Wanchese NC Fishing Charters | 8HRS Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting Cobia and RedfishCaptain Hunter leads trips for up to 6 guestsNearshore waters of Wanchese offer diverse fishing opportunities
Get ready to experience some of the best inshore and nearshore fishing North Carolina has to offer with Captain Hunter and the East Bound Charters crew. This 8-hour adventure puts you right in the heart of Wanchese's legendary fishing grounds, where the Outer Banks' unique geography creates perfect conditions for landing some serious fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back year after year. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for family trips, buddy groups, or anyone looking to get their line in the water where the fish are really biting.
Captain Hunter knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're chasing quality fish. You'll be fishing both inshore and nearshore zones around Wanchese, taking advantage of the sound's protected waters and the open ocean's bigger opportunities. The 8-hour window gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots and adapt to what's biting best that day. Don't worry about bringing lunch – this is a bring-your-own-food trip, so pack whatever keeps you fueled up for a full day of fishing. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day, and Captain Hunter's enthusiasm for fishing is contagious. He's the kind of guide who gets genuinely excited when you hook up, and his passion for these waters shows in every trip.
This charter covers a range of techniques depending on what species are active and where we find them. In the nearshore waters, you'll likely be trolling for King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, pulling spoons, diving plugs, and live bait rigs through productive zones. When we're working inshore for Redfish, expect to use both live and cut bait around structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where these copper-colored fighters like to ambush prey. Bottom fishing comes into play when targeting Grey Triggerfish around wrecks and hard bottom areas, using circle hooks and enough weight to stay connected to the bottom in current. Bluefish can show up anywhere, and when they're feeding aggressively, topwater plugs and metal jigs can provide non-stop action. Captain Hunter supplies all the tackle and knows exactly what's working each season, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites you like to fish with.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute blast to catch and one of the most reliable species in these waters from late spring through fall. These silvery speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. They school up in huge numbers around Wanchese, especially when baitfish are thick, and you can often catch them one after another when you find an active school. The best action usually happens from May through October, with peak fishing in summer months when water temperatures are prime.
Bluefish are the bullies of the inshore waters, and when they're feeding, the action can be absolutely insane. These toothy predators range from small "snappers" up to chunky 10+ pounders that'll give you a real workout. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything that moves, making them perfect for getting kids or new anglers into some fast action. Blues are around most of the year but really turn on during spring and fall migrations when massive schools push through the area.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of nearshore fishing around Wanchese, and landing a "smoker king" is what fishing dreams are made of. These silver rockets can stretch 30+ inches and weigh 20 pounds or more, delivering blistering runs that'll make your reel sing. They're structure-oriented fish that hang around wrecks, reefs, and temperature breaks in 20-60 feet of water. Summer and early fall are prime time for kings, when they're actively feeding on Spanish mackerel, menhaden, and other baitfish.
Grey Triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they're absolutely delicious and surprisingly strong fighters. These bottom dwellers have serious attitude and will test your patience with their ability to steal bait, but when you hook one solidly, they'll use every bit of structure to try and break you off. They're most active during warmer months around wrecks and hard bottom areas, and their white, flaky meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore prize, with their copper-bronze coloring and distinctive black spots making them one of the most beautiful fish you can catch in these waters. Also called red drum, these fish are incredibly strong and will use every trick in the book to shake your hook – including their famous head-shaking bulldogging runs. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for eating, while the oversized "bull reds" provide trophy-class fights you'll be talking about for years. They're year-round residents but really fire up during fall when they school up for their spawning runs.
This 8-hour charter with Captain Hunter represents some of the best fishing value you'll find around Wanchese. The combination of his local knowledge, passion for the sport, and access to both inshore and nearshore fishing grounds means you're getting the full Outer Banks fishing experience in one trip. Whether you're after a fish dinner, looking to check some species off your bucket list, or just want to spend a day doing what you love with good people, this charter delivers. The 6-person capacity keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded, and the full-day format means you're not rushed – there's time to fish multiple spots and really make the most of your time on the water. Don't wait too long to
Get ready to hit the water in style aboard our 32-ft Carolina Custom cabin cruiser! This beauty sleeps up to 6 anglers and comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing Cobia, Redfish, and Bluefish around Wanchese. Built in 2011 with a dependable Cummins engine pushing 22 knots max speed, she'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and comfortable. The cuddy cabin design gives you shelter when needed, plus there's a head onboard for those long 8-hour trips. Modern fish finder technology helps locate the action while GPS and radar keep you safe in any conditions. Captain Hunter knows these North Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and this boat gives him the perfect platform to put you on fish. Whether you're working the inshore shallows or pushing out to nearshore structure, this Carolina Custom handles it all with the stability and fishability that serious anglers demand.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that arrive here mid-summer and stick around through fall. Most run 2-10 pounds, though we see some bigger ones offshore. They're known for their feeding frenzies - "bluefish blitzes" - where they attack baitfish schools like a washing machine, churning up the water. You'll find them in depths from surf to 100+ feet, around structure and following bait. What makes them special is their fight and those explosive strikes. They hit hard and pull strong for their size. The meat's oily and flavorful - great smoked or grilled fresh. Just handle them carefully - those triangular teeth are razor sharp. My local trick: use a wire leader and oily baits like eels or bunker. When they're feeding, almost anything works, but cut bait chunks work magic when the action slows.
Balistes CapriscusTriggerfish are tough, scrappy fighters that live around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 30-180 feet. They average 12-17 inches but can push 2 feet and several pounds. These guys have beak-like mouths and leather-tough skin, with a neat trick of locking their dorsal fin to wedge into crevices when threatened. They're year-round residents but fish best in warmer months. What guests enjoy is their tenacious fight - they pull hard and constantly try to get back to structure. The meat's firm and tasty, similar to grouper. They're notorious bait stealers with sharp teeth, so I use small hooks with chunk squid or cut bait. Here's the trick: drop your bait near other fish like snapper - triggers are greedy and will rush in to steal food. Keep tight line and reel fast when you feel that tap.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our waters - only wahoo swim faster. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds, but we catch some pushing 50+ pounds out here. You'll find them in 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks from late spring through fall when water temps hit the upper 60s. What gets guests fired up is that screaming initial run - they'll peel 100+ yards off your reel in seconds. The meat's rich and oily, great for grilling or smoking. We troll with big spoons, dead baits, or live bait rigs. The key to landing kings is a proper stinger rig - they bite the tail end of baits, so I run a treble hook about 6 inches behind the nose hook. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for those blistering runs. Once hooked, they fight hard all the way to the boat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water flats, typically running 18-30 inches with that classic copper color and black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water year-round, but fall and spring offer the best action. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and bulldogging fight in skinny water. They're excellent eating too - mild, sweet flavor that's perfect blackened. We sight-fish them with topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. My local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on low tide around oyster beds. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving, silver fish with yellow spots along their sides that typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 2-8 pounds around here. You'll find them in schools near the surface from spring through fall, especially around structure and baitfish. They're speed demons - some of the fastest swimmers out there - which makes for exciting fights on light tackle. We target them trolling spoons or casting jigs in 10-40 feet of water. What guests love most is the action - when you find a school, it's game on. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. My tip: when you hook one, keep your line tight and reel fast. They'll jump and throw the hook if you give them slack, and watch for the rest of the school following the hooked fish.
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