Fishing Charters OBX with Grandpa Charters
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Traditional Trawl Net Methods
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.
Species You'll Want to Hook
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.