Night Redfish & Trout Fishing in Morehead City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour night fishing targeting redfish and trout under dock lightsCaptain Jason guides guests to productive spots using artificial luresEvening departure offers peaceful fishing with fewer crowds present
When the sun goes down in Morehead City, the real action begins. Captain Jason's 4-hour night fishing adventure puts you right where the redfish and sea trout come alive under the dock lights. This isn't your typical daytime grind – night fishing brings out a whole different side of these fish, and honestly, it's some of the best fishing you'll find along the Crystal Coast. With just you and up to three other anglers, you'll work the shadows and light lines where these predators hunt after dark. The peaceful setting lets you focus on what really matters – feeling that thump on the end of your line when a hungry red or trout decides your lure looks like dinner.
Once you step aboard with Captain Jason, you're in for a completely different fishing experience than most folks are used to. The whole game changes after sunset – the water gets quieter, the fish get bolder, and you'll find yourself fishing spots that barely produce during daylight hours. We're talking about working around dock lights, bridge pilings, and other structure where baitfish gather and predators follow. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused. You won't be dealing with weekend boat traffic or blazing sun beating down on you. Instead, you're casting artificial lures into pools of light, watching for that telltale swirl or feeling for that subtle tap that means business. Captain Jason knows exactly where these fish stage up at night, and he'll put you on productive water that most weekend warriors never even think to try. The whole vibe is about slowing down, paying attention to what the fish are telling you, and enjoying some of the most consistent action you can find in these waters.
Night fishing for reds and trout is all about working artificial lures in and around the lights. Captain Jason will have you rigged up with soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending baits that really shine when these fish are actively feeding. The key is understanding how dock lights create feeding zones – baitfish get disoriented by the lights, and that draws in everything from shrimp to small fish, which brings in your target species. You'll be making precise casts to light edges, working lures through shadow lines, and learning to fish by feel more than sight. The tackle is typically medium-light spinning gear that lets you feel every bump and tap, because night fishing requires a more subtle touch. Captain Jason will walk you through reading the water differently at night, showing you how current, structure, and lighting all work together to create prime feeding areas. It's technical enough to keep experienced anglers engaged, but straightforward enough that newcomers can pick it up quickly and start producing fish.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of night fishing around Morehead City, and for good reason. These spotted beauties become completely different fish after dark – more aggressive, less spooky, and willing to hit lures they'd ignore during daylight hours. You're looking at fish typically ranging from 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional keeper pushing closer to that 24-inch mark. They love hanging around dock lights where they can ambush unsuspecting baitfish, and they'll absolutely hammer a well-presented soft plastic or topwater lure. What makes sea trout so addictive is their fighting style – they'll make short, powerful runs and have a habit of jumping when hooked, especially at night when you're fishing by feel. The bite tends to be most consistent from late spring through early fall, but night fishing extends the productive season well into the cooler months.
Redfish bring the real excitement to these night trips. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the same areas as trout but pack significantly more punch when they eat your lure. Night reds typically run anywhere from slot-size fish around 18 to 27 inches up to those memorable oversized bulls that can stretch past 30 inches and really test your drag system. What sets redfish apart is their feeding behavior at night – they become much more willing to venture into shallow water and chase down artificial lures. You'll hear them before you see them sometimes, especially when they're working bait schools near the surface. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – reds make long, steady runs and have the power to really bend a rod. They're also year-round residents in these waters, though the night bite really picks up during the warmer months when they're most active after sunset.
Captain Jason's night fishing trips offer something you just can't get during regular daytime charters – peace, quiet, and some of the most consistent redfish and trout action you'll find anywhere along the North Carolina coast. This 4-hour adventure gives you enough time to work multiple spots, dial in your technique, and really get into the rhythm of night fishing without feeling rushed. With only four anglers maximum, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and fishing time. Whether you're looking to try something new, escape the daytime crowds, or just enjoy fishing under the stars, this trip delivers the goods. The fish are there, Captain Jason knows where to find them, and all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Don't let another night go by wondering what you're missing out there in the dark – book your spot and find out why night fishing has such a devoted following among serious anglers.
This 21' KenCraft Bay boat is your ticket to prime redfish and trout waters around Morehead City. Built in 2022 with a reliable 150HP Yamaha engine, she'll get you to the hottest night fishing spots quickly and quietly. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip up on feeding fish without spooking them, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding near dock lights and structure. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. The GPS keeps us on productive water, and the multimedia system adds some tunes between bites. This center console handles the coastal waters like a champ, cruising at 38 knots when we need to cover ground or beat weather back to the dock. Perfect setup for targeting those night-feeding reds and trout that come alive after dark.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are built like copper-colored bulldogs, averaging 28-33 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass beds, and dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring are peak times, but night fishing brings out their aggressive side. What makes reds special is their power - they'll strip drag and fight dirty in shallow water. Plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. The trick here is sight fishing - look for their tails or backs in shallow water, then drop your bait quietly ahead of where they're heading. Gold spoons and topwater plugs drive them crazy.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds around here, with their silvery bodies covered in distinctive black spots. They love shallow grass flats and hang around dock lights at night, feeding on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Night fishing is prime time - they get way more aggressive when the sun goes down. These fish are scrappy fighters that'll give you some good runs, plus they're excellent table fare with flaky white meat. The key is working your lures slow and steady around the lights. They're spooky, so keep noise to a minimum and make long casts. Artificial shrimp and topwater plugs work great, but don't overwork them - trout prefer a subtle presentation.
Morehead City