Half-Day Bull Redfish Trip in Morehead City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour inshore trip targeting trophy bull redfish with artificial luresShallow water fishing accommodates all skill levels with expert guidanceMaximum 4 guests ensures personalized attention from Captain Jason
Captain Jason's got you covered for one heck of a fishing adventure right here in Morehead City. This 5-hour half-day trip puts you right in the thick of some of the best inshore action North Carolina's Crystal Coast has to offer. We're talking about targeting monster bull redfish in the shallow waters where these copper-colored fighters love to cruise and feed. With artificial lures and Captain Jason's local knowledge, you'll be working the flats and structure where these trophy fish hang out. Whether you've been chasing reds for years or you're just getting your feet wet with inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of heart-pounding action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
You'll be fishing the prime waters around Morehead City where the Bogue Sound meets the Atlantic, creating perfect habitat for bull redfish and a whole lineup of other sought-after species. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand – from the grass flats near Shackleford Banks to the deeper channels where big reds patrol looking for their next meal. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. These bulls are known for their bulldogging fights, and when you hook into a 30+ pound red in shallow water, you're in for a battle that'll test your tackle and technique. The shallow water fishing here means you can actually see these fish cruising, which adds a whole visual element that makes the experience even more exciting. Don't worry about bringing lunch – this half-day format gets you back to dock with plenty of time to grab a bite at one of Morehead City's waterfront spots.
We're running artificial lures exclusively on this trip, which is hands-down the most exciting way to target bull redfish. Captain Jason's got the gear dialed in with medium-heavy spinning setups that can handle these bruisers when they make their runs. You'll be throwing everything from soft plastics rigged on jig heads to topwater plugs when conditions are right – there's nothing quite like watching a 35-pound red explode on a surface lure in two feet of water. The key to success here is presentation and knowing how to work the lures around structure without spooking these smart fish. We're fishing areas with oyster bars, grass beds, and channel edges where redfish love to ambush baitfish. Captain Jason will walk you through the techniques, from the proper retrieve speed to reading the water and identifying prime holding spots. The artificial approach means you're actively working for every fish, and when that rod doubles over, you know you've earned it.
The Spanish Mackerel action has been absolutely on fire around Morehead City, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. These speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute rockets when they hit your lure. They school up around bait pods and structure, making for fast-paced action that'll keep your rod bent. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, dive, and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. The best part about mackerel fishing here is the sheer numbers you can catch when you find a school.
Bluefish are another customer favorite that patrol these same waters, and they're known for their aggressive feeding behavior and sharp teeth. These voracious predators typically range from 2-8 pounds in our area and will absolutely hammer artificial lures. They travel in schools and create feeding frenzies that attract other species, making them great indicator fish. When you hook into a good blue, expect a strong initial run followed by determined head-shaking that'll keep you on your toes. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, though summer fishing can be productive early morning and late afternoon.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as many anglers call them, are the ultimate challenge for inshore enthusiasts. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and require finesse to consistently hook up. They typically run 14-20 inches in our waters, with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing 5+ pounds. What makes flounder fishing so rewarding is the technique required – you need to feel for that subtle tap and set the hook at just the right moment. They're most active from late spring through early fall, holding around structure and drop-offs where they ambush prey.
Sea Trout are a staple of Morehead City's inshore scene, with speckled trout being the most common variety. These beautiful fish typically range from 12-18 inches, with trophy fish exceeding 20 inches. They're known for their distinctive spotted pattern and excellent table fare. Specks are structure-oriented fish that love grass beds and oyster bars, making them perfect targets for artificial lure fishing. Their bite can be subtle or aggressive depending on conditions, and they're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are optimal.
Redfish are absolutely the crown jewel of this trip and what keeps anglers coming back year after year. The bull reds we target here are typically 27+ inches and can easily push 30-40 pounds. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their incredible stamina and bulldogging fights that can last 15-20 minutes in shallow water. What makes redfish so special is their year-round availability and willingness to hit artificial lures. They're ambush predators that cruise the flats and structure looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. The sight fishing opportunities for big reds in shallow water create an visual element that adds another dimension to the experience.
This half-day trip with Captain Jason offers world-class inshore fishing without taking up your entire day. You're getting access to some of the best redfish waters on the East Coast, plus the chance at multiple species that make
This 21' KenCraft Bay boat is your ticket to some serious redfish action in Morehead City's productive inshore waters. Built in 2022 and powered by a reliable 150HP Yamaha, she'll get you to the hotspots fast with a cruising speed of 38 knots. The center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Jason knows where the big bull reds hang out, and this boat's equipped to find them. The fish finder will mark schools and structure while the GPS keeps you on productive waters. When you need to sneak into shallow spots where those trophy drum feed, the wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly without spooking fish. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride to fishing grounds, but once those drags start screaming, you'll forget all about it.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive, hard-hitting fish that show up here in schools during warmer months, typically running 2-8 pounds with some bigger specimens. These toothy predators patrol open water, jetties, and surf zones, often creating feeding frenzies when they corner baitfish. They're excellent fighters that make long runs and jump when hooked. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids, while larger blues provide serious action for experienced anglers. They make decent eating when bled immediately and kept cold. Best fishing is summer through early fall when they're actively feeding. One key tip: use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat, and you'll lose both fish and lure.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull reds are the backbone of our inshore fishing, with these copper-colored bruisers ranging from slot-sized 18-27 inchers up to massive 40+ pound bulls in deeper water. They cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths year-round, often with their backs out of water. What makes reds so popular is their powerful fight - they'll strip drag and make long runs that test your gear. Plus, the slot fish are outstanding on the table. They'll eat everything from topwater plugs to cut bait, but live shrimp and crab are hard to beat. Best action is spring and fall when they're most active. My go-to tip: look for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats during moving tides - that's when the magic happens.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are beautiful spotted fish that typically run 12-18 inches, with some reaching 3-4 pounds in our waters. They love shallow grass flats, creek mouths, and oyster bars, especially during dawn and dusk. These fish are ambush predators that respond well to soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp. What makes them special is their willingness to hit artificials and their excellent table quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are right. They school up in deeper holes during winter cold snaps. Local tip: fish the grass edges on moving water, and don't overlook those shallow potholes where big trout often hide waiting for baitfish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are sleek, fast-moving fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-5 pounds around Morehead City. These silvery speedsters with yellowish spots love to school up near the surface, especially around structures and drop-offs from spring through fall. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from small spoons and jigs to live shrimp and cut bait. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite, decent table fare when fresh, and that screaming run when hooked. They fight harder than their size suggests. My tip: when you find one Spanish, there's usually a whole school nearby, so work the area thoroughly with fast-moving lures to capitalize on the action.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage that lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds are the real prizes. They're found in 10-40 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and channel edges from spring through fall. What guests love is the challenge - these fish require finesse and patience, plus they're some of the best eating you'll find. They hit live minnows, squid strips, and bucktails worked slowly along the bottom. Peak season is late summer into fall when they're feeding heavily before migrating offshore. Pro tip: use a slow drift and keep your bait moving - a motionless offering rarely gets hit.
Morehead City