Half Day Scenic Fishing & Cruising in Wilmington
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour guided fishing and sightseeing combination tripTarget Redfish, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel near wrecksSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboard
Picture this: you're casting lines in some of Wilmington's most productive fishing spots while cruising past stunning coastal scenery that'll have you reaching for your phone to snap photos. Captain Jon's half-day combo trip delivers exactly that—four solid hours of fishing action mixed with the kind of sightseeing that makes this area a top-rated destination. You'll hit everything from open beach zones to near-shore wrecks, plus those calm stretches of the Intracoastal Waterway where the fish love to hang out. With space for just three anglers, this isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience—it's more like fishing with a buddy who happens to know every productive hole from here to the inlet.
Captain Jon runs this trip like a perfect balance between serious fishing and pure enjoyment on the water. You'll start by heading out to his favorite near-shore spots where the Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish are actively feeding, especially during the warmer months. The beauty of this charter is how it flows—when the bite slows in one area, you're already moving to the next spot while taking in views of Wilmington's coastline that most people never see from the water. The Intracoastal portions of the trip offer completely different fishing opportunities, with shallow grass flats and structure that hold Redfish year-round. Don't worry about experience level either—Captain Jon tailors the techniques to match your skills, whether you're comfortable with light tackle or prefer something more straightforward. The boat stays comfortable with just three people aboard, giving everyone plenty of room to fish without tangled lines or crowded conditions.
This trip runs on versatility, which means Captain Jon keeps multiple rod setups ready to match whatever you're targeting. For the near-shore action, you'll likely be using medium spinning tackle with live bait or small lures that Spanish Mackerel can't resist. The wreck fishing calls for slightly heavier gear since you never know when a bigger Bluefish or surprise species might grab your line. When you move into the ICW for Redfish, the approach shifts to lighter tackle and more finesse—think shallow-running plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp depending on conditions. Captain Jon handles all the rigging and bait, so you can focus on the fishing rather than fumbling with tackle. The boat setup makes it easy to switch between different fishing styles throughout the day, from trolling along the beach to sight-casting in the shallows. You'll learn techniques that work specifically in these Wilmington waters, stuff you can use if you come back to fish on your own.
Redfish are the stars of Wilmington's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run anywhere from 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized "bull red" showing up to test your drag system. They're most active during spring and fall, but Captain Jon finds them year-round in the ICW's deeper holes and around structure. What makes Redfish so popular isn't just their fight—they're incredibly photogenic with that distinctive black spot near the tail, and they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits. You'll often spot them cruising in shallow water before you cast, which adds a sight-fishing element that gets everyone excited.
Spanish Mackerel bring speed and numbers to this fishing experience. These streamlined fish typically measure 12 to 20 inches and hit lures with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up fast. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when schools move through Wilmington's near-shore waters chasing baitfish. They're absolute blast on light tackle—expect multiple hookups and plenty of action when you find a school. Spanish Mackerel also make fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making into fish cakes.
Bluefish round out the target species with their reputation as some of the most aggressive feeders in these waters. They range from "snapper" blues around a pound up to larger fish pushing 8 to 10 pounds. Bluefish school up heavily during their spring and fall migrations, creating some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere near Wilmington. They'll hit almost anything that moves—lures, bait, even bare hooks if they're feeding aggressively enough. The bigger blues provide serious fights on medium tackle, and they're excellent smoked or used in fish dip recipes that locals swear by.
Captain Jon's scenic fishing trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish are running hot. The four-hour format gives you enough time to really experience Wilmington's diverse fishing opportunities without committing to a full day on the water. Whether you're visiting the area and want to see it from a different perspective, or you're a local angler looking for a relaxed day with guaranteed fish-finding expertise, this charter delivers both fishing success and sightseeing in one package. With only three spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Book now to secure your date—the combination of productive fishing and stunning scenery makes this one of the most popular half-day options in the Wilmington area.
Step aboard the 23' Four Sons flats boat and get ready to explore Wilmington's best fishing spots with Captain Jon. This brand-new 2023 vessel cuts through the water at up to 35 knots thanks to its powerful 200HP Suzuki engine, getting you to the fish faster and covering more water during your 4-hour adventure. The shallow-draft design lets you slip into skinny water where redfish love to hunt, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking spooky fish in the flats. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast without bumping elbows. The onboard GPS keeps you on the productive spots, and the fish finder helps locate schools of Spanish mackerel and bluefish around those near-shore wrecks. Whether you're drifting the ICW's calm stretches or running out to the beach for some action, this boat handles it all while giving you front-row seats to Wilmington's gorgeous coastal scenery.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the bulldogs of our coastal waters - aggressive feeders with razor-sharp teeth that'll test your drag system. Most run 3-10 pounds around Wilmington, though we occasionally see 15+ pounders. They roam sandy beaches, inlet mouths, and over structure in 15-40 feet, especially during their feeding frenzies called "bluefish blitz." Summer into early fall is peak season when they're chasing schools of menhaden and sardines. What makes them special is their raw power and willingness to hit almost any lure or bait. They're also great eating when handled properly - firm, flaky meat with good flavor. Fair warning: always use a wire leader since those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When you see birds working the surface, get your lines in the water fast - blues are probably underneath tearing up the bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored beauties are what makes shallow water fishing in Wilmington so special. Red drum typically run 20-35 inches around here, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall are prime time when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish so popular is their strong, steady fight and excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. They're also forgiving for beginners since they'll eat almost anything. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your shrimp or soft plastic well ahead of where they're heading - they spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable battle.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese sleek speedsters are pure fun on light tackle. Spanish mackerel average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and acrobatics. Look for them around nearshore wrecks, jetties, and over sandy bottom in 10-30 feet during warmer months - they show up here late spring through early fall. They travel in big schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Guests love the fast action and their excellent eating quality - mild, white meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. These fish hit hard and jump, making for exciting fights. Here's a local trick: when trolling small spoons or jigs, watch for birds diving - that's your sign the mackerel are pushing baitfish to the surface. Get there quick and you'll have non-stop action.
Wrightsville Beach/Carolina Beach