Inshore Fishing Adventure in North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Trout and Black Drum in North Carolina inshore watersAll fishing gear provided for up to 2 guestsCharter Sauce Fishing guides this inshore fishing experience
North Carolina's inshore waters are calling your name, and Charter Sauce Fishing is ready to put you right where the action is. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience - we're talking about an intimate 2-person max trip that gives you real access to some of the best shallow-water fishing the East Coast has to offer. The sounds, creeks, and grass flats along the Carolina coast hold serious fish, and I'm talking about the kind of catches that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, because we've got everything else covered - rods, reels, tackle, and most importantly, the local knowledge to put you on fish.
When you step aboard with Charter Sauce Fishing, you're getting the real deal - a top-rated inshore experience that focuses on quality over quantity. We're not cramming a bunch of strangers onto one boat; instead, you and your fishing buddy get personalized attention and prime positioning for the best shots at our target species. The shallow waters we fish are protected from big swells, so even if you're prone to seasickness on offshore trips, you'll be comfortable here. We'll work the grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths where Black Drum, Sea Trout, and Redfish love to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one cast you might be sight-fishing a cruising red in two feet of water, the next you're bouncing bottom for a bull drum in a deep hole. Every trip is different based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing, but that's what makes it so addictive.
Don't worry about bringing any gear - we've got you covered with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from finicky trout to bruiser drum. Depending on conditions and what we're targeting, we'll use a mix of techniques that keep things interesting. Live bait fishing with shrimp, mud minnows, and cut bait is our bread and butter for consistent action, especially when the fish are being picky. When the water's clear and the fish are aggressive, we'll throw artificial lures - soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that'll get your heart racing when a red blows up on the surface. We fish light tackle whenever possible because it's way more fun, but we're not afraid to beef up the setup when the big drum are around. The key to our success is reading the water and adapting - some days we're drifting oyster bars, other days we're anchored up on a productive creek bend, and sometimes we're running and gunning between spots until we find the bite.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, and North Carolina's got some monsters. These fish can range anywhere from schoolie-sized 2-pounders up to absolute tanks pushing 40+ pounds. The big ones are usually found around deeper oyster bars and channel edges, especially during spring and fall when they're moving through in good numbers. What makes drum so much fun is the fight - they don't jump like a red, but they'll use that broad body and strong shoulders to test your drag system. Plus, they're not the sharpest fish in the sea, so once you find a school, you can usually stay on them for multiple hookups. The smaller ones make great eating, while the big breeding females are best released to keep the population healthy.
Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are probably the most popular target for good reason. These beautiful fish are aggressive feeders with sharp teeth and a habit of hitting lures with authority. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially when there's moving water. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action typically happening during low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to eat artificials - a well-placed soft plastic or topwater plug in the right spot can result in explosive strikes. They're also excellent table fare, with white flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The key to consistent trout fishing is understanding the tides and finding the areas where they ambush baitfish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built for the shallow water game, with powerful tails and an aggressive attitude that makes every hookup memorable. Reds are year-round residents in our waters, but fall brings the best action when they school up in massive numbers. What makes redfish special is their versatility - you might catch them sight-fishing in skinny water where you can see their backs, or blind-casting to structure in deeper holes. They're notorious for making long, drag-screaming runs, and unlike trout, they rarely come to the boat easily. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are world-class table fare, while the over-slot bulls are pure adrenaline and best released to fight another day.
North Carolina's inshore waters are consistently ranked among the best on the East Coast, and Charter Sauce Fishing gives you the personalized experience you deserve. With only 2 spots available per trip, you're getting the attention and fish time that bigger boats just can't offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore game or someone who wants to experience what real coastal fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The combination of multiple target species, proven techniques, and intimate boat size makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Don't wait around - the fish are biting, the weather's cooperating, and your next fishing story is just a booking away. Grab your snacks, bring a friend, and let's go make some memories on the water.
This well-equipped motorboat is your ticket to some serious inshore action along North Carolina's productive coastal waters. Built for two anglers, she's rigged with everything you need to track down those prized Trout and Black Drum that call these waters home. The onboard fish finder will help you locate the hotspots where the fish are holding, while the GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing grounds. When you hook into that keeper, the spacious ice box ensures your catch stays fresh until you head back to the dock. The boat handles the shallow inshore waters with ease, getting you into those productive back bays and grass flats where the action happens. All your fishing gear is included, so just bring your appetite for some quality angling and maybe some snacks for the trip. Perfect for a relaxed day on the water chasing whatever's biting in North Carolina's rich inshore fishery.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bruisers of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90+. These grey-black fish with powerful crushing jaws love our oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they hunt crabs and shellfish. Spring spawning season is prime time - they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What makes them special is their incredible fight and the challenge of presenting bait right on the bottom where they feed. Keep fish under 15 pounds for the table - the bigger ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab and fish the incoming tide around oyster bars. They're finicky but once hooked, they'll give you a battle you won't forget.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery - copper-backed beauties with that signature black eyespot near their tail. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of the water, hunting in 1-4 feet around oyster bars and grass beds. These fish average 20-35 inches and put up an amazing fight once hooked. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything - topwater plugs, spoons, live shrimp, or cut bait. They're year-round residents but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. The meat is mild and sweet, perfect for grilling. Here's the trick: look for wakes and tailing fish on low tide mornings. Cast ahead of them and let your bait sink naturally. Once they grab it, hold on tight - they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are gorgeous silver fish with distinctive black spots running 14-24 inches. They love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they move up to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with cooler months finding them schooled in deeper channels. What guests love most is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - nothing beats that explosive surface strike. They're also excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key is working those grass beds slowly with soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. They're spooky in shallow water, so keep your approach quiet and your casts accurate.
Stella, NC