Nags Head NC Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour inshore fishing trip targeting black drum and bluefishFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to four guests with provided gearCalm sound waters offer dolphin sightings and coastal scenery
Looking for a laid-back fishing trip that delivers solid action without the rougher waters offshore? This 2-hour inshore charter out of Nags Head puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best sound fishing. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience or just want to wet a line without the big boat drama, these protected waters offer consistent fishing with a good shot at black drum, bluefish, and whatever else is biting that day. Captain and crew at In Debt Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and with all gear provided, you can focus on what matters most - getting fish in the boat.
You'll be fishing the calm sound waters around Nags Head, where the protected environment makes for comfortable fishing even when it's blowing outside. This isn't about battling big waves or dealing with seasickness - it's pure fishing in waters that hold fish year-round. The 2-hour window is perfect for families and gives you enough time to work different spots without wearing out the kids or beginners. Most trips target structure and grass beds where black drum like to feed, plus open water areas where bluefish schools push baitfish to the surface. Don't be surprised if dolphins show up to check out the action - they're regulars in these waters and always add some excitement to the trip. The relaxed pace means everyone gets hands-on time with the rods, and the captain will work with anglers of any skill level to make sure you're fishing effectively.
You'll be using light tackle that's perfect for the inshore game - medium action spinning rods that can handle everything from schooling bluefish to bigger black drum. Most fishing here involves bottom rigs with cut bait for drum and live or cut bait presentations for the mixed bag of species. When bluefish are schooling, you might switch to small spoons or jigs to get in on the fast action. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you don't need to worry about having the right setup. Bottom fishing is the bread and butter technique here - simple but effective when you know where to drop your line. You'll learn to feel the difference between a crab picking at your bait and a real fish taking off with it. Live shrimp, cut mullet, and fresh squid are go-to baits depending on what's working that day. The sound's shallow structure means you're fishing in 8-15 feet of water most of the time, so you can actually see what's happening down there on clear days.
Black drum are the bread and butter species in these waters, and for good reason. These fish range from smaller "puppy" drum around 16-20 inches up to larger adults that can really put a bend in your rod. They're bottom feeders that love to cruise the grass beds and oyster bars, making them perfect targets for the cut bait presentations you'll be using. What makes black drum so great for families is their steady, powerful fight - no crazy jumps or line-peeling runs, just solid pulling that gives everyone a chance to experience the fight. They bite year-round in the sounds, though spring and fall tend to produce the most consistent action.
Bluefish bring the excitement factor to these trips with their aggressive feeding and hard pulls. When schools move through the area, usually in spring through fall, the action can be non-stop. These fish average 1-3 pounds in the sounds, but they fight like much bigger fish with their powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. Bluefish are perfect for kids because they bite aggressively and don't require perfect technique - if your bait's in the right area, they'll usually find it. Watch for birds working the surface, as that's often the telltale sign of bluefish pushing baitfish up from below.
Striped bass, or rockfish as locals call them, are the prize catch when conditions are right. These fish can range from schoolies around 18-24 inches up to keeper-sized fish that really test your drag. Stripers are more structure-oriented than bluefish, often holding around bridge pilings, dock lines, and deeper channels. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods, making them a favorite target for experienced anglers. The fight is everything you want in a game fish - long runs, head shakes, and enough power to keep you honest on lighter tackle.
Redfish are becoming more common in these waters and represent one of the most exciting catches you can make inshore. These copper-colored fighters are known for their bulldogging runs and stubborn refusal to give up. Reds often feed in shallow water around grass beds and oyster bars, where their distinctive tailing behavior gives away their location. They're sight-fishing opportunities when conditions are right, adding a whole different element to the trip. Most redfish here run 18-27 inches, perfect eating size and just the right fight for light tackle.
Cobia are the wild card species that can show up anytime during the warmer months. These brown sharks look-alikes are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you a chance to sight-cast to them. When hooked, cobia make powerful runs and use their broad tails to really pull. They're not as common as the other target species, but when one shows up, it's always the highlight of the trip. Cobia also happen to be excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take their catch home.
This charter hits all the right notes for a great day on the water without any of the hassle. You get quality fishing in comfortable conditions, all the gear you need, and a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The 2-hour format is perfect for testing the waters if you're new to fishing or bringing young kids who might not last a full day.
Meet your fishing platform for the day – a sharp 2019 Bulls Bay 23' center console that's built to handle Nags Head's inshore waters with ease. This boat moves at a solid 28 knots thanks to its reliable 200HP Yamaha, getting you to the fishing grounds quickly so you can spend more time with lines in the water. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up with your fellow anglers. You'll have GPS to navigate the sound and a fish finder to locate those black drum and bluefish hiding in the structure below. The boat comfortably fits up to 4 people, making it perfect for small groups who want to focus on actually fishing rather than fighting crowds. Whether you're working the grass beds for drum or trolling for blues, this Bulls Bay gives you a stable platform to land your catch and enjoy those coastal views between bites.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the gentle giants of our sound, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some real bruisers over 40. These bottom-feeders hang around oyster beds, shallow flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. They're not fast swimmers but they're bulldogs once hooked - steady, heavy pressure that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. For the bigger fish, I always tell folks to use fresh crab on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom - patience pays off with these fish.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in our waters from spring through fall, typically running 2-8 pounds with some bigger ones mixed in. These blue-green torpedo-shaped fish have razor-sharp teeth and aren't shy about using them. You'll find them schooling in the sound and near inlet mouths, often feeding in shallow water where they create quite a commotion. They hit hard and make strong runs, which makes them perfect for getting kids excited about fishing. The meat is excellent eating when kept fresh and bled properly - just watch your fingers when handling them. My tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, get there fast with a small metal spoon or cut bait.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants you'll sometimes spot cruising near the surface, often mistaken for sharks with their brown color and long dorsal fin. These fish average 20-50 pounds and can reach 6 feet long. They're loners, not schooling fish, and love hanging around structure like channel markers, wrecks, and crab pots. Spring migration brings the best shots when they move through in 30-70 feet of water. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, and once hooked, they fight with power and stamina. The meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and often compared to shark. My advice: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live eel right in front of its nose and be ready for a long fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are sight-fishing favorites with their copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most run 18-30 inches in our shallow waters, cruising grass flats and oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll often see their backs or tails sticking out as they root around for crabs. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months. These fish fight hard with strong runs and rarely give up easy. The meat is sweet and mild, perfect for the dinner table. What makes them special is watching them eat - they'll crush a topwater plug or shrimp right on the surface. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast ahead of them and work your bait slowly back.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are one of our most prized catches, with those distinctive black stripes running down silver sides. Most fish we see run 20-40 pounds, though bigger ones cruise through during migration. They love structure - bridge pilings, oyster bars, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round. These fish are powerful fighters that make strong runs and jump occasionally. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and mild-flavored. They're smart fish that can be picky about bait. Here's what works: focus on moving water around dawn and dusk, and match your bait to what they're feeding on - usually cut bunker or live eels.
North Carolina