World Class PM Inshore Fishing Adventures Await
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, flounder, trout, and Spanish mackerel inshoreFourhour afternoon charter accommodates up to four guestsAll bait, tackle, and fishing licenses included
Looking for some solid afternoon action on the water? This 4-hour inshore fishing charter out of Ocean Isle Beach puts you right where the fish are biting. We'll be running a 22' Simmons flats boat that's built for getting into those shallow creeks and flats where redfish love to cruise and flounder lay in wait. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps folks coming back season after season. All your bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are covered, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
When you step aboard that Simmons flats boat, you're getting on a machine that's purpose-built for inshore work. These boats draw shallow and run quiet, which means we can slip into backcountry creeks and grass flats where bigger boats can't go. The afternoon timing is money around here – that's when the tide movement really gets things going and the fish start getting active. We'll work everything from oyster bars to creek mouths, depending on what the conditions and fish are telling us. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be fishing the spots that consistently produce. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and work different techniques without getting tangled up.
Inshore fishing around Ocean Isle Beach is all about reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want. We'll be running everything from live bait under popping corks to soft plastics bounced along the bottom. For redfish, you can't beat a well-presented shrimp or finger mullet near structure – these fish are opportunistic and will slam a properly placed bait. Flounder fishing is more of a finesse game, dragging bucktails or live minnows along sandy bottoms and drop-offs where they ambush prey. When the Spanish mackerel and false albacore are running, we'll switch gears to small jigs and spoons that mimic the baitfish they're feeding on. The tackle is all provided and rigged properly, but if you've got a favorite rod you like to throw, feel free to bring it along.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here, and for good reason. These speckled beauties love grass flats and creek edges, especially during moving tides. They hit soft plastics hard and put up a scrappy fight that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Most fish run 14-18 inches, with some keeper-sized trout pushing over 20 inches. Spring through fall is prime time, but the afternoon bite can be exceptional when conditions line up right.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Ocean Isle Beach has some fantastic red drum action. These copper-colored bruisers cruise shallow flats and oyster bars, often with their backs out of the water. A good red will peel drag and make powerful runs that test your tackle. Most fish are in the 18-27 inch slot limit range, though oversized bull reds show up regularly. They're year-round residents, but fall brings the best numbers as they stage for their spawning runs.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and excitement when they're in town. These silver rockets school up over structure and tear through baitfish with reckless abandon. They hit fast and fight harder, making long runs and jumping clear of the water. Most Spanish run 12-16 inches and are perfect for the dinner table. Late spring through early fall is peak season, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, laying flat against sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal to swim by. They're probably the best eating fish we target, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right technique – a slow, methodical approach that keeps your bait in the strike zone. Most keeper fish run 15-18 inches, with some real doormat-sized fish topping 20 inches. Fall is prime flounder time as they fatten up before heading to deeper water for winter.
This afternoon inshore charter hits all the right notes – productive fishing spots, quality equipment, and the kind of variety that keeps things interesting from start to finish. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fish on the table or just want to spend a few hours doing what you love, this trip delivers. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques without making it feel rushed. With everything included and space for up to 4 anglers, it's a top-rated option for families, friends, or anyone wanting to experience what Ocean Isle Beach inshore fishing is all about. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing times fill up fast, especially when word gets out about a hot bite.
This 2017 22-foot Simmons flats boat is built for serious inshore fishing along Ocean Isle Beach's productive waters. With a powerful 250HP Mercury engine, she'll get you to the fish quickly and quietly, whether you're working the shallow flats for tailing redfish or drifting deeper channels for flounder. The stable platform gives all four anglers plenty of casting room, while the shallow draft lets you sneak into those back-country creeks where the big fish hide. Her dry ride keeps you comfortable during the afternoon bite, and there's ample storage for tackle and your catch. Perfect for targeting reds, trout, flounder, and whatever else is running in these rich coastal waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore charters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail typically range from 18-30 inches in our waters. They love super shallow flats where you can actually see their backs out of water, plus oyster bars and creek edges. What guests love most is how hard they pull - redfish will drag your rod tip down and make long runs that'll test your drag. Fall and spring are prime time when they're feeding heavily before and after winter. The meat is fantastic too - mild, flaky, and perfect for blackening. Here's a local trick: when you see nervous water or bait getting pushed around in skinny water, cast past the disturbance and work your bait back through it slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets here at Ocean Isle Beach. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow creek mouths, especially during warmer months when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They're great fighters with solid runs, and the meat is excellent eating - soft white flesh that's perfect for the dinner table. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials. My go-to tip: work your lure slowly along the bottom edges of grass beds where they like to ambush prey. During cooler weather, look for them in slightly deeper holes where they school up.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our shallow flats - these flat, oval-shaped fish bury themselves in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, though we catch some nice 3-5 pounders that make great table fare. They hang out on sandy bottoms near creek mouths, around structure, and anywhere small baitfish travel. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before heading offshore for winter. What's cool about flounder fishing is the hunt - you're looking for that subtle tap as they grab your bait from below. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality and cooks up beautifully. Key tip: use a slow, dragging presentation along the bottom with live mud minnows or shrimp, and give them a few seconds to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you some of the fastest action on our afternoon trips. These sleek, silver fish with bright yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. They travel in schools near the surface, often around structure or wherever baitfish are thick. Summer and early fall are peak times when they're feeding aggressively on our flats and near the inlet. What makes them exciting is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll hit a lure hard and immediately go airborne. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we catch, with firm white meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your line tight because where there's one spanish, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
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