Half Day PM Inshore Fishing with Leverdrag Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day afternoon charter targeting Spanish Mackerel and BluefishAll fishing equipment provided for up to 4 guestsNearshore waters offer False Albacore and shark opportunities
Ready to get your lines wet on a productive afternoon fishing trip? This half-day PM charter with Leverdrag Charters puts you right where the action is, targeting some of the most popular inshore species that feed actively during those prime late-day hours. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to squeeze in some fishing after work or visiting anglers wanting to make the most of your time on the water, this trip delivers consistent action without eating up your entire day. With all tackle and equipment provided, you just need to show up ready to fish and let the crew handle the rest.
This afternoon charter kicks off when the bite typically starts heating up, giving you prime fishing time as we head to proven nearshore spots where Spanish mackerel, bluefish, false albacore, and sharks cruise the waters. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, reading conditions and adjusting tactics throughout the trip to keep you on fish. Expect to cover some ground as we work different depths and structures, from shallow flats where bonnethead sharks patrol to slightly deeper waters where the mackerel and albies school up. The afternoon timing means you'll often catch that perfect window when baitfish start moving and predators turn on the feed.
The beauty of this nearshore trip is the variety of techniques you'll use depending on what's biting. For Spanish mackerel and false albacore, we'll often troll small spoons, Clark spoons, or Gotcha plugs at varying speeds until we mark schools or see surface activity. Once we locate fish, it's all about live bait or casting small jigs and metals to keep the action going. Bluefish typically respond well to cut bait or chunking, especially when they're in feeding mode during the afternoon hours. For the sharks, we'll set up with circle hooks and fresh cut bait, letting them find us while we work other species. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or bringing anything special. The crew handles all the technical stuff while coaching you through the best techniques for each species we encounter.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of many nearshore trips, and for good reason. These fast-moving predators typically range from 1-3 pounds and put up a scrappy fight that's perfect for light tackle. They school heavily during warmer months and feed aggressively on small baitfish, making them ideal targets for trolling or casting. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite and the fact that you can often catch multiple fish once you locate a school. Plus, they make excellent table fare when handled properly.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. These toothy predators can range anywhere from smaller "snapper" blues around a pound up to larger fish pushing 5-8 pounds or more. They're notorious for their feeding frenzies and will hit just about anything that moves when they're actively hunting. Bluefish are exciting because they fight hard and aren't picky eaters, making them great targets for newer anglers while still providing plenty of entertainment for experienced fishermen.
Little tunny, often called false albacore or "albies," are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These mini-tuna relatives typically weigh 3-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making long runs and testing your drag system. They're incredibly fast and often feed in schools near the surface, creating some of the most visual and exciting fishing you'll experience. When albies are around, you'll often see them crashing bait on top, giving you clear targets to cast toward.
Bonnethead sharks add an element of excitement to any nearshore trip, typically running 2-4 feet long and providing steady, powerful fights on appropriate tackle. These smaller members of the hammerhead family are common in shallow waters and are perfect for anglers who want to experience shark fishing without dealing with massive fish. They're also catch-and-release friendly, so you can get some great photos before sending them back to fight another day. Bonnetheads are active year-round in warmer waters and often show up when you're targeting other species, adding variety to your day.
This half-day PM trip offers the perfect balance of productive fishing time and schedule flexibility, making it a customer favorite for both locals and visiting anglers. With Leverdrag Charters' experienced crew, top-rated equipment, and proven track record on these nearshore waters, you're setting yourself up for a memorable afternoon on the water. The 4-angler capacity means you can bring friends or family without feeling cramped, and the all-inclusive approach eliminates the hassle of gathering gear. Whether you're after your first Spanish mackerel, looking to tangle with some sharks, or just want to enjoy some quality time fishing, this trip delivers consistent action during prime afternoon hours. Book your spot now and get ready to experience some of the best nearshore fishing around.
Your afternoon fishing adventure awaits aboard this well-equipped motorboat, perfectly set up for chasing Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and False Albacore in the nearshore waters. This reliable vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to get you to the hot spots, fish finder to locate the action below, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The captain provides all tackle and gear, so just bring yourself and get ready to battle some serious fish. Whether you're after the lightning-fast runs of False Albacore or the hard-fighting sharks that patrol these waters, this boat puts you right where the fish are biting during the prime afternoon hours.
Pomatomus SaltatrixAggressive predators with razor teeth and attitude, blues typically run 3-20 pounds and put up scrappy fights. They roam coastal waters, bays, and surf zones chasing baitfish in feeding frenzies that'll churn the water white. Summer brings the best action, with smaller "snappers" showing up in late summer - perfect for kids and beginners. What guests love is the non-stop action when you find a school, plus they're great eating when prepared fresh. They'll hit almost anything - spoons, plugs, or cut bait like bunker and eels. Here's the deal: always use a wire leader because those teeth will slice through mono instantly. And watch your fingers when unhooking - they bite hard even on deck.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest of the hammerhead family, bonnetheads run 3-4 feet and rarely top 20 pounds. These shy sharks prefer shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries where they hunt crabs and small fish. They're harmless to humans - only one attack ever recorded. What makes them special is that distinctive shovel-shaped head and the fact they school up in groups of 10-15, especially during warmer months. They migrate south in fall, so summer through early fall gives you the best shots. Guests love them because they put up a solid fight without the intimidation factor of bigger sharks. The key is using fresh cut blue crab - slice it in half and hook it through a leg. That's candy to a bonnethead.
Euthynnus AlletteratusAlso called false albacore or bonita, these torpedo-shaped speedsters average 10-12 pounds but can hit 20. They travel in noisy schools near the surface around jetties, inlets, and sandbars. You'll hear them feeding before you see them. Fall and winter bring the best action as they migrate south. What guests love is the incredible fight - these things are built for speed and will test your drag. The meat's red like tuna with a stronger flavor that's actually pretty good if you clean it well. Trolling with bright feathers works great, but here's the trick: when you find a school feeding, switch to small jigs or flies and cast into the chaos. Just don't horse them - let that light tackle do the work.
Scomberomorus MaculatusFast, flashy, and fantastic on the table - Spanish mackerel are nearshore favorites running 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. Look for them in schools near the surface around structures, flats, and oyster bars. They're here spring through fall, with the best action in warmer months when they move closer to shore. Guests love the speed and acrobatics when hooked, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - mild, flaky, and perfect grilled or smoked. They'll hit spoons, small jigs, or live bait like sardines and shrimp. Pro tip: when you see birds diving or water getting chopped up, get there fast but drift into position quietly. Spook the school and they'll vanish in seconds.
Wrightsville Beach, NC