Morehead City Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour inshore fishing targeting speckled trout and redfishCaptain Jason provides guidance and all necessary fishing equipmentAccommodates up to four guests with artificial and live bait options
Captain Jason knows these Crystal Coast waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 5-hour inshore trip targets the best structure and grass flats around Morehead City, where speckled trout, redfish, and plenty of other species are waiting. You'll fish with quality artificials right out of the gate, but if you want to switch to live bait, just say the word. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between productive fishing and good times on the water. Whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, expect steady action and plenty of opportunities to bend some rods.
Captain Jason runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting fish in the boat while keeping things relaxed and fun. You'll launch from Morehead City and head straight to the productive inshore waters where the action happens. The trip covers prime spots along the Crystal Coast - think shallow grass beds, creek mouths, and structure that holds fish year-round. Your captain provides all the tackle you need, from quality spinning gear to a variety of artificial lures that produce results in these waters. The boat is set up for comfort and fishing success, with plenty of room to move around and fight fish. Don't worry about experience level either - Captain Jason works with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers, adjusting techniques and spots based on what's working best that day.
This trip starts with artificial lures because they're incredibly effective in Morehead City's inshore waters and let you cover more ground quickly. You'll throw everything from soft plastics on jig heads to topwater plugs, depending on conditions and what the fish are hitting. Captain Jason keeps a full selection of proven producers - gulp baits for the bottom, spoons for schooling fish, and poppers for when things get exciting on top. If you prefer the tried-and-true method of live bait fishing, just let him know and he'll set you up with fresh shrimp, finger mullet, or whatever's working best. The technique varies with the target - you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water one minute, then working a grass flat for specks the next. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want, which is exactly what makes Captain Jason so good at what he does.
Bluefish are absolute blasters when they're feeding, and Morehead City sees excellent runs during spring and fall migrations. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They hit hard, fight harder, and aren't shy about taking artificials. Blues range from small snappers perfect for kids to chopper blues that'll test your drag system. The best part? They're excellent table fare when handled properly, and Captain Jason knows exactly how to keep them fresh.
Summer flounder are the crown jewel of Morehead City's inshore scene, with doormat-sized fish lurking around structure and drop-offs. These flatfish are ambush predators that require patience and technique to consistently catch. They're masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. When you hook a quality summer flounder, expect a strong initial run followed by that characteristic head-shaking fight. The bigger ones are surprisingly powerful for a flatfish. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the largest fish typically showing up in deeper water as temperatures cool.
White weakfish, also called gray trout, are a customer favorite because they fight well above their weight class. These silver beauties prefer moving water around inlets and bridge pilings, where they feed on small baitfish and shrimp. Weakfish have a delicate mouth, so the fight requires finesse - too much pressure and you'll pull the hook. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods. When conditions align, you can have multiple hookups and steady action that keeps everyone on the boat busy.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of Morehead City inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are found over grass beds, around docks, and near any structure that holds bait. Specks are aggressive feeders that readily take both artificials and live bait, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They're most active during spring and fall, though you can catch them year-round in the right spots. A good speckled trout will make several strong runs and jump if you're lucky. The 3-5 pound fish are common, with larger gator trout possible when conditions are right.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore game fish - they're strong, they're beautiful, and they put up an incredible fight pound for pound. Morehead City's reds are typically found in shallow water around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass flats. You might spot them tailing in inches of water or cruising just under the surface. When a red takes your bait, expect a bulldogging fight with powerful runs toward structure. These copper-colored fish are built for power, not speed, but they'll use every trick in the book to shake your hook. The slot-sized fish make excellent eating, while the larger bulls are typically released to fight another day.
Captain Jason's Morehead City inshore trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. This 5-hour adventure gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and put together a memorable day on the water. With all tackle provided and live bait available on request, you just need to show up ready to fish. The trip works great for families looking to get kids hooked on fishing, groups celebrating special occasions, or serious anglers wanting to target quality inshore species. Book now and get ready for some of the best inshore
This 2022 KenCraft Bay boat is your ticket to productive fishing in Morehead City's prime inshore waters. At 21 feet with a reliable 150HP Yamaha engine, she'll get you to the hot spots quickly, cruising up to 38 knots when the fish are biting elsewhere. The center console design gives you plenty of room to work your lines and land those feisty weakfish and blues. What really sets this boat apart is the tech that helps you find fish - onboard GPS keeps you on course to productive areas, while the fish finder shows you exactly what's swimming below. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky speckled trout without spooking them with engine noise. When you need a break between catches, the multimedia system keeps everyone entertained. Built for serious fishing but comfortable enough for families, this bay boat handles Morehead City's inshore waters like a dream. Whether you're casting artificials or working live bait, you'll have stable footing and room for up to 4 anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a serious fight once hooked. These blue-gray beauties typically run 3-15 pounds around here, with their razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs making every hookup memorable. You'll find them in schools from spring through fall, especially around baitfish like menhaden. They love structure - jetties, reefs, and drop-offs in 10-40 feet of water. What makes them special is their feeding frenzies where the water literally boils with activity. They're also excellent table fare when fresh, with firm white meat. My tip: use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When you see birds working the surface, get there fast - that's bluefish tearing through bait schools.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate inshore game fish - powerful, beautiful, and smart. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots run 18-30 inches in the shallows, with bigger bulls offshore. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges, especially during moving tides. They're active year-round but fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes redfish special is their strength - they'll pull drag and make long runs that test your equipment. Plus, they're excellent eating when kept within slot limits. The sight-fishing aspect gets everyone excited when you can actually see them cruising the flats. Here's the trick: approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait into their path. They spook easily but once hooked, hang on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are probably our most popular inshore target, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 12-18 inches with plenty of 2-4 pounders mixed in. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall offers steady action, but they really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. What guests enjoy most is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - nothing beats that explosive surface strike. They're also top-notch eating with sweet, white meat. The key is matching your lure to the baitfish they're feeding on. My go-to tip: work soft plastics under a popping cork around structure during moving water. The sound draws them in and the suspended bait looks natural.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These "doormat" fish average 15-20 inches but can push 8+ pounds when you find the big females. They're bottom dwellers in 8-30 feet, especially around structure transitions where sand meets grass or near inlet mouths. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know if that tap is a keeper or a trophy. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish we catch. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live bait and keep your rod tip sensitive. When you feel that subtle pickup, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish, part of the drum family, are solid fighters that can surprise you with their size. These silvery fish with scattered spots typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach much larger. You'll find them in estuaries and shallow bays, especially around grass beds and oyster bars in 3-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they make great table fare with mild, flaky meat. They're known for their croaking sounds when you bring them aboard. My advice: fish the moving water during tide changes with soft plastics or live shrimp. Work your bait slow and steady - they can be finicky but once you find them, they usually school up.
Morehead City