Southern Shores 4-Hour Banana Island Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Fourhour shore fishing adventure exploring Sandy Island watersFamilyfriendly trip accommodating up to four guests comfortablyShallow wading areas perfect for children and beginners
Looking for something different than your typical offshore charter? This 4-hour family-friendly fishing adventure takes you to one of the Outer Banks' best-kept secrets - Sandy Island, also called Banana Island by locals. We're talking about pristine waters at the north end of Roanoke Island where you can wet a line while the kids splash around in crystal-clear shallows. Captain Flying Fish knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show your crew of up to 4 anglers what makes this spot so special. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, slather on that sunscreen, and get ready for a laid-back day on the water that's perfect for first-timers and seasoned anglers alike.
Sandy Island sits in some of the most protected waters you'll find around Southern Shores, making it ideal for families with younger kids who want to try their hand at fishing. The shallow flats and grass beds create perfect nursery habitat for tons of species, while the deeper cuts and channels hold bigger fish looking for an easy meal. Your captain will position the boat where you can cast into productive water while keeping one eye on the little ones wading safely nearby. The scenery here is absolutely gorgeous - think untouched beaches, wild horses sometimes visible on distant shores, and water so clear you can watch fish swimming around your bait. This isn't your high-octane offshore experience, but rather a relaxed day where everyone can participate at their own comfort level. The protected location means we can usually fish here even when conditions are too rough for open ocean trips.
We keep things simple and fun on these Sandy Island trips. Captain Flying Fish provides all the gear you'll need - light spinning tackle that's perfect for the smaller inshore species we target here. Most of our fishing involves casting live or cut bait near grass beds, oyster bars, and channel edges where fish like to hang out. Kids love using bottom rigs with shrimp or small pieces of cut bait, while adults might try their luck with artificial lures worked around structure. The water clarity here is amazing, so sight fishing opportunities pop up regularly - there's nothing quite like watching a fish swim up to your bait and hammer it. We'll anchor up in productive spots and let you fish at your own pace, or slowly drift the flats if that's what the fish are telling us to do. No complicated techniques or heavy tackle needed - just good old-fashioned fishing in some of the prettiest water North Carolina has to offer.
The grass flats and channels around Sandy Island hold a fantastic variety of inshore species that are perfect for family fishing trips. Red drum, or redfish as most folks call them, cruise these shallows year-round looking for crabs and small baitfish. They're incredible fighters that will test your drag system, and seeing a big red's copper-colored back cutting through shallow water gets everyone's heart pumping. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from puppy drum perfect for kids to handle up to bull reds that'll make dad's arms burn. These fish are smart and spooky in clear water, which makes hooking one even more satisfying.
Speckled trout are another customer favorite that loves the grass beds around Sandy Island. These beautiful fish have amazing spotted patterns and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut your line if you're not careful. They're most active during cooler months, especially early morning and late afternoon when they come up to feed on shrimp and small fish. Specks fight with quick runs and head shakes that keep things interesting, plus they make excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner. The key to consistent trout fishing here is staying quiet and making accurate casts to the edges of grass beds where they like to ambush prey.
Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but these flatfish are masters of camouflage and provide some of the most exciting fishing around Sandy Island. Summer months bring the best flounder action as they move into shallow water to feed on small fish and crabs. Watching a flounder come off the bottom to grab your bait is something special - they go from perfectly hidden to aggressive predator in the blink of an eye. Kids get a huge kick out of these "alien-looking" fish, and experienced anglers appreciate their subtle bite and strong runs once hooked. The sandy bottom around the island provides perfect flounder habitat, especially where it meets grass beds or shell bottom.
This Sandy Island fishing trip offers something you won't find on typical charter boats - a chance to fish productive waters while creating memories the whole family will treasure. Captain Flying Fish has been running these family-friendly trips for years, and he knows exactly how to keep everyone engaged whether they're 6 or 60 years old. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect for maintaining kids' attention spans while giving serious anglers enough time to put some fish in the boat. With a maximum capacity of just 4 guests, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to move around safely. Don't wait too long to secure your date - these top-rated family fishing adventures book up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and families are looking for that perfect Outer Banks experience.
Our 23-foot Sea Hunt center console is perfect for your Banana Island fishing adventure. Powered by a reliable 225HP Yamaha outboard, this boat cuts through North Carolina's coastal waters with ease while keeping your group of up to 4 anglers comfortable throughout the 4-hour trip. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast lines and move around the deck. You'll appreciate the onboard fish finder when we're hunting for the best fishing spots around Sandy Island's waters. GPS navigation keeps us on course to productive areas where the fish are biting. The boat includes a toilet for convenience during longer stretches on the water. Whether you're targeting inshore species or just enjoying time with family while the kids wade in the shallows, this Sea Hunt provides a stable platform for fishing and exploring. The open layout means easy access to your tackle, coolers, and gear while leaving space for everyone to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
Manteo, NC, United States