4 HR Inshore Fishing Trip - North Carolina Coast
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutModern 26foot Avenger Bay Boat accommodates up to four guestsExperienced captain guides all skill levels through coastal waters
When you're looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure along the North Carolina coast, this 4-hour inshore trip with Nautiboi Charters delivers exactly what you're after. You'll be fishing the shallow backwaters and sound systems where the fish are hungry and the action stays consistent. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet. The 26-foot Avenger Bay Boat handles beautifully in these protected waters, giving you plenty of room to move around and fight fish without feeling cramped. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to fishing, groups of friends looking to settle some friendly competition, or solo anglers who just want to get their line wet without committing to a full day on the water.
Your morning starts at the dock where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the game plan. The Avenger Bay Boat is built for these inshore waters - shallow draft, stable platform, and all the electronics you need to find fish fast. You'll head out into the maze of creeks, grass flats, and oyster bars that make North Carolina's inshore fishing so productive. The captain reads the tides, water temperature, and conditions to put you where the fish are feeding. Some days that means working the grass edges for speckled trout, other days you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. The boat stays within the protected sounds and estuaries, so you're not dealing with big ocean swells - just focusing on fishing. Four hours gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and adjust tactics based on what's biting. The crew provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you need, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you've got favorites.
Inshore fishing here is all about light tackle and finesse. You'll be throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics on jig heads, depending on what the fish want that day. The captain carries a full spread of tackle - from 1/8-ounce jigs for speckled trout to heavier spoons for redfish in current. Live bait fishing is deadly effective, especially when the fish are finicky. You'll learn to read the water - looking for bait pods, bird activity, and structure that holds fish. Casting accuracy matters more than distance out here. Getting your bait tight to oyster bars, dock pilings, or grass lines is where you'll get bit. The shallow water means you can actually see fish sometimes, which adds a whole different level of excitement to the fishing. When you're watching a big redfish cruise toward your bait, your heart rate definitely picks up. The captain will coach you through fighting fish in shallow water too - different techniques than deep water fishing, since these fish will use structure and shallow areas to their advantage.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of North Carolina inshore fishing. These fish love grass flats and drop-offs, especially when the tide is moving. They're aggressive feeders and will hit both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm. Spring and fall are prime time, but you can catch specks year-round in these waters. They fight with quick runs and head shakes, and a good speck in the 3-4 pound range will give you a solid battle on light tackle. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite - even when other species are being picky, you can usually count on specks to keep the action going.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and North Carolina's waters hold some of the best red drum fishing on the East Coast. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. Reds are built for power - they'll make long, sustained runs that test your drag and your patience. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the bigger bull reds provide pure adrenaline. Fall is absolutely prime time for redfish, but summer fishing can be fantastic too, especially early morning and late afternoon. What gets anglers hooked on redfish is their attitude - they eat aggressively and fight harder than just about anything else swimming in shallow water.
Southern flounder round out the slam, and they're some of the tastiest fish you'll find in these waters. Flounder are ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting for bait to swim overhead. They're masters of camouflage, which makes them challenging to spot even in clear water. The technique for flounder is different - slower presentations, working baits along the bottom, and patience. When a flounder hits, it's often subtle at first, then they clamp down and head for cover. Summer months are peak season, especially around structure like docks, bridges, and channel edges. A nice doormat flounder in the 3-5 pound range makes for some of the best eating you'll find, and the fight is surprisingly strong for a flatfish.
This 4-hour inshore trip hits the sweet spot for North Carolina fishing - long enough to really get into fish, but not so long that you're exhausted by the end. The Nautiboi Charters crew knows how to put clients on fish, and their track record speaks for itself. Whether you're trying to introduce someone to fishing, looking for a fun group activity, or just want to get out and catch some dinner, this trip delivers. The boat is comfortable, the fishing is consistently good, and four hours passes quicker than you think when the fish are biting. North Carolina's inshore waters fish well almost year-round, so don't wait for perfect conditions - book your trip and get out there. The fish are
Get ready to fish the North Carolina coast aboard our brand-new 2025 26-foot Avenger Bay Boat! This sleek fishing machine comes powered by a dependable Suzuki 350 HP engine that'll cruise you smoothly to the best inshore spots at 35 knots. Built for serious anglers but comfortable for everyone, she's got plenty of room for up to 4 guests to spread out and work the water. The shallow draft design lets us slide into those prime redfish haunts and speckled trout holes that bigger boats can't reach. Whether you're sight-fishing the grass flats or working structure for flounder, this boat's stable platform and modern layout make it easy to cast, fight fish, and land your catch. Your experienced captain knows these coastal waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish while keeping everyone safe and comfortable. Perfect for families new to saltwater fishing or seasoned anglers looking to dial in on North Carolina's best inshore species.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here - these copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spot near their tail are what dreams are made of. Most of our fish run 20-35 inches, but we see plenty of slot fish perfect for dinner. They love super shallow water, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around downed trees. Fall is prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What guests love most is the visual aspect - you'll often see them before you cast. They're powerful fighters that'll peel drag and make long runs. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect on the grill. My go-to tip: if you see one, there's usually more nearby. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easy but eat aggressive.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 14-24 inches and averaging 1-5 pounds. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots love our shallow grass flats and hang around structure like docks and oyster bars. They feed heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish, making them pretty aggressive biters. Spring through fall are prime times, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're scrappy fighters that'll give you some good head shakes. The meat is excellent eating too - white, flaky, and mild. Pro tip: work your lure slow and keep it just above the grass. They like to ambush from below, so a steady retrieve with occasional twitches usually does the trick.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are the masters of disguise on our flats - these flat, oval-shaped fish bury themselves in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Both eyes sit on their left side, which looks weird but works perfectly for their bottom-dwelling lifestyle. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some nice doormat-sized fish pushing 25+ inches. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and around creek mouths. Fall migration is when they really turn on, moving from the shallows to deeper water. Guests enjoy the challenge of targeting a fish that's basically invisible until it bites. The table fare is outstanding - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Key technique: work your bait slow along the bottom with live shrimp or bull minnows. A 1/4 oz jig head bounced gently will trigger strikes from fish you never knew were there.
Pamlico Sound