5 Hour Oak Island Nearshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour nearshore charter targets Red Drum and Shark speciesProfessional crew provides all equipment, licenses, and fishing assistanceExtended water coverage with flexible tactics for all skill levels
If you're looking to maximize your time on the water around Oak Island, this 5-hour nearshore charter hits the sweet spot. You'll have plenty of time to work different zones without feeling rushed, and with only 3 anglers maximum, everyone gets personalized attention from our experienced captain and mate. We focus on productive nearshore waters where the action stays consistent, using proven trolling techniques to target red drum and sharks based on what's biting seasonally. Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, and even your fishing license – so you just show up ready to fish.
This trip is all about flexibility and finding fish. We'll start by reading conditions and adjusting our game plan accordingly – maybe that means working structure for drum early in the morning, then switching to shark tactics as the day heats up. The 5-hour window gives us real freedom to move around and adapt, which is huge when you're dealing with seasonal patterns and changing conditions. Our captain knows these local waters inside and out, so you're getting intel that only comes from years of fishing these same spots. The pace stays comfortable for all skill levels, whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who rarely gets out on the water. Our mate handles all the rigging and bait work, plus they're right there to help you fight and land fish when things get busy.
Nearshore trolling is our bread and butter on this trip, and it's perfectly suited to the Oak Island area. We'll run a spread of lines at different depths and distances, covering water efficiently while presenting baits in the strike zone. Depending on what we're targeting, that might mean pulling spoons and plugs for Spanish mackerel, or switching to cut bait rigs when the drum are feeding. The beauty of trolling is that it lets us cover ground while keeping multiple lines working – you're always in the game. We adjust speed, depth, and lure selection based on real-time conditions and what the fish are telling us. When we mark fish on the electronics or see surface activity, we can quickly pivot to live bait or casting techniques to capitalize on the opportunity.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute speed demons and one of the most reliable species in our nearshore waters. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and hit trolled spoons with serious attitude. Best action usually happens during spring and fall migrations when schools move through in numbers. What makes them so fun is the aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll jump and make screaming runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Black Drum are the heavyweight brawlers of the inshore scene, and our nearshore waters hold some real quality fish. These fish can push 20-40 pounds or more, and they fight with pure power – no fancy moves, just bulldogging strength that'll test your back and your tackle. They're most active during cooler months and around structure where they feed on crabs and shellfish. The thump of a big black drum hitting your bait is unmistakable, and the fight that follows is all about endurance.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps things interesting. These black-and-white striped fish are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They hang around pilings, docks, and any hard structure, requiring precise presentations and quick hooksets. Most run 2-5 pounds, but their finicky nature and excellent eating quality make them a prized catch. Timing is everything with sheepshead – they're most cooperative during their spring spawning runs.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery and a major target on these nearshore trips. These copper-colored bruisers can range from schooling "rat reds" around 18-27 inches to bull reds that stretch the tape past 40 inches. They're notorious for their initial runs and bulldog fights, especially the bigger fish. Reds are relatively consistent year-round in our area, though they definitely have peak periods tied to bait movements and seasonal patterns. There's something special about the bronze flash and spotted tail of a quality redfish.
Blacktip Shark add serious excitement to any nearshore trip. These are legitimate gamefish that can stretch 3-6 feet and put on an aerial show when hooked. They're most active during warmer months and often found following bait schools or working the edges of structure. The initial run of a hooked blacktip is something every angler should experience – they'll peel line and launch themselves completely out of the water. We practice catch and release with all sharks, making for great photos and fish stories.
This 5-hour nearshore charter offers the perfect balance of time on the water and fishing variety that makes Oak Island such a special destination. With small group sizes, included gear, and experienced crew, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. The extended time frame means we can really dial in on what's working and give you the best shot at multiple species. Whether you're after the fight of a lifetime or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends or family, this trip delivers. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your best day on the water this season.
Your fishing platform is a 24-foot center console motorboat designed specifically for Oak Island's nearshore waters. This boat balances comfort with serious fishing capability, featuring downriggers for precise depth control and modern electronics including GPS navigation and fish finder to locate those productive Red Drum and Shark spots. The center console layout gives everyone easy access to the action while providing plenty of room to work the rods. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 5-hour trip, while the built-in toilet adds convenience for longer days on the water. Quality safety gear is standard, and the boat's design handles nearshore conditions smoothly, letting you focus on trolling techniques rather than fighting rough rides. Perfect for covering water efficiently while maintaining the comfortable pace needed for anglers of all skill levels.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-15 pounds but capable of hitting 30+ pounds around Oak Island. These dark, powerful fish love muddy bottoms and oyster beds in 10-40 feet of water, using their crushing jaws to feed on crabs and shellfish. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target than the rest of the year when they scatter. What guests love about black drum is the solid, steady fight they put up - no flashy jumps, just raw power and endurance. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or clam on a Carolina rig and keep your bait right on the bottom. These fish are picky eaters, so patience pays off when that slow, heavy bite finally comes.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are high-energy fighters that average 3-5 feet but can reach 6+ feet around Oak Island waters. These streamlined sharks with black-tipped fins patrol nearshore waters from 20-60 feet deep, often following baitfish schools. Late spring through fall is peak season when water temps warm up and bait moves in thick. What guests love about blacktips is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times during the fight, spinning and thrashing. They're also relatively safe to handle compared to bigger shark species. While most folks release them, smaller ones make decent eating if you bleed them immediately. The secret is using oily baits like mackerel or bluefish on a wire leader with circle hooks. Once you get one hooked, hold on tight - they'll take you on a wild ride with those signature jumps.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter species here at Oak Island, running 18-30 inches with those distinctive black spots near the tail. They cruise shallow flats and marsh edges in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on everything from shrimp to small fish. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up, though we catch them year-round. What makes redfish so popular is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they'll peel drag and make multiple runs before coming to the boat. Plus, the slot-size fish make excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. They're also visual feeders, so you can often spot them tailing in shallow water, which gets everyone fired up. My go-to trick is using cut bait on the bottom around oyster bars and grass beds - let it sit still and wait for that steady pull that says "red drum."
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, typically running 2-5 pounds with the occasional 8-pounder. They're structure lovers, hanging tight to pilings, jetties, and oyster bars where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes sheepshead special is they're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and pick at your offering, making them a real challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is using small hooks with fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp, getting your bait tight to structure, and setting the hook hard the moment you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap. They're masters at stealing bait, so stay alert.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that run 1-3 pounds on average, with some reaching 8-10 pounds. You'll spot them by their silvery sides with yellow spots and that classic streamlined mackerel build. They love trolling around nearshore structure and often school up near the surface, making them perfect targets for our trolling setup. Spring through fall is prime time here at Oak Island, especially when water temps hit the 70s. What makes these fish so popular is the combination of their hard strikes, decent fights, and excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills up perfect. They're also great for kids since they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, get your spoons ready - spanish mackerel will be feeding underneath those diving gulls.
Oak Island