Inshore Prime Fishing Trip - Kure Beach, NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended inshore fishing trip targeting prime North Carolina speciesAll tackle and fishing licenses provided by experienced charterSmall group experience with maximum three guests per trip
Looking to spend some quality time on the water chasing North Carolina's finest inshore species? Brannin Charters has you covered with this top-rated fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of some of the best inshore action along the Carolina coast. We're talking about a proper fishing trip where you'll target the big four - red drum, black drum, speckled trout, and flounder - in the productive waters around Wilmington. This isn't your typical half-day rush job either. When you book this extended trip, you're getting the time you need to really work the water and put some serious fish in the boat. Perfect for small groups of up to three anglers who want personalized attention and the chance to learn from a seasoned local captain.
This fishing trip takes you into the inshore waters where the real action happens year-round. You'll be working the flats, channels, and structure around Wilmington's extensive marsh system - areas that hold consistent populations of drum, trout, and flounder. The extended time on the water means we can hit multiple spots and adjust our strategy based on what's biting. Some days we'll start shallow working the grass flats for reds, other times we might begin in deeper channels targeting black drum before moving to the flats as the tide changes. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility to read the conditions and fish where the fish are, not where we're forced to go because of time constraints. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat that can handle both shallow water work and the deeper inshore areas, giving us access to prime habitat that holds quality fish.
All your tackle and fishing licenses are handled, so you can focus on what matters - catching fish. We run quality spinning gear matched to the species we're targeting, typically medium to medium-heavy rods with reels spooled with appropriate line for inshore conditions. Depending on what's happening, we might be throwing soft plastics on jig heads for trout and flounder, using cut bait for drum, or working topwater plugs when the reds are aggressive. Live bait is always in the game plan - shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows all have their place depending on the target and conditions. The technique varies with the species and structure we're fishing. Sight fishing for tailing reds in shallow water requires a completely different approach than bouncing bottom for black drum in deeper holes. Part of what makes this trip special is learning these different techniques from a captain who knows these waters inside and out. You'll pick up local knowledge about reading water, understanding tides, and recognizing the subtle signs that separate productive water from dead zones.
Redfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can push 40+ inches and will test your drag system when they make their trademark runs. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during the cooler months when big schools of slot-sized reds move through the area. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat both artificials and live bait, plus their habit of feeding in shallow water where you can actually see them working. There's nothing quite like watching a red drum inhale your bait in two feet of crystal clear water.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they're absolute bulldogs that will give you a workout. These bottom-dwellers can grow massive - we're talking fish that can exceed 50 pounds in these waters. They're most active during the cooler months, particularly late fall through early spring when big schools move into the inshore areas. Black drum are primarily bottom feeders with a preference for crabs and shellfish, making them perfect targets for cut bait presentations. When you hook into a big black drum, expect a long, grinding fight that tests your patience and tackle.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, offering consistent action when other species are finicky. These spotted beauties are active year-round but really shine during the warmer months when they move into the grass flats and shallow bays. Specks are aggressive predators that will hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers who like to experiment with different techniques. The 14-16 inch fish are common, but the real prizes are the gator trout - those thick-shouldered females that can push 24+ inches and provide some of the best eating you'll find inshore.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying buried in sand and mud waiting for an easy meal to swim by. These flatfish are most active during their fall migration when they move from the shallow bays toward deeper water to spawn. What makes flounder fishing exciting is the variety of techniques that work - from bouncing jigs along the bottom to drifting live bait near structure. Doormat flounder over 20 inches are the goal, and the Wilmington area consistently produces quality fish. Their unique fighting style and excellent table fare make them a favorite target for both recreational and serious anglers.
This world-class inshore fishing experience gives you everything needed for a memorable day on the water without the rush of shorter trips. With all tackle and licenses provided, plus access to some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. The small group size ensures personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to get your line wet. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to learn local techniques or someone new to inshore fishing wanting to experience what makes these waters special, this trip delivers. Don't wait to secure your spot - the best fishing days fill up fast, and there's nothing worse than watching great conditions from the dock because you didn't book in time.
Your fishing platform is a nimble 18-foot 2010 East Cape Lostmen flats boat that's built for serious anglers who want to get into the fish. This shallow-water machine draws just 4-6 inches, letting you slide into skinny spots where red drum and speckled trout hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate productive water around Kure Beach's inshore grounds. With radar on board, you can fish confidently even when visibility drops. The boat handles up to 3 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Whether you're sight-casting in the shallows or working deeper channels for flounder and black drum, this versatile rig can fish it all.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our inshore waters. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we see some pushing 25+ inches on good days. They're ambush predators that change color to match the bottom, making them tough to spot until they strike. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, and near creek mouths where the current brings food. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What makes them special is the fight - they're surprisingly strong for a flatfish, and they make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait around and swallow it properly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, and you'll know why once you hook into one. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in our waters, with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. You can catch them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds so special is their power and the visual aspect - you'll often see them cruising or tailing in skinny water. They're also great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The fight is what hooks most anglers though - they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to pull drag. My go-to advice: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of them and let your bait settle. They spook easily in shallow water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from schoolie 5-pounders to bruiser 30+ pound fish that'll test your drag. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, so you'll find them around oyster beds, pilings, and muddy flats. Spring is when they really shine - they school up during spawning season and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. What guests love about drum fishing is the power these fish bring. Even a 15-pounder will make you work for it. The smaller ones are great eating with firm, white meat, but I usually recommend releasing the big breeders. Here's the key: use fresh crab bait and keep it on the bottom. They're not going to chase anything - bring the bait right to their nose.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are probably the most popular fish we target on these inshore trips. They typically run 14-20 inches with those beautiful spotted flanks that give them their nickname. You'll find them over grass flats, around drop-offs, and near structure in 3-8 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when water temps are in that sweet spot. What makes specks so appealing is they hit artificials hard and put up a great fight for their size. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The trick with trout is working your lures slow and steady. They'll often follow before they strike, so don't get anxious and speed up your retrieve. A popping cork with live shrimp underneath is deadly when they're being picky.
Wilmington