Premium Half Day Afternoon Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday afternoon charter targeting Spanish Mackerel and BluefishAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by crewSmall group experience with maximum four guests
Looking for some solid afternoon action without burning the whole day? This half-day PM trip with Leverdrag Charters puts you right where the fish are feeding as the sun starts its descent. We're talking prime time inshore waters where Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, False Albacore, and Sharks patrol the nearshore zones. With everything provided and just four anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between going home with stories and going home with fish.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. With only four guests aboard, Captain and crew can focus on putting everyone on fish instead of managing a circus. The afternoon departure works perfectly for folks who want to sleep in or knock out morning errands before hitting the water. We'll cruise out to productive nearshore structures and current breaks where baitfish stack up – and where our target species come to feed. The beauty of afternoon fishing is that you're hitting those prime feeding windows when fish get aggressive before nightfall. Expect to work different depths and structure types as we follow the action. The boat's rigged with quality gear, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll have everything needed to hook up.
All your gear comes with the trip – rods, reels, tackle, bait, the works. We're talking about versatile setups that can handle everything from finicky Spanish Mackerel to hard-fighting sharks. Techniques vary based on what's biting, but expect to throw live bait, work some artificials, and maybe do some light trolling when we're covering water. The nearshore game is all about reading conditions and adapting. Some days the fish want fast-moving spoons, other times they're keyed in on live shrimp or cut bait. Captain knows these waters and will adjust tactics based on what's working. Don't worry if you've never used circle hooks or don't know a Carolina rig from a fish finder rig – the crew will get you sorted and fishing effectively within minutes of lines going in the water.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing, especially during their peak season. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up around structure and current breaks, often feeding aggressively in the afternoon hours. What makes them so fun is their speed – when a Spanish hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Look for them around temperature breaks and anywhere baitfish are getting worked over on the surface.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor to nearshore fishing. These toothy predators range from snapper blues around a pound up to choppers pushing 10-15 pounds. They hunt in packs and aren't shy about hitting lures or baits with serious violence. Blues are notorious for their stamina – they'll make multiple runs and fight dirty all the way to the boat. Handle with respect since those teeth aren't just for show. Prime time is often when baitfish are thick, and you'll sometimes see explosive surface feeding that gets the adrenaline pumping.
Little Tunny, also called False Albacore, are the speed demons of the nearshore world. These mini-tunas typically run 5-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They've got that classic tuna body style built for speed and endurance. When hooked, they'll peel line and make long runs that test your drag system. They're sight feeders that often work in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Peak action often coincides with bait movements and temperature changes that concentrate forage fish.
Bonnethead Sharks add some serious excitement to any nearshore trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet and are surprisingly strong fighters. They're curious and often investigate baits thoroughly before committing. What's cool about bonnetheads is their unique head shape and the way they use it to hunt crabs and other bottom prey in shallow water. They're perfect for anglers who want to experience shark fishing without dealing with monsters that require heavy tackle. Most are released to fight another day, making them a sustainable and fun target species.
Half-day trips fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when these species are most active. The afternoon timing hits that sweet spot between convenience and productivity – you get prime feeding windows without the early morning alarm clock. With only four spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. All gear included means you can show up ready to fish without worrying about tackle selection or rigging. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater fishing or want to target some quality nearshore species without the commitment of a full day, this trip delivers. The mix of species keeps things interesting, and the size limits ensure everyone goes home with both memories and potentially some fresh fillets. Book your spot now and get ready for some top-rated afternoon action on the water.
This motorboat is built for serious nearshore fishing, equipped with everything you need to target Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, False Albacore, and prowling sharks. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on productive waters. An ice box ensures your catch stays fresh from hook to dock. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's room to fish comfortably without crowding. All tackle and equipment comes included, so just bring yourself and get ready to work the waters. The boat handles nearshore conditions well, getting you out to where the fish are feeding and back safely. Perfect setup for an afternoon of productive fishing without the full-day commitment.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive feeders with razor-sharp teeth are the bulldogs of nearshore fishing. Most blues run up to 20 pounds and travel in schools that can create feeding frenzies - what we call "bluefish blitz" where they churn the water like washing machines. You'll find them in bays, around structure, and over sandy bottom from late spring through fall before they head south for winter. What makes them popular is the consistent action and solid fight on medium tackle. They'll hit cut bait, eels, or anything that looks like an injured baitfish. The meat's good eating when fresh, especially smaller fish under 10 pounds. Just be careful handling them - those teeth can do serious damage even after they're boated. Circle hooks only, and always use a net or gaff to bring them aboard safely.
Sphyrna TiburoThese small hammerheads are the shy cousins of the shark world - rarely aggressive and perfect for first-time shark anglers. Running 3-4 feet on average, bonnetheads travel in schools of 10-15 fish around shallow bays and nearshore waters during warmer months. They migrate south in fall, so summer's your best bet. What makes them fun is that fight without the intimidation factor of bigger sharks. They'll give you a solid tussle on medium tackle. The key is using fresh blue crab cut in half - slip your circle hook through one of the crab's legs and let it sit on the bottom with a sliding sinker. Their spade-shaped heads help them dig out crabs, so that's what they're really after. Plus, you can actually eat these guys unlike many other sharks.
Euthynnus AlletteratusAlso called false albacore or bonita, these torpedo-shaped speedsters are what nearshore dreams are made of. Running 10-12 pounds typically, they school up and make serious noise when feeding - listen for the commotion on the surface. You'll find them around jetties, inlets, and over structure in warm months as they follow baitfish. The fight is what hooks people - they're incredibly strong swimmers that'll test your drag and your arms. While the red meat isn't everyone's cup of tea, it's actually quite good when prepared right - just clean them well. Best technique is trolling with bright feathers and ballyhoo, but they'll also hit live pinfish. Here's the trick: when you find one school, work it hard because where there's one little tunny, there's usually a bunch more.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver bullets with yellow spots are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter nearshore, hitting 5.5 meters per second when they want to. Most run 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, traveling in massive schools that can stretch for miles. They love warm water and surface action around structures, jetties, and flats. Peak season is when water temps climb - that's when they move closer to shore. Anglers love them for the speed and the table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills up perfectly. They're also great for kids since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Use light tackle with 12-20 pound braid and shiny spoons or live shrimp. Pro tip: when you hook up, work the area fast because the school might move on quickly. Don't spook them with the boat engine - drift into the action.
Wrightsville Beach, NC