Full Day Inshore Fishing in Coastal North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting five different speciesMarshall and river systems of coastal North CarolinaAccommodates up to six anglers with additional fees
When you want to maximize your chances at filling up that species checklist, this full-day inshore trip with Gunny B Outdoors is your ticket to some of the best fishing waters along the North Carolina coast. We're talking about a solid day working the marshes and river systems where the fish are thick and the action stays consistent. This isn't some quick half-day teaser – we're giving you the time to really get into the rhythm and put multiple species in the boat.
You'll be fishing the productive marshes and interconnected river systems that make coastal North Carolina such a renowned inshore destination. These waters hold an impressive variety of species year-round, and spending a full day gives us the flexibility to move around and target what's biting best. We can accommodate up to four anglers comfortably, though the boat can handle six if you've got a bigger group (just know there's an extra $50 fee for each angler beyond the first two). The boat's set up specifically for inshore work – shallow draft, quiet motor, and all the gear you need to target everything from bottom-hugging flounder to cruising redfish. Plan on being out there from early morning until late afternoon, giving us plenty of time to work different spots as conditions and tides change throughout the day.
We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting and where we find them. For the redfish and trout, we're often throwing soft plastics along grass lines and oyster bars, working those areas where baitfish like to hang out. When we're after flounder, we'll switch to bottom rigs with live bait or jigs, working the sandy edges and drop-offs where these flatfish like to ambush their prey. Sheepshead require a bit more finesse – we'll be using smaller hooks and fresh shrimp around structure like dock pilings and oyster beds. The black drum usually come on cut bait fished near the bottom in deeper holes and channels. All tackle is provided, but if you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, just let us know what you're bringing so we can plan accordingly. We'll have a good selection of live and cut baits on board, plus plenty of artificials that have proven effective in these waters.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing baitfish. In coastal North Carolina, flounder typically run anywhere from keeper size around 15 inches up to true doormat specimens pushing 25 inches or more. Fall is prime time for big flounder as they stage for their offshore spawning run, but we catch them consistently throughout the warmer months. What makes flounder so exciting is that hit – it's often subtle at first, just a slight weight on your line, then suddenly they wake up and start that characteristic head-shaking fight. They're also fantastic table fare, which makes landing a good one even more rewarding.
Black Drum: Don't let anyone tell you black drum don't fight – these fish are bulldogs that will test your drag and your patience. We're targeting the smaller ones in the 14-30 inch range, which are perfect for eating and put up a serious scrap. Black drum love structure and are often found around oyster beds, bridge pilings, and deeper holes in the river systems. They're year-round residents here, though they tend to be more active during the cooler months. The bigger drums we catch and release, but those mid-size fish are absolutely delicious and worth every bit of the fight they give you.
Sheepshead: Known as the "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, sheepshead are some of the most challenging fish to hook consistently. They have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs off structure, and they're notorious bait thieves. But when you do hook one, you've earned it, and they make excellent table fare. Sheepshead are most active during the warmer months and are almost always found around hard structure. We'll be targeting them around dock pilings, oyster beds, and rock piles where they feed on the abundant crustaceans and mollusks.
Redfish: The poster fish of inshore angling along the Carolina coast, redfish are aggressive predators that provide some of the most visual and exciting fishing you'll experience. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster bars looking for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Slot-size reds (18-27 inches) are what we're after most of the time, though we occasionally hook into over-slot bulls that provide a completely different level of fight. Redfish are active year-round here, though they're most aggressive during the warmer months. What makes them so special is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they often feed in shallow water where you can actually see them hunting.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in North Carolina, and for good reason. They're relatively easy to catch once you locate them, they bite a wide variety of baits and lures, and they're excellent eating. Most of the trout we catch run in the 14-20 inch range, though we regularly see some true "gator trout" that push well over two feet. They prefer grass flats and sandy bottoms near structure, and they're most active during dawn and dusk periods. Trout are temperature sensitive, so during the hottest summer months, we'll often target them early and late in the day when they're feeding most actively.
This full-day inshore trip represents the best value for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on the water
Your fishing machine for the day is a well-equipped motorboat built for navigating North Carolina's productive inshore waters. This rig comes loaded with GPS navigation to hit all the prime spots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of redfish, trout, and flounder hiding in the marshes and river systems. The boat handles the shallow flats and winding creeks perfectly, getting you right where the fish are biting. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. The setup is ideal for targeting multiple species - from speckled trout in the grass beds to sheepshead around the docks and black drum cruising the channels. This boat puts you on the water ready to fill your cooler with a mixed bag of North Carolina's best inshore catches.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them, are beautiful fish with yellow mouths and spots covering their silver sides. They typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional "gator trout" over 24 inches that are real trophies. You'll find them over grass flats, around creek mouths, and near structure in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall produces steady action, but they really turn on during cooler months when they school up. Guests love them because they hit hard, jump when hooked, and have some of the best-tasting white meat you'll find - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're also great for kids since they're aggressive biters. Key technique: fish live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds, or throw soft plastic jigs near drop-offs at first light when they're feeding on top.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and creek mouths. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 2-3 feet that'll really test your drag. They're ambush predators with both eyes on their left side, perfectly built for life on the bottom. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding in 2-8 feet of water around oyster bars and grass edges. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they nail your bait - plus they're outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig with a strip of squid and work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black stripes, and they're notorious for their human-like teeth that can crush barnacles off dock pilings. Most run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we catch plenty of 5-pounders around bridges and jetties. They stick tight to structure - any pier, piling, or oyster bar will hold fish. Early spring through fall is best when they're feeding heavily on fiddler crabs and shrimp. Guests love the challenge because they're crafty bait thieves with soft bites, plus the reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, getting right up against the structure. When you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook immediately before they steal your bait.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters, known for that distinctive drumming sound they make with their swim bladders. These chunky fighters typically weigh 5-30 pounds, though we hook monsters over 50 pounds regularly. They love shallow oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and oysters with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season from March through May is prime time when they school up in big numbers. What guests love most is their incredible pulling power - they'll bend your rod double and make long, stubborn runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a simple bottom rig. When you get a bite, don't rush it - let them take the bait and swim off before setting the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species of our shallow flats, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most range 18-28 inches and 3-8 pounds, with occasional bulls over 40 inches that'll give you the fight of your life. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding aggressively on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and that explosive topwater strike that gets everyone's heart racing. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Best tip: work topwater plugs or spoons early morning over shallow grass. When you see them tailing, cast well ahead and let your bait drift into their path.
Swansboro, NC