Outer Banks Inshore Fishing With Grandpa Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly fishing charter with Captain and Mrs. Holly guidanceTarget multiple species in Pamlico Sound and nearshore watersAccommodates up to 6 guests with beginnerfriendly trip options
Look, I've been running fishing charters in the Outer Banks for years, and I can tell you that Captain and Mrs. Holly at Grandpa Charters have something special going on. This isn't your typical overcrowded party boat situation – they keep it intimate with just 6 anglers max, which means you're actually going to get some real attention and coaching out there. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first time holding a rod or you're looking to add some new species to your logbook, these waters deliver consistently. The Pamlico Sound and nearshore waters around here are absolutely loaded with fish, and Holly knows exactly where to put you on them.
When you roll up to meet Captain Holly, you're getting a choice that most charters don't offer. If you've got beginners in your group or just want a more relaxed day, the Pamlico Sound is your ticket. The water stays calmer, perfect for kids who might get queasy, and the action is steady with sea mullet, spot, and croaker that'll keep everyone busy. But here's where it gets interesting – don't think "calm water" means small fish. Holly regularly puts clients on keeper flounder and solid sea trout in these protected waters. For those ready to step it up, the nearshore bite is where things get spicy. We're talking Spanish mackerel that'll test your drag and the chance at cobia during their brief but intense season. Captain Holly reads these waters like a book, adjusting the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us.
Holly runs a clean operation with quality gear that's properly maintained – none of that beat-up rental stuff you see on some boats. In the Sound, we're typically working with light to medium tackle, perfect for teaching proper technique without overwhelming newcomers. Bottom fishing with fresh bait is the bread and butter here, but don't be surprised if Holly switches things up with some drift fishing or even light jigging when the trout are schooled up. Moving to the nearshore game, the tackle steps up accordingly. Spanish mackerel respond beautifully to small spoons and Clark spoons trolled at the right speed, while cobia fishing requires a completely different approach with live bait and serious patience. The boat is rigged for both scenarios, and Holly's got the experience to read what's working on any given day. Pro tip: listen when they tell you about your retrieve speed – it makes all the difference with these finicky nearshore species.
Sea trout are the backbone of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties run anywhere from 12 to 20+ inches in our waters, with the best action typically firing off during moving tides around grass flats and channel edges. What makes them so addictive is their fight – they'll make multiple runs and have this habit of jumping that gets everyone on the boat excited. Fall and spring are prime time, but Holly knows the summer spots where they hold during the warmer months.
Cobia are the holy grail of nearshore fishing here, and their season is brutally short but absolutely worth it. These chocolate-brown bruisers can push 30-40 pounds and fight like freight trains. They show up around structure and following rays during their spring migration, usually May through early June. The thing about cobia is they're curious – they'll actually come up to check out the boat, which makes for some heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. When you hook one, clear the deck because they're going to make long, powerful runs.
Spanish mackerel are pure adrenaline on light tackle. These silver rockets typically run 1-3 pounds but fight way above their weight class. They school heavily during summer months and absolutely demolish small spoons and jigs. What's beautiful about Spanish is they're perfect for kids and beginners – the bite is aggressive, the fight is fun without being overwhelming, and they're delicious table fare. Holly knows exactly where these schools set up along the nearshore structure.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators in our inshore waters. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with keeper fish running 15+ inches and trophy specimens pushing 5+ pounds. They're masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting for bait to swim by. The technique for targeting them is completely different – slow presentations along bottom structure and drop-offs. Fall is prime time when they're staging for their offshore spawn, but Holly finds them consistently throughout the warmer months in the Sound.
Bluefish are the reliable workhorses that save slow days and provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. These toothy predators range from snapper blues perfect for kids up to chopper blues that'll straighten hooks. They're aggressive, hit hard, and fight dirty with powerful runs and head shakes. Blues are present most of the year in our waters, moving in and out with bait schools. They're also excellent table fare when iced properly and cleaned fresh.
