5.0(5 Reviews)Half Day Morning Fishing Trip In Hatteras, NC
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private 4hour morning fishing charter departing at 7:30 AMTarget Cobia, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and Spotted SeatroutExpert Captain Roland Mulder guides guests to prime fishing spots
There's something special about hitting the water at first light in Hatteras – the fish are active, the crowds haven't shown up yet, and you've got the whole morning ahead of you. Captain Roland Mulder knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this 4-hour private charter. Whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure, this half-day trip delivers the goods without eating up your entire vacation day.
You'll meet Captain Rolo at 7:30 AM sharp – and trust me, that early start is worth every yawn. We're talking prime feeding time when the Spanish mackerel are schooling up and the bluefish are pushing bait against the structure. The boat is a well-equipped center console that handles the Hatteras waters beautifully, with plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to work comfortably. Captain Rolo provides all the tackle and knows exactly where to find the action, whether that's working the nearshore structure for cobia or hitting the grass flats for flounder. The beauty of a private charter means we can adjust the game plan based on what's biting and what gets your crew fired up. Kids are more than welcome – in fact, Captain Rolo has a knack for keeping the young ones engaged and excited about every fish that comes to the boat.
This inshore fishing experience covers all the bases depending on what we're targeting. For the Spanish mackerel and bluefish, we'll often work with light spinning tackle and small spoons or jigs – fast, fun fishing that keeps everyone busy. When we're after flounder, it's all about working the bottom with bucktails or live bait around the structure and drop-offs. Sheepshead require a bit more finesse with small hooks and fiddler crabs or shrimp, while cobia fishing might have us sight-casting or working larger baits around pilings and channel markers. Captain Rolo brings all the gear you need, from the rods and reels to the tackle box full of proven lures and rigs. He'll match the setup to the conditions and target species, plus he's always happy to teach you his favorite techniques. The inshore waters around Hatteras offer incredible variety – one minute you're working shallow grass beds, the next you're fishing structure in 20 feet of water.
"Went out with Captain Rolo for a half day charter and came home with a week's worth of fish dinner! Great time was had by all, including our 6 yo. Great with kids, gets you on the fish!" - Kat
"We stayed in Hatteras for the week and went out 2 times with Captain Rolo. The first trip we caught 30+ blue fish. Second trip we caught 3 keeper puppy drum and released one that was over the slot. Excellent Captain knows his stuff and put us on fish every time. Very good with kids to my son loved him. I would highly recommend his services." - Jason
"Thanks for putting us on this fish! We caught our limit of bluefish and had a great time." - Jason
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of Hatteras inshore fishing, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up around structure and baitfish, making for fast-paced action when you find them. What makes Spanish mackerel so popular with families is their willingness to bite – they're not particularly finicky, and once you locate a school, everyone on the boat usually gets in on the action. Plus, they're fantastic on the dinner table with their mild, flaky white meat.
Bluefish are the ultimate crowd-pleasers in these waters. When they're feeding, it's game on – these aggressive predators will hit just about anything you throw at them. Blues around Hatteras typically range from snapper-sized fish perfect for kids up to hefty 5-10 pound choppers that'll test your drag system. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but you can find them throughout the warmer months. The excitement comes from their hard strikes and bulldogging fights, plus they travel in schools so multiple hookups are common.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as many anglers call them, are the prize of the flatfish family. These ambush predators can grow impressive – we're talking potential doormat-sized fish that'll make your day. Flounder fishing requires more patience and technique than the mackerel and blues, but landing a nice keeper flounder is incredibly rewarding. They're masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush prey, which makes the bite more subtle and the fight more strategic. Late spring through summer offers the best flounder action in Hatteras.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world – they'll steal your bait faster than you can blink if you're not paying attention. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth for crushing shellfish, and they typically hang around structure like pilings, jetties, and wrecks. Landing a sheepshead requires skill and quick reflexes since they're notorious for nibbling bait without getting hooked. When you do connect, they're strong fighters that use the structure to their advantage. Spring and fall produce the best sheepshead fishing around Hatteras.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn a good day into a legendary one. These brown sharks look-alikes can exceed 30 pounds and are known for their curious nature – they'll often approach the boat to investigate, giving you a shot at sight-casting. Cobia are strong,
Step aboard the Coastal Explorer, a restored 24-foot Custom Carolina center console that's perfect for getting you to the fish. This classic 1985 hull got a complete makeover in 2018 and runs like new with her reliable Honda 250HP pushing you across Hatteras waters at a comfortable cruise. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action while the flybridge puts you in prime position to spot those telltale signs of feeding fish. Modern electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate the bite, whether you're chasing Spanish mackerel around structure or working the shallows for flounder and speckled trout. With room for just 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The boat handles the sometimes choppy Outer Banks conditions well, getting you to productive water quickly so you can make the most of that prime morning bite when the fish are most active.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that typically run 2-10 pounds around Hatteras, though we see some bigger ones pushing 15-20 pounds. They roam open water and structure in schools, feeding voraciously on baitfish from spring through late fall. These blue-green fighters are known for their powerful runs and sharp teeth - they'll hit everything from metal spoons to live bait with serious attitude. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their decent table fare when prepared fresh. They're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action since they school up and feed aggressively. Watch for diving birds - that's your best sign of a bluefish blitz happening below. When you find them feeding on top, cast fast and hang on tight.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks look-alikes that grow big - averaging 20-40 pounds with some pushing 60+ pounds around Hatteras. These solitary fish cruise near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and structure, especially during their spring migration from April through June. What makes them special is their curiosity - they'll often approach the boat for a close look. Guests love their powerful fights and excellent table fare that rivals any fish in these waters. The meat is firm and white, perfect for grilling. Since they're often solo travelers, sight fishing is key - look for that dark shadow just under the surface. When you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait ahead of them and work it slowly. They can be picky, so patience pays off with these trophy fish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They average 2-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure - docks, pilings, wrecks, and reefs where they feed on barnacles and crabs. Spring months are prime time, especially around spawning season when they gather in large numbers. Guests enjoy the challenge since these fish are notorious bait thieves with delicate bites, plus they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. Their powerful jaws and sharp spines make them tough fighters once hooked. The key is getting your bait right against the structure - they won't venture far from cover. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small hook, feel for that subtle nibble, then set the hook hard and fast before they steal your bait and disappear.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, schooling fish that average 1-2 feet and 3-5 pounds around Hatteras. You'll find them in surface waters near structure and drop-offs, especially during our warmer months from late spring through early fall. They're aggressive feeders that hit spoons, jigs, and live bait hard - their speed makes for exciting fights on light tackle. What guests really love is the excellent eating quality - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. These silver torpedoes with yellow spots travel in large schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your baits right at the surface and don't slow down when you hook up - often another mackerel will grab your other line while you're fighting the first one.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the "chameleons of the sea" - flatfish that change color to match the bottom. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch some nice doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds during peak season from September through November. They lie on sandy and muddy bottoms near structure, inshore and offshore, waiting to ambush prey. What guests love is the challenge of detecting their subtle bites and the reward of excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. These fish require patience since they're notorious bait thieves, nibbling before committing. My tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or minnow, and work it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, give them a second to take it before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Went out with Captain Rolo for a half day charter and came home with a week's worth of fish dinner! Great time was had by all, inc...
We stayed in Hatteras for the week and went out 2 times with Captain Rolo. The first trip we caught 30+ blue fish. Second trip we ...
Thanks for putting us on this fish! We caught our limit of bluefish and had a great time.
Capt roland was amazing had great time he’s very knowledgeable
Had the best time! Highly recommend!
Hatteras, NC