4.8(4 Reviews)Nags Head NC Nearshore Fishing Charter
4.8(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour nearshore fishing charter targeting wreck and trolling speciesAll skill levels welcome with gear and licenses includedFlexible scheduling for families and experienced anglers alike
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that doesn't require battling big seas or burning through your vacation budget? Captain Chris at In Debt Charters runs a top-rated 4-hour nearshore charter that's perfect for anyone wanting to get into some fish without the commitment of an all-day offshore grind. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just want a relaxed morning on the water with the family, this Nags Head trip delivers consistent action in protected waters where you can actually enjoy the ride.
This isn't your typical tourist boat packed with strangers - you're looking at a maximum of 4 anglers, so there's plenty of room to fish and move around. Captain Chris keeps things simple but effective, focusing on two proven techniques that consistently produce fish along the North Carolina coast. The nearshore waters around Nags Head offer some of the best fishing in the region, with artificial reefs and structure that hold everything from schooling Spanish mackerel to hefty redfish. You'll stay in relatively calm water most of the time, making this a great choice for families with kids or anyone who gets queasy on rougher offshore trips. All your gear and fishing licenses are handled, so you just need to show up with snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. The flexible scheduling means you can book an early morning trip to beat the heat or an evening charter to catch the sunset bite.
Captain Chris uses a combination of wreck fishing and trolling to maximize your chances of getting into fish. The wreck fishing involves anchoring or drifting over artificial reefs and structure where bottom species like black drum and striped bass like to hang out. You'll be using circle hooks with cut bait or live bait, depending on what's working that day. The trolling portion covers more water and targets pelagic species like bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and cobia that cruise the nearshore waters looking for baitfish. Trolling spreads typically include spoons, small lures, and sometimes live bait on the flat lines. The captain reads the water and adjusts techniques based on conditions, time of year, and what species are most active. Don't worry if you've never done either technique - Captain Chris walks everyone through the basics and helps with hooksets, fighting fish, and landing your catch.
"Chris was fantastic! 10/10 recommend In Debt Charters. This was our first time fishing in the OBX and we caught Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel. Chris told us how to cook them up and we had a fantastic dinner because of it. We'll definitely be booking with In Debt Charters again." - Katherine
"Chris called me the day before and gave me the option to cancel or reschedule due to the rough ocean. Instead of rescheduling we decided to fish the Inlet. Chris was able to get my daughter in a better mood and she ended up catching more fish than anyone else. She had a blast. My son didnt catch anything but he had a great time and insists that the next time we come to OBX, we call Chris again!" - Melissa
Bluefish are the bread and butter of Nags Head nearshore fishing, especially during their spring and fall runs when schools move through the area in massive numbers. These aggressive predators hit lures hard and put up a great fight on medium tackle. Blues typically range from 2-8 pounds in the nearshore zone, with the occasional chopper over 10 pounds showing up during peak season. They're fantastic eating when bled and iced immediately, and Captain Chris will show you the proper technique for cleaning them. Peak times are usually April through June and September through November when water temperatures are in their preferred range.
Black drum are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters, with fish ranging from 5-30 pounds common around the artificial reefs and structure. These copper-colored bruisers are notorious for their bulldogging fights and their ability to dive straight for the bottom when hooked. They feed primarily on crabs and shellfish, so bottom rigs with cut bait work best. Black drum are year-round residents, but fishing picks up significantly in spring and fall when they move into shallower water to feed. Many anglers are surprised by how hard these fish pull - they're not flashy jumpers, but they'll test your tackle and your back.
Striped bass, or rockfish as the locals call them, are the premier gamefish of the North Carolina coast. These silver-sided fighters can range from schoolie size around 18-24 inches up to trophy fish over 40 inches and 30+ pounds. Stripers are structure-oriented fish that love to ambush baitfish around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, especially the larger fish. Peak striper fishing happens during the fall migration from October through December, but good numbers of resident fish are available year-round in the nearshore waters around Nags Head.