Here's the bottom line – Grandpa Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers and families are looking for in the Outer Banks. Captain Holly's approach of offering both protected Sound fishing and nearshore opportunities means you're covered regardless of conditions or experience level. The 6-person limit ensures you get personal attention, and their knowledge of local waters is the kind you can only get from guides who've been working these spots for years. Whether you're after that first keeper flounder for the kids or hoping to tangle with a nearshore cobia, this crew knows how to make it happen. Don't sleep on booking – the good guides fill up fast during prime season, and once word gets out about a solid operation like this, availability gets tight quick.
The "Grandpa" is a trusted 40-foot Northshore fishing vessel that's been working these Outer Banks waters since 1998. This solid motorboat comes equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to help locate your next catch. With outriggers and a fighting chair on deck, she's set up to handle whatever the fish throw at you. Captain and Mrs. Holly know these waters inside and out, offering trips to the calm Pamlico Sound where families can target sea mullet, spot, croaker, flounder, bluefish, and sea trout. Perfect for beginners getting their feet wet. For those ready to venture into inshore and nearshore waters, you'll have shots at ribbonfish, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish, with the bonus chance of hooking into cobia during their brief season. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it ideal for family outings or small groups looking to experience some of North Carolina's best fishing grounds.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in schools from spring through fall, typically weighing up to 20 pounds with razor-sharp teeth that mean business. You'll find them in surf, bays, and nearshore waters where they create feeding frenzies that churn the water white - we call it a "bluefish blitz." Summer brings the best action, especially when baitfish are thick. Guests love the hard fight and aggressive strikes, plus smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to catch. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's great smoked. Just be careful of those teeth when handling them. Here's a solid tip: when you see diving birds working the surface, head over fast - that's usually blues tearing up a bait school. Cut bait or oily lures work best, and don't be afraid to use wire leaders.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our waters - big, brown fish that cruise solo and can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll spot them around structures, buoys, and wrecks in 30-70 feet of water during their short season from late spring through summer. They migrate through our area, so timing matters. What makes cobia special is the sight fishing - you actually see these giants just under the surface before you cast. They're aggressive fighters and excellent table fare with firm, white meat that tastes amazing grilled. The challenge is getting one to bite since they're picky eaters. Pro tip: when you see one, don't cast right at it - lead them by about 10 feet with a bucktail jig and work it slow. They'll come investigate, and that's when the fun starts.
Salmo TruttaThese speckled beauties run 14-24 inches and usually weigh 1-5 pounds in our waters. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow areas of Pamlico Sound, especially at night when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with cooler months bringing them into slightly deeper water. Guests love sea trout for their mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table, plus they put up a decent fight without being too challenging for beginners. The spotted pattern makes each one unique. Here's a local trick: when you're working the grass flats, use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - that cork sound drives them crazy and brings them right to your bait.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout Pamlico Sound. These oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches, with both eyes on their left side - a quirky feature that always gets guests talking. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before their offshore winter migration, though we catch them spring through fall in shallow bays and creek mouths. What makes flounder fishing special is the unique challenge - they don't fight like other fish, but finding them takes skill. Their sweet, white meat is some of the best eating you'll find. The trick is slow presentation since they're not chasers. Here's what works: drift with the current using live minnows or shrimp on a Carolina rig, and when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that travel in massive schools, reaching 1-2 feet long and weighing up to 11 pounds. These silvery rockets with yellow spots show up in our nearshore waters during warmer months, usually in the top 30 feet around structures and drop-offs. Spring through fall brings the best action, especially when water temps climb. What guests love is the non-stop action when you find a school - they hit fast and fight hard for their size. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's great grilled or smoked. The key is their incredible speed, so you need to react quickly when they strike. Here's the trick: when trolling, use small silver spoons and keep your speed around 6-8 knots. Once you hook one, keep the boat moving - the school will follow.
Raleigh