Private 8 Hour Outer Banks Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targeting 11+ inshore speciesProfessional guide service accommodates up to 5 guestsCobia, redfish, sharks accessible in North Carolina waters
When you book this full-day charter with Eastern OBX Guide Service, you're signing up for some of North Carolina's best inshore and nearshore fishing. The Outer Banks waters are loaded with fish year-round, and eight hours gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots and put you on different species. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler or a first-timer just wanting to get your line wet, this trip delivers. We'll work the flats, structure, and deeper water depending on what's biting and what you want to target.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you barely get settled before it's time to head back. Eight hours means we can really fish. We'll start early to beat the crowds and make the most of prime feeding times. The boat holds up to five anglers, so you've got room for the whole crew without feeling cramped. I provide all the tackle and bait you'll need, plus I know these waters like the back of my hand. We'll move around based on tides, weather, and what's been producing lately. Some days we'll spend time sight fishing the shallows for reds, other days we might work deeper structure for black drum and cobia. The beauty of a full day is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, we've got time to find the fish.
We fish these waters using a mix of techniques that match the conditions and target species. Live bait fishing is huge here – nothing beats a fresh mullet or menhaden when cobia are cruising or big drum are feeding. We'll also throw artificials like soft plastics and topwater plugs, especially when working the grass flats for redfish. Bottom fishing with cut bait produces black sea bass, weakfish, and drum around structure. When Spanish mackerel and bluefish are schooled up, we'll switch to light tackle and small jigs or spoons for fast action. I keep multiple rod setups ready so we can adapt quickly. The boat's equipped with a shallow water anchor for holding position on productive spots, plus we've got a fish finder to locate structure and bait schools in deeper water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Outer Banks inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love our grass flats and oyster bars, especially during moving tides. They hit hard and fight dirty, using their broad tails to make long runs. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish ranging from slot-size keepers to oversized bulls that'll test your drag. What makes reds special here is the sight fishing opportunities – watching a big red tail in two feet of water never gets old.
Cobia show up in late spring and stick around through early fall, cruising our nearshore waters looking for crabs and baitfish. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, are curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat. They're excellent table fare and put up a strong fight on medium tackle. The bigger fish can push 40-50 pounds, making them a real trophy catch. Peak season is May through September when water temps climb into the 70s.
Bluefish are the aggressive schooling fish that make for exciting light tackle action. They travel in large schools and feed voraciously on baitfish, creating surface disturbances that are easy to spot. Blues hit hard and fight well for their size, plus they're great for beginners since they're not too picky about presentations. They're around most of the year but really stack up in spring and fall during their migrations.
Black sea bass might not be the flashiest fish, but they're reliable producers around structure and excellent eating. These bottom dwellers hang around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas in 20-60 feet of water. They're perfect for anglers who enjoy bottom fishing and want to put some fillets in the cooler. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move into shallower water.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with mature fish commonly weighing 20-50 pounds or more. They're strong, stubborn fighters that use their weight and power to stay deep. Drum feed heavily around oyster beds and structure, crushing crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. The bigger fish are catch-and-release, but the smaller ones make good table fare. They're most active in spring when they move shallow to spawn.
The Outer Banks fishing scene is world-class, and this eight-hour trip gives you the time to really experience what these waters offer. Whether you end up battling a big cobia, sight-casting to tailing redfish, or loading up on sea bass for dinner, you'll understand why anglers keep coming back to fish with us. The variety here is unmatched – you might catch five different species in a single day. Don't forget that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. The calendar fills up fast during peak season, especially for full-day trips, so book early to secure your dates. Bring your camera, plenty of sunscreen, and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years.
Hit the productive waters of the Outer Banks aboard this reliable 2021 C Hawk center console. At 23 feet with a smooth-running 200HP Suzuki, she'll get your crew of up to 5 anglers to the fish quickly and comfortably, cruising at 30 knots to prime inshore spots. The fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps you on productive structure. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long fishing sessions. Built for serious angling, this boat handles North Carolina's coastal waters with ease, whether you're targeting cobia around nearshore structure, working the flats for redfish, or drifting for flounder. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of the shallows - powerful fish that'll give you an arm-burning fight. Our drum typically range from 10-40 pounds, with some monsters over 50. They cruise shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water, using those chin barbels to root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time during their spawn when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is the raw power - these fish don't jump, they just pull like a freight train. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, while the big ones make for impressive photos and memories. My secret weapon is fresh blue crab - cut it in half and pin it on a circle hook. Fish it right on the bottom in that muddy, shell-covered water they love. When you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let that drag work.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are our reliable bottom dwellers that always seem to cooperate when other fish get finicky. Most run 1-4 pounds, though we catch some chunky 6+ pounders around the deeper structure. They love wrecks, hard bottom, and artificial reefs in 40-100 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn - that's when you'll find the biggest concentrations. What makes them great targets is their willingness to bite and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They fight well for their size and are perfect for kids or new anglers. Here's what works best: drop a simple two-hook bottom rig with squid or clam strips right to the bottom. Keep your bait moving slightly - they like a little action. Once you find a good spot, work it thoroughly since they school up tight.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the perfect fish for action-packed days - they travel in aggressive schools and attack anything that moves. Most of our blues run 2-10 pounds, though we get some chopper blues pushing 15+ pounds that really bend the rod. You'll find them everywhere from the surf to 30 feet deep, especially around bait schools and current breaks. They're here spring through fall, but summer and early fall produce the most consistent action. What guests love about blues is the non-stop bite when you find a school - they'll hit lures, cut bait, pretty much anything you throw at them. The smaller "cocktail blues" are fantastic eating when prepared fresh. My favorite approach is throwing metal spoons or poppers when you see birds working - blues create those feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Just watch your fingers when unhooking them - those teeth are razor sharp.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - guests love the excitement of spotting these bronze beauties cruising near the surface. Most run 30-50 pounds here, but we've seen 60-pounders that'll test your tackle. They're loners, hanging around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through our area. What makes them worth targeting? They're incredible table fare with firm, white meat, plus they put up a serious scrap once hooked. These fish are curious - they'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Here's my go-to trick: when you see one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slowly. They can't resist that flutter, and once you hook up, hang on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-35 inches in our waters, with that signature black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising super shallow flats - sometimes in just 2-3 feet of water where their backs show above the surface. They love oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy bottoms around the sound. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great with that mild sweet flavor, and give you those heart-stopping topwater strikes. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait well ahead and let it settle - they spook easy but once hooked, they'll give you a battle to remember.
Outer Banks