Morehead City Fishing Charters | 4 to 6 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-6 hour inshore fishing charter with Captain DaleTarget Cobia, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Black DrumSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests
When you're looking for a genuine fishing adventure along North Carolina's Crystal Coast, Captain Dale at Bubba Thing Charters delivers exactly what you're after. These 4 to 6-hour trips put you right in the heart of some of the most productive inshore waters you'll find anywhere. We're talking about the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back – where the fish are biting, the captain knows every productive spot, and you'll walk away with stories worth telling. With space for up to 4 anglers, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Captain Dale runs a tight ship that's all about putting fish in the boat. You'll start your morning meeting at the docks in Morehead City, where the boat's already rigged and ready to go. The beauty of these inshore charters is the variety – one minute you might be sight casting to redfish cruising the shallows, the next you're dropping baits around structure for black drum or cobia. The trip length gives you plenty of time to work different spots without feeling rushed. Captain Dale reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll get you on fish and make sure you know what you're doing. The smaller group size means everyone gets their shot at the action, and there's always room to move around the boat.
This is where Captain Dale's experience really shines. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be throwing live bait, working artificial lures, or even sight fishing in the shallows. The boat comes equipped with quality spinning and conventional tackle suited for everything from finicky spanish mackerel to bruiser cobia. When we're after redfish, we'll often work the grass flats and oyster bars with cut bait or live shrimp. Black drum fishing usually means dropping baits around bridges, docks, and other structure where these bottom feeders hang out. Spanish mackerel and bonito are speed demons, so we'll troll small spoons or cast jigs when they're running. Captain Dale provides all the gear, bait, and tackle – you just need to bring your fishing license, snacks, drinks, and sun protection. He's always happy to teach proper techniques, whether that's setting the hook on a drum or fighting a strong cobia without breaking them off.
Spanish Mackerel are some of the most cooperative fish you'll encounter in these waters. They typically show up in good numbers from late spring through fall, and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. These fish hit hard and fast, making them perfect for anglers who love that sudden jolt when a fish strikes. They average 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight and numbers. Spanish mackerel are excellent table fare too – their firm, flaky meat makes for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever eat.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene. These bottom dwellers can range from 2-pound juveniles called "puppy drum" all the way up to massive 40+ pound bulls that will test your tackle and your patience. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall typically produce the best action. Black drum fight with pure power – no fancy jumps or runs, just steady, determined pulling that'll make your arms burn. They're masters at finding structure, so expect to fish around pilings, bridges, and oyster beds where they root around for crabs and shellfish.
Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the fish world – they'll steal your bait faster than you can blink if you're not paying attention. These black-and-white striped beauties hang around any kind of structure and are notorious for their light bites and quick escapes. But catch one, and you've earned it. They typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters and are considered some of the best eating fish around. Winter months often produce the biggest sheepshead, when they school up for spawning.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Morehead City's waters hold some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored fighters are built for the shallows, with powerful tails that'll drag you around the boat. Reds feed aggressively in the marsh grass and around oyster bars, often in water so shallow you can see their backs. They typically range from 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the occasional overslot bull red that'll really put a bend in your rod. Fall is prime time for big reds, but you can find good action most of the year.
Cobia are the wild cards that can turn a good trip into an amazing one. These chocolate-brown bruisers are curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. When hooked, they're absolute warriors – making long runs and diving for structure with surprising power. Cobia in these waters typically range from 20-50 pounds, though smaller ones and real giants both show up. Spring and early summer are peak season, when they're moving through on their annual migration. Sight fishing for cobia is one of the most exciting things you can do – watching a big fish cruise toward your bait gets your heart pumping every time.
A day fishing with Captain Dale isn't just about the fish you catch – though you'll likely catch plenty. It's about getting away from the daily grind and spending quality time on the water with an experienced guide who genuinely loves what he does. The 4 to 6-hour timeframe gives you the perfect balance of productive fishing time without wearing yourself out. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, teaching the kids to fish,
Jump aboard our sharp 2022 Sea Fox center console and get ready to chase some serious fish in Morehead City's productive waters. This 24-footer packs a Yamaha 300HP engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting speeds up to 50 knots when you need to cover water quickly. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting Cobia, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and whatever else is biting. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots. When stealth mode is needed for spooky fish, the wireless trolling motor lets you creep into position without spooking your targets. Whether you're casting live bait for monster Cobia or trolling for fast-moving Bonito, this center console handles it all. The open deck layout gives everyone room to fight fish, and Captain Dale knows exactly where to put you on the bite during your 4-6 hour adventure on these rich coastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavy hitters of the drum family, commonly running 10-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50-plus. They're bottom-huggers that love our oyster bars, muddy flats, and around bridge pilings in 5-20 feet. Spring is when they really shine - March through May they school up for spawning and become much easier to target. What guests love is the serious pull these fish deliver and that distinctive drumming sound they make. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom with fresh crab or cut mullet. Here's the trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them mouth it for a second, then drive that hook home hard.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - big, powerful fish averaging 20-40 pounds and 4-5 feet long. They're loners that cruise near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 30-70 feet. Spring migration from April through June is when we really target them as they move north to spawn. What guests love is the visual fishing - spotting these fish just under the surface - and the serious fight they put up. They're also premium table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. The key is sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. When you spot one, get ahead of where it's swimming and drop your lure right in its path. They're curious and will usually investigate anything that moves.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the inshore favorites with their copper-bronze color and signature black spots near the tail. Most of ours run 18-30 inches and 3-15 pounds, with the bigger fish moving offshore as they mature. They love shallow water - grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet where you can actually see their backs. Fall is prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and strong, steady fight that'll test your drag. They're also great eating when kept in slot. The trick is staying quiet and making long casts with topwater plugs or soft plastics. When you see a red's back or tail in skinny water, cast past them and work your lure back slowly - they spook easily but strike hard.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the clever ones with human-like teeth and those distinctive black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 2-8 pounds and 14-18 inches, making them perfect pan-sized fish. They live around any structure - docks, pilings, reefs - in 10-30 feet, feeding on barnacles and crabs. Winter and spring are peak times when they're spawning and more aggressive. Guests love the challenge because these fish are notorious bait thieves with lightning-quick nibbles, but the reward is some of the best eating in the ocean - sweet, flaky white meat. The secret is keeping your bait tight to structure and setting the hook the instant you feel weight. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and don't give them time to steal your bait.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are sleek, fast-moving fish that typically run 1-3 pounds around here, though we occasionally see them pushing 5-6 pounds. You'll spot them by their silver sides with yellow spots and that classic torpedo shape. They travel in schools near the surface, especially around our nearshore reefs and structure in 20-60 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and decent fight for their size, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see birds working, get there fast and cast small spoons or jigs right into the action. These fish move quick, so don't hesitate.
Morehead City