Fishing Charters OBX with Grandpa Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Learn traditional trawl net fishing methods from expert guidesKeep all fish caught during this hands-on charter experienceSmall group size limited to six guests maximum
Looking for a genuine Outer Banks fishing experience that goes way beyond the usual charter trip? Grandpa Charters offers something special in these legendary waters – a hands-on inshore adventure where you'll learn traditional trawl net fishing while targeting some of the sound's best eating fish. We keep groups small at just six anglers max, so you get real one-on-one instruction and plenty of elbow room on deck. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel charter – you're getting schooled in old-school methods that local fishermen have used for generations in these productive sounds.
The Outer Banks sound system is fishing gold, and that's exactly where we'll spend our day. These protected waters between the barrier islands and mainland create perfect habitat for our target species, with grass beds, drop-offs, and current breaks that hold fish year-round. You'll be working alongside our experienced crew, learning how to properly set and haul trawl nets – a technique that's as much art as it is science. The beauty of trawling is you're covering water efficiently while the net does most of the work, but timing, location, and net handling make all the difference between a good day and a great one. Every fish you bring aboard is yours to keep, so bring a cooler and get ready to stock your freezer with some of the best eating fish the coast has to offer.
Trawl net fishing is all about reading water and understanding fish behavior. Our nets are designed specifically for these shallow sound waters, with the right mesh size to target keeper fish while allowing smaller ones to escape. You'll learn how to deploy the net at the proper depth, maintain the right boat speed – usually around 2-3 knots – and recognize bottom structure changes that indicate fish-holding areas. The real skill comes in knowing when to haul back, reading the tension on the cables, and working as a team to bring the net aboard safely. We'll teach you to identify different species as they come over the rail, proper fish handling techniques, and how to ice your catch for maximum freshness. The whole process gives you a deep appreciation for how commercial fishermen work these waters, plus you'll gain skills you can use if you ever want to try trawling from your own boat.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Outer Banks sound fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches in our waters, with bigger specimens pushing 20-plus inches showing up regularly in spring and fall. They school up over grass beds and sandy bottoms, feeding heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish – exactly what our trawl nets imitate drifting through their territory. Sea trout are fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for frying, grilling, or baking. Peak season runs April through November, but we catch them year-round when conditions are right.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate prize for many anglers – these flatfish are pure eating pleasure and provide exciting action when they come over the rail. Doormat flounder over 20 inches are common in these sounds, especially around creek mouths and channel edges where they ambush prey. Fall is prime time for big flounder as they fatten up before their offshore spawning migration, but summer produces steady action with keeper-sized fish. Flounder are masters of camouflage, burying in sand and mud bottoms, making them perfect targets for bottom-sweeping trawl nets. Their mild, sweet flavor makes them a customer favorite – there's nothing better than fresh flounder fillets on the dinner table.
Bluefish bring the action and the fight that gets every angler's heart pumping. These aggressive predators travel in schools and feed with unmatched intensity, often creating surface disturbances that we can spot from a distance. Blues in the 12-16 inch range are perfect eating size – any bigger and they can get a bit strong-flavored, but these smaller "snappers" are absolutely delicious when prepared fresh. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but summer holds plenty of resident fish in the sounds. Bluefish are loaded with healthy omega-3s and have a rich, full flavor that's outstanding grilled or smoked. When the blues are running, you know you're in for fast action and full coolers.
This top-rated fishing experience combines education, action, and great eating in one package. You're not just catching fish – you're learning time-tested techniques from guides who know these waters inside and out. With our six-angler limit, you get personal attention that bigger charter operations simply can't provide. Whether you're a seasoned angler wanting to expand your skills or someone new to fishing looking for a hands-on introduction, this trip delivers real value. The Outer Banks sounds are world-class fishing grounds, and there's no better way to experience them than working alongside experienced watermen who'll share their knowledge freely. Book your charter now and discover why anglers keep coming back to fish with Grandpa Charters – the memories and skills you'll gain will last a lifetime.
Meet "Grandpa" – your trusty ride for exploring the rich inshore waters of the Outer Banks sound. This 40-foot Northshore has been hauling in catches since 1998 and shows no signs of slowing down. Built for serious anglers, she's equipped with GPS, radar, and fish finders to put you right on top of the action, even when visibility gets sketchy. The outriggers and fighting chair mean you're ready for whatever decides to take your bait, whether you're trolling the channels or working the grass flats. Our guides will walk you through traditional trawl net techniques while you cruise these productive waters. With room for just six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. The sound holds everything from speckled trout to red drum, and "Grandpa" knows exactly where to find them. Plus, everything you catch goes home with you – no catch limits, just good fishing and hands-on learning in some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive predators are pure excitement on light tackle, known for their hard runs and acrobatic fights. Blues range from snapper-size juveniles up to 20+ pound adults that'll test your drag system. They travel in schools, feeding on menhaden, anchovies, and anything else they can catch with those razor-sharp teeth. Summer brings the best action in our sound waters, especially when baitfish are thick. What guests remember most is the explosive strikes and non-stop action when you find a feeding school. They're solid eating when handled properly - ice them immediately and trim the dark meat. Watch your fingers around those teeth! My local secret: when you see diving birds and nervous bait on the surface, get your lines in fast. Cut bait or flashy spoons work great, but have a wire leader ready.
Salmo TruttaAlso called Speckled Trout, these spotted beauties run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds in our sound waters. They love shallow grass flats and feed heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Best action happens at dawn and dusk when they move into the shallows to hunt. Fall and spring offer prime fishing, but they school up in deeper channels during winter months. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat - some of the best eating fish we catch. They fight smart rather than hard, using their head-shaking tactics. Pro tip: work your lure slowly along grass edges and listen for their telltale "popping" sounds when they're feeding on top. Soft plastics that mimic shrimp work magic here in the OBX.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat fish are masters of disguise, lying buried in sand and mud along our sound bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 30+ inches that really get guests excited. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change color to match the bottom perfectly. Fall migration from September through November offers the hottest action as they move toward inlets. They hit live minnows, shrimp, and cut bait hard. What guests love most is the surprise factor - you never know when that subtle tap turns into a doormat flounder. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick: bounce your bait slowly along sandy bottoms near structure, and when you feel that soft pickup, count to three before setting the hook.
Raleigh