Premium Advanced Inshore Fishing in Wilmington Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour advanced inshore fishing targeting multiple speciesExpert captain guides trips to wrecks and prime fishing spotsSmall group experience with maximum three guest capacity
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. Captain Jon's half-day advanced charter is designed for anglers who know their way around a rod and reel, and want to push their skills to the next level. Over four hours on Wilmington's most productive waters, you'll work everything from surface schools to deep structure, using techniques that separate the weekend warriors from the serious stick. With only three spots available, this trip keeps things intimate and focused on putting fish in the boat while you learn advanced methods that'll make you a better angler.
Captain Jon doesn't mess around when it comes to finding fish. You'll start the morning targeting Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish schools, using his local knowledge to locate the bait concentrations that draw these aggressive feeders. The real excitement begins when you push out to the near-shore wrecks, where structure holds everything from keeper-sized Spanish to bull Reds that'll test your drag system. The Intracoastal Waterway becomes your playground for sight-fishing Redfish in skinny water, where you can actually watch these copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows. This trip moves fast and covers water efficiently, maximizing your time with lines in productive zones rather than burning hours running between spots.
You'll rotate through multiple fishing methods during this charter, each one targeting specific species in their preferred zones. Jigging the wrecks requires precise boat positioning and the right feel to work bucktails and spoons through the strike zone where Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish stack up. Trolling spreads let you cover water efficiently when schools are scattered, using planers and wire line to get baits down to the feeding fish. The Redfish action in the ICW calls for sight-casting skills with soft plastics and topwater plugs, where accuracy and presentation matter more than power. Captain Jon provides all tackle, but he'll also show you how to rig your own setups and explain why certain techniques work better in specific conditions. This hands-on approach means you're learning skills you can apply on your own trips long after this charter ends.
Redfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina's inshore fishery, and Wilmington's waters hold some real tanks. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, but you'll also encounter oversized bulls that can push 40+ inches and weigh north of 20 pounds. They're most active during moving tides, especially around structure like oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow grass flats. What makes Redfish special is their willingness to eat topwater baits – watching a big Red blow up on a popper in two feet of water never gets old. They're year-round residents here, but fall months bring the best action as bait schools push into the shallows.
Spanish Mackerel bring pure speed and aggression to your fishing day. These chrome bullets typically range from 12-20 inches, but don't let their size fool you – they'll smoke drag and make multiple screaming runs before coming boatside. Spanish Mackerel are structure-oriented fish, holding around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas where baitfish concentrate. They respond well to fast-moving presentations like small spoons, jigs, and trolled baits. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action happening when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 68-78 degrees. Their aggressive nature makes them perfect for testing your reflexes and hook-setting timing.
Bluefish are the ultimate opportunistic predators in these waters, and when you find them feeding, the action can be absolutely wild. Schools of "snappers" in the 10-14 inch range provide non-stop action, while larger "chopper" Blues pushing 3-8 pounds deliver serious fights on appropriate tackle. These fish are nomadic, following bait schools throughout the water column, which is why Captain Jon's local knowledge becomes crucial for consistent success. Bluefish will hit almost anything that moves – spoons, jigs, topwater plugs, and live bait all produce. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, but schooling fish will feed aggressively throughout the day when conditions are right.
This advanced charter fills up fast because serious anglers recognize the value of fishing with someone who knows these waters inside and out. Captain Jon's approach focuses on skill development alongside fish production, making every trip a learning experience that'll improve your angling game. With only three spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and hands-on instruction that larger boats simply can't provide. The four-hour timeframe keeps things focused and efficient while giving you enough time to work multiple techniques and locations. Whether you're looking to sharpen your jigging skills, learn proper trolling setups, or master sight-fishing for Redfish, this trip delivers the kind of advanced instruction that takes years to develop on your own.
Get ready to fish Wilmington's hottest spots aboard our brand-new 2023 Four Sons flats boat. This sleek 23-footer cuts through the water at 35 knots with its powerful 200HP Suzuki, getting you to the Spanish Mackerel schools and Bluefish action fast. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on wary Redfish without spooking them, while the GPS and fish finder combo puts you right on top of productive near-shore wrecks. Built for serious anglers who want to push their skills with advanced jigging and trolling techniques. With space for 3 guests, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods when the bite gets hot in the ICW and beyond.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the bullies of the nearshore waters and they'll give you a fight you won't forget. These blue-green bruisers typically run 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Find them around structure, inlet mouths, and over sandy bottom from the surf out to 60 feet, especially during their famous feeding frenzies. Summer and fall are peak times when they're chasing bait schools and churning the water like washing machines. What anglers love is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they don't jump but they pull hard and steady. They make excellent table fare when handled right, though the bigger ones have stronger flavor. Just remember to bring a good set of pliers and watch your fingers when unhooking - those teeth are serious business. Best tip: when you find a school feeding, work fast because they move constantly, and cut bait like chunks of mullet often outfishes lures.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored fighters are what make the ICW special around here. You'll spot them by that distinctive black eyespot near the tail and their bronze backs that fade to white bellies. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ and really test your drag. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and old dock pilings. Spring through fall is prime time when they're cruising the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes them so popular is that explosive strike in 2 feet of water and the way they dig hard toward structure. Great table fare too with that mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and let your bait settle - they spook easy but can't resist a slow-moving shrimp bouncing along the bottom.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver rockets are some of the fastest fish you'll hook around Wilmington. They average 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and fight. Look for them in schools near the surface around nearshore structures, jetties, and over sandy bottom in 15-40 feet of water. Best action runs from late spring through early fall when the water warms up. You'll know you're into them when your drag starts screaming on light tackle. They hit fast and run hard, making multiple blistering runs that'll test your reflexes. Plus they're fantastic on the table - firm, mild meat that grills beautifully. The key is using small, shiny spoons or jigs and keeping your boat moving. These guys travel in big schools, so once you find them, work the area thoroughly. Don't overthink it - they're aggressive feeders that'll crush anything flashy moving at the right speed.
Wrightsville Beach/Carolina Beach