Full Day Atlantic Beach Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour inshore charter targeting black sea bass and bluefishCaptain Gillikin provides local expertise and advanced fishing techniquesAll equipment, licenses, cleaning, and drinks included
Captain William Gillikin knows these Atlantic Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical tourist trip – it's an 8-hour deep dive into the best inshore fishing the Crystal Coast has to offer. You'll be targeting black sea bass, bluefish, and whatever else is biting in these productive waters. With all your gear, bait, and licenses covered, plus Captain Gillikin's decades of local knowledge guiding every move, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard.
This full-day charter is built for anglers who know their way around a rod and reel. Captain Gillikin runs a tight ship, maximizing your time on the best structures and drop-offs where the fish are holding. You'll start early, hitting prime feeding times when the bite is hot. The boat is rigged with quality rods and reels, fresh bait, and tackle specifically chosen for Atlantic Beach's target species. With only three anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. The captain handles all the navigation, fish finding, and boat positioning while you focus on what you came for – catching fish. At the end of the day, your catch gets cleaned and filleted, so you head home with dinner ready for the table.
Captain Gillikin employs a mix of bottom fishing and drift techniques depending on conditions and target species. You'll be working structure like ledges, artificial reefs, and natural bottom contours where sea bass stack up. For bluefish, expect some fast-paced action with cut bait and lures when schools move through. The captain provides conventional tackle suited for inshore work – medium-heavy rods paired with reels that can handle the fight these fish put up. Bait selection varies with the season and target species, from squid and cut bait for sea bass to live and cut offerings for the bigger predators. GPS and fish finder technology help locate productive spots, but it's the captain's eye for reading water conditions, current, and bait activity that puts you on fish consistently.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and drag system. These sleek predators typically run 2-4 pounds and show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. They're notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic fights, often clearing the water when hooked. Spanish mackerel school heavily around baitfish, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive strikes make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate fast action.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as many call them, are the ultimate inshore prize fish. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying in wait on sandy bottoms before ambushing prey with lightning speed. Door-mat fluke over 5 pounds are the holy grail, though keeper-sized fish in the 2-4 pound range provide plenty of excitement. Peak season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish often caught during summer months. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best table fare in the ocean.
King Mackerel are the apex predators of the inshore scene, capable of stripping line faster than you can react. These torpedo-shaped fish regularly hit 15-30 pounds and are known for their savage strikes and sustained runs. Kings show up when water temperatures climb, typically from late spring through fall. They're often found around baitfish schools and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. The combination of size, speed, and sharp teeth makes them a challenge even experienced anglers respect.
Sea Trout are the bread-and-butter fish of the inshore world, offering consistent action and excellent eating. These spotted beauties typically range from 12-20 inches, with trophy fish pushing over 2 feet. They're most active during warmer months and can be found around grass flats, drop-offs, and structure. Sea trout have a soft mouth, so keeping steady pressure without horsing them is key to landing success. Their distinctive spotted pattern and tender flesh make them a crowd favorite.
Redfish are the bruisers of shallow water, known for their copper-bronze coloring and distinctive black spots. These drum family members are built for power, using their broad tails to make long, steady runs that test your tackle and patience. Reds feed aggressively around structure and in shallow water, often creating visible wakes when hunting baitfish. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months. A big red drum will give you a workout you won't forget.
Captain Gillikin's full-day charter offers serious anglers the chance to fish Atlantic Beach's most productive inshore waters with a guide who lives and breathes these waters. With professional-grade equipment, expert local knowledge, and fish cleaning included, you get maximum value for your fishing dollar. The small group size means personalized instruction and prime fishing spots without the crowds. Whether you're after a cooler full of sea bass for the table or hoping to tangle with a trophy king mackerel, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Captain William Gillikin's Reel Affair is a purpose-built 20-foot Intruder that cuts through Atlantic Beach waters with authority. Powered by a reliable 115 hp Yamaha, this fishing machine handles inshore conditions while keeping up to 3 anglers comfortable during long days chasing black sea bass and bluefish. The boat's wireless trolling motor lets you slip into productive spots without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate structure and schools. A built-in live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh throughout the 8-hour trip. This isn't some weekend pleasure craft – it's designed for serious fishing, with plenty of deck space to work rods and land fish. Captain Gillikin knows these North Carolina waters inside and out, positioning the Reel Affair over the best inshore fishing grounds where the action happens.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the big brothers of the mackerel family - serious gamefish that average 10-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. These torpedo-shaped fighters cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often near temperature breaks and structure. Summer through early fall brings the best action when they're actively feeding. What gets anglers hooked is that blistering initial run - kings will strip line off your reel like no other inshore fish. They're also excellent eating with rich, flaky meat. Here's the key: rig with wire leader and use a stinger hook setup with live bait. Kings often hit the tail section of baits, so that trailing treble hook saves the day when they bite short.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Inshore fish typically run 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Year-round fishing with fall and spring being hottest. What makes reds special is their powerful, bulldogging fight and the sight-fishing opportunities in skinny water. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. Here's my go-to method: look for "tailing" fish in shallow water during low tide periods and present cut bait or live shrimp just ahead of their path. Stay quiet - they spook easily in the shallows.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful fish with distinct black spots scattered across their silver sides. Most average 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds around here. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall provides consistent action, with early morning and evening being peak times. Anglers love their willingness to hit topwater lures and the way they fight with head-shaking jumps. Delicate, sweet meat makes them a prized table fish. The secret is working the grass edges during moving tides with soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Keep your presentations subtle - these fish can be finicky.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that run 1-3 pounds on average here off Atlantic Beach. These silver speedsters with yellow spots love to school up near the surface, especially around structure and bait pods. You'll find them in 15-40 feet of water from late spring through early fall when water temps hit the 70s. They hit hard and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. Great table fare too - firm, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see diving birds or surface activity, get there fast with small spoons or live shrimp. These fish move quickly, so once you find a school, work it hard before they disappear.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of camouflage - flat, sandy-colored fish that blend perfectly with the bottom. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch some real doormat-sized fish pushing 5-8 pounds. They sit in ambush on sandy bottoms, around structure, and near channel edges in 10-30 feet. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes them fun is that sneaky bite - they grab bait and just sit there, so you need patience. Sweet, flaky white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table. My trick: use circle hooks and give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Atlantic Beach, NC