Private 4 Hour Outer Banks Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore fishing trip for up to 5 guestsTarget Flounder, Cobia, Redfish, and Spotted Seatrout speciesAll fishing gear provided by experienced Captain Jonathan
Looking for a solid day on the water without the crowds? Captain Jonathan's got you covered with a private 4-hour fishing adventure that puts you right in the sweet spots where the fish are biting. This isn't your typical charter boat experience – you're getting personalized attention on the legendary Outer Banks waters, targeting everything from doormat flounder to bruiser cobia. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this trip is designed to put fish in the boat and smiles on faces. The OBX inshore waters are famous for a reason, and you'll see why once you start pulling fish over the rail.
Captain Jonathan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation for putting his clients on fish consistently. You'll launch into some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast, where the sound systems, grass flats, and structure create perfect ambush points for hungry gamefish. The beauty of a 4-hour trip is that it gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and techniques without feeling rushed. One minute you might be sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water, the next you could be drifting live bait over structure for cobia. Captain Jonathan provides all the tackle you'll need – from light spinning gear for trout to heavier setups for the bigger predators. The only thing he doesn't supply is bow fishing equipment, so if that's on your bucket list, bring your own gear. The boat is comfortable and well-equipped, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to experience world-class fishing in a relaxed setting.
The Outer Banks offers incredible variety when it comes to fishing techniques, and Captain Jonathan adapts his approach based on conditions and what's biting. Light tackle fishing is the name of the game here – you'll be using spinning reels spooled with 10-20 pound test, perfect for the finesse presentations these fish demand. Depending on the season and target species, you might find yourself throwing soft plastics on jig heads for flounder, working topwater plugs for explosive redfish strikes, or live-lining spot and croaker for cobia. The shallow grass flats are perfect for wade fishing when conditions allow, giving you that authentic back-country experience. Structure fishing around bridges, docks, and channel edges produces consistent action, especially for spotted seatrout and weakfish. Captain Jonathan's local knowledge really shines when it comes to reading the water – he knows which tide stages work best at each spot, how wind direction affects the bite, and where to find bait when the fish are being picky. The gear is all top-rated stuff that can handle whatever you hook into, from schoolie trout to trophy-sized drum.
Summer Flounder are the bread and butter of Outer Banks fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish are absolute masters of camouflage, lying in wait on sandy bottoms and grass edges for unsuspecting baitfish. What makes flounder so popular with anglers is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures – from live minnows to bucktail jigs tipped with squid strips. The bigger females, called "doormats," can stretch over 20 inches and provide fantastic table fare. Best fishing typically runs from late spring through early fall, with the largest fish showing up during their fall migration. The fight might not be the flashiest, but that first strong head shake when you set the hook gets the adrenaline pumping every time.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout as they're properly known, are the perfect gamefish for light tackle enthusiasts. These beautifully marked fish are aggressive feeders that'll crush everything from live shrimp to soft plastic paddle tails. What sets trout apart is their willingness to feed in shallow water, often just a few feet deep around grass beds and oyster bars. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late evening. The average fish runs 14-18 inches, but the real trophies – called "gator trout" – can push 24 inches and 6 pounds. Their soft mouth means you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them, adding an element of skill that keeps experienced anglers coming back. The distinctive spotted pattern and bright yellow mouth make them one of the most beautiful inshore species.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Outer Banks fishing, and once you tangle with one, you'll understand the obsession. These copper-colored bulldogs are built for power, with broad tails and muscular bodies that can strip drag in seconds. What makes reds special is their willingness to feed in ultra-shallow water, often with their backs out of the water as they root around oyster bars and grass flats. Sight fishing for tailing reds is as close to hunting as fishing gets – you're literally stalking visible fish in clear water. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized "bull" reds provide pure adrenaline with runs that can peel off 100 yards of line. Peak season runs from late summer into fall, when massive schools migrate along the beaches. Their distinctive black spot near the tail and bronze coloration make them unmistakable.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn a good day into a legendary one. These brown sharks with attitude are curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, giving you a clear shot at a 20-40 pound gamefish. What makes cobia fishing so exciting is that you never know when one will show up – they're often found around structure, following rays, or just cruising the flats. When hooked, they're absolute freight trains that'll test your drag system and your arms. The larger fish are incredible table fare, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish showing up during their spring and fall migrations.
Step aboard this 2021 C Hawk 23' center console and get ready to chase fish in the productive waters around the Outer Banks. This reliable fishing machine runs on a 200HP Suzuki that'll cruise you to the hotspots at 30 knots, giving you more time with lines in the water. The spacious layout comfortably fits up to 5 anglers, so bring your crew for a shared adventure targeting flounder, cobia, redfish, and spotted seatrout. Captain Jonathan knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand and provides all the tackle you need. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS navigation keeps you on course. Pack your lunch and drinks in the built-in icebox and spend four hours exploring the shallow flats and channels where the fish are biting. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, this setup gives you everything needed for a solid day of fishing along North Carolina's famous coast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these powerful fish cruise near the surface and can easily fool you at first glance. They average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds, making them serious tackle-busters. Look for them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-80 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they move through our waters heading north. What guests love is the visual aspect - we sight-fish for these bruisers swimming just under the surface. They're also top-notch table fare with firm, white meat. Best tip I can share: when you spot one, get a bucktail jig in front of it quickly and be ready for a long, tough fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bronze beauties of the shallows, easily spotted by their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish we catch range 20-35 inches and pack serious power in shallow water. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths - anywhere from a foot deep to about 10 feet. Spring and fall provide the hottest action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is watching their backs break water as they cruise the shallows, plus that bulldogging fight when hooked. They're also great table fare when kept within slot limits. Here's my go-to trick: look for nervous water or "waking" fish, then cast ahead of their path with a gold spoon or topwater plug.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful fish with dark spots scattered across their silvery sides. They typically run 14-24 inches and fight harder than their size suggests. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and shallow creeks - anywhere there's structure and moving water. Night fishing can be phenomenal, especially on grass flats in 2-4 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they bite year-round here. Guests appreciate their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: work your lure slowly around grass beds and listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound when they're feeding nearby.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of camouflage around here - these flatfish blend perfectly with the sandy bottom and can change colors like chameleons. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch some nice ones pushing 5-6 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud bottoms, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What guests love is the fight these fish put up - they're surprisingly strong for a flatfish. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find. My tip: use circle hooks and let them take the bait completely before setting the hook. They bite sideways, so patience pays off.
Outer Banks