Hatteras Inshore Fishing: 6-Hour Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour inshore fishing adventure targeting Red Drum and CobiaFamilyfriendly charter accommodating up to 4 guests comfortablyExpert Captain John guides through productive Hatteras waters
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience along North Carolina's legendary Outer Banks, Captain John's 6-hour charter out of Hatteras delivers exactly what you came for. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – we're talking about serious fishing in some of the most productive waters on the East Coast. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, and Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with trophy redfish, this charter hits the sweet spot.
Captain John runs a tight ship, but don't expect stuffy formalities – this is all about having a blast while putting fish in the boat. Your 6-hour adventure kicks off from Hatteras, where you'll head out into the sound or near-shore waters depending on what's biting best that day. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you might hook into a bull red drum, the next could be a feisty cobia or a mess of speckled trout for the dinner table. Families love this trip because there's constant action, and Captain John has a knack for keeping everyone involved, whether you're 8 or 80. The boat's equipped with everything you need, so just bring your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks if you get hungry between fish.
Inshore fishing around Hatteras means adapting to what the fish want on any given day, and Captain John's got the arsenal to match. We're talking light to medium spinning tackle that lets you feel every headshake and run – perfect for the mix of species you'll encounter. Depending on conditions, you'll be working everything from live bait rigs with finger mullet or shrimp to artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons. The shallow waters and grass flats around here are prime real estate for sight fishing when the water's clear, and there's nothing like watching a big red drum cruise up to your bait. Structure fishing around docks, pilings, and oyster bars is another go-to technique, especially when targeting cobia and speckled trout. Captain John reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, so you're always fishing the most productive spots with the right approach.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Hatteras inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what dreams are made of. These fish can range from schoolie reds around 18-27 inches that are perfect for the table, all the way up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches that'll test your drag and your arms. Peak season runs from April through November, with fall being absolutely world-class when big schools move through the area. What makes reds so special is their fight – they're bulldogs that use their broad tails to make long, powerful runs, and they're not shy about heading for structure to try to break you off.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your trip legendary in a hurry. These brown sharks (as locals sometimes call them) cruise the shallows looking like mini sharks, but they're actually incredible eating and put up a fight that's hard to match. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia around Hatteras, especially when they're following rays and sharks in the shallows. A 30-40 pound cobia will absolutely smoke your drag and test every knot you tied that morning. They're curious fish too – often swimming right up to the boat to investigate, giving you that heart-pounding moment before the strike.
Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters, and when they're schooled up, it's game on for non-stop action. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and hit lures like freight trains, making them perfect for kids and anyone who loves constant action. Summer months bring the best Spanish mackerel fishing, and they're fantastic on light tackle. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs make every hookup exciting, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters when prepared right.
Speckled trout round out the slam opportunities and are genuine customer favorites for good reason. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots are found throughout the grass flats and around structure, typically running 14-20 inches with the occasional gator trout pushing 4-5 pounds. They're year-round residents with peak action in spring and fall, and they'll hit both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm. Specks are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders, but they're also technical enough to keep experienced anglers engaged when you're working them over shallow grass on light tackle.
This 6-hour Hatteras inshore charter with Captain John represents everything great about North Carolina fishing – variety, action, and the chance to create memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're after that photo-worthy bull red, hoping to put together an inshore slam, or just want to share the magic of fishing with your family, this trip delivers. The combination of Captain John's local knowledge, prime fishing grounds, and the incredible diversity of species makes this a must-book experience. These waters have been producing trophy fish and feeding families for generations, and now it's your turn to be part of that tradition. Don't let another season slip by – book your spot today and get ready to see why Hatteras is considered one of the top inshore fishing destinations on the planet.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout aren't what you'll typically find on our Hatteras saltwater trips, as they're freshwater fish that prefer cold mountain streams and lakes up north. These beautiful native trout with their olive backs, red spots, and colorful fins usually run 8-15 inches and need water temps below 68°F to thrive. They're found in clean, cold streams around rocks and fallen timber where they can ambush insects and small baitfish. Fall spawning season offers the best fishing when males develop bright colors. What makes them special is their wariness - they're easily spooked and require a delicate approach with light tackle. They're also excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. Since we're fishing saltwater here in Hatteras, you won't encounter these beauties on our trips, but if you head to the mountains, remember to approach quietly and use small flies or spinners.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our waters - big, brown, and often mistaken for sharks when you first spot that dorsal fin cutting the surface. These fish average 30-50 pounds and can stretch over 4 feet long. Around Hatteras, we find them cruising near structure like wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. May through September is prime time when they're moving through on their migration. What guests love is the sight fishing aspect - spotting these bruisers just under the surface, then watching them crush a bucktail jig. They're also top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you see one, resist the urge to cast right at it. Lead them by 20 feet and work your jig back toward the fish - they're curious but easily spooked.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are one of our most reliable species here around Hatteras. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-35 inches in our shallow waters. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around dock pilings in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially on incoming tides when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures, plus they're fantastic table fare with that mild, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're headed and let them come to it. They spook easy if you drop it right on their head.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a workout on light tackle. These silver bullets with golden spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, but they make up for size with pure energy. We find them schooling near the surface around structure, inlet mouths, and along the beach in 10-30 feet of water. April through October is when they're most active here, especially during warmer months. What makes them fun is the non-stop action when you find a school - they hit fast and fight hard for their size. Plus they're excellent smoked or grilled with that mild, flaky meat. The key is using small, shiny lures like spoons or tiny jigs. Once you hook up, keep your rod tip up and reel steady - their razor teeth will cut through line if you give them slack to shake their heads.
Hatteras, NC