Half Day Trip - Beaufort, North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting Mackerel and Bluefish species.Familyfriendly adventure accommodating up to six guests maximum.All fishing equipment provided by experienced Breakwater Charters.
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that won't break the bank or eat up your whole day? This half-day charter out of Beaufort puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best inshore action. We're talking about waters that consistently produce quality fish, perfect weather windows, and enough variety to keep everyone in your group happy. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler wanting to wet a line without the full-day commitment, this trip delivers exactly what you're after.
You'll be fishing the productive waters around Beaufort, where the Intracoastal Waterway meets the Atlantic. This area is famous for holding baitfish year-round, which means the predators are never far behind. We're targeting King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish - three species that'll give you completely different fights and keep things interesting from start to finish. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so it's perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention from the captain. All your tackle, bait, and fishing gear comes with the trip, so you just need to bring your drinks, snacks, and maybe a cooler if you want to take some fish home. The half-day format works great because you're fishing during prime feeding times without having to commit to being on the water all day.
We'll be running a mix of trolling and live bait fishing depending on what's working best that day. For the Kings, we typically pull ballyhoo or Spanish sardines behind planer boards to cover water and find the schools. The Spanish Mackerel love smaller spoons and jigs, especially when we find them busting bait on the surface. Bluefish are aggressive feeders, so we'll often catch them on whatever we're throwing - they're not picky eaters. The captain provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. We're fishing medium-heavy spinning rods mostly, with some conventional setups for the bigger Kings. The beauty of this fishery is that you don't need anything too specialized - just quality gear that can handle fish in the 5 to 30-pound range.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this trip and what most anglers get fired up about. These fish are built for speed and putting up a serious fight. Around Beaufort, Kings typically range from 10 to 40 pounds, with the occasional beast pushing even bigger. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they love structure and temperature breaks. When a King hits your bait, you'll know it immediately - they make screaming runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. The meat is excellent eating when handled properly, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of boating a quality King after a hard fight.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their King cousins, but they're pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. These fish are typically 1 to 4 pounds and they're absolute rockets when hooked. Spanish Macs are perfect for kids and beginners because they bite aggressively and fight hard enough to be exciting without being overwhelming. They school up heavily around Beaufort during their migration periods, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Bluefish are the workhorses of this fishery and they'll keep your rods bent when the other species are being finicky. These fish are pure aggression with fins - they travel in schools and feed like they're trying to destroy everything in sight. Blues around Beaufort typically run 2 to 8 pounds, with some bigger fish mixed in during certain times of the year. They're perfect for action fishing because they'll hit almost anything you throw at them, and they fight hard from the moment they're hooked until they're in the boat. While they're not as prized for eating as mackerel, fresh Blues prepared properly make excellent fish cakes or smoked fish dip.
This half-day charter gives you everything you want in a fishing trip - consistent action, multiple species, family-friendly atmosphere, and waters that produce year after year. The fact that all equipment is included means you can show up ready to fish without worrying about having the right gear. Beaufort's location gives you access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast, and this trip puts you right in the middle of it all. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you just want a few hours of steady action, this charter delivers the goods every time out.
Get ready to chase Mackerel and Bluefish aboard this well-equipped fishing machine! This spacious motorboat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you work the productive inshore waters around Beaufort. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility to spot fish activity, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools beneath the surface. When you need a break from casting lines, cool off with the air conditioning or grab a cold drink from the ice box. The boat comes loaded with a multimedia system, GPS navigation, plus conveniences like a toilet, kitchen, and even a bed for longer adventures. All your fishing gear is provided - just bring your appetite for action and some snacks to fuel the day. Perfect setup for families wanting to experience North Carolina's fantastic inshore fishing without worrying about equipment or finding fish.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are our reliable fighters - aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them. Most run 2-8 pounds, though we see some hefty 15+ pounders that'll really test your drag. They travel in schools and feed heavily in shallow bays, around structure, and near surf lines. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding up before their southern migration. What guests love is their attitude - bluefish attack lures like they're mad at them, making for exciting action. The smaller "cocktail blues" are excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Fair warning: watch those teeth when handling them - they're razor sharp. My tip: when blues are feeding, they'll hit almost anything, but cut bait or oily chunks work great when they're being picky.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, typically running 10-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50+. These silver bullets cruise depths from 40-150 feet around structure and drop-offs. We see the best action from late spring through early fall when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect on the grill. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a wire leader and rig your bait with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that stinger hook back there will save you from a lot of missed strikes.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for families - they're scrappy fighters averaging 1-3 pounds that'll keep everyone busy. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots love shallow waters near shore, often feeding in schools right at the surface. We catch them year-round here, but they're hottest from spring through fall when baitfish are thick. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making great light tackle fish. The meat's mild and flaky - one of the tastiest fish we target. Kids especially love them because they're active and relatively easy to catch. Pro tip: when you see birds diving or water "boiling" with baitfish, get small spoons or jigs over there quick. Spanish mackerel school up to feed, and when you find one, you'll usually find plenty more.
Beaufort, NC