Private 3/4 Day Inshore Fishing – 6-Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private charter targets multiple inshore speciesAccommodates up to four anglers with various fishing techniquesExplores marshes, creeks, and flats around Sneads Ferry
Get ready for some serious fish-catching time on the inshore waters around Sneads Ferry! This 6-hour private charter gives you and up to three buddies plenty of opportunity to work multiple spots and target different species throughout the day. We're talking about hitting marshes, creeks, river flats, and productive bridge structures – basically anywhere the fish are biting. With Captain and crew from Drifter Sportfishing and Charters, you'll have local knowledge working in your favor as we chase Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Black Drum depending on what's running hot. At $650 for your group, it's a top-rated way to spend a day on the water without breaking the bank.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job – six hours gives us real time to work the water properly. We'll start early to make the most of prime feeding times, and depending on conditions, we might hit three or four different areas before calling it a day. The beauty of Sneads Ferry's inshore waters is the variety. One minute you're working a grass flat for Redfish, the next you're drifting live shrimp under a bridge for Sheepshead. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and be ready to put some fish in the cooler. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand – they've been guiding here for years and can read the tides, wind, and structure like a book.
We fish smart out here, switching between live bait and artificials based on what the fish want that day. Live shrimp is always a go-to for most species, especially when we're working dock pilings or bridge structures where Sheepshead and Black Drum like to hang out. For the flats, we'll often run live mud minnows or finger mullet, freelining them over grass beds where Redfish and Sea Trout cruise. When the bite calls for it, we'll throw soft plastics on jig heads – particularly effective for Flounder lying in sandy pockets or along channel edges. The captain will coach you through different techniques, from working a popping cork to bouncing bottom rigs. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing – part of what makes this charter special is the instruction you get along the way. By the end of six hours, you'll have a much better feel for reading water and presenting baits.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat against sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes here in North Carolina waters, with keeper fish running 15-20 inches and bigger ones pushing 5-6 pounds. Fall is prime time for Flounder as they stage near inlets before heading offshore, but we catch them year-round in the right spots. What makes them fun is the way they hit – often just a subtle weight on your line before they realize they're hooked and start that distinctive head-shaking fight.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, known for their incredible pulling power and stubborn fight. These bottom-feeders love structure like bridge pilings, oyster bars, and dock lines where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the big spawning fish into shallow water, with catches ranging from 20-40 pounds not uncommon. Their keen sense of smell makes fresh bait crucial – they can detect the slightest off odor and will refuse stale offerings. When you hook a quality Black Drum, expect a long, grinding battle that'll test your drag system.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" from the black stripes running down their silver sides, but locals know them as some of the tastiest fish in these waters. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, so you need to stay alert and set the hook at the first sign of a nibble. Winter months are peak season when they school up around structure, and a good day can mean steady action with fish in the 3-5 pound range. Their fighting style is more about quick runs and direction changes than raw power, but those teeth mean you better have your net ready.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as most anglers call them, are probably the most sought-after species in these waters. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The grass flats and creek mouths around Sneads Ferry hold good populations year-round, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to 4-5 pound "gator trout" that are true wall-hangers. Their spotted sides and canine teeth make them easy to identify, and their willingness to feed makes them a customer favorite on every charter.
Redfish are the poster fish for inshore fishing, and North Carolina's Crystal Coast holds some of the best populations on the East Coast. These copper-colored bruisers are famous for their power and endurance – when you hook a slot-sized Red, expect multiple runs and a fight that can last several minutes. They feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs showing as they root around oyster bars and marsh edges. Fall brings the best fishing when they school up in massive numbers, creating world-class sight fishing opportunities that keep anglers coming back year after year.
Six hours on the water with a seasoned crew, private boat, and some of the best inshore fishing on the Carolina coast – this charter delivers real value for serious anglers. The extended time means we're not rushed, so whether you're learning new techniques or trying to
Meet Drifter, your fishing platform for exploring Sneads Ferry's productive inshore waters. This Southport 30 center console runs on twin 300hp Yamaha outboards, delivering the speed and reliability you need to reach prime fishing spots quickly. The boat's stable design keeps you comfortable while working marshes, creeks, and river flats for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Drifter comes loaded with tournament-grade electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finders to help locate schools and navigate safely in any conditions. The spacious layout gives four anglers plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around without getting tangled up. Whether you're pitching live bait around structure or working artificial lures across grass flats, this boat handles it all with the smooth, dry ride that makes long days on the water enjoyable.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 50+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and around bridge pilings in 2-20 feet of water, using their crusher jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. What guests love about drum fishing is the strong, steady fight they put up, plus the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The bigger fish are better released as the meat gets tough. Here's the key to success: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a fish-finder rig, keep your bait on the bottom, and be patient. Black drum are deliberate feeders, so when you feel that steady pull, give them a second before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These fish range from schoolie-sized 18-27 inchers up to bull reds over 40 inches, and they love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water year-round, though fall brings the best action. What makes redfish special is their powerful fight, willingness to eat almost anything, and the thrill of sight-fishing in skinny water. The smaller slot fish are excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's my favorite technique: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats, then cast a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp about 10 feet ahead of them and work it slowly past their nose. Redfish are curious and will usually investigate.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Sea Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 14-24 inches with a beautiful spotted silver body. These fish love grass flats, creek mouths, and shallow areas around 2-8 feet deep, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. What makes trout fishing so popular is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificial lures, plus they're aggressive fighters with great table fare - tender, white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The key is not to overcook them since the meat is delicate. During winter, they school up in deeper holes and channels. Here's a local tip that works consistently: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below, and work it over grass beds during an incoming tide. The popping sound draws them in, and that setup keeps your bait in the strike zone where they're feeding.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black and white stripes, and they sport human-like teeth that'll make you do a double-take. These 2-8 pound fish hang tight around any structure - bridge pilings, docks, and oyster bars where they crunch barnacles and fiddler crabs all day. Winter through early spring is when they're most active, especially around the spawn in February and March. Anglers love targeting sheepshead because they're notorious bait thieves that require skill to hook, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the water with sweet, flaky white meat. The challenge is what makes them addictive to catch. My go-to technique: use a small hook with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, get as close to structure as possible, and when you feel that subtle nibble, don't wait - set the hook hard immediately or they'll steal your bait every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms and change color to match their surroundings. They typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though you might hook into one pushing 20+ pounds. You'll find them around creek mouths, river flats, and bridge pilings where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side of their head - and they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. Here's a local trick: when drift fishing, use a Carolina rig with live mud minnows and work it slow along the bottom. They'll often just hold your bait without running, so watch for that subtle weight and set the hook firm.
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