Half Day Bluefish, Redfish And Mackerel Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Red Drum offshoreExplore near-shore wrecks and Intracoastal Waterway watersSmall group fishing with maximum 3 guests aboard
Looking for some serious action on the water around Wilmington? This 4-hour fishing trip with J Hook Charters puts you right in the thick of things, targeting three of North Carolina's most prized inshore species. We'll cruise the beach hunting schools of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, hit some productive near-shore wrecks for bottom fishing, then swing through the Intracoastal Waterway for a shot at our state fish - the legendary Red Drum. With a max of 3 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time. Pack your sunscreen and get ready to fill that fish box.
Your day kicks off bright and early as we head out from Wilmington's bustling waterfront. The beauty of this trip lies in the variety - we're not stuck fishing one spot or using one technique all day. First, we'll run the beach looking for bird activity and bait schools that signal feeding Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish. These fish travel in aggressive packs, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. After working the surf zone, we'll make our way to some productive near-shore wrecks where the fish stack up. The structure holds everything from big Bluefish to surprise catches you weren't expecting. Finally, we'll cruise into the ICW where the grass flats and oyster bars hold some of the area's best Redfish. The shallow water fishing here is completely different from the open ocean - sight fishing opportunities, lighter tackle, and the chance to see these bronze beauties in their natural habitat.
We'll be switching up techniques throughout the day to match what the fish want. For the Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish along the beach, we'll primarily troll small spoons and diving plugs at varying speeds until we locate active schools. Once we find them, we'll stop and cast metal jigs or live bait to keep the action going. At the wrecks, we'll drop bottom rigs with cut bait or live offerings, letting the current work our baits around the structure. Wire leaders are essential when targeting Bluefish - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When we hit the ICW for Redfish, we'll switch to lighter spinning gear with soft plastics, spoons, or live shrimp depending on conditions. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what's working. All tackle and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got them. Just remember to check your drag - these fish will test your equipment.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of this trip. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds but make up for size with pure aggression. They show up in good numbers from late spring through fall, with peak action during the warmer months when bait is thick along the beaches. What makes them special is their willingness to hit fast-moving lures and their acrobatic fights - expect jumps and blistering runs. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when prepared fresh. Bluefish are the bullies of the bunch, ranging from smaller "snapper blues" around a pound up to hefty 8-10 pounders we call "choppers." These voracious predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon. When you find a school of feeding Bluefish, every cast can result in a hookup. They're available year-round but really turn on during their spring and fall migrations. The fight is all about power and endurance. Redfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina inshore fishing and our official state fish for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can range from schooling "puppy drum" around 18-27 inches up to massive bull reds pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. Summer and fall offer the best opportunities, especially in the ICW where they cruise the grass flats and oyster bars. What sets Redfish apart is their combination of size, fight, and beauty - that distinctive bronze coloration with the black spot near the tail is unmistakable. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
This half-day trip gives you a taste of everything that makes Wilmington fishing special - from high-speed trolling action to sight fishing in skinny water. With only 3 spots available, you'll get the personal attention and coaching that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fillets in the cooler or just want to experience the diverse fishing opportunities around Wilmington, this trip delivers. The combination of Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Redfish means there's always a backup plan when one species isn't cooperating. Book your spot with J Hook Charters and get ready for 4 hours of some of the best inshore action the Carolina coast has to offer. The fish are biting - are you ready to answer the call?
Our brand-new 2023 Four Sons 23-footer is built for serious fishing action around Wilmington's waters. This flats boat runs on a powerful 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at 35 knots when we need to chase down those moving schools of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish along the beach. The shallow draft design lets us slip into tight spots where the Redfish hang out in the ICW backwaters. The boat's rigged with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to mark those productive spots, fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, plus a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether we're running offshore to hit the wrecks or working the shallow flats, this boat handles it all.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll attack just about anything that moves. These hard-fighting fish typically weigh 2-8 pounds around Wilmington, with their steel-blue backs and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find schools feeding along the surf, around nearshore wrecks, and in the sounds from late spring through early fall. They're famous for their "blitz" feeding frenzies where they'll churn the water attacking baitfish. Guests enjoy targeting them because they're scrappy fighters that hit hard and make strong runs. They're also excellent eating when bled and iced immediately - the meat has a rich, full flavor. Best baits include cut mullet, live menhaden, and metal spoons. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working over the water, get there fast - that's usually blues feeding on the surface, and the action can be incredible.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are North Carolina's state fish for good reason - they're abundant in our shallow ICW waters and put up a solid fight. You'll typically find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. Look for that distinctive black spot near their tail and copper-bronze coloring. Most fish we catch run 18-32 inches, with bigger "bull" reds sometimes showing up. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially on moving tides. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, and topwater plugs all work well. What makes them special is how they'll tail in skinny water like bonefish, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more nearby, so work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that show up along our beaches in spring and stick around through fall. These silvery bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools near the surface. We find them best around nearshore structure, over wrecks, and along the beachfront in 20-60 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit fast-moving lures like small spoons, gotcha plugs, and wire-line rigs. The fight is fast and furious - they'll make blistering runs and jump when hooked. Guests love them because they're easy to catch once you locate a school, and they make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky meat. Local trick: when trolling, use a #1 Clark spoon on a short wire leader at 4-6 knots. Once you hook up, circle back immediately - the school's probably still there.
Wrightsville Beach/Carolina Beach