World Class Inshore Fishing Adventures Await
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target six species including Redfish and Spanish Mackerel inshoreFourhour morning charter accommodates up to four guestsAll bait, tackle, and fishing licenses included with trip
Looking for a solid morning on the water without all the fuss? This 4-hour inshore charter puts you right where the fish are biting along Ocean Isle Beach's productive creeks and shallow flats. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you casting for redfish, trout, flounder, and whatever else is running hot that day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers consistent action in some of North Carolina's best inshore fishing grounds.
You'll be fishing from a 22-foot Simmons flats boat – the perfect setup for sneaking into skinny water where the big reds like to cruise. These boats are built tough but ride smooth, giving you the stability you need for sight casting while still being able to slip into those back-country spots that bigger boats can't touch. The morning departure time is no accident either – that's when the bite is typically strongest, especially during summer months when the water stays cooler and fish are more active. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly, whether that means working structure for trout or poling the flats for tailing redfish. All your bait, tackle, and licenses are handled, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. The setup accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, buddies trips, or couples looking to share some quality fishing time.
Inshore fishing here is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. You might start the morning throwing live shrimp under popping corks around dock pilings, then switch to soft plastics when you find schools of trout working baitfish in the creeks. The captain provides quality spinning gear matched to the target species – medium-light action rods that let you feel every bump and bite while still having enough backbone to turn a bull red away from structure. Live bait is the bread and butter for most situations, but don't be surprised if artificial lures steal the show when fish are aggressive. You'll learn to read the water, watch for diving birds that signal feeding fish, and pick up on subtle signs that separate good anglers from great ones. The shallow draft of the flats boat opens up miles of fishable water that stays off-limits to most recreational anglers, giving you access to pristine spots that see minimal pressure throughout the season.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Ocean Isle Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but don't let their size fool you – they fight hard and taste even better. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish schooling up around grass beds and creek mouths. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, mud minnows, or soft plastic jigs with equal enthusiasm. What makes trout special is their willingness to bite throughout the day, making them perfect for building confidence when other species get finicky.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Carolina inshore fishing, and Ocean Isle's shallow flats provide world-class opportunities to target these copper-colored bulldogs. Reds here commonly run 20-35 inches, with plenty of oversized fish that'll test your drag and your patience. Summer and early fall are prime time when you can sight-fish to schools cruising the flats or individual fish tailing in knee-deep water. There's nothing quite like watching a red drum inhale your bait in crystal clear water – it's visual fishing at its finest. These fish are notorious for their stamina, often making multiple powerful runs before giving up.
Spanish mackerel show up when the water warms and baitfish are thick, typically from late spring through early fall. These speedsters average 1-3 pounds but make up for size with pure attitude. They'll crush small spoons, jigs, or live bait fished near the surface, often hitting so hard they hook themselves. Mackerel are perfect for kids or novice anglers since they're aggressive and relatively easy to catch once you locate a school.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish can exceed 20 inches and provide excellent table fare for those looking to take dinner home. Fall is prime time for doormat flounder as they stage near inlets before heading offshore to spawn. Fishing for flounder requires patience and the right technique – slow-trolling live bait or bouncing jigs along the bottom in 8-15 feet of water. When a big flounder grabs your bait, you'll know it – they hit with authority and their broad, flat bodies provide surprising resistance on light tackle.
Ocean Isle Beach's inshore waters deliver consistent action for anglers of all skill levels, and this charter puts you in position to make the most of it. Four hours gives you plenty of time to work different spots, target multiple species, and actually enjoy the fishing without feeling rushed. The included gear, bait, and licenses mean you show up ready to fish, and the local expertise ensures you're targeting the right species in the right spots at the right time. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing, plan a memorable guys trip, or just get away from the dock-and-talk crowd, this top-rated charter delivers the goods. Morning trips book fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your spot on the water.
This 2017 22' Simmons flats boat is built for serious inshore fishing along Ocean Isle Beach's productive waters. The 250HP Mercury gets you to the fish fast and runs shallow enough to access those hard-to-reach creeks and flats where the big reds hang out. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of casting space without bumping elbows. The stable platform keeps you steady when that speckled trout hits your lure or when you're sight-casting to tailing redfish. This boat cuts through chop smoothly and stays dry, so you can focus on fishing instead of getting soaked. Perfect for targeting flounder around structure, chasing false albacore in open water, or working the grass flats for trout. The shallow draft design lets you follow the fish wherever they go in Ocean Isle's maze of marshes and channels.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spots near their tails are what inshore fishing is all about. Most reds we catch run 18-28 inches and fight way above their weight class. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up and feed heavy before winter. What makes redfish special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. Plus they're great eating if you keep the smaller ones. Pro tip: when you spot a red tailing in skinny water, cast well past them and work your bait back slowly - spook one and the whole area goes quiet.
Salmo TruttaAlso called speckled trout, these silvery fish with dark spots run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds around here. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow creeks, especially at dawn and dusk when they're feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with cooler months bringing them into deeper holes. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their decent fight for the size. They're excellent table fare too - white, flaky meat that's perfect fried or grilled. My go-to tip: when working grass flats, make long casts and work your bait slow. Trout will often follow before they strike, so don't give up on a lure too quick.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat ambush predators are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud on creek bottoms waiting for an easy meal. Most flounder we catch run 15-18 inches, though bigger ones up to 25+ inches show up regularly. They hang out in deeper holes, around docks, and along channel edges where current brings food their way. Fall is prime time when they fatten up before heading offshore for winter. What makes flounder fishing appealing is the challenge - they're sneaky biters and excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The key to consistent flounder fishing is fishing slow and staying in contact with bottom. Use just enough weight to feel structure, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese fast-moving silver rockets with yellow spots show up in schools during warmer months and provide some of the most consistent action we see. Running 12-20 inches typically, they're built for speed and will absolutely scream drag when hooked. You'll find them around structure, bait schools, and often right along the beach when conditions are right. Late spring through early fall is peak season, especially when water temps hit the 70s. What guests love is the non-stop action - when you find a school, everyone stays busy. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch, with mild white meat perfect for the grill. The trick with spanish mackerel is keeping your bait moving fast - they won't chase a slow presentation, but a quick-retrieved spoon or fast-trolled bait drives them crazy.
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