Wanchese 3/4 Day Nearshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore fishing targeting Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red DrumAccommodates up to 6 guests with flexible departure times availableFamilyfriendly trips operating weekends from April through September
When you want more fishing time than a half-day but don't need a full offshore commitment, this 3/4 day nearshore charter from Wanchese hits the sweet spot. You'll have up to 6 anglers aboard exploring the productive waters around the Outer Banks, with enough time to really dial in on the bite and maybe venture a bit further down the beach when the fish are calling. Captain and crew from Cost Of Living Sportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on everything from schooling Spanish mackerel to keeper red drum. Choose your departure time - early birds can launch at 6 AM to beat the crowds, while folks who like sleeping in can roll out at 10:30 AM.
This trip gives you the freedom that half-day charters sometimes can't - when the captain marks a good school of fish or hears reports from down the beach, you've got the time to chase them. You'll stay in nearshore waters, which means you're close enough to see the beach but far enough out to hit structure and drop-offs that hold quality fish. The boat operates Friday through Sunday from April 15th to September 30th, covering the prime warm-water season when these species are most active. Kids do great on this trip since there's plenty of action without the rough ride of offshore fishing. The captain will work different depths and structures throughout the trip - maybe starting shallow for Spanish mackerel and bluefish, then moving to deeper structure for cobia and red drum as conditions allow.
You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Trolling is deadly effective for Spanish mackerel and cobia - the captain will pull small spoons and diving plugs at the right speed to trigger strikes. When you find schools of bluefish or Spanish, it's game on with casting jigs and small metals. Bottom fishing comes into play around structure for summer flounder and red drum - you'll be using circle hooks with cut bait or live minnows. The crew provides all rods, reels, and tackle, but if you've got a favorite setup, feel free to bring it along. Bait selection changes with the season and target species - expect everything from live finger mullet for red drum to cut mackerel for bottom species. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, so you might find yourself switching between techniques as opportunities present themselves.
Summer flounder are the bread and butter of Outer Banks nearshore fishing, and these doormat-sized flatfish know how to put up a fight. They're ambush predators that lay buried in sandy bottom near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often caught in deeper water adjacent to inlets. What makes flounder so exciting is the way they hit - that telltale thump on the bottom followed by dead weight that suddenly comes alive when they realize they're hooked. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare.
Red drum, or redfish as locals call them, are probably the most sought-after species on this trip. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the nearshore waters in schools, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system with powerful runs toward structure. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bull reds provide pure adrenaline before being released. Peak activity happens during the warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding in shallow water.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make any trip memorable. These brown sharks of the inshore world are curious fish that often follow rays and other cobia, making them perfect targets for sight fishing. When a 30-40 pound cobia decides to eat your bait, you'll know it immediately - they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in these waters. They show up best from late spring through early fall, often cruising just under the surface where you can see their distinctive shark-like silhouette.
Spanish mackerel provide consistent action and are perfect for kids or anyone who loves steady fishing. These speed demons travel in schools and hit fast-moving lures with aggressive strikes. They're excellent light-tackle fish that jump and make screaming runs, plus they're fantastic smoked or grilled fresh. You'll find them most active during the warmer months around bait schools, and when you locate a feeding school, you can often catch them until your arms get tired.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that keep things interesting when other species are finicky. These toothy customers will hit just about anything that moves and fight hard for their size. They're perfect for beginners since they're not shy about biting, but they'll test experienced anglers too when they're in feeding mode. Blues are most active during spring and fall migrations, but you'll find resident fish throughout the summer months around bait concentrations.
This 3/4 day nearshore charter gives you the best of both worlds - more fishing time than a half-day trip without the commitment and seasickness potential of full offshore fishing. The variety of species keeps everyone engaged, from kids catching their first Spanish mackerel to experienced anglers targeting trophy red drum. With departures Friday through Sunday and flexible morning times, it's easy to work into your Outer Banks vacation schedule. The seasonal operation from April through September covers prime fishing months when these species are most active and the weather is most cooperative. Book early since weekend spots fill up fast, especially during peak summer season when families are looking for that perfect fishing adventure.
This restored 1986 Bertram is a serious fishing machine built for the Outer Banks waters around Wanchese. Twin 465HP Cummins engines push her to 27 knots, getting you to the fish fast whether you're chasing Spanish Mackerel close to shore or running further out for Cobia and Red Drum. The boat's loaded with everything you need - downriggers and outriggers for trolling, fish finder to locate schools, fighting chair for bigger catches, plus AC to keep cool between bites. GPS and radar keep you on track, while the VHF radio connects you to other boats sharing intel on hot spots. There's an icebox for your catch and drinks, toilet onboard, and even a sound system for the ride out. Perfect setup for families with kids or serious anglers wanting to target Bluefish, bottom fish, and Ribbonfish. This boat handles the nearshore waters like a champ, giving you flexibility to follow the bite wherever it takes you along the OBX coast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters - aggressive feeders with razor-sharp teeth that'll attack anything that moves. They school up in good numbers, usually found chasing baitfish in 10-40 feet of water around structure or current breaks. Most weigh 2-8 pounds, with some pushing 15+ during good years. Summer months are prime time, especially when you see birds working the surface - that's the telltale sign of a bluefish blitz. What makes them fun is their attitude; they hit hard and fight dirty with powerful runs. Fresh blues are excellent eating when bled and iced immediately. Watch your fingers when unhooking - those teeth are no joke, and they'll bite anything near their mouth even on deck.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - they cruise just under the surface and get your heart pumping every time. These fish are loners, usually found around structure like buoys, pilings, and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water. They average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ easy. Spring migration (April-June) is when they really fire up around here, following the warming water north. What makes them special is their curiosity - they'll actually come check out the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The fight is bulldogging strong, and the table fare is top-notch with firm, white meat. When you see one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slow.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water - we find them in 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. They average 20-30 inches but can reach 40+ pounds. Peak season runs May through October when water temps are right. What guests love most is sight fishing for them in skinny water - watching their backs break the surface as they cruise the flats. They fight like freight trains, making long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you spot a red cruising the shallows, cast well ahead of where it's heading and let your bait sit still.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll keep your rod bent all day long. These silver bullets with yellow spots school up in big numbers, usually found 5-20 feet down over structure or baitfish. Most run 1-3 pounds, perfect size for light tackle fun. They show up strong from May through September when water temps hit the 70s. What guests love is the non-stop action - when you find a school, everyone's hooking up. They fight fast and acrobatic, jumping and making quick runs. The meat is oily and rich, great smoked or grilled fresh. Here's the key: use small shiny spoons or jigs and keep them moving fast. These fish won't chase slow baits, so speed kills with spanish.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are some of the smartest predators we target around here. They sit camouflaged on sandy bottoms, usually in 15-30 feet of water, waiting to ambush baitfish. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see plenty of "doormat" flounder pushing 5+ pounds. They're active spring through fall, with September and October being prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes them special is their fight - they pull hard and steady, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when you feel that tap-tap bite, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder bite sideways and need time to turn the bait around.
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