5 HR Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour inshore fishing trip targeting striped bass and bluefishCaptain Dave guides guests through prime local fishing spotsAccommodates four guests with multiple fishing techniques available
Looking for a solid day on the water that won't break the bank or keep you out past dinner? Captain Dave's 5-hour inshore adventure hits that sweet spot perfectly. This isn't some rushed 3-hour trip where you barely get your lines wet, and it's not an all-day marathon that leaves you sunburned and exhausted. Five hours gives you real fishing time while keeping things comfortable for the whole crew. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in some new techniques, this trip delivers consistent action in productive local waters.
Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing what's working. You'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're working structure for black sea bass, the next you're live-lining for stripers cruising the flats. With a maximum of 4 anglers, there's plenty of elbow room and personal attention. No crowded party boat chaos here. Dave provides all the tackle and bait, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging. The boat's equipped with quality gear that can handle everything from finesse fishing to pulling on bigger fish. You'll spend time drifting over productive bottom, casting to visible structure, and maybe even some sight fishing if conditions line up right. The pace stays relaxed but productive – this is fishing, not a race.
Inshore fishing means adapting to what the conditions give you, and Dave's got the arsenal to match any situation. You'll likely start with bottom rigs for the resident species holding on structure – standard two-hook rigs with circle hooks and just enough weight to stay connected to the bottom. When the tide's running, expect some drift fishing with bucktails or soft plastics. If baitfish are showing on the finder, Dave might break out the live bait setup for some serious action. The beauty of targeting multiple species is switching up techniques throughout the day. Light spinning tackle for the smaller stuff, medium conventional gear when you need to muscle fish away from structure. Dave handles the technical side – reading the water, adjusting drift, finding the bite – while you focus on the fun part. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, and Dave's particular about proper hooksets and fish handling. You'll learn something new even if you've been fishing for years.
Thresher sharks are the wildcards of this fishery – when one shows up, everything else takes a backseat. These prehistoric predators can stretch over 10 feet and put on an aerial show that'll have your heart racing. They're not common, but when conditions align and bait concentrations draw them shallow, you might just tie into the fish of a lifetime. Summer months offer the best shot, especially when schools of bunker or blues are thick. The fight is pure adrenaline – long runs, jumps, and that distinctive tail-whipping that gives them their name.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of inshore structure fishing. These chunky fighters love rocky bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs. They're aggressive biters that'll slam a bucktail or take a chunk bait without hesitation. Size varies throughout the season, but keeper fish in the 3-5 pound range are common, with bigger bruisers always possible. They're excellent table fare and fight harder than their size suggests. Peak action runs from late spring through fall, with summer producing the most consistent numbers.
Black drum are the heavyweights that many anglers overlook. These copper-colored bruisers can push 20-30 pounds or more, and they know how to use every ounce. They're bottom feeders with a preference for crab and clam baits, and once hooked, they bulldoze toward structure with surprising determination. The bite can be subtle – just a steady pull rather than a sharp strike. They're most active during cooler months and provide excellent sport on medium tackle. Many anglers are surprised by their size and fighting ability.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of inshore fishing along the Atlantic coast. These silver-sided battlers are available year-round in many areas, with peak action during spring and fall migrations. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from live eels to topwater plugs. Size ranges from schoolie fish perfect for light tackle fun to trophy specimens that can test your drag and stamina. They're incredibly adaptable – one day they're crushing surface lures in shallow water, the next they're hugging bottom in 40 feet. Captain Dave knows their patterns and adjusts tactics accordingly.
King mackerel bring speed and raw power to the mix. These torpedo-shaped predators are built for one thing – burning line off your reel at ridiculous speeds. They typically show up during warmer months when bait concentrations draw them inshore. Trolling with live bait or flashy spoons is the standard approach, though they'll occasionally hit vertically jigged offerings. A 20-pound king will test your tackle and technique, making multiple long runs before coming to the boat. They're excellent eating when properly handled and bled immediately.
