Half Day OBX Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore charter targeting redfish and sea troutSpacious 26foot Mako accommodates up to five anglers comfortablyProfessional guided fishing experience in Outer Banks waters
Looking for a solid inshore fishing trip that won't eat up your whole day? This half-day charter aboard our spacious 26' Mako is exactly what you need. We're talking about real deal Outer Banks fishing - targeting redfish, sea trout, summer flounder, and sheepshead in the productive shallow waters that make OBX famous among serious anglers. With room for up to 5 people, this boat gives your crew plenty of space to spread out, work different spots, and actually enjoy the fishing without bumping elbows every cast.
Our 26' Mako isn't just another boat - it's built for these inshore waters and designed with anglers in mind. The spacious layout means everyone gets their own fishing space, whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or gathering your regular crew for another shot at some quality fish. We'll be working the grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structure where these species love to hang out. The Outer Banks inshore scene is all about reading the water, understanding the tides, and knowing where fish move throughout the day. That's where having an experienced captain makes all the difference. We're not just driving you around - we're putting you on fish using decades of local knowledge about these waters.
Inshore fishing here is a mix of finesse and opportunity. We'll be using a variety of techniques depending on what we're seeing and where the fish are positioned. Live bait fishing with shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows is often the ticket, especially when working around structure where redfish and sea trout like to ambush prey. We'll also throw artificial lures - soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs when conditions are right and fish are active in the shallows. The beauty of our 26' Mako is that it draws minimal water, letting us get into those skinny spots where big fish feel safe but still giving us the stability and room to fight fish properly. All tackle and bait are included, and we keep a variety of rod setups rigged and ready so you can switch between techniques as conditions change throughout the trip.
Summer Flounder are the chameleons of the flats, and catching a quality "doormat" flounder is something every angler should experience. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottoms near drop-offs, channel edges, and around structure. Best times are typically during moving tides when baitfish get swept along current breaks. What makes them so rewarding to catch is their fight - they pull hard and dirty, using their flat profile to leverage against the current. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when you want to bring dinner home from your fishing trip.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped characters that'll test your patience and skill. These guys hang around any structure they can find - bridge pilings, oyster bars, dock pilings - and they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth. They require finesse fishing with small hooks, light leaders, and the patience to feel those subtle bites. When you hook into a good sheepshead, they'll make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active and feeding heavily.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are probably the most popular target for good reason. They're aggressive feeders, great fighters for their size, and absolutely beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides. Sea trout love grass flats, especially during warmer months, and they'll hit both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm. The best action often comes during low light periods - early morning or late afternoon - when they move into shallow water to feed. A good sea trout will make several strong runs and provide that satisfying bend in your rod that keeps anglers coming back.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and the Outer Banks offers some of the best red drum fishing on the East Coast. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, with broad tails and thick shoulders that'll test your tackle and your arms. Reds patrol the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, often in water so thin you can see their backs breaking the surface. There's nothing quite like watching a big red slam your bait in 2 feet of water - it's visual, exciting fishing that gets your heart pumping. They fight hard, pulling drag and making long runs, and they're smart fish that'll educate you quickly if you're not on your game.
Half-day charters are perfect when you want quality fishing without committing to a full day on the water. You'll get serious fishing time, work multiple spots, and target several species while still having time for other activities. Our 26' Mako gives you the room and comfort to actually enjoy the experience, whether you're introducing someone new to saltwater fishing or you're seasoned anglers looking for your next memorable catch. The Outer Banks inshore fishery is world-class, and this trip puts you right in the middle of it with experienced guidance and quality equipment. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during prime season when these species are most active and aggressive.
The Logan Elizabeth is your ticket to some serious redfish and sea trout action in the OBX shallows. This 26' center console got a complete refit in 2023, so everything's running smooth and ready for whatever these inshore waters throw at us. With room for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and work the flats without bumping elbows. She's loaded with all the gear you need to find fish - GPS to hit those honey holes, radar for when the morning fog rolls in, VHF radio to stay connected, and a quality fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot tailing reds and cruising trout in the skinny water. This Mako handles the Outer Banks backwaters like a dream. Her stable platform keeps you steady while you're sight fishing the grass beds or working structure around the sound. Whether you're bringing the family or a crew of fishing buddies, the Logan Elizabeth has the space and capability to make your half-day charter productive and comfortable on these legendary North Carolina waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Around OBX, most range 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 40+ inches. These fish cruise shallow flats, marshes, and around structure in 1-6 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer peak action when they school up heavily. Guests love their raw power and stamina - a good redfish will make multiple runs and fight you to the boat. They're also fantastic eating when kept within slot limits. The secret here is sight fishing - polarized glasses are essential for spotting their shadows and wakes in shallow water. When you see one, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your bait back into their path. They spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are gorgeous fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. Most of our OBX trout run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though the bigger females can push 5+ pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and around structure in 2-8 feet of water. Cool weather from fall through spring brings the best fishing, especially during moving tides around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - there's nothing quite like watching a big speck explode on a surface plug. They're also excellent table fare with tender, flaky white meat that's milder than most inshore species. Local tip: work your lures slowly in cooler water, and don't be afraid to downsize your presentation. A popping cork with live shrimp underneath is deadly when they're being finicky about artificials.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" with those distinctive black and white stripes, but it's their human-like teeth that really get people's attention. These crafty fish typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches around our local docks and bridge pilings. They're structure huggers, rarely venturing far from barnacle-covered pilings, jetties, and oyster beds. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on crabs, barnacles, and shrimp. Guests love the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers with a light bite that requires quick reflexes. The reward is some of the sweetest, flakiest white meat you'll find. My go-to trick is using fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp on a small circle hook, getting as close to structure as possible. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook immediately - they'll steal your bait in seconds if you hesitate.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of camouflage - these flatfish blend perfectly with the sandy bottom using both eyes on their left side to watch for prey above. Most run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see them pushing 4-5 pounds in our OBX waters. They love structure like wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 15-40 feet of water. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is their sneaky bite - they'll grab your bait and just sit there, so you need to feel for that subtle weight. The table fare is outstanding with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: use a circle hook with live minnows or squid strips, and when you feel them, count to three before setting the hook. They like to inhale the whole bait.
Outer Banks