Hampstead Custom Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Custom offshore fishing trips tailored to guest preferencesFlexible hourly rates and convenient package deals availableAccommodates up to 4 guests with experienced local guides
When you're ready to ditch the crowded boat ramps and cookie-cutter charters, Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures has your back. We're talking about a completely personalized fishing experience in the heart of North Carolina's coastal waters around Hampstead. Whether you want to chase whatever's biting for a few hours or cruise the Intracoastal at sunset with your lines in the water, we'll build the perfect day around what gets you fired up. With room for up to 4 anglers and flexible pricing that won't break the bank, this is how fishing was meant to be—no crowds, no rushing, just you and the water.
This isn't your typical run-and-gun charter where you're stuck following someone else's game plan. We start every trip by talking through what you're hoping to get out of your day—maybe you're after some serious action and want to target whatever's feeding, or perhaps you're looking for that perfect evening bite while watching the sun dip behind the mainland. The beauty of fishing around Hampstead is the variety. One minute you're working the grass flats of the Intracoastal Waterway, the next you're running up the Cape Fear River toward Wilmington's historic downtown or down to the charm of Southport. Each spot has its own personality and holds different fish depending on the tide, season, and what Mother Nature's throwing at us. The vibe stays relaxed but focused—we're here to put you on fish while making sure you actually enjoy the process. No yelling, no pressure, just good fishing with people who know these waters like the back of their hand.
The approach we take depends entirely on what's working and what you're comfortable with. If you're new to saltwater fishing, we'll start you off with some straightforward bottom rigs or simple popping cork setups that'll get you connected to fish without overwhelming you with technique. For the more experienced crowd, we can break out the artificial lures, work some topwater action during the right conditions, or even do some light tackle work if the fish are cooperating. The Intracoastal around here is perfect for sight fishing when the water's clear—there's nothing quite like watching a redfish cruise through knee-deep water and dropping your bait right in its path. When we head up the Cape Fear River system, we're often switching between live bait presentations and working structure with jigs or soft plastics. The key is staying versatile and reading what the fish want on any given day. We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods rigged for the conditions to a solid selection of terminal tackle, but if you've got a favorite setup you like throwing, bring it along—we love seeing what works for other anglers.
The waters around Hampstead serve up a mixed bag that keeps things interesting year-round. Red drum are the local celebrities here, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout the Intracoastal, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. They're ambush predators that'll sit tight until your bait gets close, then explode on it with enough force to nearly rip the rod out of your hands. What makes reds so special is their fight—they don't jump like a tarpon, but they'll drag you around with that bulldogging power that'll test your drag and your patience. Plus, they're beautiful fish with those distinctive copper sides and that black spot near the tail.
Spotted seatrout are another customer favorite, particularly because they're willing to eat just about anything you throw at them when they're feeding. These fish love the same grass flats as the reds but tend to be more active during moving water. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, when they school up in good numbers and you can have those memorable days where every cast seems to produce a fish. They're also excellent table fare if you're looking to take a few home for dinner. The trout around here typically run 14 to 18 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing over 20 inches showing up to make your day.
Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying flat against the bottom waiting for an easy meal to swim by. They're most active during the warmer months and can be found around structure, creek mouths, and anywhere the current creates an ambush point. What's exciting about flounder fishing is the technique—you're often bouncing baits along the bottom, feeling for that subtle thump that tells you a flatfish just inhaled your offering. They're tricky to hook sometimes, but once you figure out the timing, flounder provide steady action and some of the best eating you'll find in coastal waters.
Here's the bottom line—this is the kind of fishing trip that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. No crowds, no rushing from spot to spot, just quality time on the water with people who genuinely care about putting you on fish. Whether you're a local looking to explore some new water or visiting from out of town and want to experience what North Carolina's coast has to offer, we'll tailor the day to match your experience level and expectations. The flexible pricing means you're not locked into some overpriced package that includes a bunch of stuff you don't want. Give Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures a call and let's start planning your custom fishing adventure. The fish are out there waiting—now it's just a matter of getting you hooked up with them.
Topsail Beach, NC