structure that holds bottom fish. With techniques ranging from fly fishing to trolling, there's something for every angler's style. The two-person capacity keeps things personal and ensures plenty of rod time for everyone. Whether you're after the speed of false albacore or the power of cobia, this coastal fishing experience delivers the variety and action that makes North Carolina's Crystal Coast a renowned fishing destination. Book your trip now and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the East Coast has to offer.
Jump aboard this well-equipped inshore fishing boat designed for chasing false albacore, spanish mackerel, and cobia around Oriental's productive waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking spooky fish in the shallows, while the fish finder helps locate structure where bottom fish hang out. Whether you're sight casting to schools of bonita or trolling for sharks near Beaufort Inlet, this boat handles it all. The GPS keeps you on productive spots, and there's an ice box to keep your catch fresh. Perfect for two anglers who want to work the inshore waters with spinning gear or fly rods. From bottom fishing to trolling runs, this setup gets you where the fish are biting without the crowds.
Sarda SardaThese silver-bodied speedsters with dark stripes are a blast to catch around Beaufort Inlet. Averaging 8-12 pounds, bonito travel in huge schools that feed aggressively on the surface - you'll spot them by the bird activity overhead. They hit 40 mph when hooked, making for some serious arm-burning fights on light tackle. Best fishing happens late spring through fall when water temps climb into the 60s. While they're not table fare here in the States, they're pure fun on spinning gear or fly rods. Watch for diving birds and look for schools with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. Once you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the aggressive bullies of our waters, and that's exactly why people love targeting them. These olive-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds and travel in schools that can turn the water into a washing machine when they're feeding. You'll find them around inlet mouths, surf zones, and anywhere baitfish are getting pushed around. Late spring through fall brings the best action. They're known for their vicious strikes and strong initial runs. The smaller "cocktail blues" are excellent table fare when prepared fresh. Use cut bait, spoons, or poppers - they're not picky when feeding. One warning: watch those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking. These fish will bite anything, including your fingers if you're not careful.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our waters - big, brown, and built like submarines. These fish average 40-60 pounds but can push 100, making them serious tackle-busters. You'll find them around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're cruising shallow for spawning. What makes cobia special is the sight-fishing - watching that dark shadow glide just under the surface gets your heart pumping. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that grills perfectly. My advice: use a heavy bucktail jig and be patient. When you spot one, don't rush the cast. They spook easy but once hooked, they'll give you a bulldogging fight you won't forget.
Euthynnus AlletteratusAlso called false albacore, these torpedo-shaped fighters are what many folks come back for. Running 10-15 pounds on average, they school up thick and feed like crazy on the surface. You'll find them around inlets, points, and anywhere baitfish gather in the warmer months. The distinctive black spots and wavy lines on their backs make them easy to ID. What makes them special is their pure speed and fight - they'll peel drag and make long runs that test your gear. While the dark meat isn't everyone's cup of tea, the action more than makes up for it. Pro tip: when you find a feeding school, work fast with small spoons or flies. They're noisy feeders, so listen for the commotion on calm days.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese sleek speedsters with yellow spots are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great eating. Most run 1-3 pounds and school heavily around our area from late spring through fall. You'll find them near jetties, piers, and over grass flats, often feeding right on the surface. They're incredibly fast swimmers but their smaller size makes them perfect for light tackle fun. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and great grilled or smoked. Spanish mackerel will hit small spoons, jigs, or live bait like shrimp and sardines. Here's a local trick: use a small silver spoon and retrieve it fast near the surface. Their razor-sharp teeth will cut light leaders, so bring plenty of wire or heavy fluorocarbon.
Oriental, NC