8 Hour Hatteras Inshore Nearshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore and nearshore fishing adventure in Hatteras watersAll fishing equipment and licenses included for hasslefree experienceSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
When it comes to world-class fishing along the Outer Banks, Hatteras stands in a league of its own. This full-day adventure with Got-em Inshore Charters puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's most productive waters. We're talking eight solid hours of fishing time, moving between inshore flats and nearshore structure where the fish stack up thick. You'll have access to multiple fishing zones, from shallow grass beds where reds cruise to deeper waters where cobia and amberjack patrol. With all your gear, licenses, and tackle included, you just need to bring yourself and maybe a cooler with drinks and snacks – we've got the rest covered.
This top-rated charter starts early, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll adjust the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in three feet of water, the next you're dropping baits on a nearshore wreck where the amberjack live. The boat's rigged for versatility – we've got everything from light spinning tackle for inshore work to heavier conventional gear for the bigger fish offshore. Weather permitting, you'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, maximizing your chances at different species. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew's there to help with everything from rigging baits to netting your fish.
The beauty of this extended trip is getting to use different fishing techniques as conditions and targets change. In the shallows, we're often sight-fishing with live bait or artificials – watching for nervous water, tailing fish, or birds working bait schools. When we move to nearshore structure, it's time to break out bottom rigs with cut bait or live offerings. Circle hooks are the standard here, especially when targeting drum and other bottom dwellers. For cobia, we'll often switch to live eels or crabs, sometimes even sight-casting when these curious fish come up to investigate the boat. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait – everything's maintained and tournament-ready. You'll get hands-on coaching with different techniques, whether you're learning to work a soft plastic or getting the timing right on a hookset with circle hooks.
Bluefish are some of the most aggressive fighters you'll find in these waters, and Hatteras sees solid runs from late spring through fall. These toothy predators average 3-8 pounds but can push into double digits. They'll absolutely destroy topwater plugs and cut baits, often feeding in frenzied schools that create some of the most exciting action you can imagine. What makes blues special here is their willingness to bite – when you find them, you're usually in for non-stop action until your arms get tired.
Black drum are the gentle giants of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from 20-50 pounds being fairly common in Hatteras waters. These bottom dwellers are most active during cooler months, particularly late fall through early spring. They're not flashy fighters, but the steady, bulldogging pull of a big drum will test your endurance. Fresh shrimp, blue crab, or cut mullet on the bottom near structure is the ticket. Many anglers love drum fishing because it's relaxing – you set your bait and wait for that distinctive tap-tap-pull that signals a drum has found your offering.
Redfish, or red drum, are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here. These copper-colored beauties range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to bull reds that can stretch past 40 inches and weigh 30+ pounds. Spring and fall see the best action, when reds move shallow to feed on crabs and baitfish. There's nothing quite like watching a red's back break the surface as it crushes a topwater bait in two feet of water. They're smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful fish that photograph well and fight even better.
Greater amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the nearshore scene, with fish over 40 pounds being caught regularly around Hatteras wrecks and artificial reefs. These powerful fish are most active during warmer months and will absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run. Live bait works best – think live sardines, cigar minnows, or small blue runners dropped down to structure. The fight is what makes amberjack special – they'll take you straight to the bottom and test every knot in your rig. Many consider them one of the strongest pound-for-pound fish in the ocean.
Cobia are perhaps the most exciting nearshore target, known for their curious nature and willingness to approach boats. These brown sharks (as some locals call them) can exceed 50 pounds and are most active from late spring through early fall. They'll often swim right up to the boat, allowing for sight-casting opportunities that get your heart pumping. Live blue crabs, eels, or large soft plastics work great. Cobia are excellent table fare and put up a strong, determined fight that combines power with aerial acrobatics.
This customer favorite charter offers serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. Eight hours gives you the flexibility to adapt to conditions, chase different species, and really get a feel for what makes Hatteras fishing so renowned. The crew's experience and local knowledge, combined with top-quality gear and a well-maintained boat, sets you up for success whether you're an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time. With a maximum of four guests, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing that
Your fishing machine for the day is a solid 2005 25' Parker Center Console powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at 25 knots through Hatteras waters. This proven workhorse handles both inshore flats and nearshore waters with ease, giving you access to everything from redfish in the shallows to bigger game further out. The center console layout keeps everyone in the action while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure. With GPS navigation and room for up to 4 anglers, this Parker is built for serious fishing in the legendary waters off Cape Hatteras.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 15-pounders up to true giants pushing 50+ pounds. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up for spawning around structure. They're powerful fighters that use their weight and the current against you - expect a bulldogging battle rather than flashy jumps. The smaller fish make great table fare, while the big ones are better released. Black drum have crushing jaws built for shellfish, so fresh crab or cut bait works best. Fish right on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. Here's the key: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them pick it up and move off a bit first - they're methodical feeders, not aggressive strikers.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a solid fight, making them popular with anglers of all skill levels. These blue-green backed fish typically run 3-15 pounds around Hatteras, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds. They're voracious predators with razor-sharp teeth, so handle with care. You'll find them in schools from the surf out to about 50 feet, often feeding in frenzied "blitzes" that churn the water white. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when baitfish are thick. They hit everything from spoons to cut bait, but fresh oily baits like menhaden work best. The smaller "cocktail blues" make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: use a wire leader - their teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, and once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that cruise near the surface like brown torpedoes, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. These chocolate-brown beauties average 30-50 pounds and grow up to 6 feet, making them one of our most prized catches. You'll find them around buoys, channel markers, and floating debris in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through our waters. What sets cobia apart is they're curious - they'll often follow the boat and investigate lures. They're also solitary fish, so it's typically one at a time rather than schools. The meat quality is outstanding - firm, white fillets that rival any fish on the table. We sight-fish for them with bucktail jigs or live bait. Here's the trick: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. Lead them by 10-15 feet and work the lure slowly in their path. They'll usually turn and follow before committing.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bruisers of the nearshore reefs and wrecks, averaging 20-40 pounds with fish over 60 pounds not uncommon. These amber-striped fighters live around hard structure in 60-150 feet of water, making lightning-fast runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Spring through early summer offers prime fishing as they move up from deeper water. What makes amberjack fishing exciting is the pure power - they'll take you straight to the bottom if you're not ready. The meat is excellent when properly handled, with firm white fillets perfect for grilling. We target them with live bait or heavy jigs around wrecks and ledges. Fair warning: these fish carry a risk of ciguatera, so we typically release the larger specimens. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump-and-wind to turn their head up. Give them slack and they'll wrap you around the structure every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, with their copper-colored sides and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish run 20-35 inches around Hatteras, providing steady fights on medium tackle. They cruise shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-6 feet of water, often with their backs nearly breaking the surface. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with cooler months producing the largest fish. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything - cut bait, live shrimp, spoons, or topwater plugs all work. The slot-sized fish are excellent eating with firm, mild meat. You'll see them tailing in skinny water or cruising in small groups. My go-to technique: work a gold spoon slowly along grass edges during moving water. When you spot them, make your first cast count - spook a school and they'll disappear for hours.
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