Summer Inshore Fishing Charter - Wrightsville Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore charter targeting red drum, spotted seatrout, flounderAll equipment, bait, licenses, and safety gear included onboardLimited summer promotion available through September 1st booking deadline
Nothing beats getting out on the water during peak summer season, and Ocean Stinger Charters is making it happen with their limited-time summer promo. This four-hour guided inshore trip puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best saltwater fishing grounds around Wrightsville Beach. Whether you're just getting started with a rod and reel or you've been fishing these waters for years, Captain and crew know exactly where the fish are holding and how to put you on them. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so bring the family or grab your fishing buddies for a proper day on the water.
Your morning starts at the dock where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the day's game plan. The crew handles all the heavy lifting - rods, reels, tackle, live bait, fishing licenses, and safety gear are all covered in your booking. All you need to worry about is bringing plenty of water, some snacks to keep your energy up, and serious sun protection because you'll be out there soaking up rays while you're waiting for that drag to start screaming. The captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts the plan accordingly, hitting the spots where fish have been most active. Some days that means working the grass flats, other times you'll be casting around structure or working the inlet mouths where baitfish stack up.
Inshore fishing around Wrightsville Beach means adapting your approach based on what you're targeting and where they're feeding. The crew sets you up with medium to medium-heavy spinning rigs that can handle everything from finicky trout to bull reds that'll test your drag system. Live bait fishing with shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows is the bread and butter technique here - nothing beats a frisky shrimp under a popping cork when the trout are schooled up. When the redfish are cruising the shallows, you might switch to Carolina rigs with cut bait or work topwater plugs early in the morning. The captain watches the tide charts, wind direction, and recent fishing reports to put together a strategy that maximizes your time on productive water. Artificial lures come into play when fish are aggressive - soft plastics on jig heads, spoons, and topwater plugs all have their moments depending on conditions.
Spotted seatrout are the bread and butter of Wrightsville Beach inshore fishing, and summer is prime time to get into some quality fish. These guys love the grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. Trout typically run 14 to 20 inches in these waters, with keeper fish at 12 inches and slot limits protecting the bigger breeding females. They hit live shrimp under corks beautifully, but when they're aggressive, a well-placed soft plastic can trigger explosive strikes. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to bite - even beginners can get into steady action when conditions are right.
Red drum are the crown jewel of Carolina inshore fishing, and the waters around Wrightsville Beach hold some true giants. Summer brings excellent opportunities for slot-sized reds in the 18 to 27-inch range, plus the chance at over-slot bull reds that'll give you a workout you won't forget. These copper-colored bruisers patrol everything from shallow grass beds to deeper channel edges, and they're notorious for making powerful runs that test your equipment and technique. Cut mullet, live finger mullet, and blue crabs are top baits, but when reds are tailing in skinny water, sight fishing with spoons or topwater plugs creates heart-stopping action.
Spanish mackerel show up in good numbers during summer months, particularly around structure and baitfish schools. These speed demons typically run 1 to 3 pounds and are absolute fun on light tackle - they make blazing runs and jump like miniature tarpon. Mackerel are excellent eating and fight way above their weight class. Small spoons, Got-Cha plugs, and live bait rigs produce consistent results when schools are located. The key is finding the birds working over baitfish, as mackerel are usually close by.
Southern flounder are masters of disguise and provide some of the most rewarding fishing around Wrightsville Beach. These flatfish ambush prey from sandy bottoms and structure edges, growing to impressive sizes in local waters. Summer fishing targets flounder in 3 to 8 feet of water around docks, jetties, and channel drop-offs. Keeper size starts at 15 inches, and these waters produce plenty of quality fish in the 16 to 20-inch range. Live finger mullet, mud minnows, and strips of fresh bait fished on Carolina rigs or bucktail jigs work best. What makes flounder special is their table fare - few saltwater fish eat better than fresh flounder fillets.
This summer promo with Ocean Stinger Charters won't last forever - the deal expires September 1st, so now's the time to lock in your dates. Four hours of guided fishing with all gear, bait, licenses, and professional instruction included makes this a no-brainer for anyone wanting to experience top-rated inshore fishing around Wrightsville Beach. The boat stays busy during peak season, especially with promotional pricing, so booking online secures your preferred dates before someone else grabs them. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just need to get your line wet, this charter delivers the goods without breaking the bank.
Our fully-equipped motorboat gets you out on the waters around Wrightsville Beach ready to chase red drum, spotted seatrout, and flounder. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - advanced fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to hit the hottest spots, and radar for those foggy coastal mornings. The onboard VHF radio keeps you connected while you're working the inshore waters. Between catching sessions, stay comfortable with the multimedia system, grab drinks from the ice box, and use the onboard restroom. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out whether you're casting lines or fighting fish. The boat handles the shallow coastal waters perfectly for targeting those NC inshore species that make this area famous among saltwater fishermen.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-35 inches in our waters. You'll find them cruising super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of the water, around oyster bars, grass beds, and creek edges. They're year-round residents but really fire up in fall when they school for their spawn run. What guests love is the visual fishing - watching them tail in skinny water and that powerful fight once hooked. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon worked slowly over the flats. Keep your eyes peeled for nervous water and copper flashes - that's your target.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are one of our most consistent inshore targets here at Wrightsville Beach. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around structure like oyster bars and creek mouths. Summer and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their soft mouth - you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them in. The meat is white, flaky, and mild, making them excellent table fare. Pro tip: fish with live shrimp under a popping cork during moving water. The sound draws them in, and you'll see that cork disappear when they hit.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators in our shallow waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on their left side typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some nice 20+ inchers. They bury themselves in sand and mud on shallow flats, creek mouths, and around docks waiting to ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're masters of camouflage and have a subtle bite. Plus, they're hands down one of the best eating fish we target. The trick is drift fishing with live mud minnows or shrimp on a light jig head, bouncing bottom slowly. Feel for that gentle tap-tap - set the hook and keep steady pressure.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes when they're around. These streamlined fish with yellow spots typically measure 12-20 inches and are built for speed - they're some of the fastest swimmers in our waters. You'll find schools of them working baitfish near the surface, usually around structure or temperature breaks during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They migrate south in winter, so timing matters. Guests enjoy the fast action and acrobatic jumps, plus they're outstanding on the dinner table - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Here's the key: use small, fast-moving lures like tiny spoons or jigs. Once you locate a school, work quickly because they move constantly and spook easily.
Wrightsville Beach