Half Day Morning Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday morning charter targets Spanish Mackerel and BluefishAll fishing equipment provided for up to 4 guestsInshore waters offer sharks and False Albacore opportunities
Nothing beats getting on the water first thing in the morning when the fish are active and hungry. This half-day AM trip with Leverdrag Charters puts you right in the action targeting some of the most popular inshore species around. You'll be casting lines for Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Little Tunny, and even Bonnethead Sharks – plus whatever else decides to bite that day. With all gear provided and a maximum of 4 anglers, you get that personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
This morning charter kicks off early when the bite is best and the water's still calm from the night. You'll head out to productive inshore spots where these species like to hang out – structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. The beauty of this trip is the variety. One minute you might be fighting a speedy Spanish Mackerel, the next you could have a chunky Bluefish pulling drag. The captain knows where these fish move with the tides and seasons, so you're always fishing the right spots at the right time. With only 4 spots on the boat, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal coaching on technique. No crowded party boat vibes here – just quality fishing with room to move around.
All your tackle is handled, so just bring yourself and get ready to fish. The crew sets you up with medium-action spinning rods perfect for these inshore species – sensitive enough to feel the bite but with enough backbone to handle a decent fish. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Live bait like shrimp and small baitfish work great for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, while cut bait gets the Bonnethead Sharks fired up. When the Little Tunny are around, small jigs and spoons can be deadly. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the trip – maybe starting with live bait on the grass flats, then switching to artificial lures if schools of baitfish show up on the fish finder. It's all about staying flexible and following the fish.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit your line. These silver speedsters usually run 1-3 pounds and love to make long, screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They're most active in warmer months and tend to feed in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The key is using light wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. What makes them so fun is their aggressive strikes – they'll absolutely crush a live shrimp or small spoon.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These guys fight dirty with powerful head shakes and determined runs toward structure. They range from small "snappers" up to chunky 5-8 pounders that'll really put a bend in your rod. Blues are opportunistic feeders that'll hit just about anything, but they're particularly fond of cut bait and flashy spoons. They've got some serious teeth, so wire leaders are a must. What anglers love about Bluefish is their reliability – they're usually willing to bite and always put up a solid scrap.
Little Tunny, also called False Albacore, are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These mini tunas are built for speed with their torpedo-shaped bodies and can peel line off your reel like nobody's business. They typically run 3-8 pounds but fight way above their weight class. They're schooling fish that follow baitfish movements, so timing is everything. When they're feeding on the surface, the action can be absolutely electric with multiple hookups. They're picky eaters though – small jigs, spoons, and live bait presented just right are your best bets.
Bonnethead Sharks might be the smallest members of the hammerhead family, but they're a blast to catch. These curious little sharks usually run 2-4 feet long and have the coolest shovel-shaped heads. They're bottom feeders that cruise the grass flats and sandy areas looking for crabs and shrimp. What's awesome about Bonnetheads is they're perfect for anglers who want to experience shark fishing without the intimidation factor of bigger species. They fight with that classic shark power – long runs and head shakes that keep your rod bent. Plus, they're pretty docile when brought to the boat, making them great for photos before release.
This half-day morning trip delivers exactly what inshore fishing is all about – variety, action, and the chance to get into some quality fish without burning the whole day. With Leverdrag Charters handling all the gear and keeping the group small, you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater fishing or just want to get your line wet before lunch, this charter hits the sweet spot. The morning bite is legendary for a reason, and these species are some of the most fun you can tangle with in shallow water. Don't sleep on booking your dates – the best morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Your morning fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for inshore waters. This reliable vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive half-day on the water. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and False Albacore, while GPS navigation keeps you on the most productive fishing grounds. An ice box ensures your catch stays fresh from hook to dock. All fishing gear is provided, so you can focus on what matters most - getting lines wet and reeling in whatever's biting. Whether you're after fast-moving mackerel or hoping to tangle with a shark, this boat puts you in prime position to make the most of your morning fishing time. The captain knows these inshore waters and will work the spots where fish are actively feeding.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive feeders are known for their "blitz" attacks on baitfish that'll churn the water like a washing machine. Most weigh up to 20 pounds with razor-sharp teeth that demand respect when handling. You'll find schools in bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters from mid-spring through fall before they migrate south for winter. What makes them popular is their savage strikes and strong fights, plus they're excellent eating when prepared right - mild and flaky when fresh. They hit everything from cut bait to spoons and poppers. Watch for diving birds marking feeding schools. My advice: use oily baits like eel or bunker chunks, and always bring pliers - those teeth will slice your fingers clean if you're not careful.
Sphyrna TiburoThese smaller hammerheads are perfect for first-time shark anglers. Running 3-4 feet long and averaging 8-15 pounds, bonnetheads are harmless and actually pretty shy compared to their cousins. You'll find them cruising shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters during warmer months, often in schools of 5-15 fish. They migrate south in fall, so spring through early fall gives you the best shot. What makes them fun is that once hooked, they still put up a solid shark fight without the intimidation factor. Fresh blue crab chunks work best - cut the crab in half and hook it through a leg. The key is using a sliding sinker rig with wire leader since those small teeth are still razor sharp.
Euthynnus AlletteratusAlso called false albacore, these torpedo-shaped fighters average 10-12 pounds but can hit 20. They're speed demons that travel in noisy schools near the surface around jetties, inlets, and sandbars. Listen for the commotion when they're feeding - sounds like a washing machine. Peak action runs spring through fall when they're chasing baitfish close to shore. Guests love them because they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat's red like tuna but stronger flavored - great smoked or grilled fresh. When trolling, use bright feathers with ballyhoo or live pinfish. My tip: don't horse them - let your drag do the work or that line will snap.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver bullets with yellow spots are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter, hitting speeds that'll surprise you. Most run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds, traveling in massive schools that can stretch for miles. Look for them near the surface around structures, flats, and oyster bars from spring through fall - they head south when it cools down. Anglers love their speed and the way they hit lures hard, plus the meat is fantastic grilled or smoked. They're also great sushi fish if you're into that. Use light tackle with shiny spoons or live shrimp. Pro tip: drift to the school instead of motoring right up to them - the boat noise will scatter them fast and you'll be fishing empty water.
Wrightsville Beach, NC