Redfish are the copper-colored bulldogs of the inshore and nearshore waters, typically running 20-35 inches in this area. These drum family members are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights in shallow water. Reds feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish, making them perfect targets for both live and cut bait. They're year-round residents but fishing peaks in fall when they school up for their spawning runs. The slot-sized fish make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls are typically released to maintain the breeding population. Redfish are particularly exciting because they often feed in shallow water where you can see them tailing and cruising.
Cobia are the wild cards of nearshore fishing - these brown sharks of the fishing world can show up anytime from April through October and provide some of the most exciting fishing available. These fish are
This 2019 Bulls Bay 23' center console is built for serious fishing in Nags Head's coastal waters. The sleek design cuts through swells smoothly while the 200HP Yamaha gets you to productive wreck sites and trolling grounds at 28 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want room to move around while fighting fish. The GPS keeps you on target while the fish finder helps locate structure where bluefish and Spanish mackerel hang out. Whether you're dropping lines on nearshore wrecks or pulling lures through productive water, this boat handles the conditions with confidence. The center console layout gives everyone clear casting room and easy access to gear.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are bottom-dwelling powerhouses that can range from keeper-sized fish around 5-15 pounds up to true monsters over 40 pounds. These dark, robust fish love hanging around structure like wrecks, oyster beds, and pier pilings in 10-50 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target, though we catch them year-round. They're famous for that deep, bulldogging fight that'll test your arms and drag system. The smaller fish make excellent table fare with firm, white meat, while the big ones are better released. They feed almost exclusively on the bottom, so keep your bait down there. Fresh crab or clam chunks work best - the stinkier the better, since they hunt primarily by smell and those crushing jaws can handle any shell.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, typically running 3-8 pounds with occasional larger fish pushing 15+ pounds. These silver-blue fighters love to hunt in schools, often creating feeding frenzies near the surface that you can spot from a distance. They'll hit both live bait and lures hard, making them perfect for kids and beginners who want steady action. We find them around structure, near baitfish schools, and often mixed in with other species during our trolling runs. The meat is excellent eating when kept on ice, though smaller fish taste better than the big ones. Pro tip: use a wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, and always handle them carefully when unhooking.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that average 20-50 pounds and can reach 6 feet long. These solitary hunters cruise near the surface around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is best when they're migrating and spawning in our area. What makes them exciting is they're often sight-fished - you'll actually see them swimming near the surface before casting. They fight hard with long runs and are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's prized by restaurants. They'll eat almost anything - live eels, bucktail jigs, or even topwater lures when they're feeding up top. The key is being ready when you spot one - they're curious but spook easily, so make that first cast count and work your lure with steady, confident retrieves.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are copper-colored fighters easily identified by those distinctive black spots near their tails. Around here, most fish run 18-35 inches, though we occasionally see bull reds pushing 40+ pounds during their fall runs. They prefer shallow structure - wrecks, reefs, and bottom irregularities in 15-40 feet of water where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they school up and feed heavily before winter. What guests love is that classic red drum fight - strong initial runs followed by bulldogging battles that really test your tackle. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. They're not picky eaters and will hit cut bait, live shrimp, or bucktails bounced near bottom. The trick is keeping your bait in the strike zone just off the bottom - they feed up, not down, so let your rig drift naturally with the current.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Atlantic coast's premier game fish, typically running 20-40 pounds in our waters with fish over 50 pounds always possible. These silver fish with distinctive black stripes are structure-oriented, hanging around wrecks, drop-offs, and current breaks in 20-80 feet of water. They migrate through our area spring and fall, with excellent fishing during their feeding runs when water temps hit that 55-68 degree sweet spot. What makes them special is that aggressive strike followed by powerful runs that'll test your drag. The meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, and mild-flavored. They're picky eaters, so live bait like bunker or eels works best, though they'll hit large spoons and bucktails when feeding actively. Here's the key: fish the current breaks around structure during moving water - that's where they ambush baitfish.
4.8 out of 5.0
Chris was fantastic! 10/10 recommend In Debt Charters. This was our first time fishing in the OBX and we caught Bluefish and Spani...
Chris called me the day before and gave me the option to cancel or reschedule due to the rough ocean. Instead of rescheduling we d...
Melissa Hatfield, Thank you! Y’all were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip!
North Carolina