Inshore Fishing Charter in Atlantic Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting black sea bass and bluefishCaptain William Gillikin provides all gear and fishing licenses includedBeginnerfriendly trip with complimentary catch cleaning and filleting
Get ready for some serious inshore action with Local Knowledge Charters right off the beautiful Atlantic Beach coast. Captain William Gillikin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the perfect 4-hour fishing trip lined up for you. Whether you're brand new to fishing or looking to dial in your technique, this charter is designed to put fish in the boat while keeping things relaxed and fun. We're talking black sea bass, bluefish, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and speckled trout – all the species that make North Carolina's Crystal Coast famous among anglers.
Captain William runs a tight but friendly operation with space for up to 3 anglers, making this trip perfect for small groups or families who want personalized attention. You'll launch from Atlantic Beach and head to his proven honey holes where the fish are biting. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures – everything you need to start hooking up right away. Your fishing license is covered, drinks are on the boat, and when you're done battling fish, the captain will clean and fillet your catch so you can take home a cooler full of fresh fillets. Just bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, some snacks, and dress for the conditions. The Crystal Coast can get breezy, so layers are always smart.
This inshore charter focuses on the productive waters within a few miles of Atlantic Beach, where structure meets current and the fish stack up. Captain William employs a mix of bottom fishing, drift fishing, and light tackle techniques depending on what's biting that day. You'll work artificial reefs, nearshore wrecks, and natural bottom structure where black sea bass love to hang out. For the pelagics like king mackerel and Spanish mackerel, expect to troll small spoons and plugs or work live bait around bait schools. Bluefish and trout often come on cut bait or soft plastics worked through the water column. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – you never know if the next bite will be a chunky black sea bass or a screaming king mackerel that'll test your drag.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love the artificial reefs and wrecks scattered along the Crystal Coast, typically running 1-3 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 4-5 pounds. They're most active from late spring through fall, and they fight harder than you'd expect for their size. Plus, they're absolutely delicious – firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer. Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the inshore waters, hitting just about anything you throw at them with savage strikes that'll wake you up fast. They run in schools and when you find them, it's often fast and furious action with fish in the 2-6 pound range.
King mackerel are the speed demons that'll make your reel scream and your arms burn. These torpedo-shaped fighters can show up any time from spring through fall, with fish ranging from school-sized kings around 10-15 pounds up to real studs pushing 30-40 pounds or more. They're notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a favorite among anglers who love a good fight. Spanish mackerel are smaller but just as feisty, typically running 1-3 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the finicky but rewarding targets that cruise the grass flats and drop-offs. They're excellent table fare and beautiful fish with distinctive spotted patterns along their silvery sides.
This top-rated Atlantic Beach fishing charter delivers exactly what inshore anglers are looking for – consistent action, expert guidance, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can actually learn something while having a blast. Captain William's local knowledge and commitment to putting his clients on fish makes this a customer favorite among both beginners and experienced anglers. The 4-hour trip length is perfect for getting a real taste of what Crystal Coast fishing is all about without committing to a full day, and with everything included except your personal gear, it's hassle-free from start to finish. Book your spot today and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the North Carolina coast has to offer.
Captain William Gillikin's Reel Affair is your ticket to productive inshore fishing around Atlantic Beach. This nimble 20-foot Intruder runs on a reliable 115hp Yamaha, perfect for navigating the shallow waters where black sea bass and bluefish love to hang out. The boat's equipped with everything serious anglers need – a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh, GPS to mark those sweet spots, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise. With space for up to 3 guests, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. Captain William knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides all the gear, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're targeting bottom structure for sea bass or working the surf for blues, this setup handles it all.
Centropristis StriataSea bass are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing, typically running 1-4 pounds with the occasional 6+ pounder around deeper structure. These chunky fighters live around wrecks, rock piles, and hard bottom in 20-120 feet, making them perfect for our inshore trips. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move shallow to spawn and feed. They're scrappy for their size and absolutely delicious - firm white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Bass have big mouths and aren't shy about eating, but they're also smart about cover. My go-to rig is a two-hook bottom setup with squid strips, but here's the key: once you hook one, work that spot hard. Sea bass travel in schools, and where you catch one, there's usually more waiting below.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that show up in schools and attack everything in sight - it's like fishing in a washing machine when they're feeding. Most run 2-8 pounds around here, with occasional choppers hitting 15+. You'll find them in surf zones, around inlet mouths, and over structure from spring through fall when water temps are right. They're known for their powerful runs and sharp teeth, so bring wire leaders. The smaller "cocktail blues" make excellent eating with white, flaky meat, while the bigger ones are better for smoking. When blues are blitzing on top, almost any lure works, but here's what most folks miss: they often feed just under the surface too. Drop a bucktail jig down 10-15 feet when the surface action dies - you'll often find them still feeding below.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter around Atlantic Beach, typically running 15-40 pounds with occasional giants pushing 60+. These silver rockets love structure and baitfish, so we find them around wrecks, drop-offs, and temperature breaks in 40-150 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're chasing schools of menhaden and blue runners. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line like nothing else and jump clear out of the water. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of live baits, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 12-20 inches with plenty of keepers in the 2-4 pound range. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall offer the hottest action, especially on moving water during dawn and dusk. Trout have a subtle bite but fight harder than their size suggests, and they're absolutely delicious with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key here is staying quiet - these fish spook easily in shallow water. I like to drift the grass beds with live shrimp under a popping cork, keeping just enough weight to tick the bottom. When you feel that light tap, don't jerk - just lift and reel steady.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are pure fun on light tackle, averaging 1-3 pounds but making up for size with incredible speed and acrobatics. These silver bullets show up in spring and stick around through fall, traveling in fast-moving schools that hit the surface like a blender. We find them over nearshore structure, around inlet mouths, and anywhere baitfish are getting worked. They're fantastic table fare with mild, white meat that grills beautifully. The trick with Spanish is speed - they move constantly, so when you mark a school, get your lures in the water fast. Small spoons and jigs work great, but here's the real secret: use a tiny piece of cut bait on your jig hook. That little bit of scent makes all the difference when they're being picky.
Atlantic Beach, NC