Charter Fishing Outer Banks
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Early morning inshore fishing trips target Trout, Flounder, and Redfish.Fourhour charters depart at 7 AM during peak season.Experienced guides navigate to prime Outer Banks fishing locations.
If you're looking for the real deal when it comes to OBX inshore fishing, you've found it. Nancy Cay Fishing Charters runs a tight ship with our early morning 4-hour trips that put you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about prime time fishing from April 15 through October 15, when the Outer Banks really comes alive with some of the best inshore action on the East Coast. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll make your day – guaranteed.
We kick things off at 7:00 AM sharp, which is perfect timing for hitting the inshore grounds when the fish are most active. You'll be fishing with up to 3 other anglers, keeping the boat comfortable and giving everyone plenty of room to work. Our guides don't mess around – they know exactly where to find the hot spots based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns that change throughout our fishing season. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety you'll encounter. One minute you're working the grass flats for speckled trout, the next you're drifting structure for flounder or chasing schools of Spanish mackerel that light up the fishfinder. The Outer Banks offers some unique fishing opportunities with its mix of sound waters, inlet mouths, and nearshore structure that holds fish year-round during our season.
We fish smart and target these species using proven techniques that work in OBX waters. For trout and redfish, we'll be working live bait around grass beds and oyster bars, using popping corks and free-lining shrimp or finger mullet. When we're after flounder, it's all about working the bottom with bucktails tipped with strip bait or live minnows around structure and channel edges. Spanish mackerel and bluefish call for a different approach – we'll be casting spoons, small jigs, or trolling small lures when we mark schools. All tackle and bait are provided, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license. Our rods are spooled with appropriate line weights for the species we're targeting, and we carry a full selection of terminal tackle to match the conditions. The guides will handle all the rigging and net your fish, but they're always happy to teach you the techniques if you want to learn.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of OBX inshore fishing, and for good reason. These speckled beauties average 14-18 inches, with plenty of keepers in the 2-3 pound range and the occasional gator trout pushing 4-5 pounds. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, which is why our early morning trips are so productive. Trout love to ambush bait around grass beds and oyster bars, and when you hook one, they'll give you a great fight with head shakes and short runs. The bite is typically best from late spring through early fall, with peak action during the summer months.
Redfish are the bruisers of the flats, and the Outer Banks has some of the most consistent red drum fishing on the coast. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, with plenty of fish in the 3-8 pound range. Reds are aggressive feeders that will crush live bait and put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. They're year-round residents, but the best action happens from late spring through October when they're feeding heavily in preparation for their fall spawning runs.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and excitement to every trip. These chrome rockets average 12-16 inches and rarely weigh more than 2 pounds, but they make up for size with pure aggression and lightning-fast runs. When Spanish are in the area, usually from late spring through early fall, they'll hit anything that moves – spoons, jigs, and even live bait trolled at speed. They school heavily, so when you find one, you'll typically find dozens.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage and one of the best eating fish in these waters. These flatfish typically range from 14-20 inches, with keepers averaging 1-3 pounds and the occasional doormat pushing 4-5 pounds. Flounder are ambush predators that bury in the sand near structure, waiting for bait to swim by. They're tricky to hook since they often grab bait and hold it before swallowing, requiring patience and the right technique. Peak flounder fishing happens from late spring through early fall, with the best action around inlet mouths and channel edges.
Bluefish are the aggressive schooling fish that can turn a slow day into non-stop action in minutes. These toothy predators range from small snappers at 8-10 inches to chopper blues pushing 3-4 pounds. When bluefish are feeding, they'll hit anything you throw at them – spoons, jigs, cut bait, and live bait. They're year-round residents, but the best action typically happens during their spring and fall migration periods when large schools move through OBX waters.
This is what real inshore fishing looks like – no gimmicks, just productive time on the water with guides who know how to put you on fish. Our 4-hour morning trips give you the best shot at multiple species without breaking the bank, and the early start means you'll be back at the dock before the afternoon heat kicks in. With only 4 anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The OBX fishing season from April through October is prime time, and these trips fill up fast. Don't wait – book your spot now an
This restored 25-foot custom flats skiff is your ticket to productive OBX inshore waters. Built in 1999 and completely refreshed in 2022, she's powered by a reliable 200HP Honda that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a smooth 25 knots. The raised casting platforms at bow and stern give you and up to three buddies perfect positioning when working the flats for speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. When Spanish mackerel and blues are running, you'll appreciate the extra deck space for multiple lines. The GPS keeps us on productive spots while the fish finder shows what's below. An onboard icebox handles your catch and keeps drinks cold during those warm OBX mornings. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water or drifting deeper channels for keeper trout, this skiff puts you right where the fish are feeding.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and serious attitude. They average 12-20 inches but can reach 40 pounds when the big choppers move through. You'll find schools feeding on baitfish in open water, around inlet mouths, and along the surf line. They're most active during our season when water temps are right and bait is plentiful. What guests love is the non-stop action when you hit a feeding school - they'll hit anything that moves and fight like they're twice their size. They're good eating when fresh, especially the smaller ones. Key tip: use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through mono instantly, and when you find feeding birds diving on baitfish, get there fast - blues are probably underneath causing chaos.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are built like copper-colored bulldogs with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most fish we catch run 20-35 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings throughout our season. Reds are year-round residents, but spring through fall gives you the best action in skinny water. What makes them special is that explosive strike in shallow water and their bulldogging fight. Plus they're excellent eating when prepared fresh. Local trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats, then cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easy but hit hard.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are solid inshore fighters that run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they're most active. They love feeding on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. During our season from April to October, they're consistently active in the sounds and back bays around structure. What guests love about specks is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're great table fare with flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when fishing grass flats, use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise draws them in and keeps your bait just above the grass where they're hunting.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are the masters of disguise - flat, oval-shaped ambush predators with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-18 inches, though some reach 30+ inches and several pounds. They bury themselves in sand and mud on shallow flats, around creek mouths, and near structure waiting to ambush prey. Best fishing happens during our season when they're active in 2-10 feet of water. What's cool about flounder is watching them change color to match the bottom, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The trick is fishing slow and low with live minnows or shrimp on a Carolina rig, bouncing bottom near drop-offs and channel edges where they wait for baitfish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that average 12-20 inches and pack serious fight for their size. These silver bullets with yellow spots show up when the water warms and are some of the fastest swimmers you'll encounter. They school up near the surface around structures, inlet mouths, and along the beachfront during our season. Peak action happens from late spring through early fall when baitfish are thick. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight fast, and make excellent table fare - mild flavor that's perfect grilled or smoked. They're also great for kids since they bite readily. Here's the key: use small, fast-moving lures or live bait on light tackle, and when you find one, work the area quickly because the whole school is usually nearby.
Washington