Full Day Nearshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day nearshore fishing charter up to 15 miles offshoreTarget Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, and Red DrumAccommodates 6 guests with all fishing supplies included
Picture this: you're 15 miles off the North Carolina coast, lines in the water, with some of the best nearshore fishing grounds stretching out around you. That's exactly what you'll get with Cost Of Living Sportfishing's full-day charter. We're talking about a solid day of fishing where Spanish mackerel are running hot, kings are prowling the drop-offs, and you never know when a cobia might cruise up to check out the boat. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we've got the time to hit multiple spots, change up tactics, and really get into the fish. Whether you're bringing the whole family, planning a bachelor party, or need something different for your next corporate outing, this trip delivers the goods.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth it. We'll head out into the nearshore waters where the Gulf Stream influence creates perfect conditions for a variety of species. The beauty of this full-day setup is flexibility – if the mackerel are schooled up in one area, we can work them hard. If the bottom bite is on fire, we can drop down and load the cooler with quality eating fish. The boat comes fully rigged with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all the gear to handle whatever swims up. Kids absolutely love this trip because there's always something biting, and the action keeps everyone engaged. You'll spend your day moving between different techniques and depths, maximizing your chances at multiple species. The 6-person capacity means your group gets personalized attention without feeling crowded, and there's plenty of room to fight fish and move around the boat.
We run a mixed bag approach that keeps things interesting all day long. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish – we'll pull spreads of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait to trigger strikes from kings, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional mahi that wanders inshore. When we mark bait schools or structure, we'll switch to live bait fishing with spinning gear and conventional outfits. Bottom fishing gets serious attention too, especially around structure where cobia hang out and quality bottom fish stack up. The tackle is sized right for the target species – medium spinning gear for Spanish mackerel and smaller fish, heavier conventional setups for kings and cobia. We keep a variety of live baits when available, plus a full selection of artificials and cut baits. The depth finder and GPS keep us on productive spots, and we're constantly adjusting based on what the fish are telling us. This isn't about one technique – it's about reading the water and adapting to what's working.
Spanish mackerel are the workhorses of this fishery, especially during their peak runs in spring and fall. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, fight dirty, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. You'll find them schooled up over structure and around bait pods, typically running 2-4 pounds with the occasional bigger fish mixed in. They're perfect for kids and novice anglers because they bite aggressively and don't require heavy tackle to have fun.
King mackerel are the apex predators we're really after. These toothy speedsters can range from 15-40+ pounds in these waters, and when a good king takes off on its first run, you'll understand why they're called the "fish of 1,000 casts." Summer and early fall are prime time, and they patrol the edges of structure and temperature breaks. Landing a quality king is something you'll remember for years – they're built for speed and endurance.
Red drum, or redfish as most folks call them, are the bruisers of the nearshore game. These copper-colored fighters use every ounce of their weight to test your drag system. Fall months are especially productive when big schools move through the area. They're not the fastest fish, but pound-for-pound, few species can match their staying power in a fight.
Mahi mahi are the wild cards that make every trip exciting. When conditions are right and they push inshore, these electric-colored fish provide some of the most spectacular fishing you'll find anywhere. They're acrobatic fighters that jump, dive, and change colors throughout the fight. Finding a floating debris line or weed patch with mahi under it is like hitting the lottery – they often travel in schools, so one fish can turn into many.
Cobia are the gentle giants that cruise the nearshore waters, often approaching the boat out of pure curiosity. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) can reach impressive sizes and provide a completely different fighting experience – more like wrestling a small tarpon. Late spring through early fall offers the best shots, and sight-fishing for cobia ranks among the most exciting fishing experiences on the East Coast.
This full-day nearshore charter hits all the right notes for serious anglers and families alike. You're getting a full day with experienced local guides who know these waters inside and out, targeting multiple species with proven techniques, and doing it all on a boat that's equipped for success. The price covers your entire group of 6, making it a solid value when you break it down per person. Whether you're looking to check new species off your list, introduce kids to saltwater fishing, or just spend a day doing what you love with good company, this trip delivers. The North Carolina nearshore waters are world-class, and with Cost Of Living Sportfishing, you're fishing with guides who live and breathe these waters year-round. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your shot at what could be the trip of a lifetime.
This beautifully restored 1986 Bertram offshore sport fisher is your ticket to North Carolina's best nearshore fishing grounds. Twin 465HP Cummins engines push this capable vessel to a cruising speed of 27 knots, getting you to the fish fast and keeping you comfortable all day. The boat comes fully rigged with downriggers, outriggers, and a fighting chair for battling those king mackerel and cobia. Inside, you'll find air conditioning for those hot Carolina days, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, fish finder, and VHF radio ensure safe navigation and help locate productive fishing spots up to 15 miles offshore. Whether you're targeting Spanish mackerel, red drum, or hoping for that surprise mahi or sailfish, this boat handles it all. Perfect for families, groups of friends, or corporate outings with space for 6 anglers and a private head onboard.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants of our nearshore waters and one of the most rewarding fish to target. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-50 pounds and are typically loners cruising reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June offers prime time fishing, especially during their spawning runs. What guests love about cobia is the sight fishing aspect - we often spot them just under the surface, then cast directly to them. They're curious fish and will often follow the boat or investigate lures. The fight is powerful but steady, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, white, and mild like a cross between grouper and shark. Pro tip: when you see a cobia, don't get excited and rush the cast. They're not easily spooked, so take your time, make a good presentation, and be ready for a slow, methodical bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the bruisers of the mackerel family and a real prize catch on our nearshore trips. These torpedo-shaped predators average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds, and they're found cruising structure and blue water from 40-150 feet deep. Peak season runs May through October when water temps hit that sweet 68-84°F range. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and will test your tackle to the limit - that's why guests love them. The meat is rich and excellent for grilling or smoking, though it's got higher oil content than Spanish mackerel. Here's a local trick: rig two hooks on wire leader when using live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to attack the tail end of their prey, and that back hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the wildcards on our nearshore trips - when conditions line up, they provide some of the most colorful action you'll see. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on a light show when hooked, flashing brilliant blues and greens before fading after the fight. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in deeper blue water. Summer and early fall give us the best shots when Gulf Stream eddies push closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes on both live bait and lures, plus they school up so you can catch several quickly. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality - mild and sweet. Here's what works: when you find floating grass or debris, work around it thoroughly. Mahi often hold underneath, and once you hook one, keep the others excited by leaving a hooked fish in the water while you cast to the school.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum, or redfish as we call them, are one of North Carolina's most popular inshore targets. These copper-colored bruisers with the distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 18-35 inches and fight like bulldogs. They love shallow water around 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure where they can ambush crabs and baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides. What guests really enjoy is the visual fishing - you can often spot their backs or tails in skinny water, making for exciting sight fishing. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for blackening or grilling. Local tip: when you see one redfish, look around carefully - they often travel in small groups, and patience will usually reveal more fish in the area.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are some of the most reliable nearshore fighters you'll find off North Carolina. These silver speedsters with their distinctive yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in huge numbers from late spring through fall. They love structure like reefs and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water, but also cruise the open blue chasing baitfish. What makes them special is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and keep kids busy all day. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked with a mild, flaky texture. Pro tip: when you hook one, expect company - where there's one Spanish, there's usually a dozen more, so keep your lines in the water and work the school while they're hot.
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