Full Day Inshore Atlantic Beach Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting black sea bass and bluefishCaptain Gillikin provides expert guidance with all gear includedProfessionallevel fishing experience with catch cleaning service
Captain William Gillikin knows these Atlantic Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This isn't your typical tourist charter – we're talking about an 8-hour professional-grade fishing experience designed for serious anglers who want to target the best species the Crystal Coast has to offer. You'll be fishing the prime inshore spots where black sea bass stack up and bluefish run thick, plus we'll hunt down Spanish mackerel, summer flounder, king mackerel, sea trout, and redfish depending on what's biting. With only 3 spots on the boat, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines.
This is a full-service operation from the moment you step aboard. Captain Gillikin provides all the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even handles your fishing license, so you can focus on what you came here to do – catch fish. We launch early to beat the crowds and hit the productive waters when fish are most active. The captain's got decades of experience reading these waters, from the nearshore reefs where sea bass hold to the grass flats where trout and redfish cruise. You'll learn advanced techniques that work specifically in North Carolina waters, whether we're bottom fishing structure, working live bait over grass beds, or trolling for kings. At the end of the day, we'll clean and fillet your catch so you can take home dinner. Cold drinks are included, but pack your own snacks, sunscreen, and weather gear.
Atlantic Beach offers some of the most diverse inshore fishing on the East Coast, and Captain Gillikin knows how to fish it all. We'll work everything from live bottom areas where black sea bass congregate around ledges and rocky outcrops, to the expansive grass flats of Core Sound where redfish and sea trout patrol. Depending on conditions and what's running, we might troll small spoons and jigs for Spanish mackerel, drift live baits over structure for king mackerel, or anchor up and bottom fish with cut bait for sea bass and bluefish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're fighting a drag-screaming king mackerel, the next you're working a doormat flounder off a grass edge. Captain Gillikin adjusts tactics based on tide, weather, and fish movement, using his local knowledge to put you where the action is hottest.
Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters, typically running 1-3 pounds with occasional 4-pounders that'll test your drag. They show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute blast on light tackle. These fish move in schools and feed aggressively, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Summer flounder, or fluke as many anglers call them, are the masters of camouflage lying in wait on sandy bottoms and grass edges. A good flounder here runs 2-5 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 8+ pounds. They're tricky to hook because they grab bait and run, so timing your hookset is crucial. King mackerel are the true prize of Atlantic Beach inshore fishing, with fish ranging from 10-30 pounds common and occasional monsters over 40 pounds. These powerful fish make blistering runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Sea trout are year-round residents that provide consistent action, especially around grass beds and oyster bars. Most run 1-3 pounds, but 5+ pound "gator trout" are always a possibility. Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the shallows, using their broad tails and stubborn nature to test your tackle. Atlantic Beach reds typically range from 18-27 inches (slot size) with occasional over-slot fish that must be released.
Captain Gillikin's full-day charters book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hottest. This is your chance to fish with a true local expert who's been working these waters for years and knows how to put you on fish when others are struggling. With everything provided and your catch cleaned at the end of the day, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm for serious fishing. The 3-person limit means you'll get the attention and instruction that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Don't settle for crowded party boats or inexperienced guides – book with Local Knowledge Charters and experience Atlantic Beach fishing the way it should be done.
Captain William Gillikin's Reel Affair gets you right where the black sea bass and bluefish are biting off Atlantic Beach. This 20-foot Intruder runs smooth with its reliable 115 hp Yamaha, perfect for navigating North Carolina's productive inshore waters. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder combo puts you on productive bottom fast. With space for 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to work without crowding when the action heats up. The live bait tank keeps your offering fresh all day, crucial for finicky sea bass. Built for serious fishing, this boat handles the coastal waters with ease while giving you the platform you need to boat quality fish. Captain Gillikin knows these waters inside and out, positioning you over the reefs and structure where Atlantic Beach's best inshore species feed.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are apex predators that can absolutely smoke your drag. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 10-30 pounds but can top 50+ pounds offshore. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Prime season is late spring through early fall when water temps hit the 70s. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your tackle and skills. While their meat is good eating when fresh, it's really about the fight - these fish will humble you fast. They feed aggressively on blue runners, menhaden, and other baitfish. My go-to trick: slow-troll live bait on a stinger rig with two hooks - one in the nose, one in the back. When a king hits, it usually attacks the tail first, so that second hook saves the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. These drum family members typically run 18-28 inches and 3-8 pounds inshore, though bull reds offshore can hit 30+ pounds. They love super shallow water - often so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents but fish best in spring and fall. What makes reds special is their powerful, bulldogging fight and their willingness to eat topwater lures in skinny water. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. These fish are sight-fishing favorites - you can actually see them tailing in shallow flats. Pro tip: when you spot a red, cast well ahead and let your lure settle. They spook easily, so patience pays off big time.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout, are beautiful inshore gamefish with silvery sides covered in black spots. They typically run 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional 4-5 pound "gator trout." You'll find them in shallow grass flats, around oyster bars, and near drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Best fishing is spring and fall when they're most active, though they bite year-round in deeper holes during winter. Trout are popular because they're willing biters with excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or blackened. They're also great on light tackle, making for fun fights in shallow water. Here's my secret: fish topwater plugs early morning over grass beds. Work it slow with subtle twitches - when a good trout explodes on top, it's hard to beat that visual strike.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are sleek, fast-moving fish with silver sides marked by distinctive yellow spots. These speedsters typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-3 pounds, though they can get bigger. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structures, jetties, and nearshore waters. They're voracious feeders that hit hard and fast on small spoons, jigs, or live bait like sardines and shrimp. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps warm up - they move south in winter. What makes them popular is their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Here's a tip: when you see diving birds, there's likely a school of Spanish mackerel feeding underneath. Cast small, shiny lures into the action and hold on tight.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are flat, bottom-dwelling fish that are masters of camouflage. They lie on sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, perfectly positioned to ambush prey. These "doormat" fish typically run 15-20 inches and 2-4 pounds, but trophy specimens can hit 8+ pounds. You'll find them in 10-40 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and channel edges. Prime time is late spring through fall when they're most active. Flounder are prized for their sweet, white meat - some of the best eating in the ocean. They're also fun because you never know if that tap on your line is a keeper or a monster. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or live minnow, and fish it slow along the bottom. When you feel that subtle bite, give them a few seconds before setting the hook.
Atlantic Beach, NC