6-Hour OBX Inshore Fishing with Duck Hunter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing charter accommodates up to four guestsExpert guides navigate prime Outer Banks fishing locationsFlexible scheduling adapts to various experience levels
You know that feeling when you're standing on the bow at sunrise, watching the water come alive? That's what you get with Duck Hunter's 6-hour inshore fishing charter in the Outer Banks. We're talking about some of the most productive shallow water fishing on the East Coast, where grass flats meet sandy bottoms and the fish are hungry year-round. Captain Duck has been working these waters for decades, and he knows exactly where to put you on the bite. Whether you're after a slot red or hoping to box some keeper trout, this charter gives you the time and flexibility to really dial in on what's working. Four anglers max means everyone gets premium attention and plenty of elbow room to fight fish properly.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you're racing against the clock. Six hours gives us real time to work different spots, adjust to conditions, and put you on multiple species. We'll start early when the water's calm and the fish are feeding, then adapt our game plan based on what we're seeing. Maybe the reds are tailing in the shallows at first light, or the trout are stacked up on a drop-off later in the morning. Captain Duck reads the water like a book - he knows when to pole the flats quietly and when to fire up the big motor to cover ground. The flexible timing means we can work around tides, weather, and what's biting best. You'll be fishing productive water from the moment we leave the dock until we head back in, and trust me, that makes all the difference when you're trying to put together a memorable day on the water.
Inshore fishing in OBX is all about versatility, and we come prepared for whatever the fish want. We'll be running light to medium spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky trout to bulldogging reds. Soft plastics are the bread and butter - we're talking Z-Man paddle tails, Gulp shrimp, and DOA CAL jigs that flat-out produce in these waters. When the fish are spooky, we'll drop down to lighter jigs and work them slow over the grass. If they're aggressive, we can throw topwater plugs and watch the explosions happen. The boat's rigged with a shallow-water anchor system, so we can lock down on productive spots without spooking fish in 2-3 feet of water. Captain Duck's got the trolling motor game dialed in too - we can slip into skinny water where the big fish feel safe. All tackle and bait are included, but if you've got lucky lures or prefer your own setup, bring it along. Half the fun is figuring out what triggers the bite on any given day.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators in these waters, and OBX has some of the best doormat fishing on the coast. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy areas near structure and wait for baitfish to swim by. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, with the biggest fish moving through during their autumn migration. What makes flounder so addictive is the way they hit - that subtle tick on the line that could be bottom or could be a 5-pound doormat. They fight different than other fish too, more like trying to pull a dinner plate through the water. The 15-inch minimum keeps things interesting, and when you hook into a keeper, you know you've got something special.
Sheepshead might be the most underrated fighters in the shallows. These black-and-white striped beauties hang around any kind of structure - docks, pilings, rocks, whatever they can find. They've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs, which makes them incredibly fun to target with fiddler crabs or small jigs. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy before and after spawning. What gets anglers hooked on sheepshead is how smart they are - you'll feel them picking at your bait, testing it, sometimes for minutes before committing. When they do hit, they pull hard and use their flat bodies to their advantage. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take dinner home.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are probably the most consistent fish we'll encounter. These spotted beauties cruise grass flats, drop-offs, and channel edges looking for shrimp and small baitfish. They're active year-round in OBX, though fall typically brings the biggest fish as they fatten up for winter. What makes trout fishing so engaging is their aggressive nature - they'll smash topwater plugs at dawn, slurp soft plastics in the grass, and put on aerial shows when hooked. The 12-inch minimum means we're usually dealing with quality fish, and a good trout bite can make for fast action when you find a school.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and the Outer Banks is legendary for its red drum population. These copper-colored bruisers can range from schoolie-sized fish to 40-inch bulls that'll test your drag system. Peak action typically runs from late spring through early winter, with fall being absolutely prime when big schools move through. What makes reds special is their versatility - you might sight-cast to tailing fish in a foot of water, then hook into a monster in 6 feet on the same trip. They're strong, stubborn fighters that use their broad tails and thick bodies to their advantage. The slot limit (18-27 inches) means most fish are released to fight another day, but they photograph well and create memories that last a lifetime.
Look, there's a reason Duck Hunter stays booked up - this is top-rated inshore fishing with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. Six hours gives you the best shot at multiple species and adapts to
This 20-foot Carolina Skiff gets you right where the fish are biting in OBX waters. Built in 2006 and completely refurbished in 2018, she runs smooth with a reliable 75HP Yamaha Four Stroke that'll cut through chop and get you to the hot spots fast. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure or shallow flats where spook-prone reds and trout hang out. GPS keeps you on the productive areas while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines, whether you're pitching live bait around docks or working soft plastics through grass beds. This setup handles OBX inshore conditions perfectly – stable enough for sight fishing in skinny water but tough enough when the wind picks up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters, and they never disappoint. These copper-colored bruisers typically range 20-35 inches with that signature black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in water so shallow their backs sometimes show above the surface. Spring through fall offers prime fishing, especially during high tide periods when they move onto the flats to feed. What gets anglers hooked is their powerful runs and the thrill of watching them crush topwater baits in skinny water. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Bull reds over 27 inches are catch-and-release but provide arm-burning fights. Local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast your spoon or topwater bait well ahead of them and work it back slowly - they spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of OBX inshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their spotted sides typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though 5+ pound "gator trout" roam deeper waters. You'll find them over grass flats, around creek mouths, and near structure in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall provides consistent action, with early morning and evening producing the best bites. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent eating quality - mild, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great fighters that will jump and make runs when hooked. My go-to technique is throwing soft plastics like shrimp imitations on 1/8 oz jigheads over grass beds during moving tides. Work it slow with gentle twitches, and be ready for that distinctive "thump" when they strike.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of the inshore waters with their distinctive black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish you'll target. Most run 2-4 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 8+ pounders show up around structure. You'll find them around docks, bridge pilings, jetties, and oyster bars where they feed on barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during incoming tides. Anglers love the challenge because they're notorious bait thieves and put up a solid fight on light tackle. The white, flaky meat rivals any fish in these waters. Here's the key: use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp, get tight to structure, and when you feel that subtle nibbling, set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush prey. You'll typically find them ranging 15-18 inches, though keepers around 3-5 pounds make the best eating. They hang out in shallow bays, creeks, and around structure where the bottom transitions from sand to mud. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is their unique appearance with both eyes on one side and their ability to change color like chameleons. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect table fare. Here's a local trick: use a Carolina rig with live mud minnows or shrimp, and fish it slow along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Outer Banks