Half Day Inshore & Nearshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday trip targets both inshore and nearshore speciesFish scenic Calabash Inlet and Carolina coastline watersExpert Captain Shad guides maximize fishing success
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of Captain Shad's boat, feeling the salt breeze on your face as you cast your line into some of the most productive fishing waters along the Carolina coast. This isn't your typical charter—it's a personalized fishing adventure that gives you the best of both worlds. You'll start in the protected waters of Calabash Inlet, where the grass flats and creek mouths hold plenty of surprises, then venture out to the nearshore waters where bigger fish cruise the structure. Captain Shad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with just you on board, he can tailor every aspect of the trip to match your skill level and target the species you're most excited to catch.
Captain Shad runs a top-rated operation out of Calabash, and there's a reason his guests keep coming back season after year. This half-day trip maximizes your fishing time by hitting multiple zones where different species hang out. You'll start early, when the fish are most active, and spend your morning moving between productive spots. The Calabash Inlet offers excellent inshore action with its maze of creeks, oyster bars, and grass beds—perfect habitat for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. As the morning progresses, you'll head toward the nearshore waters where the Atlantic meets the coast. Here, the bottom structure and current breaks attract species like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia. Captain Shad reads the water conditions, tide, and season to put you on the fish, adjusting tactics throughout the morning to keep your rod bent. The personalized attention you get with a single-guest capacity means you'll learn techniques that work specifically in these Carolina waters, from reading grass beds to understanding how structure attracts different species.
Captain Shad comes prepared with the right gear for both inshore and nearshore fishing, but the techniques change as you move between zones. In the inlet, you'll likely use lighter tackle—spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line work perfectly for sight fishing redfish in shallow water or working soft plastics around structure for trout. Live bait is often the ticket here, with mud minnows, shrimp, and finger mullet being local favorites. Captain Shad knows where to find the bait and how to present it naturally. When you move to nearshore waters, the tackle gets beefier. Trolling with spoons, plugs, or live bait becomes the name of the game. You'll learn to read the fish finder, watch for bait schools, and understand how kings and Spanish mackerel relate to temperature breaks and structure. The boat is equipped with downriggers and planer boards when conditions call for them, and Captain Shad will show you how to work the spread effectively. Whether you're bouncing a jig head along the bottom for flounder or pulling a live menhaden behind a planer board for kings, you'll pick up techniques that translate to fishing these waters on your own.
The waters around Calabash offer some of the most diverse fishing on the East Coast, with each species presenting its own challenge and reward. Red drum are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, and these copper-colored bruisers can be found year-round in the inlet. During summer months, schools of slot-sized reds cruise the grass flats in knee-deep water, providing sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart racing. Fall brings the big bull reds—fish over 30 inches that put serious bend in your rod. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight from a 40-pound red drum is something you'll remember forever. These fish are ambush predators that love to hang around oyster bars and creek mouths, especially on moving tides.
Speckled trout are another inshore favorite, and Captain Shad knows exactly where they set up shop. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots love grass beds and drop-offs where they can pick off baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best action, with fish ranging from 14 to 20 inches being common. They're excellent table fare and fight with surprising strength for their size. Trout fishing requires finesse—light tackle and subtle presentations work best, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy technical fishing.
When you move to nearshore waters, king mackerel become the primary target from late spring through early fall. These toothy speedsters are built for one thing: eating everything in their path. Kings average 15-25 pounds in these waters, but 30-40 pound fish are regular catches. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a world-class gamefish. The key to consistent king fishing is understanding bait movements and temperature breaks—something Captain Shad has mastered over years of fishing these waters.
Spanish mackerel provide non-stop action during their seasonal runs. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel rarely exceed 5 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. When you find a school of Spanish, it's not uncommon to catch one on every cast. They're perfect for introducing new anglers to saltwater fishing because they're aggressive and relatively easy to hook. Plus, they're excellent on the dinner table when prepared fresh.
This half-day trip with Captain Shad offers something special that you won't find on crowded party boats or rushed charters. The single-guest capacity means you get personalized instruction, the flexibility to target species that interest you most, and the chance to fish both inshore and nearshore waters in one trip. Captain Shad's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish has made this a customer favorite among serious anglers. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, target specific species, or just enjoy a morning on some of the most beautiful fishing waters on the East Coast, this
Get ready to hit the waters around Calabash aboard our reliable 23' Triton Seahunt center console! This 2001 beauty packs a 150HP Yamaha that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at a solid 45 knots. Captain Shad knows these Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and with our onboard fish finder, GPS, and radar, we'll put you right where the fish are biting. Whether we're working the grass flats in the inlet or heading out to the nearshore reefs, this boat handles it all with ease. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox while you're waiting for that next bite. The VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on where the action is hottest. With room for up to four anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without getting tangled up. From redfish and trout in the shallows to king mackerel and cobia just offshore, this versatile setup lets us chase whatever's running best that day.
Calabash