5.0(1 Reviews)Expert Guided Inshore Fishing Adventures in OBX Waters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
48 hour inshore charters targeting trout, flounder, and redfishSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per tripPrime Outer Banks fishing locations for all skill levels
Nancy Cay Fishing Charters offers some of the best inshore fishing adventures along North Carolina's legendary Outer Banks. With 4-8 hour trips that put you right in the heart of OBX's most productive fishing waters, you'll target everything from speckled trout to hefty redfish in the sounds and back bays that make this coastline famous. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with space for up to four anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an amazing day on the water.
Your OBX fishing adventure starts in the protected inshore waters where the fish are plentiful and the scenery is spectacular. We'll cruise through winding creeks, expansive sounds, and shallow flats where the fishing action stays consistent throughout the day. The Outer Banks inshore fishery is world-class for good reason – the mix of fresh water from the sounds and salt water from the Atlantic creates the perfect environment for our target species to thrive. You'll be fishing in 2-12 feet of water most of the time, which means you can actually see the structure and cover we're targeting. Whether we're working grass beds for flounder, hitting the drop-offs for Spanish mackerel, or sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, every spot has its own personality and fishing technique. The captain will adjust the game plan based on conditions, season, and what's biting best that day. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing – our guide will teach you the ropes and make sure you're confident with whatever technique we're using.
Inshore fishing in the OBX means we're constantly adapting our approach based on what we're targeting and where we find them. We'll use everything from live bait fishing with shrimp and mud minnows to artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs. When we're after flounder, expect to be bouncing jigs along the bottom near structure, while Spanish mackerel fishing means fast retrieves with flashy spoons or small jigs. Redfish are a blast on topwater early in the morning or late in the day, and there's nothing quite like watching a big red blow up on a popper in shallow water. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe a cooler for your catch. We use quality spinning gear that's perfect for the species we're targeting – nothing too heavy that takes the fun out of the fight, but sturdy enough to handle anything we might hook into. The captain will rig everything and show you the best techniques for each spot we fish.
Sea Trout, also called speckled trout locally, are the bread and butter of OBX inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots love grass beds and drop-offs, typically running 12-20 inches with some real slabs pushing 4-5 pounds. Spring through fall are prime time, and they're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials. Trout fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare, which is why they're such a customer favorite on our charters.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, and the Outer Banks population is as healthy as anywhere on the East Coast. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18-30 inches, with the bigger bulls putting up legendary battles in shallow water. Summer and fall are peak season when they school up in massive numbers. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat topwater lures and their habit of feeding in water so shallow their backs stick out – it's sight fishing at its finest.
Spanish Mackerel show up in huge schools during summer and early fall, providing fast-paced action that's perfect for kids and beginning anglers. These speedsters rarely exceed 3 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. When we find a school, it's common to hook up on every cast until they move on. They're also fantastic eating when prepared fresh.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim by. The Outer Banks has always been famous for doormat flounder, and while the glory days of 8-pound fish are less common, we still regularly boat keeper-sized fish in the 15-20 inch range. Fall is prime time when they're staging for their offshore migration, and there's real skill involved in working jigs just right to tempt these bottom-dwellers.
Bluefish are the wolves of the inshore waters, traveling in aggressive schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them. They'll hit almost anything you throw at them and fight extremely hard, often jumping and making sizzling runs. Blues are most common in spring and fall, and while they're not the best table fare, they're an absolute blast to catch and perfect for testing your drag system.
Nancy Cay Fishing Charters delivers the authentic OBX inshore fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. With our intimate group size of just four anglers, top-rated local knowledge, and commitment to putting you on fish, this is your chance to experience why the Outer Banks is considered one of the premier inshore fishing destinations on the Atlantic Coast. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just enjoy a day of steady action on the water, our diverse fishery and expert guidance guarantee a memorable day. The fish are here year-round, but the best days book up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call to check availability and start planning your next fishing adventure in the beautiful waters of the Outer Banks.
This restored 25-foot custom flats skiff is your ticket to OBX's prime inshore fishing grounds. Built in '99 and given new life in 2022, she's powered by a reliable 200HP Honda that'll cruise you to the hottest spots at 25 knots. The raised bow and stern casting platforms give you and up to three fishing buddies perfect positioning to work those shallow flats where the big reds and trout like to feed. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising fish or working the grass beds for flounder, this boat gets you there in comfort. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days chasing Spanish mackerel and blues. Built specifically for the challenging OBX waters, this skiff handles the shallows like a dream and gives serious anglers the platform they need to make the most of every cast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up here mid-spring through fall, running anywhere from 2-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They travel in schools and hunt in shallow bays, around structure, and along the surf line. What makes them exciting is their feeding frenzies - when they're on, it's fast action with multiple hookups. They fight hard and make long runs, but handle them carefully since those teeth can do damage. Fresh bluefish are great when bled immediately and cooked same day. When you see birds diving and water churning, that's likely a bluefish blitz. Throw anything shiny - spoons, plugs, or cut bait - and hang on. Use a wire leader to avoid bite-offs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing, running 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds in these waters. Look for their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near the tail in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're here year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when they school up. What guests love is watching them cruise the shallows with their backs out of water - pure sight fishing at its best. Strong fighters that make long runs, plus they're great eating when kept within slot limits. Pro tip: cast a gold spoon or cut bait ahead of cruising fish and let it sink to the bottom before they get there. Patience pays off with these guys.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds in our OBX waters, with their silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structure in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - nothing beats that surface explosion. They're also excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. My go-to tip: work a popping cork with live shrimp slowly over grass beds during incoming tide. The trout will often hit right when you pause the retrieve.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms in 5-20 feet around inlets, channels, and structure. They typically run 15-18 inches but can push over 20 inches and 5+ pounds. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. What's fun about flounder fishing is the challenge - they're ambush predators that require patience and finesse. When they hit, it feels like you're snagged until they start shaking their head. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters. The trick is slow presentation with live bull minnows or strips of mullet on a Carolina rig. Drag it slowly across the bottom and pause frequently - most bites come on the pause.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that average 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, with silver sides covered in yellow spots. They travel in large schools near the surface around structure, jetties, and over open flats from spring through early fall. These fish are built for speed and put on aerial shows when hooked - great fun on light tackle. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for kids and new anglers. Plus, they're tasty when grilled or smoked fresh. The key is finding the schools - look for diving birds and surface activity. Once you locate them, small silver spoons or gotcha plugs trolled at 4-5 knots will get bit. Work fast since schools move quickly.
5.0 out of 5.0
Washington