6-Hour Inshore Fishing with Captain Bud
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targets redfish and sea trout.Captain Bud provides handson guidance for all skill levels.Skeeter Bay Boat accommodates three guests in shallow waters.
Looking for a solid day of inshore fishing in Manteo? Captain Bud Bishop knows these North Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and his 6-hour trips aboard a custom Skeeter Bay Boat are perfect for anyone wanting to get into some real fish. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in on redfish and sea trout, this top-rated charter accommodates up to 3 guests with plenty of personal attention. Fair warning though – Captain Bud requires a direct phone call to confirm your booking since he keeps a tight schedule and limited availability.
Captain Bud's Skeeter Bay Boat is built for exactly this kind of fishing – shallow water access where the big reds like to cruise and comfort for a full 6-hour day. You'll launch from Manteo and head into the productive inshore waters that make this area a customer favorite among Carolina anglers. The boat's shallow draft design lets you get into those skinny water spots where other boats can't reach, giving you access to prime feeding areas along grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Captain Bud reads the tides and conditions daily, adjusting the game plan to put you on the most active fish. Some days that means working the deeper channel edges, other days you'll be sight-casting in 2 feet of water watching redfish tails pop up in the distance. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is having time to try multiple spots and techniques without feeling rushed.
Inshore fishing around Manteo means adapting your approach based on what the fish are telling you. Captain Bud comes prepared with both live and artificial baits, switching between cut bait on Carolina rigs for bottom feeders like sheepshead, live shrimp under popping corks for sea trout, and soft plastics on jig heads for actively feeding redfish. When conditions are right, you might get into some sight-fishing action using topwater plugs or paddle-tail swimbaits. The Skeeter's layout gives everyone room to work without getting tangled up, and the shallow water platform lets you stand and get a better angle on your casts. Captain Bud provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their favorite setups. He's particularly good at coaching newer anglers on proper casting technique and teaching kids how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom structure.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Manteo inshore fishing, with fish ranging from 14-inch schoolies up to 4-pound gator trout that'll give you a real fight on light tackle. These speckled beauties love grass beds and drop-offs, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with cooler months pushing the bigger fish into deeper creek channels. What makes sea trout special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials – you might catch one on a live shrimp one cast and nail another on a soft plastic jig the next.
Redfish are the prize catch that keeps anglers coming back to these waters year after year. These copper-colored bulldogs range from slot-sized fish around 20-27 inches up to oversized bull reds that can stretch past 40 inches and weigh 30+ pounds. Reds are year-round residents but really turn on during fall months when they school up for their spawning runs. They're ambush predators that cruise shallow flats looking for crabs and baitfish, making them perfect targets for sight-fishing when conditions allow. The fight they put up is legendary – once hooked, a red will make multiple runs and use every bit of structure it can find to try breaking off.
Bluefish add some serious excitement to any inshore trip, especially when they're feeding in schools and competing for every bait that hits the water. These aggressive predators hit hard and fight dirty, using their razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs to test your drag system. Blues typically show up in good numbers during their spring and fall migrations, often mixing with Spanish mackerel to create some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll find. While they might not be the prettiest fish in the cooler, they're excellent tablefare when bled and iced properly, and their willingness to hit just about any moving bait makes them perfect for keeping kids engaged throughout the trip.
Captain Bud's 6-hour inshore trips offer the perfect balance of fishing time and personal attention that's made MottRidge Charters a renowned choice among Manteo fishing guides. With space for only 3 guests, you're guaranteed individual coaching and prime fishing spots without the crowds. The Skeeter Bay Boat gives you access to both the shallow water action and deeper structure fishing that makes this area so productive. Remember, you'll need to call Captain Bud directly to confirm your booking – he doesn't accept automated reservations due to the personalized nature of each trip and weather-dependent scheduling. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during peak season when his calendar fills up fast with repeat customers who know good fishing when they find it.
Captain Bud's Skeeter Bay Boat is built for serious inshore action around Manteo's shallow waters. This motorboat handles the flats and backwaters where redfish, sea trout, and bluefish like to hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots and structure. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want to get into some real coastal fishing without dealing with big water. The shallow draft design gets you into places bigger boats can't reach, putting you right where the fish are feeding along the grass lines and oyster bars.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are some of the most aggressive feeders you'll encounter around here, and they put up a serious scrap. Most of what we catch runs 2-10 pounds, though bigger ones show up offshore. They're schooling fish that roam our sounds, inlets, and nearshore waters, especially during summer and early fall when baitfish are thick. When they're feeding, the water looks like a washing machine - that's what we call a "bluefish blitz." Guests love the fast action since blues hit hard and fight dirty with strong runs and head shakes. They're also great table fare when prepared fresh, with flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you find a school feeding on the surface, don't cast right into the middle of the mayhem. Work the edges where the singles are picking off stragglers - you'll get better hookups.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing here in Manteo. These copper-colored fish with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-35 inches, but we see some real bulls pushing 40+ inches in deeper channels. They love cruising 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy flats - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is the visual aspect - spotting their tails and backs in skinny water, plus they fight like freight trains once hooked. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. My go-to tip: when you see a red cruising the flats, cast your bait well ahead of where they're heading, not right at them. They spook easy in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout around Manteo typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though we've seen some real nice ones pushing bigger. They love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but they really turn on during warmer months. What makes them special is that delicate, flaky white meat - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're also great fighters for their size, making solid runs when hooked. Here's a local trick: when you're working the grass flats after dark, use a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork. The subtle action drives them crazy, and you'll hear those pops all around the boat when they're feeding.
322 Fernando St, Manteo, NC