5.0(10 Reviews)Oak Island Private Fishing Charters
5.0(10 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Private inshore fishing charters with flexible scheduling optionsTrip durations range from 3 to 8 hours dailySmall group capacity accommodates up to 2 guests maximum
Captain Wayne Freeman and Flatfish Charters offer some of the best private inshore fishing around Oak Island, with flexible trip options that work around your schedule. Whether you're an early bird looking to hit the water at sunrise or prefer a leisurely late-morning start, we've got the perfect charter for you. Our private trips range from quick 3-hour outings to full 8-hour adventures, running Tuesday through Sunday with multiple departure times daily. With just you and one fishing buddy aboard, you'll get personalized attention and prime positioning at the hottest spots along the coast.
These aren't your typical crowded party boat trips. When you book with Flatfish Charters, you're getting a private vessel that's all yours for the day. Captain Wayne runs a clean, well-maintained boat equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The shorter 3 and 4-hour trips are perfect for targeting inshore species like redfish and flounder around the marshes and nearshore structure. If you opt for the 5 or 8-hour adventures, we can venture further out to chase king mackerel or work the deeper holes where big black drum hang out. Each trip is seasonal, so you'll be fishing when the target species are most active and feeding aggressively. The beauty of a private charter is that we can adjust our strategy based on conditions, tides, and what's biting that particular day.
Captain Wayne knows every creek, inlet, and fishing hole from the Cape Fear River to Lockwood Folly. Depending on the trip length and target species, we'll use a variety of techniques to put fish in the cooler. Light tackle fishing around oyster bars and grass flats is productive for spotted seatrout and redfish, especially during moving tides. We'll often start with live bait presentations using mud minnows or shrimp under popping corks, then switch to artificial lures if the fish are aggressive. For summer flounder, we'll work sandy bottom areas with bucktails tipped with Gulp baits or drift live finger mullet near structure. When targeting king mackerel during the warmer months, we'll head to nearshore waters and troll spoons, ballyhoo rigs, or live bait behind planer boards. The 8-hour trips give us time to cover multiple spots and techniques, maximizing your chances of a diverse catch.
"A fantastic fishing trip with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction made for a memorable experience. We caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Will definitely be returning!" - Megan
"Our family had a wonderful experience with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip exciting for everyone, including the kids. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories." - James
"Captain Wayne Freeman and Flatfish Charters provided an exceptional fishing experience! Wayne's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had a fantastic time on the water. Highly recommend!" - Michael
Spotted Weakfish, also known as spotted seatrout, are one of the most popular targets for Oak Island anglers. These beautiful fish love grass flats and oyster bars, especially during moving tides when they feed aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. They typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with trophy specimens pushing over 24 inches. Spring through fall offers the best action, and they're known for their distinctive spotted pattern and tender white meat. What makes them so exciting to catch is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk, creating explosive surface strikes that'll get your heart pumping.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with adult fish commonly weighing 20 to 40 pounds around Oak Island's waters. These powerful fish love structure like bridge pilings, oyster bars, and deep holes where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Fall and winter months typically produce the largest specimens, though smaller "puppy drum" are caught year-round. They're bucket-list fish for many anglers because of their incredible fighting ability – once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and endurance. The larger black drum around Oak Island often exceed 50 pounds, making them true trophy catches.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of the coastal waters, perfectly camouflaged against sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish are ambush predators that can grow quite large, with doormat-sized specimens over 20 inches being the ultimate prize. They're most active from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 60 degrees. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the subtle bite – you need to develop a feel for their pickup, as they often just mouth the bait before committing. The reward is some of the finest table fare you'll find in coastal waters.
King Mackerel are the speedsters of the offshore scene, though they venture close enough to shore around Oak Island to target on longer charters. These torpedo-shaped fish can reach impressive sizes, with 20 to 30-pound "smoker kings" being common catches. Summer months from May through September offer peak action when schools of kings patrol nearshore waters chasing Spanish sardines and menhaden. They're prized for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked, often making multiple screaming runs before coming to the boat. Their firm, flaky meat makes them highly sought after for both sport and table fare.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Oak Island, known for their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. These drum family members typically range from 18
Pogonias CromisThese powerful bottom-feeders are the heavyweights of the drum family, running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+ pounds. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and around inlet structure. You'll hear them "drumming" as they communicate - quite a sound when you're over a big school. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big bulls get tough and stringy. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system. Fresh crab bait works best since it stays on the hook better than softer baits. Pro tip: fish the incoming tide around oyster bars with your bait right on the bottom - these fish won't come up to eat, so get down to their level.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and drag system. These silver bullets typically run 10-30 pounds but can top 90 pounds. You'll find them in 40-150 feet trolling the temperature breaks and structure offshore. Late spring through early fall brings the best action when baitfish are thick and kings are feeding aggressively. They're prized for their blistering runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is rich and oily - great for grilling or smoking. Trolling live bait or spoons along current edges works well. Here's what separates the pros from beginners: rig with a wire leader and dual hooks - one through the bait's nose, another free-swinging near the tail since kings often attack from behind and work forward.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore game fish - bronze beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. They range from puppy drum at 14-18 inches up to bull reds exceeding 40 inches and 30+ pounds. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer peak action when they school up and feed heavily. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their dogged fights in shallow water. The smaller ones are excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They'll crush topwater baits, soft plastics, and live shrimp. Local secret: look for nervous water and tailing fish on low tide flats - approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait back through their path.
Cynoscion NebulosusAlso called spotted seatrout, these fish are actually drum family members that make croaking sounds. They run 12-16 inches on average but can reach 17+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters over grass beds and sandy bottoms, usually within 33 feet. They're ambush predators with soft mouths, so they'll hit colorful lures aggressively. Spring through late summer offers the best action when they move into bays to spawn. What makes them special is their willingness to strike topwater baits and their excellent table fare - light, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe. Here's the key: when you see one approaching your lure, speed up your retrieve to trigger that strike instinct, but use circle hooks since their mouths tear easily.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side watching for prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 20 pounds show up regularly. Fall months from September through November are peak season when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. They're found in 10-60 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and current breaks. What guests love is the challenge of finding them and their incredible table quality - sweet, white fillets that are hard to beat. They hit live bait like minnows, squid strips, and bucktails bounced along bottom. Key technique: use a slow lift-and-drop retrieve since they often just mouth the bait. Wait for that solid weight before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0A fantastic fishing trip with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfac...
Our family had a wonderful experience with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made th...
Captain Wayne Freeman and Flatfish Charters provided an exceptional fishing experience! Wayne's expertise and enthusiasm made our ...
Had an amazing day with Captain Wayne on Flatfish Charters. He knew all the best spots and made sure we had a great time. The boat...
Captain Wayne Freeman and Flatfish Charters exceeded our expectations! His knowledge of the area and friendly demeanor made our fi...
Our experience with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman was phenomenal! Wayne's passion for fishing and dedication to cust...
Captain Wayne was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with Flatfi...
What an incredible fishing adventure with Flatfish Charters! Captain Wayne Freeman's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforg...
Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman provided an outstanding fishing experience! We had a great time on the water and caugh...
Had a fantastic time fishing with Captain Wayne on Flatfish Charters. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the trip enjoyable ...
Oak Island, NC