Afternoon Inshore Fishing with Hook Up Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter departing at 4 PM dailyCaptain John provides light tackle fishing in Outer Banks watersFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to four guests comfortably
Captain John knows these Hatteras waters like the back of his hand, and this 4-hour afternoon charter aboard The Hook Up is your ticket to some seriously good light tackle fishing. Starting at 4 PM, you'll hit the sweet spot when the afternoon bite kicks in and the fish start getting active in the shallows. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip is perfect for families or a small group of friends looking to get their lines wet in some of the most productive inshore waters on the Outer Banks. The timing couldn't be better – late afternoon fishing often produces the most action as baitfish start moving and predators follow.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. Captain John runs a top-rated light tackle operation that focuses on putting you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. You'll be fishing the productive inshore waters around Hatteras, targeting structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where the action happens. The afternoon departure gives you plenty of time to sleep in and grab lunch before heading out, plus you'll be fishing during prime feeding hours when the water temperature and light conditions are just right. The boat is set up specifically for light tackle fishing, which means you'll feel every fight and have a blast battling fish on appropriately sized gear. Captain John provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, so just bring yourself and get ready to fish.
Light tackle fishing is all about finesse and fun. Captain John uses spinning gear and conventional reels matched with lighter lines that let you really feel the fish fight. You'll be working with live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures depending on what the fish are hitting that day. Techniques include drift fishing over structure, sight fishing in the shallows, and working lures around grass beds and channel edges. The beauty of light tackle is that even smaller fish put up a great fight, and when you hook into something substantial, it's game on. Captain John will coach you through the techniques and help you read the water, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll be fishing effectively within minutes of leaving the dock.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Hatteras inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallows and structure year-round, with peak action from late spring through fall. Reds in these waters typically run from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches that'll test your tackle and your arms. They're ambush predators that love to hang around oyster bars, grass edges, and channel drop-offs. What makes redfish so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll make powerful runs and try to wrap you around any structure they can find. Captain John knows all the best redfish haunts around Hatteras.
Cobia are the ultimate sight fishing target when they're around, typically showing up from late spring through early fall. These brown sharks lookalikes cruise the shallows and will eat just about anything you put in front of them. Cobia can range from 20-pound juveniles up to 50+ pound beasts that'll give you a workout. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, making for exciting visual fishing opportunities. When you hook a cobia on light tackle, get ready for a long, sustained fight with multiple runs. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the meal.
Spanish Mackerel provide fast-paced action that's perfect for families and kids. These speedy predators school up around Hatteras from late spring through fall, and when you find them, it's often wide-open fishing with multiple hookups. They typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute rockets on light tackle, making screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. Spanish mackerel are perfect for keeping everyone on the boat busy, and they're great eating when prepared fresh. Captain John knows how to find the schools when they're moving through the area.
Brook Trout (actually weakfish) are a beloved species in these waters, known for their beautiful spotted sides and excellent table quality. They typically run 12-20 inches and are most active during cooler months and low-light periods, making them perfect for afternoon trips. Brook trout have a soft mouth that requires a gentle touch, but their fight is surprisingly strong for their size. They're often found around grass beds and sandy bottom areas, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Local anglers prize them for their delicate, flaky meat and consistent availability throughout much of the year.
This 4-hour afternoon charter with Captain John and Hook Up Charters delivers everything you want from a Hatteras fishing experience – productive waters, expert guidance, and the right equipment to make memories on the water. The 4 PM departure time hits the sweet spot for afternoon feeding activity, and the light tackle approach ensures everyone has fun regardless of experience level. With space for just 4 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to get on fish. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to fishing or want to experience some of the best inshore action the Outer Banks has to offer, this trip delivers. Captain John's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this a world-class charter operation that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait – prime afternoon slots fill up fast, especially during peak fishing months.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout aren't typically found in our saltwater charters here in Hatteras - they're strictly freshwater fish that prefer cold mountain streams and lakes up north. These beautiful native trout with their olive backs and red spots need water temps below 68°F and pristine conditions to survive. They usually run 8-15 inches and are incredibly wary. If you're looking for trout action on our trips, we target speckled trout instead, which are actually in the drum family and thrive in our brackish waters around grass beds and structure. Speckled trout offer similar light tackle fun with better table fare. For true brook trout fishing, you'd want to head to the mountain streams of western North Carolina where these native gems still thrive in their natural habitat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - dark brown fish that average 30-50 pounds and fight like submarines. They're loners, not schooling fish, so spotting one is always exciting. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 30-70 feet, but they also cruise shallow reefs. Spring migration from April to June is prime time when they move north along our coast. What guests love most is the sight fishing - watching these big fish swim just under the surface before making your cast. They're also top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat that tastes amazing grilled. My go-to tip: use a bucktail jig in any color and work it slow near structure. Don't be surprised if they follow the bait for a while before committing to the strike.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets here in Hatteras. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-35 inches and love our shallow flats, especially around oyster beds and grass lines in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by that distinctive black eyespot near the tail - nature's decoy to confuse predators. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard, pulling drag and making long runs in shallow water. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: look for "tailing" fish - when their tails stick out while they're head-down feeding. Cast your bait or lure well ahead of them and let it drift naturally into their path. They spook easily in skinny water, so approach quietly.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and travel in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around structures, inlet mouths, and along the beach in 10-40 feet of water. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when water temps warm up and baitfish are thick. What makes them fun? They hit hard and fast, making screaming runs that'll wake you up. They're also fantastic eating - mild flavor that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is staying mobile and following the schools. When you find one, there's usually hundreds more nearby. Pro tip: use small, shiny spoons or gotcha plugs and retrieve them fast. These fish are built for speed, so match their energy with quick, erratic retrieves.
Hatteras, NC