Inshore Fishing Charter in Ocean Isle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and flounderAll bait, tackle, and licenses included for up to four guestsProfessional guide aboard 22-foot Simmons flats boat in coastal waters
Want to fish where the pros know the bite is hot? This 6-hour afternoon charter puts you right in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach's most productive inshore waters. You'll fish aboard a shallow-draft 22' Simmons flats boat that can slip into those skinny creeks and grass flats where the big reds and flounder hang out. Perfect for families, first-timers, or seasoned anglers looking to dial in on some of the Carolina coast's best inshore action. We've got all your tackle, bait, and licenses covered – just bring your cooler and get ready to put some fish in the box.
This top-rated afternoon trip kicks off when the sun starts its descent and the fish really turn on. Ocean Isle Beach sits in a sweet spot where multiple creeks dump into the Intracoastal Waterway, creating the perfect storm of structure, current, and forage that inshore species can't resist. Your captain knows every oyster bar, grass flat, and creek mouth that holds fish season after season. The 22' Simmons is built for this exact type of fishing – shallow enough to pole into 18 inches of water but stable enough to handle the bigger waters when we need to make moves. You'll spend your time working everything from live bait under popping corks to artificial lures that trigger reaction strikes. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might bring up a slot redfish, the next could be a keeper flounder or a hard-fighting trout.
We fish smart here, not hard. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you'll work with live shrimp under popping corks around structure, bounce jigs and soft plastics along creek edges, and cast spoons or topwater plugs when the fish are schooled up and aggressive. The boat stays positioned with the trolling motor so you can work baits naturally with the current – that's when the magic happens. We run medium-action spinning setups spooled with 20-pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders that won't spook fish in the clear water. When targeting flounder, we'll drift live mud minnows or finger mullet along the bottom transitions where sand meets grass. For reds, it's all about reading the water and putting baits where they're feeding – whether that's tight to an oyster bar or cruising a shallow flat. The captain handles boat positioning and reads the water while you focus on feeling that bite and setting the hook.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Ocean Isle Beach inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love our shallow grass flats and oyster-studded creeks year-round, with peak action during spring and fall when they school up in big numbers. Slot-sized reds between 18-27 inches are perfect eating, while the oversized bulls provide heart-pounding fights that'll test your drag system. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water or hear them busting bait along the creek banks. What makes reds special here is their willingness to eat – they'll crush live bait, artificials, and even topwater plugs when conditions are right.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage in our inshore waters, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish are most active from late spring through early fall, with the biggest doormat-sized fish showing up during their fall migration. Ocean Isle's creek mouths and channel edges are prime flounder real estate, especially where moving water creates current breaks. A quality flounder dinner is hard to beat – their white, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite. The key is fishing slow and staying in contact with the bottom where these ambush predators do their thing.
Sea Trout bring the numbers game to this fishery. These spotted beauties are abundant in our grass flats and around structure throughout the warmer months. They're aggressive feeders that love live shrimp and soft plastic jigs, making them perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. Trout between 14-18 inches are keeper size, and they'll often bite in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Their fighting ability might surprise you – they'll make long runs and jump just like their freshwater cousins.
Spanish Mackerel turn up the excitement level when they're running thick through our waters during summer and early fall. These silver rockets will absolutely smoke your drag and provide some of the fastest action you'll find inshore. They're perfect light-tackle fish that respond well to small spoons, jigs, and even fly rods when conditions allow. Spanish macs are also excellent table fare when prepared fresh, and their aggressive nature means kids and beginners often connect with them first.
Ocean Isle Beach's inshore waters produce year-round, but this afternoon timing gives you the best shot at multiple species when they're most active. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, you're getting world-class inshore fishing without any of the hassle. The 4-person capacity keeps things comfortable and gives everyone plenty of room to fish effectively. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just spend a quality afternoon on the water, this charter delivers the goods. These slots fill up fast during peak season, so grab your dates and get ready to see why Ocean Isle Beach consistently ranks among the Carolina coast's best inshore fishing destinations.
Our 22' Simmons flats boat is built for serious inshore fishing along Ocean Isle Beach's productive waters. This 2017 vessel packs a 250HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the fish fast, whether we're working shallow creeks for redfish or hitting the flats where flounder hang out. The boat's design gives you plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows, and the stable platform keeps you comfortable even when that big red drum starts pulling drag. With space for up to 4 anglers, she's perfect for families or small groups looking to target trout, Spanish mackerel, and whatever else is biting in these coastal waters. The shallow draft lets us sneak into spots where bigger boats can't go, giving you access to some of the area's best fishing grounds. Everything you need is included – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses – so just bring yourself and get ready to fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing here at Ocean Isle Beach. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-35 inches in our waters, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall and spring provide the hottest action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is the powerful fight these fish put up, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Here's a local trick: look for "nervous water" where baitfish are getting pushed around - that's usually redfish working underneath.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable catches here in the inshore waters around Ocean Isle Beach. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, though we see some beauties pushing bigger sizes. They love hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially during low light periods at dawn and dusk. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. What makes trout fishing so enjoyable is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're scrappy fighters that make great table fare with their flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you're working the grass flats, let your bait sink just above the grass line and work it slowly - trout like to ambush from below.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in the sand and mud bottoms around our creeks and flats. These flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on their left side typically measure 15-18 inches, though we catch some doormat-sized fish over 20 inches. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and creek mouths, especially around structure. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before heading offshore for winter. Guests enjoy the challenge of finding these camouflaged predators, and they're some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. The trick is to fish slow and low - use a jig head with live bait like mud minnows or shrimp, and bounce it right along the bottom where they're waiting to ambush.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that show up in our area during warmer months, typically running 12-20 inches and weighing 2-4 pounds. These streamlined silver fish with yellow spots are some of the fastest swimmers you'll encounter, often traveling in large schools near the surface. Summer and early fall are prime time when they move inshore chasing baitfish. What makes them popular with guests is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll hit fast-moving lures and put on quite a show. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Key tip: when you spot diving birds or surface activity, get there quick but approach quietly - one spook and the whole school disappears fast.
undefined, undefined