Full Day Inshore Fishing in Coastal North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting multiple coastal speciesRedfish, trout, flounder, and black drum in marshesAccommodates up to six anglers with additional fees
When you're looking to fill your cooler and check multiple species off your bucket list, this full-day inshore trip with Gunny B Outdoors delivers exactly what serious anglers want. We're talking about a solid 8-hour day working the productive marshes, creeks, and river systems that make coastal North Carolina one of the top-rated inshore fishing destinations on the East Coast. You'll target redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum - the Grand Slam of inshore species that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. A full day gives us the flexibility to chase fish where they're biting and adjust our game plan based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us. We'll start early, usually around sunrise when the water's calm and the fish are active. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers, though we can take up to six if your group wants to split the additional cost. You'll spend the day moving between different structures - oyster bars, grass flats, creek mouths, and deeper channels - each offering its own opportunities. The beauty of these North Carolina waters is the variety. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, the next you're bouncing bottom rigs for black drum around bridge pilings.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's working and what species we're targeting. Light tackle spinning gear handles most situations, letting you feel every headshake and run without being overpowered. For the sight-fishing opportunities, we'll use artificial lures - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that let you cover water efficiently. When we're targeting bottom dwellers like black drum and sheepshead, we'll switch to bottom rigs with fresh shrimp or cut bait. The key to success in these waters is staying mobile and reading the signs - bird activity, bait movement, water color changes, and tidal flow. We'll work structure-oriented spots like dock pilings and oyster bars where sheepshead hang out, then move to the flats and grass beds where redfish and trout patrol. Circle hooks keep fish healthy for release, while sharp J-hooks handle the lighter bite of trout and flounder.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting baitfish. Fall months from September through November offer the best action as these flatfish stage near inlets before their offshore spawning migration. They hit live mud minnows and artificial baits with surprising aggression, and their unique fighting style - more like wrestling a dinner plate than fighting a typical fish - always gets first-timers laughing. Plus, there's no better eating fish in these waters.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the inshore scene, with mature fish commonly reaching 30-40 pounds. These bottom feeders love structure - bridge pilings, oyster bars, and deep holes - where they use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall provide the most consistent action, though we catch them year-round. When a big drum picks up your bait and starts that initial run, you'll understand why they're called the bulldozers of the shallows.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" thanks to their distinctive black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the wiliest fish in the marsh. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth perfect for picking barnacles and crabs off pilings, making them notorious bait stealers. Winter months offer the best sheepshead fishing when they school up around deeper structures. Landing one requires patience, sharp hooks, and quick reflexes, but their firm white meat makes the challenge worthwhile.
Redfish, or red drum, represent the heart and soul of inshore fishing in North Carolina. These copper-colored bruisers patrol grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow creeks year-round, offering both sight-fishing opportunities and steady action for anglers of all skill levels. The iconic "slot" reds between 18-27 inches provide the perfect combination of fight and table fare, while the oversized bull reds over 27 inches offer pure adrenaline on light tackle. Summer and fall produce the most consistent action, especially during the famous red drum runs when schools of fish move through the sounds.
Sea Trout, specifically speckled trout, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing - beautiful fish with distinctive spots and sharp canine teeth that strike with authority. These popular gamefish respond well to artificial lures, making them perfect for anglers who love the visual excitement of topwater strikes. Cool weather months often produce the largest specimens, while summer provides non-stop action with smaller schooling fish. Their delicate mouths require careful handling, but their willingness to bite and excellent table quality make them a customer favorite.
This full-day inshore trip represents your best shot at experiencing the diversity and productivity that makes coastal North Carolina a world-class fishing destination. Between the variety of target species, the scenic beauty of our marsh and river systems, and the satisfaction of a full day on the water, you're looking at the kind of fishing adventure that creates lasting memories. The trip books up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to secure your dates. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or a newcomer wanting to experience the best of inshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot today and get ready to see why so many anglers consider these waters their happy place.
Your fishing machine for North Carolina's inshore waters comes equipped with everything needed to put you on the fish. This motorboat features GPS navigation to get you to the hottest spots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of redfish, trout, and flounder hiding in the marshes. Built for up to 4 anglers, she's perfectly sized to navigate the shallow creeks and river systems where the big drum and sheepshead feed. The boat handles coastal currents with ease while keeping you stable for bottom fishing. With electronics that actually work and a captain who knows these waters, you'll spend more time fighting fish than searching for them. Ready to load your cooler with the best variety of species coastal NC has to offer.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful silver fish covered in black spots. They typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, perfect pan-size fish. These guys love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow, usually in 3-8 feet of water. Spring through fall provides steady action, but they really turn on during summer evenings. Trout are prized for their delicate, sweet white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also great for beginners since they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle. The key to consistent trout fishing is working the grass edges during moving water, especially early morning and late afternoon. Use a popping cork with live shrimp or soft plastics, and work it slow - trout like to study their food before committing.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish with both eyes on their left side - makes them masters of camouflage on muddy and sandy bottoms. These ambush predators typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches in our waters. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and creek mouths where they bury themselves waiting for shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawn. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. What makes them fun is their sneaky bite - they'll grab bait and sit still, so you need to feel for that subtle weight. My tip: when you think you have a snag, lift slowly. Half the time it's a flounder that'll surprise you with a good fight once hooked.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the thieves of the dock pilings - they'll steal your bait faster than you can blink. These black and white striped fish run 1-8 pounds typically, with the occasional 20-pounder around deeper structure. They live around anything with barnacles: docks, bridges, jetties, and oyster bars. Spring through fall is best when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. They're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals snapper. The challenge is their light bite - they'll pick at your bait like they're using tweezers. My secret: use fiddler crabs or sand fleas on a small hook, and when you feel them nibbling, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it, then set hard when you feel steady weight.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some pushing 90 pounds. These powerful bottom feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear them drumming underwater. They're built like bulldozers with crushing jaws perfect for eating crabs and oysters. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big boys get tough and stringy. They're surprisingly adaptable to salinity changes, so don't overlook brackish creeks. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab or peeler crab on a Carolina rig, and when you feel that first tap, give them a second to really grab it before setting the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore species - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. They average 20-30 inches but can grow massive, with our state record at 94 pounds. These fish love super shallow water, often feeding in just 1-3 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water, especially during moving tides. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. The trick is staying quiet in the shallows - they spook easily. When you see one tailing, cast your soft plastic or topwater plug well ahead of where they're moving, not right at them.
Swansboro, NC