Outer Banks 4 Hour Fishing Charter for Beginners
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour beginnerfriendly charter targets multiple inshore speciesCaptain Jonathan provides all necessary fishing equipment and guidanceSmall group experience accommodates up to five guests maximum
Looking to get your feet wet in the Outer Banks fishing scene? This 4-hour morning charter with Captain Jonathan is exactly what you need. Whether you've never held a rod or you're just new to these waters, this trip takes the guesswork out of inshore fishing. We'll cruise the calm backwaters and sound systems where the fish are biting and the scenery never gets old. With room for up to 5 anglers, it's perfect for families or small groups who want to learn the ropes without feeling rushed. Captain Jonathan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while teaching you techniques that'll make you a better angler.
Your morning starts early when you meet Captain Jonathan at the dock. He'll have all the gear rigged and ready – rods, reels, tackle, bait, the whole setup. The only thing you might want to bring is a bow if you're curious about trying some bowfishing, but that's totally optional. We'll head out into the protected waters of the Pamlico Sound system, where the waves stay manageable and the fish are plentiful. This isn't about battling big swells or dealing with seasickness – it's about learning how to read the water, present your bait, and feel that first tug on the line. Captain Jonathan keeps things relaxed but educational, pointing out structure, explaining why we fish certain spots, and helping everyone from kids to grandparents get hooked up. The pace is comfortable, giving everyone time to actually enjoy the experience instead of just rushing from spot to spot.
We fish light to medium tackle on this trip, which means you'll actually feel every bite and fight. Captain Jonathan sets everyone up with spinning reels that are easy to handle, even if you've never cast before. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are hitting. Expect to learn basic techniques like bottom fishing with Carolina rigs for flounder, working soft plastics along grass lines for redfish, and maybe some light trolling if the cobia are around. The beauty of inshore fishing is that it's not complicated – you don't need years of experience to be successful. Captain Jonathan will show you how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact, when to set the hook, and how to fight fish without losing them. If bowfishing interests you and you brought equipment, we might spot some rays or other targets in the shallows, adding another dimension to your day on the water.
Summer Flounder are the bread and butter of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with anything over 20 inches considered a keeper and real doormat flounder pushing 5-6 pounds or more. They're masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand near structure, drop-offs, and channel edges. The best action typically happens from late spring through fall, and what makes them so satisfying to catch is the way they inhale your bait and make that distinctive head-shaking run. Captain Jonathan knows exactly where to find the deeper holes and current breaks where big flounder set up to ambush prey.
Sea Trout, or Spotted Seatrout as they're properly called, are another customer favorite that'll keep your rod bent. These fish are aggressive strikers that love to hit moving baits, making them perfect for learning artificial lure techniques. They typically run 12-18 inches with occasional fish pushing over 20 inches, and they're beautiful fish with distinctive spotted patterns. Trout are most active during warmer months and tend to school up around grass beds and oyster bars. When you find one, there are usually more nearby, which means fast action once Captain Jonathan puts you on a productive spot.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore game fish – hard fighters with serious attitude. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to massive bull reds that'll test your tackle and your patience. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their powerful runs that can strip line off your reel. They're year-round residents in these waters, though they're most active during spring and fall. Whether we're sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water or working deeper channels, these fish always provide memorable fights.
Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery – when they show up, everything else takes a backseat. These brown sharks, as some locals call them, are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shots at fish that can weigh 20-40 pounds or more. They're typically around from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. Cobia will test every knot and connection on your tackle, making long runs and trying to wrap you around any structure they can find. Landing one on light tackle is an achievement any angler can be proud of.
This 4-hour charter strikes the perfect balance between getting a real fishing experience and not overwhelming newcomers with a full-day commitment. Captain Jonathan's approach to teaching makes complex techniques feel simple, and his knowledge of local waters means you'll spend more time with bent rods and less time wondering where the fish are. The Outer Banks inshore fishery is world-class, and this trip gives you a solid foundation for understanding why so many anglers keep coming back. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. With only 5 spots available, these trips fill up fast during peak season. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or just want to experience some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast, this charter delivers without breaking the bank or eating up your whole day.
Hit the productive fishing waters of the Outer Banks aboard this reliable 23-foot C Hawk center console, built in 2021 and powered by a smooth 200HP Suzuki engine. This well-equipped fishing machine cuts through inshore waters at up to 30 knots, getting your group of up to 5 anglers to the hotspots quickly. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish, while the built-in fish finder helps locate schools of flounder, redfish, and spotted seatrout. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, and trust the GPS navigation to guide you to the most productive fishing grounds. Perfect for beginners learning the ropes or experienced anglers wanting a solid platform for a productive morning on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these powerful fish can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most run 20-40 pounds. They're loners, cruising around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they move through our waters heading north. What gets guests excited is the sight fishing - we'll actually spot these fish swimming near the surface and cast right to them. They're aggressive fighters with serious pulling power and make multiple runs. Plus, cobia are top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that tastes almost like shark. They're curious fish too, often following other hooked fish right to the boat. Here's the trick: when you see one, don't get excited and cast right at it. Lead them like you would a duck, placing your jig or eel about 10 feet ahead so they intercept it naturally.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the signature fish of our shallow waters, and you'll spot them by that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. These bruisers average 28-33 inches but can push 40+ pounds. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges - sometimes in water so thin their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good here, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their power - they'll make long, bulldogging runs that'll test your drag and give beginners a real thrill. They're also fantastic eating when slot-sized, with firm, mild meat. These fish are curious too, often following the boat before striking. My best tip: look for "tailing" reds with their heads down feeding in the shallows. Topwater plugs or soft plastics worked quietly will get their attention without spooking them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are one of the prettiest fish you'll catch out here. They average 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots scattered across silver sides. These fish love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around oyster bars and drop-offs in 3-10 feet of water. Night fishing is prime time, but early morning and late evening work great too. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are right. What guests love about trout is their aggressive strike - they'll hammer topwater plugs and create some exciting surface action. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. The key trick here is matching your lure to the grass depth. I like soft plastics rigged weedless on a 1/4 oz jig head, worked slowly through the grass beds where they're feeding.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are like the chameleons of the sea - they'll change color to match the bottom they're lying on. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch some nice keepers up to 26 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud waiting for baitfish to swim by. You'll find them on structure like wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 20-80 feet of water. Fall months, especially September through November, are prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes flounder special is their fight - they'll make strong runs and that flat body creates serious drag underwater. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or strip bait, and work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that tap, give them a second to turn the bait before setting the hook.
Outer Banks