Full Day Inshore Fishing with Captain Keith
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing targeting Cobia, Sea Trout, and Flounder speciesAll necessary fishing gear included with Captain KeithSmall group experience accommodating up to 3 guests
Looking for a solid day of fishing the North Carolina coast? Captain Keith's got you covered with this full-day inshore adventure that'll put you right in the sweet spots where the fish are biting. We're talking about prime waters where Southern Flounder stack up, Sea Trout cruise the grass flats, and Cobia patrol the structure. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter – it's a personalized fishing experience built around what's working right now. Pack your lunch and get ready to spend quality time on the water targeting some of the best inshore species the Carolina coast has to offer.
Your full day starts early when Captain Keith picks his spots based on tide, weather, and what's been producing lately. With just three anglers max, you're not fighting for rod space or competing with a crowd – everyone gets their shot at the action. The boat's rigged with quality gear, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll have what you need to get the job done. Keith knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the grass beds where trout hide to the drop-offs where flounder ambush baitfish. Expect to move around during the day, hitting different structure and following the bite. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics as conditions change, whether that means switching from live bait to artificials or moving from shallow flats to deeper channels.
Inshore fishing here means variety – you might start the morning drifting live shrimp over shell beds for flounder, then move to casting soft plastics around dock pilings for sea trout. Captain Keith stocks the boat with everything from circle hooks and pyramid sinkers for bottom fishing to jig heads and paddle tails for working structure. The tackle gets matched to the target species and conditions, so you're always fishing with the right setup. Live bait is king in these waters, especially finger mullet, shrimp, and mud minnows that trigger strikes from hungry predators. When the bite's hot, artificial lures like spoons, bucktails, and soft plastics can be deadly effective. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you focus on feeling that bite and setting the hook. GPS marks guide you to productive spots – underwater ledges, oyster bars, and grass edges that hold fish consistently.
Southern Flounder are the bread and butter of North Carolina inshore fishing, and these waters produce some beauties. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish – those doormat-sized specimens over 20 inches – showing up during summer months. What makes flounder so satisfying to catch is the subtlety of the bite; you feel that gentle tap-tap before they commit, then it's game on. Captain Keith knows exactly where these fish stage up, from creek mouths to channel edges.
Sea Trout patrol the grass flats and provide consistent action throughout the warmer months. These spotted beauties average 14 to 18 inches but can push over two feet when you find the right school. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with authority. The key is working the grass beds during moving water, when trout cruise the edges looking for easy meals. Their distinctive croaking sound when you bring them to the boat never gets old, and they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip when they show up. These brown sharks of the inshore world cruise in shallow water during spring and summer, often following rays and sharks. A good cobia can stretch the tape to 40 inches or better and will test your drag system with powerful runs. They're curious fish that respond well to sight fishing – when you spot that dark shadow gliding through clear water, the adrenaline kicks in fast. Captain Keith keeps heavy tackle ready specifically for these bruisers.
Spadefish gather around structure in impressive schools during summer months, providing fast-paced action when you locate them. These disc-shaped fighters are excellent on light tackle and make for great photo opportunities with their distinctive black stripes. Sheepshead hang around pilings and oyster bars year-round, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. They're notorious bait stealers that require finesse and patience, but landing a good sheepshead is always satisfying. Both species are top-shelf eating fish that locals target specifically for the dinner table.
This full-day charter gives you maximum time on productive water with an experienced captain who knows how to put fish in the boat. The three-person limit means personal attention and room to fish comfortably, while the all-inclusive gear setup takes the guesswork out of tackle selection. Remember to bring your fishing license, plenty of food and drinks for the day, and sun protection – you'll be out there making the most of prime fishing hours. North Carolina's inshore waters are world-class, and Captain Keith's local knowledge gives you the best shot at experiencing why anglers keep coming back to these productive waters. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect for spending a full day chasing whatever's biting.
Your fishing platform for this North Carolina inshore adventure is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious anglers. The boat features a reliable GPS system to navigate the coastal waters where Cobia, Sea Trout, and Flounder are waiting. A quality fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the day, and there's a toilet for convenience during longer fishing sessions. With room for up to 3 guests plus Captain Keith, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods and fight fish without getting tangled up. All fishing gear is provided, so just bring your appetite for action and pack some snacks for fuel between bites.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - and they're absolute bruisers. These solitary fish average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. They cruise shallow waters around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 20-70 feet, often visible right on the surface. Spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our waters. What guests love is the pure power - these fish make blistering runs and fight dirty. Plus, they're premium table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between mahi and grouper. Since they're loners, it's all about sight fishing. Here's my tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where it's swimming, then work it right in front of its nose. Don't cast directly at them or they'll spook every time.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as locals call them, are our bread-and-butter inshore species. These spotted beauties average 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 5+ pounders show up regularly. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow bays - anywhere from 2-15 feet deep. Best fishing is dawn and dusk, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall are prime, but they school up thick in deeper holes during winter cold snaps. Guests enjoy their aggressive strikes and decent fights, plus they're fantastic table fare with tender, flaky white meat. These fish are structure-oriented and spook easily. Here's what works: use soft plastic baits like shrimp tails or paddle tails on light jig heads. Work them slow over grass beds and when you feel the tick, set the hook quick - they'll throw it if you hesitate.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters - silver bodies with distinctive black bars and human-like teeth that'll creep you out. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but we've caught some pushing 20 pounds. These fish live around any structure - docks, bridges, jetties, and reef. They're year-round residents, but winter and early spring before spawning are peak times when they school up heavy. Guests love them because they're notorious bait thieves and excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Problem is, they're finicky and will steal your bait all day. My secret: use fiddler crab or fresh shrimp on a small hook, get tight to structure, and the moment you feel weight, set that hook hard. They've got crushers for teeth and will spit your bait in seconds.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. What makes them unique is having both eyes on their left side - pretty wild to see up close. They're found in our shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries year-round, but late fall through early spring is prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. Guests love the challenge since these fish are notorious bait thieves with a subtle bite. The meat is sweet and flaky - excellent table fare. My tip: use a slip sinker rig with live shrimp or mullet, keep your drag light, and when you feel that tap-tap-tap, give them a few seconds to swallow before setting the hook hard.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are some of the most underrated fighters in our waters. These silver, disk-shaped fish average 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, but can hit 14 pounds. They're schooling fish - when you find one, there's usually hundreds more nearby. Look for them around jetties, wrecks, and pier pilings in 15-50 feet of water. Summer months are best when they move inshore to feed. What guests love about spadefish is their surprising fight for their size - they pull hard and use that flat body like a sail. Plus, they're great eating with firm white meat. They can be picky eaters though. Here's the trick: use fresh clam on a small circle hook and cast past the school, then drag your bait right through them. They often play dead when hooked, so don't think you lost it if the fight suddenly stops.
North Myrtle Beach