Five hours of quality fishing time with a knowledgeable captain who puts you on fish – that's exactly what Nanticoke Outfitters delivers. Captain Dave's track record speaks for itself, and his approach keeps both beginners and experienced anglers engaged throughout the trip. The 4-person limit ensures everyone gets personal attention and plenty of fishing time. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or wanting to explore new techniques in productive waters, this adventure hits all the right notes. The variety of target species means action throughout the day, and Dave's local knowledge puts you on the most productive water available. Don't wait for the perfect weather window – book your spot and let Captain
Step aboard this beautifully restored 25-foot MayCraft center console that's built for serious fishing action. With a powerful 350HP Suzuki engine pushing you to 40 knots, you'll reach the prime fishing spots quickly and efficiently. The spacious layout comfortably seats up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to cast, fight fish, and move around without getting tangled up. Captain Dave has equipped this boat with all the essentials - a reliable fish finder to locate schools of stripers and blues, GPS navigation to hit those productive marks, and radar for when the fog rolls in. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those hot summer days on the water. Whether you're bottom fishing for flounder, live-lining for striped bass, or casting lures for bluefish, this center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access around the entire boat. The stable platform makes it perfect for anglers of all ages and experience levels.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the bay, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 90 pounds. These powerful fish have crushing jaws built for eating oysters, crabs, and shellfish around muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in shallow brackish water. They're most active during spring spawning season when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What gets people hooked on drum fishing is the bulldogging fight - they use their broad sides and pure strength to test your drag. Smaller drum under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The big bulls are better as photo opportunities. Spring is your best bet when they concentrate in shallow areas to spawn. Here's the key to success: use fresh crab bait on a fish-finder rig and keep it right on the bottom. Drum are picky eaters, and that crab scent will pull them in when other baits won't produce.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that hang around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in depths under 120 feet. These chunky fish typically run 2-4 pounds, though you might hook into one pushing 8-10 pounds if you're lucky. They're grayish-black with white spots on their fins, and the big males get a bright blue color during spawning with a distinctive hump on their heads. Spring through summer is prime time when they move into shallower water near shore. What makes them popular is they're scrappy fighters until they hit the surface, plus they're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit both live bait like squid strips and artificial jigs bounced along the bottom. My go-to trick is using a two-hook bottom rig with fresh squid or clam - these guys are opportunistic feeders and rarely pass up an easy meal sitting on the bottom.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are speed demons that'll test your tackle and your nerves. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 pounds but can push over 90 pounds when the conditions are right. They patrol deeper water from 40-150 feet, hunting schools of blue runners, spanish sardines, and other baitfish in water temps between 68-84°F. Summer through early fall is prime time when they move closer to shore following the bait. What makes kings so popular is that blistering first run - they'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any fish out there. The meat is rich and flavorful, great for the grill or smoker. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. Kings are notorious for hitting the back half of live baits, so rig with a stinger hook through the bait's back end. When trolling, vary your speeds and watch for diving birds - that's where the action usually heats up.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the bread and butter of our local fishing, running anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows. These silver-sided fish with their distinctive black stripes are structure lovers - you'll find them around drop-offs, points, and anywhere the current moves baitfish. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily. What makes stripers special is their versatility - they'll hit live eels, chunk baits, or lures depending on conditions. The fight is solid with strong runs, and they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. These fish are smart and can be picky, especially the bigger ones. They love moving water during tide changes, and early morning or evening typically produces the best action. My best advice: match your bait to what they're feeding on. If you see bunker schools getting busted up on the surface, throw something that imitates those baitfish and hold on tight.
Alopias VulpinusThese impressive sharks are instantly recognizable by their signature long tail that's nearly as long as their body. Most threshers we encounter run 16 feet and around 500 pounds, though they can get much bigger. They use that whip-like tail to stun schools of mackerel, sardines, and other baitfish at speeds up to 50 mph. You'll find them in deeper waters, usually 40-50 miles offshore in depths from shallow to over 2000 feet, preferring temps around 60-70°F. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one. These fish put up one hell of a fight with powerful runs and occasional jumps that'll get your heart racing. They're known to be solitary hunters but will sometimes group up when chasing bait balls. Pro tip: when trolling for threshers, let your lures run deep at 25-50 feet and watch for diving birds marking baitfish - that's where you'll find them feeding.
Easton