OBX Fishing Charters | Nearshore Fishing 1/2 Day
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday nearshore fishing targeting Spanish Mackerel and Red DrumPerfect for beginners and families with seasickness concernsMorning, afternoon, or evening departures with all gear included
Looking for a solid fishing trip that won't beat you up or eat your whole day? This nearshore charter out of Wanchese is exactly what you need. We're talking four hours of quality fishing time without venturing too far from the beach – perfect if you're new to saltwater fishing, bringing kids along, or just want to stay in calmer waters. Cost Of Living Sportfishing knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they've designed this trip to give you the best shot at Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Cobia, and Red Drum without the rough seas that come with longer offshore runs.
This charter keeps things simple and effective. You'll head out from Wanchese – one of the Outer Banks' most authentic fishing villages – and work the nearshore waters where these species love to hang out. The boat stays within sight of land, which means shorter runs to fishing spots and more time with lines in the water. Captain and crew handle all the heavy lifting: they've got your fishing licenses covered, all the gear you'll need, and even tackle if you hook into something with teeth. The boat's equipped with a head (that's boat talk for bathroom), so families with younger kids don't need to stress about the basics. You can pick morning, afternoon, or evening departures depending on what works for your schedule – each time slot has its own advantages for different species.
Nearshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. The crew typically runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing, depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, you'll often troll small spoons, Clark spoons, or Gotcha plugs at varying speeds until you find what triggers the bite. When Cobia show up, it's usually sight fishing – scanning the surface for that dark shadow cruising near the boat. Red Drum fishing often means working structure with cut bait or live bait on circle hooks. The beauty of this trip is that the crew adjusts tactics based on conditions and what's around. All the rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and snacks if you want them.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing here. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, and when they're here, they're usually hungry. What makes them so fun is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights – plus they're excellent eating if you want to take some home. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, making them relatively predictable targets for experienced captains.
Bluefish bring the attitude to this fishery. These toothy predators can range from cocktail blues around a pound to chopper blues pushing 10+ pounds. They're notorious for their vicious strikes and never-give-up fights. Blues are around most of the year but peak in spring and fall migrations. Fair warning – they've got serious teeth, so let the crew handle them when they come boatside. They're also fantastic on the dinner table when prepared fresh.
Cobia are the wild card that can make your whole trip. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) can show up anywhere from 20 to 50+ pounds and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll experience. They're curious fish that often cruise right up to the boat, giving you a clear shot with properly presented bait. Peak Cobia season runs May through September, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. They make long, powerful runs and have a habit of jumping when they get angry.
Red Drum, or Redfish, are the local favorites that can show up year-round but really turn on in fall and spring. The nearshore waters around Wanchese hold both slot-size fish (good eating) and oversized bulls (catch and release only). Reds are smart fighters that use their broad sides to leverage against your drag. They're also one of the most consistent species in these waters, so even when other fish are finicky, there's usually a decent chance at getting into some drum.
This half-day nearshore trip hits all the right notes – it's accessible for beginners, stays in comfortable waters, targets species that actually bite, and fits into a busy vacation schedule. The crew at Cost Of Living Sportfishing has this program dialed in, from the departure times to the fishing spots to the gear selection. With space for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families, small groups, or couples wanting to try their hand at saltwater fishing without committing to a full day offshore. The Outer Banks nearshore fishery is productive year-round, but spring through fall offers the most variety and consistent action. Don't sleep on this one – quality half-day charters book up fast, especially during peak season.
This beautifully restored 1986 Bertram offshore sport fishing boat brings serious fishing power to the nearshore waters off Wanchese. Twin 465HP Cummins engines push this classic beauty to a smooth 27-knot cruise, getting you to the fish fast and back to dock comfortably. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful half-day chase after Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Cobia, and Red Drum - downriggers and outriggers for serious trolling action, plus a fish finder to locate schools. Stay cool between catches with onboard AC, keep your drinks cold in the icebox, and take advantage of the fighting chair when that big Cobia decides to battle. GPS and radar keep you on course, while VHF radio ensures safe communication. Perfect for families and beginners wanting their first taste of saltwater fishing without venturing far from shore.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of our nearshore waters - aggressive feeders with sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They run 2-10 pounds typically, with that blue-green back and white belly. You'll find schools in 10-40 feet around bait pods from late spring through fall. What makes them fun is their feeding frenzies - they'll attack anything that moves when they're fired up. The meat's great if you bleed them right away and keep them cold. They hit cut bait, spoons, and live offerings hard. Word of advice: bring a good pair of pliers and watch those teeth when unhooking. These fish will bite anything, including your fingers, so stay sharp and you'll have a blast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the nearshore world - big, brown, shark-looking fish that cruise solo around structure. They average 3-6 feet and can push 50+ pounds, making for a serious tussle on medium tackle. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 20-70 feet during their spring migration through summer. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - spotting these bruisers just under the surface - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. They hit bucktail jigs, eels, and live bait hard. Local trick: when you spot one, get your jig down quickly and work it right in their face. They're curious fish, so if they see it, they'll usually eat it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are perfect for our nearshore trips, averaging 28-33 inches and putting up a solid fight in shallow water. You'll spot them by their copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall gives you the best action here off Wanchese. What makes them special is they're aggressive feeders with great table fare - mild, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead and let it settle naturally. They spook easy but hit hard when they commit.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes - sleek silver fish with yellow spots that run in big schools near the surface. Most run 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, but they're lightning fast and make blistering runs. We find them around structure, flats, and open water from spring through fall when the water warms up. Kids love them because they're aggressive biters and constant action when you find a school. They're also excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills up perfect. Best tip: use light tackle with small shiny spoons or live shrimp. When you hook into a school, work it fast - they'll scatter if you take too long between fish.
Raleigh