Southern Shores 4-Hour Banana Island Adventure
Picture this: you and your crew heading out for a perfect blend of family fun and fishing around one of the Outer Banks' most scenic spots. Our 4-hour Banana Island trip takes you to the sandy shores and shallow flats around Sandy Island, where the north end of Roanoke Island offers some of the best wade fishing and exploring you'll find in Southern Shores. This isn't your typical deep-water charter – it's designed for families who want to get their feet wet, literally, while experiencing what makes OBX fishing so special.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll cruise out from Southern Shores and make our way to the pristine waters around Sandy Island, also known locally as Banana Island for its curved shape. The trip focuses on the shallow flats and protected waters where kids and adults alike can wade right in and try their hand at some light tackle fishing. The scenery alone is worth the ride – crystal clear shallows, endless stretches of uninhabited beach, and wildlife that'll have you reaching for your camera. Plan to bring your own snacks and drinks since we're not catering this one, and don't forget the sunscreen because you'll be spending plenty of time in the open. With space for up to 4 guests, it's perfectly sized for a family outing or small group of friends looking to do something different on the water.
Wade Fishing & Light Tackle
This trip is all about getting up close and personal with the flats. We'll anchor up in the shallows where everyone can step out and try some wade fishing – it's like having your own private lagoon. The water around Sandy Island stays relatively shallow, making it perfect for kids to splash around while the adults work the edges with light spinning gear. We'll set you up with everything you need tackle-wise, focusing on simple rigs that work well in these conditions. Think light jigheads, soft plastics, and maybe some topwater action if the conditions are right. The bottom here is mostly sand and grass, so you won't be losing gear on every cast like you might around the wrecks. It's relaxed fishing at its finest – no pressure, just good times and hopefully some bent rods.
Target Species
The flats around Sandy Island are prime real estate for several species that love these shallow, grassy areas. Red drum are the stars of the show here, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. These copper-colored fighters love cruising the shallows looking for crabs and small baitfish, and there's nothing quite like watching a red drum's back break the surface as it tails in two feet of water. They're not huge here – most run between 18-27 inches – but they fight like fish twice their size in the shallow water. Speckled trout are another mainstay, particularly around the grass beds where they ambush prey. These guys are excellent table fare and provide steady action throughout the summer. You'll also encounter flounder tucked up against the sandy edges, along with the occasional bluefish when they're running. The beauty of this spot is the variety – you never know what might grab your bait, and that keeps everyone engaged, especially the younger anglers who get excited about every pull on the line.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a fishing trip that the whole family can enjoy without the intensity of offshore fishing, this Banana Island adventure hits the sweet spot. It's casual enough for beginners but still offers real fishing opportunities that'll keep experienced anglers happy. The combination of wade fishing, beautiful scenery, and the chance to explore one of the area's most picturesque spots makes this a customer favorite for families visiting the Outer Banks. With only 4 spots available per trip, it books up fast during peak season, so don't wait around if you want to secure your date. Give Flying Fish Charters OBX a call and let's get you on the water for a day that'll give everyone something to talk about long after you head home.