5.0(1 Reviews)Inshore Fishing with Carolina Traditions
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting multiple speciesExpert captain provides local knowledge for quick resultsSmall group experience with maximum three guests
Looking for a solid half-day of fishing that leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day? Captain Joe's inshore fishing trips with Carolina Traditions Guide Co. are exactly what you need. This isn't about spending all day on the water hoping for a bite – it's about getting straight to the action and putting fish in the boat. With space for up to three anglers, you'll get personalized attention and Captain Joe's years of local knowledge working in your favor. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this top-rated inshore experience delivers consistent results in Carolina's productive coastal waters.
Captain Joe knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, and that local expertise makes all the difference when you want to maximize your fishing time. You'll launch early and head straight to the productive spots where speckled trout, flounder, and redfish are feeding. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're working shallow grass flats for trout, the next you're targeting structure for flounder or cruising the edges for redfish. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's breezy offshore, you'll have comfortable fishing conditions. Captain Joe keeps things moving, reading the water and adjusting tactics based on what's working that day. This isn't a leisurely sightseeing trip – it's focused fishing designed to put you on fish quickly and efficiently.
Inshore fishing in these Carolina waters calls for versatility, and Captain Joe has the right approach for every situation. You'll primarily use light to medium tackle – perfect for feeling every bite and having fun with these scrappy inshore species. Depending on conditions and target species, you might be throwing soft plastics around structure, working topwater lures over grass beds, or bouncing live bait along the bottom. The captain provides all tackle and bait, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or bringing your own gear. Techniques range from sight fishing for tailing redfish in shallow water to drift fishing deeper channels for flounder. Captain Joe reads the tide, wind, and fish activity to determine the best approach for each spot. The key to success here is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want – something that comes naturally when you've got a guide who lives and breathes these waters.
Summer Flounder are the crown jewel of Carolina inshore fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes – we're talking 3 to 8 pounds for keeper fish, with occasional doormat flounder pushing even bigger numbers. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when they're actively feeding in preparation for their offshore migration. What makes flounder so exciting to catch is their aggressive strike and the challenge of reading bottom structure. They ambush prey from sandy bottoms near oyster bars, channel edges, and drop-offs. Once hooked, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for a flatfish, and they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Sea Trout, specifically speckled trout, are the bread and butter of Carolina inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted sides are incredibly fun to catch on light tackle. They average 1 to 3 pounds, though larger "gator trout" over 5 pounds show up regularly during cooler months. Speckled trout are most active during moving tides and low-light periods, making them perfect targets for early morning trips. They school up over grass beds and sandy bottoms, often creating explosive topwater action when they're feeding aggressively. Their soft mouths require a gentle touch, but their willingness to bite makes them ideal for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are the fighters of the bunch – pound for pound, few fish pull harder than a red drum in shallow water. Carolina's inshore waters hold both juvenile "slot" reds in the 18 to 27-inch range and larger "bull" reds that can exceed 40 inches. Redfish feed year-round in these waters, though fall brings some of the best action as schools of big fish move through the sounds and inlets. What makes reds special is their versatility – you might sight-cast to tailing fish in 2 feet of water or work deeper channels for schooling fish. Their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot make them one of the most recognizable inshore species.
Atlantic Bonito show up during their seasonal migrations, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are right. These mini-tunas are built for speed and put up a fight that's way out of proportion to their size. Most bonito caught inshore range from 2 to 8 pounds, but they're pure muscle and make blistering runs that will test your drag system. They're schooling fish, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Bonito are also excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for grilling or searing.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the wildcards of Carolina inshore fishing. When they show up around structure or during their seasonal movements, they provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience on light tackle. These fish can range from small "chicken" jacks to bruisers over 20 pounds, and they all fight like they're twice their size. Amberjack are structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas. They're aggressive feeders and will hit both live and artificial baits with authority. The key with amberjack is having enough backbone in your tackle to turn them away from structure once they're hooked.
Carolina Traditions Guide Co. has built a reputation for putting anglers on fish, and Captain Joe's intimate knowledge of local waters is your ticket to a successful fishing adventure. This world-class inshore fishery produces year-round, but the best trips book up quickly
Captain Joe's motorboat is set up perfectly for chasing speckled trout, flounder, and redfish in the shallows. This well-equipped fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful morning on the water - a reliable fish finder to locate schools, GPS to hit the productive spots, and radar for those foggy dawn runs. The VHF radio keeps you connected while an onboard ice box ensures your catch stays fresh. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the flats without bumping elbows. The boat's shallow draft design lets Captain Joe access those prime feeding areas where the big fish hide, while the efficient setup means you'll be back at the dock with time to spare for the rest of your day. Perfect for anglers who want to fill the cooler without burning the whole day on the water.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are speed demons that'll hit 40 mph when chasing baitfish. These silver bullets average 12 pounds but can push 18, and they're built like small tuna with those distinctive black stripes along their sides. You'll spot schools feeding on the surface - look for diving birds marking the action. They stay in coastal waters, preferring temps in the 60s, and travel in huge schools that can number in the hundreds. Summer and early fall are prime time when water temps are right. Guests get a kick out of the fast action once you find a feeding school - they'll hit almost any lure you throw. The fight's solid for their size, though they're not great eating here. Best trick is to troll fast-moving lures or metal jigs when it's windy, plastic when it's calm - keeps you in the strike zone longer.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target - they're aggressive, fight hard, and those copper-colored backs with distinctive black spots make them easy to identify. Most run 20-30 inches, but bull reds can push 40+ inches and really test your gear. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around docks. They're year-round fish here, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What guests love most is sight fishing - watching a red tail on a shrimp or topwater plug in two feet of water never gets old. They're strong fighters that'll make multiple runs, and excellent table fare when kept in slot. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead of where they're going and let your bait sit still - they spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. They love grass flats and shallow waters around structure - oyster bars, docks, and creek mouths are money spots. Best action comes at dawn and dusk, especially during warmer months when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Night fishing under lights can be dynamite too. Guests enjoy their willingness to hit artificial lures - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and jerk baits all work great. Plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Key tip: don't horse them to the boat - they have soft mouths and will pull the hook if you get too aggressive with your drag.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise - these "chameleons of the sea" lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings. Most run 15-20 inches, but bigger ones can hit 26 pounds. They're ambush predators that'll nail everything from sand lance to small bluefish. Best fishing happens September through November when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. You'll find them in estuaries and shallow coastal waters where they bury in the sand with just their eyes showing. Guests love the challenge of spotting these well-camouflaged fighters, plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use a circle hook and fish your bait right on the bottom - flounder won't chase food up in the water column, so get it down where they live.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail amberjack are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your stamina. These golden-finned fighters typically run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders aren't uncommon around deeper structure. They hang near the bottom around reefs, wrecks, and kelp beds where they ambush squid and smaller fish. Summer months are prime when warmer waters bring them closer to shore. What makes them special is the fight - they're fast, strong swimmers that'll make long runs and try to wrap you around structure. The meat's excellent too, especially the smaller ones. Live bait works best, but they'll hit jigs and large swimbaits when they're feeding. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't rush it - let the fish tire itself out before trying to bring it up, and wear gloves because that braided line will cut your hands during a long fight.
5.0 out of 5.0Joe is a good captain and we thoroughly enjoyed our Drum fishing trip. We told Joe that we were there to learn, not just to catch ...
Beaufort, NC