Extended Half-day Corolla Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targets Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish around CorollaCaptain Keith leads trips through inshore sounds and nearshore watersExtended duration allows flexibility to follow active fish patterns
Captain Keith Cummings knows these Outer Banks waters like the back of his hand, and his 6-hour extended half-day charter gives you the real deal when it comes to Corolla's top-rated inshore and nearshore fishing. This isn't your typical rushed trip – we're talking about enough time to really dial in on where the fish are biting and adjust our game plan based on what's happening out there. You'll fish the productive sounds, work the inlet zones, and hit nearshore structure depending on what Mother Nature's serving up and where the fish are moving.
This charter strikes the perfect balance between inshore comfort and nearshore action. Captain Keith runs a tight ship that accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you're not packed in like sardines but still get that camaraderie that makes fishing trips memorable. The extended 6-hour window is where this trip really shines – instead of feeling rushed to get lines wet, you've got the luxury of time to work different spots and techniques. We'll start by reading the conditions, checking water temps, and figuring out where the baitfish are schooled up. From there, it's all about following the food chain and putting you on the fish. The boat's equipped to handle both the protected inshore waters and the slightly rougher nearshore zones, so weather permitting, you're getting the best of both worlds in one trip.
Captain Keith's approach is all about versatility and reading the water. We'll mix trolling techniques with light tackle work depending on what the fish are telling us. When we're working the nearshore structure for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, trolling spoons and small lures at varying speeds helps cover water efficiently and locate active schools. Once we mark fish, we'll often switch to light tackle casting to really get dialed in on the bite. For bottom species like Sheepshead and Flounder, we're talking about precision bottom fishing with live and cut baits around structure. The inshore sounds offer fantastic opportunities for sight fishing Redfish on light spinning gear – there's nothing quite like watching a red blow up on a topwater plug in shallow water. Keith's got all the tackle sorted, but if you've got a favorite rod or reel setup, feel free to bring it along. The key is staying flexible and letting the fish dictate our tactics rather than forcing a particular approach.
The Spanish Mackerel around Corolla are absolute speed demons and show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. These silvery torpedoes typically run 1-3 pounds and are notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic fights. They school up around nearshore structure and moving water, making them perfect targets for our trolling spreads. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive nature – when you find one, you've usually found a bunch, and they'll compete for your lures like there's no tomorrow. The bite is often fast and furious, with multiple hookups common when you hit an active school.
Bluefish are the bruisers of this mixed bag, ranging from "snapper" blues around a pound up to chopper blues pushing 8-10 pounds. These toothy customers are renowned for their hard-hitting strikes and bulldogging fights. They're present year-round but peak in spring and fall when they're feeding heavily during migration periods. Blues will hit just about anything that moves, but they're particularly fond of cut bait, spoons, and diving plugs. Fair warning – they've got razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match, so handling them requires respect and a good pair of pliers.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the group, often called the "convict fish" for their black and white stripes. These structure-loving bottom dwellers are customer favorites because they're excellent table fare and require real skill to hook consistently. They're notorious bait stealers with mouths full of human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer, and they congregate around bridge pilings, docks, and artificial reef structure. Landing a quality Sheepshead feels like a real accomplishment because they're so finicky about taking a hook.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the apex predators of the inshore waters and can range from slot-sized "rats" around 20 inches up to bull reds exceeding 40 inches. These copper-colored fighters are world-class gamefish known for their powerful runs and never-give-up attitude. In Corolla's shallow sounds, you'll often spot them cruising in skinny water or working oyster bars during moving tides. Fall is prime time when big schools of bull reds migrate through the area, creating some of the best fishing action of the year. They're not just fun to catch – properly sized reds make fantastic table fare.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish are trending as one of the most sought-after species due to their incredible eating quality and the skill required to consistently catch them. They're most active during moving tides around inlet mouths, creek edges, and sandy drop-offs. Best time to target them is late summer through fall when they're fattening up for their offshore spawning migration. A quality flounder in the 3-5 pound range is pure gold and will have you talking about the trip for months.
This extended half-day charter with Captain Keith represents serious value for anglers who want more than just a quick fishing trip. Six hours gives you the time to really experience what Corolla's waters have to offer, from the technical bottom fishing to the high-energy trolling action. The fact that you're covering both inshore and nearshore waters means you're maximizing your chances at a variety of species and fishing styles. Whether you're a seas
This custom Carolina Express sports fishing boat is built to handle everything the Outer Banks can throw at you. Captain Keith Cummings runs this serious fishing machine through Corolla's productive inshore sounds and nearshore structure, targeting Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and quality bottom fish. The boat's designed for offshore performance but works perfectly for these extended 6-hour charters that let you really dial in on the bite. You'll have plenty of room to work with light tackle and trolling setups, plus all the essentials - GPS and fish finder to locate the action, radar for those coastal conditions, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The flybridge gives great visibility for spotting birds and bait, while the onboard facilities keep everyone comfortable during the longer trips out to where the fish are holding.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that arrive in spring and stick around through fall, bringing non-stop action when they're here. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Find them wherever baitfish are schooling - inlets, nearshore structure, and surf zones. They're famous for "blitzing" bait schools, creating feeding frenzies that turn the water into chaos. What guests love is the steady action and strong fights on light tackle. Smaller "snapper" blues are perfect for kids, while the bigger ones test your drag. They're good eating when fresh, especially the smaller ones. The key is having wire leaders - they'll bite through anything else. When you see birds working or bait getting hammered, get there fast. Use shiny spoons, cut bait, or anything that looks wounded.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored fighters that make shallow water fishing so exciting around here. Most run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, with that signature black spot near their tail. They love cruising 1-4 foot flats, marshes, and around oyster bars where you can sometimes see their backs out of water. Spring through fall brings the best action, especially when water temps warm up. What guests love is watching them crush topwater baits in skinny water - pure adrenaline. They fight hard, pulling drag and making runs that test your gear. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's the key: when you spot one tailing or cruising, cast ahead of where it's going, not right at it. Let your bait settle naturally and be patient - spook one and the whole area goes quiet.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are easily spotted by their black and white stripes - we call them "convict fish" for good reason. These crafty 1-8 pounders love hanging around any structure with barnacles: docks, bridges, jetties, and pilings. They've got human-like teeth for crushing shellfish, making them notorious bait thieves. You'll find them year-round in our waters, but spring through fall gives the best action. What makes them special is the challenge - they're smart and picky eaters. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the table. My tip: use fiddler crabs or shrimp, get right up on the structure, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard. Those powerful jaws need respect, but once you hook one, you'll understand why regulars target them specifically.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms throughout our inshore waters. These "doormat" fish typically range 15-18 inches, but the big ones can push 25+ inches and really bend your rod. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they change color to match the bottom perfectly. Fall migration from September through November is prime time when they move toward inlets heading offshore. What's cool is the ambush strike - they explode off the bottom when your bait drifts past. They're also top-shelf table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat fried or grilled. The secret is slow-dragging live minnows or soft plastics right along the bottom near structure transitions. Feel for that subtle weight, then lift gently to set the hook - no big hooksets needed with these guys.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that show up in big schools from late spring through early fall. These silvery rockets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, but they make up for size with pure speed and numbers. Look for them around nearshore structure, inlet mouths, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. They're surface feeders, so when you find diving birds, you've likely found mackerel. What makes them fun is the fast action - when you hit a school, it's fish after fish on light tackle. They're also great eating, with firm, flaky meat perfect for the grill. The trick is using small, shiny spoons or jigs and keeping your boat moving. Don't anchor - drift through the school or slow-troll around the edges. Wire leader helps since those razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Corolla, NC