6-Hour Manteo Inshore Fishing with Captain Bud
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and sea troutAccommodates up to three guests with Captain Bud's local guidanceSkeeter Bay Boat provides shallow water access and comfort
Captain Bud Bishop knows these Manteo waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this top-rated 6-hour inshore adventure. Running out of one of North Carolina's most productive fishing areas, this trip targets the Outer Banks' best shallow water species aboard a specially rigged Skeeter Bay Boat that can get you into those skinny water honey holes where the big reds like to cruise. Whether you're bringing the family for their first saltwater experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique, Captain Bud's hands-on approach ensures everyone goes home with stories and hopefully some fillets for dinner.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Bud at the dock in Manteo, where the coffee's hot and the anticipation is building. The Skeeter Bay Boat isn't just comfortable—it's built for this exact type of fishing, with a shallow draft that lets you slide right up into those grassy flats and creek mouths where the fish feed. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of elbow room to cast without tangling lines, plus Captain Bud can give each person the individual attention they need to improve their technique. The 6-hour window gives you time to hit multiple spots as conditions change throughout the day, following the tide and the fish. Don't expect to just sit and wait—this is active fishing where you'll be sight casting, working structure, and learning to read the water like a local. Captain Bud provides all the tackle and knows exactly what baits are working, but he's also happy to let you throw your own gear if you've got favorites you want to try.
Inshore fishing around Manteo is all about understanding how these fish use the structure and tides to feed. Captain Bud runs light tackle setups perfect for the mix of artificial lures and live bait that produce consistent results in these waters. You'll learn to work soft plastics around oyster bars, pitch live shrimp under docks, and maybe even get some shots at tailing redfish in the grass flats if conditions line up right. The Skeeter's shallow draft means you can get into 18 inches of water where other boats can't reach, opening up prime feeding areas that see less pressure. Depending on what's happening that day, you might be drift fishing deeper channels for trout, anchored up on structure for sheepshead, or poling the flats looking for reds with their backs out of the water. Captain Bud reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, teaching you why certain spots produce at different tide stages and times of day. The beauty of this fishery is the variety—you never know if the next cast will produce a slot red, a gator trout, or a surprise species that wandered in with the tide.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Manteo's inshore scene, and for good reason. These speckled beauties love the grass flats and channel edges around the sound, especially when the water temperature is right and baitfish are thick. Most of your trout will run 14 to 18 inches, perfect for the dinner table, but don't be surprised when a 4-pound gator trout crushes your lure and takes you into the backing. They hit everything from topwater plugs at dawn to soft plastics bounced along the bottom, and Captain Bud knows exactly where they school up based on season and conditions. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer can produce some fantastic action if you know where to look.
Redfish are what most anglers dream about when they think North Carolina inshore fishing, and the Manteo area holds some real bulls alongside plenty of slot-sized fish. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water structure, especially oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass flats where they can ambush crabs and shrimp. A 27-inch slot red will test your drag system and your patience, especially in skinny water where they can use every oyster bar and grass bed to their advantage. Fall is absolutely prime time for reds as they start their spawning runs, but Captain Bud finds them year-round by adjusting his tactics and locations. The sight fishing opportunities are world-class when conditions align—nothing beats watching a red's back fin cutting through 2 feet of clear water as it hunts the flats.
Bluefish might not win beauty contests, but they'll sure give you a fight and they're fantastic in the smoker when prepared right. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups and bent rods all around the boat. They show up following bait schools and aren't picky about what they eat, making them perfect for kids or anyone who wants consistent action. Captain Bud knows the seasonal patterns and can usually put you on a school when they're in the area, especially during their spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily in the sounds and nearshore waters.
Captain Bud Bishop's 6-hour inshore trips book up fast, especially during prime season when the fish are most active and the weather's cooperating. This customer favorite experience offers the perfect balance of productive fishing, local knowledge, and hands-on instruction that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Remember, you'll need to call Captain Bud directly to confirm your booking—he doesn't accept automated reservations because he wants to discuss conditions, expectations, and make sure your trip timing lines up with the best fishing opportunities. With only 3 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and the kind of local insight that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Whether you're targeting your first redfish or trying to beat your personal best sea trout, Captain Bud's got the knowledge and the boat
Captain Bud's Skeeter Bay Boat is built for serious inshore fishing around Manteo's shallow waters. This nimble motorboat gets you into those tight spots where redfish and sea trout like to hang out, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in skinny water. The GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of finding productive waters, and there's plenty of ice box space to keep your catch fresh. With room for up to 3 anglers, it's perfect for small groups who want personalized attention on the water. The shallow draft design means Captain Bud can work the grass flats and creek mouths that bigger boats can't touch – exactly where the coastal gamefish feed.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the aggressive bullies of our coastal waters, and they'll give you a workout every time. These silver-blue fighters typically run 2-10 pounds around here, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in schools working baitfish along the beaches, inlets, and sound waters, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Summer brings smaller "snappers" that are perfect for kids to catch. What makes blues exciting is their vicious strikes and strong runs - they hit hard and don't give up easy. They're also excellent eating when fresh, though the bigger ones have a stronger flavor. Be ready for action when we find a school because they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. My advice: bring a wire leader and keep your fingers clear of those teeth when landing them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in Manteo. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail love our shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges - often in water so thin their backs show above the surface. Most run 20-30 inches and put up a serious fight with powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up heavily. What guests love most is sight-fishing for these "bulls" in skinny water - watching them cruise and tail in the shallows never gets old. The meat is firm and mild, perfect eating. Pro tip: when you spot a red tailing in the grass, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle to the bottom before giving it life.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are some of the prettiest fish you'll catch in these waters. They average 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds, with those distinctive black spots covering their silvery sides. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow areas, especially during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they can be caught year-round. What makes specks special is their delicate fight and excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're also great for beginners since they're willing biters. My local tip: work your lure slowly through the grass beds and listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound when they school up.
322 Fernando St, Manteo, NC