5.0(10 Reviews)Private Oak Island Fishing Charters
5.0(10 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Private inshore fishing charters with flexible scheduling optionsAccommodates 2 guests across multiple trip durations availableOperates five days weekly with morning departure times
Looking for a fishing charter that works around your schedule? Captain Wayne Freeman at Flatfish Charters has you covered with flexible private trips ranging from quick 3-hour morning sessions to full-day 8-hour adventures on the waters around Oak Island. Whether you're an early bird wanting to hit the flats at 6 AM or prefer a more relaxed 11 AM start, these customizable charters let you fish your way without the crowds.
Your private charter means it's just you and up to one other angler with Captain Wayne, giving you personalized attention and the freedom to focus on what you want to catch. Running Tuesday through Sunday (no Mondays or Saturdays), these seasonal trips are designed for anglers of all skill levels. The boat stays clean and well-equipped, so you can focus on reading the water and working your lines. Captain Wayne knows these Oak Island waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're after bottom dwellers or working the surface for kings. No meals are provided, so pack your snacks and drinks for longer trips.
Oak Island's inshore waters offer diverse fishing opportunities, and Captain Wayne adjusts techniques based on what's biting and what you want to target. For spotted weakfish and redfish, expect to work live bait around grass flats and creek mouths, especially during moving tides. Summer flounder fishing involves drifting with bucktails or fishing live bait near structure and drop-offs. When king mackerel are running, you'll troll spoons and live bait along the nearshore reefs. Black drum fishing means switching to heavier tackle and working crab baits around pilings and oyster bars. The captain provides all necessary tackle and knows when to switch tactics based on conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns.
"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 called speckled trout, are a favorite target around Oak Island's grass flats and creek systems. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with occasional larger specimens pushing 24 inches or more. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate, and they love to ambush bait fish around structure. Weakfish put up a solid fight with multiple runs, and their soft mouths require careful handling to avoid losing them at the boat.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, often weighing 20 to 40 pounds with some monsters reaching 60 pounds or more. These bottom feeders love crab baits worked around dock pilings, oyster bars, and bridge structures. They're available year-round but peak during cooler months when they move into shallow waters to feed. Black drum are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style that tests your drag system. Their distinctive barbels under the chin help them locate food on the bottom.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of the sea floor, perfectly camouflaged as they lie in wait for passing baitfish. These flatfish can range from keeper size at 15 inches up to doormat specimens over 25 inches. They're most active from late spring through early fall, holding around sandy bottoms near structure, drop-offs, and channel edges. Flounder fishing requires patience and finesse, as these fish often pick up baits gently before committing to a full bite. Their firm white meat makes them a prized table fare.
King mackerel are the speed demons of Oak Island's nearshore waters, capable of blistering runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators typically range from 20 to 40 pounds, with larger kings pushing 50 pounds or more during peak season. They're most active from late spring through fall when baitfish are abundant along the nearshore reefs. Kings are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, making them a favorite target for anglers seeking heart-pounding action.
Redfish, or red drum, are copper-colored bruisers that patrol Oak Island's shallow flats, creek mouths, and marsh edges. These fish typically range from slot-size specimens around 20 to 27 inches up to oversized bulls that can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds. They're available year-round but are especially active during fall when they school up for their spawning runs. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and ability to use their broad tails and body shape to fight in shallow water, often making drag-screaming runs toward structure or deeper water.
With flexible scheduling and proven results, these private Oak Island fishing charters book up quickly during peak seasons. Captain Wayne's local knowledge and dedication to putting clients on fish has built a solid reputation among anglers looking for a personalized fishing experience. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather and plan accordingly. Whether you choose a quick morning trip or commit to a full day on the water, you're getting access to some of the best inshore fishing the North Carolina coast has to offer with
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90 pounds. These dark, powerful fish have crushing jaws perfect for demolishing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in brackish water from super shallow to 100 feet deep. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and become easier to target. After that, they scatter and get tougher to find. Guests love the strong, steady pull they put up - no flashy jumps, just raw power. Keep smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating; the big ones get tough and lose flavor. Fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait. Pro tip: use enough weight to keep your bait right on the bottom where they feed.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These sleek, silver torpedoes average around 30 pounds but can top 90 pounds, with females growing much larger than males. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. They're most active in warmer months when water temps hit 68-84°F. Guests love the blistering runs and aerial shows these fish put on - they're built for speed and aren't shy about showing it. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled. Trolling with live bait or spoons works best. Here's the trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings often hit the back half of your bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails that make them easy to identify. They typically run 20-35 inches in our waters, though they can grow much larger offshore. These shallow water specialists love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. Guests love watching them cruise the shallows and the powerful runs they make when hooked. They're excellent eating when kept within slot limits. Topwater plugs create explosive strikes, but live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. Look for nervous water, mud trails, or tailing fish - signs they're feeding in the shallows.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted Weakfish, also called speckled trout, are silver-bodied fish with dark spots scattered along their backs. They average 12-16 inches but can reach up to 17 pounds. These drum family members love shallow grass flats, sandy bottoms, and around docks in 3-30 feet of water. They're ambush predators that hit live shrimp, small baitfish, and colorful lures hard. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during warmer months when they move into the shallows. Guests love their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare - the meat is firm and flaky. Here's a local tip: when you see one hit, slow your retrieve to make the lure look like wounded bait, then speed up when they approach. Their mouths are soft, so don't horse them in or you'll pull the hook right out.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are flat, sandy-colored fish that lie on the bottom with both eyes on their left side - nature's perfect camouflage artists. They typically run 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds. These ambush predators bury in sand and mud bottoms in 10-100 feet, waiting to nail passing baitfish. Fall months from September through November are peak season when they're most active. Guests enjoy the challenge of finding them and their excellent eating quality - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit live minnows, squid, and bucktails bounced along the bottom. Here's the key: use a circle hook and give them time to fully take the bait before setting. They bite sideways and need a moment to turn the bait around in their mouth.
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