Beaufort NC Inshore King & Spanish Mackerel Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore charter targeting King and Spanish Mackerel27' Contender boat accommodates up to 4 passengers comfortablyAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced captain
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing charter that delivers consistent action and comfortable fishing conditions, Cast'n Carolina has you covered. This full-day mackerel charter out of Beaufort, NC puts you right in the heart of some of the best inshore fishing on the Crystal Coast. You'll fish aboard a well-equipped 27' Contender that's built for the inshore game - stable, spacious, and ready to handle whatever the day brings. Starting at 7:00 AM, this charter welcomes up to 4 anglers, though we can accommodate larger groups if you need the space. Your captain knows these waters inside and out, and they'll adjust the game plan based on what's biting and what you want to target.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job - you get a full day to really dial in on the mackerel bite and explore different fishing opportunities. The beauty of inshore fishing around Beaufort is the variety. Your captain will start the day by reading the conditions and checking what's been producing, then tailor the trip to maximize your chances. The 27' Contender gives you the perfect platform for both trolling and bottom fishing, with plenty of room to move around and fight fish without bumping into each other. Drinks are provided to keep you hydrated, and you're welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch to fuel up between fishing spots. The boat's design handles the inshore waters beautifully, so even if it's a bit bumpy, you'll stay comfortable and focused on fishing. All your tackle, rods, and reels are included, so you just need to show up with your valid North Carolina fishing license, some sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses.
The game plan revolves around two proven techniques that consistently produce fish in these waters. Trolling is the bread and butter for targeting both King and Spanish Mackerel, and your captain will set up a spread of lures that covers different depths and speeds. You'll typically run a mix of spoons, small diving plugs, and sometimes live bait depending on what the fish are showing preference for. The trolling setup lets you cover water efficiently and find where the mackerel are schooled up. When you hook into a King, you'll know it immediately - they make that screaming run that gets your heart pumping. Spanish Mackerel hit with a different energy, more frantic and acrobatic. Between trolling passes, your captain will often switch gears to bottom fishing, dropping down for whatever's holding near structure. This combination approach keeps things interesting and gives you shots at multiple species throughout the day. The tackle is sized appropriately for inshore work - strong enough to handle Kings but not so heavy that it takes the fight out of smaller fish.
King Mackerel are the heavyweight stars of this charter, and Beaufort's inshore waters consistently produce quality fish. These fish typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in the inshore zones, with occasional larger fish pushing 50 pounds or more when conditions align. Kings are most active during the warmer months, generally from late spring through early fall, when baitfish are abundant and water temperatures hit their sweet spot. What makes Kings so exciting to target is their explosive strike and sustained runs - they'll peel line off your reel in long, powerful bursts that test your drag and your patience. The key to success is finding the right depth where they're feeding, which can change throughout the day as baitfish move and water conditions shift. Your captain knows how to read the signs and adjust the trolling depth accordingly.
Spanish Mackerel bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These fish are smaller than their King cousins, typically running 1 to 4 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer aggression and numbers. When you find a school of Spanish Mackerel, you can often catch them one after another until your arms are tired. They're incredibly acrobatic fighters, jumping and tail-walking when hooked, and they hit lures with a ferocity that's impressive for their size. Spanish Mackerel are also present during the warmer months, often feeding in slightly shallower water than Kings. They're excellent table fare, and many anglers specifically target them for the cooler. The beauty of fishing for Spanish Mackerel is that they're often willing biters when other species might be finicky, so they can save the day when the fishing gets tough.
This full-day inshore charter represents some of the best value fishing you'll find on the Crystal Coast. You get a complete mackerel fishing experience with a captain who knows how to put you on fish, quality tackle that's maintained and ready to perform, and a boat that's designed for comfort and fishing success. The combination of trolling and bottom fishing keeps the day interesting and gives you multiple shots at different species. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to dial in on technique or a newcomer who wants to learn the ropes, this charter delivers the goods. The early 7:00 AM start time puts you on the water when the fish are most active, and the full-day format means you're not rushed - you have time to really work the bite and make adjustments as needed. Cast'n Carolina has built a reputation for consistent results and professional service, and this mackerel charter is a customer favorite for good reason.
This restored 1993 Contender center console is a serious fishing machine built to get you on the mackerel fast. At 27 feet with twin 200HP Suzuki engines, she'll cruise at 40 knots to put you over productive waters quickly. The 2016 refit brought modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder to help locate schools and navigate safely back to port. With space for 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for trolling runs and quick moves between spots. Whether you're targeting kings on the outer edges or working Spanish mackerel closer to structure, this boat handles Beaufort's inshore waters with confidence. The captain knows these grounds and will put you where the fish are biting.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, typically running 15-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 50+ pounds. These olive-backed fighters cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're chasing baitfish near the surface. What makes them special? Pure speed and power - when a king hits your trolled bait, you'll know it instantly. They'll peel line and jump, putting up a fight that'll test your tackle. The meat's excellent smoked or grilled too. Local trick: use a stinger hook setup with live menhaden or blue runners. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that back hook saves the day when they try to cut you off with those razor teeth.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These silver speedsters average 1-3 pounds with yellow spots along their sides, traveling in schools that can stretch for miles. You'll find them in 20-60 feet around structure, jetties, and nearshore reefs from late spring through early fall. They're aggressive biters that hit fast, making multiple runs before coming to the boat. What guests love most is the nonstop action - when you find a school, everyone stays busy. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we catch, with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when trolling, use small Clark spoons or dusters and watch for diving birds. Once you mark the school, switch to casting jigs for maximum action.
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