Fishing Charters OBX with Grandpa Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Learn traditional trawl net fishing methods from expert guidesKeep all fish caught during intimate sixguest charter experienceExplore Outer Banks sound waters with handson fishing instruction
Looking for a fishing charter that's different from your typical OBX experience? Grandpa Charters offers something special – an intimate inshore fishing adventure where you'll learn traditional trawl net methods while targeting some of the sound's best fish. We keep groups small at just six anglers, so you get personal attention from our guides and plenty of elbow room on deck. You'll fish the protected waters of the Outer Banks sound system, where calm conditions make for comfortable fishing and productive days on the water. Plus, everything you catch goes home with you – no wondering if you'll have fish for dinner tonight.
When you step aboard with Grandpa Charters, you're signing up for more than just casting lines and hoping for bites. Our guides are passionate about sharing the old-school trawl net techniques that commercial fishermen have used in these waters for generations. You'll get hands-on experience setting nets, learning to read the water, and understanding how tides and structure affect fish movement. The sound provides perfect conditions for this type of fishing – protected from ocean swells but still connected to the inlet systems where fish move with the tides. Our boats are equipped with everything you need, from rods and tackle to nets and coolers for your catch. Don't worry if you've never handled a trawl net before – our guides break it down step by step, making sure everyone feels confident and involved.
Trawl netting is an art form that most charter guests never get to experience, but it's incredibly effective in the shallow sound waters around OBX. We'll show you how to deploy the net at the right depth, maintain proper boat speed, and recognize when you're marking fish on the sounder. The technique works especially well for flounder, which tend to lay flat on sandy bottoms throughout the sound. You'll learn to read bottom composition and understand why certain areas hold fish while others don't. Our nets are sized appropriately for recreational fishing – we're not commercial draggers, but rather focused on giving you an authentic taste of how local watermen have fished these waters for decades. The method is surprisingly active, requiring coordination between the boat operator and crew, so everyone stays engaged throughout the trip.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Outer Banks sound fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with authority. In the sounds, you'll find them ranging from 14 to 20 inches on average, with the occasional gator trout pushing 24 inches or more. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to bite – even novice anglers can expect steady action when we find a good school. The fight is respectable too, with that characteristic head-shaking action that keeps things interesting on light tackle.
Southern Flounder are the prize catch for many OBX anglers, and the sound systems provide perfect habitat for these flatfish. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim within striking distance. Fall months are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn, with fish commonly reaching 18 to 22 inches. The trawl net method is particularly effective for flounder since it covers water systematically and doesn't rely on them actively feeding. When you hook one on rod and reel, expect a bulldogging fight as they try to stay glued to the bottom. Their white meat is among the best eating fish in coastal waters.
Bluefish bring the excitement factor to any OBX fishing trip. These aggressive predators travel in schools and create feeding frenzies that'll get your heart pumping. In the sounds, they typically run 2 to 8 pounds – perfect size for light tackle fun without the wire leaders needed for their larger offshore cousins. When blues are feeding, you'll know it – the water erupts with baitfish jumping everywhere as the blues slash through from below. They hit hard and fight dirty, making long runs and jumping when they feel the hook. Peak action usually happens during spring and fall migrations, but resident populations keep things interesting year-round in the deeper sound channels.
This top-rated charter experience fills up quickly, especially during peak fishing months when the bite is hot. With only six spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention from our experienced guides and plenty of space to fish comfortably. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to learn traditional techniques or a family wanting to experience authentic OBX fishing culture, Grandpa Charters delivers something you won't find on crowded head boats or rushed half-day trips. Your catch goes home with you, our guides share decades of local knowledge, and you'll leave with skills that'll make you a better angler anywhere you fish. Book now to secure your spot on this customer favorite fishing experience in the heart of the Outer Banks sound system.
Meet "Grandpa" - our reliable 40-foot Northshore that's been working these Outer Banks waters since 1998. This seasoned fishing machine comes loaded with GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you right on top of the action in the sounds. With outriggers ready and a proper fighting chair mounted, she's built for serious angling whether you're bottom fishing or chasing whatever's running. Our experienced captains will walk you through traditional trawl net techniques while you're out there, so you'll learn the local methods that have worked for generations. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work without getting lines tangled. Best part? You keep what you catch. "Grandpa" might not be the flashiest boat on the water, but she knows these backwater channels and productive spots like the back of her hand.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for action-packed trips. These hard-fighting fish typically run 2-10 pounds in our waters, with their blue-green backs and razor-sharp teeth. Summer brings the best fishing when they chase baitfish into the shallows, creating those feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitz." Guests love them because they fight hard, bend rods, and provide non-stop action when schools move through. The smaller "snappers" are great for kids and beginners. Be careful handling them - those teeth are serious business. Best trick: match your lure size to whatever baitfish they're chasing, and don't be afraid to fish fast and aggressive.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets here in the sound, typically running 14-24 inches and weighing 1-5 pounds. These silvery fish with dark spots love shallow grass flats and hang around structure during cooler months. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially early morning and evening when they're feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to hit lures and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They put up a decent fight without being too aggressive for beginners. Pro tip: when working grass flats at night, listen for their feeding activity - that splashing sound usually means fish are there.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying buried in sand and mud on shallow bottoms throughout our sounds and estuaries. Most run 15-18 inches, though we see some pushing 30+ inches. Fall is prime time as they stage for their offshore winter migration, but summer fishing stays consistent. What guests love about flounder is the challenge - you're sight fishing for fish that are practically invisible until they move. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find, with sweet, white meat perfect for the dinner table. The key is watching for that subtle puff of sand or the outline of their body. Use a slow retrieve with soft plastics or live bait, and set the hook gently when you feel that tap.
Raleigh