Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Charter | Half Day PM
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing charter for up to four guestsLate start accommodates vacation schedules and other daily activitiesProfessional guide service with Old North State Fishing company
Looking to hit the water without that early morning alarm? This half-day afternoon inshore charter is your ticket to some seriously good fishing without sacrificing your morning sleep-in. You'll get four solid hours on the water with Old North State Fishing, targeting the Outer Banks' best inshore species while still having time for dinner plans or beach walks later. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who likes their fishing day served with a side of flexibility. Just remember to bring some cash for your captain's tip – these guys work hard to put fish in the cooler.
Your afternoon adventure kicks off from one of the Outer Banks' prime launch spots, where you'll meet your experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of their hand. The beauty of afternoon trips is the relaxed vibe – no rushing around in the dark, no skipping breakfast. You'll cruise out to proven fishing grounds where the afternoon bite is often hot, especially during those magic hours when the sun starts getting lower. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of elbow room whether you're casting with the kids or competing with your buddies. These four hours fly by when the fish are biting, and your captain will work different spots to keep the action going. The Outer Banks inshore waters offer incredible variety, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels where different species hang out at different times of day.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your captain will have you covered with quality tackle suited for the target species, from light spinning gear for speckled trout to heavier setups when the red drum are running. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be throwing live bait around structure, working soft plastics through the grass, or casting topwater plugs near the shoreline. The afternoon hours often mean sight fishing opportunities, especially for redfish cruising the shallows. Don't worry if you're new to inshore techniques – your guide will get you dialed in quickly. Expect to fish everything from oyster bars and creek mouths to sand bars and drop-offs. The key is staying mobile and hitting multiple spots until you find where the fish are staged. Live bait like finger mullet and mud minnows are usually money, but artificial lures can be just as deadly when worked properly.
Bluefish are absolute fighters that'll bend your rod and test your drag system. These aggressive predators roam the Outer Banks waters in schools, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Spring through fall sees the best bluefish action, with bigger "chopper" blues showing up during their migrations. What makes them special is their attitude – they hit hard, fight harder, and provide some of the most exciting light-tackle action you'll find. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled properly and put on ice quickly.
Summer flounder, or "fluke" as the locals call them, are the ultimate inshore prize. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. The Outer Banks produces some legitimate doormat flounder, with fish over 20 inches not uncommon during peak summer months. What gets anglers hooked on flounder fishing is the challenge – they're finicky biters that require patience and technique. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap-drop, setting the hook on a big fluke is pure adrenaline.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped brawlers that love hanging around structure. These fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, making them one of the most interesting species to target. Spring months bring the best sheepshead action as they move shallow to spawn. They're notorious bait stealers with light bites, so catching one feels like solving a puzzle. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean, with white, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant dish.
Sea trout, or "specks," are the bread and butter of Outer Banks inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots are aggressive feeders that provide consistent action year-round, though fall and spring offer peak fishing. They're perfect for anglers of all skill levels because they hit both live bait and lures readily. The excitement comes from their unpredictable behavior – one minute they're sipping baits delicately, the next they're crushing topwater plugs in explosive strikes.
Redfish are the copper-colored bulldogs that make long, powerful runs when hooked. The Outer Banks is famous for its red drum fishery, with both puppy drum and oversized bull reds available depending on season and location. Fall brings massive schools of citation-sized reds, while summer offers consistent action with slot-sized fish perfect for the dinner table. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat and their fighting ability – they're the perfect combination of catchable and challenging.
This afternoon charter delivers exactly what serious anglers and casual fishing fans are looking for – quality time on productive water without the early morning commitment. Four hours gives you enough time to hit multiple spots, adapt to changing conditions, and hopefully load the cooler with dinner. The Outer Banks inshore fishery is world-class, and afternoon trips often produce some of the day's best action as fish become more active in the changing light. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, enjoy a relaxed day with friends, or target specific species during prime afternoon feeding times, this charter fits the bill. Book your spot and get ready to experience why the Outer Banks has earned its reputation as one of the East Coast's premier inshore fishing destinations.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, typically running 3-15 pounds with some pushing 20+. These silver-blue predators love to hunt in schools, creating feeding frenzies that make for exciting fishing. You'll find them around bait schools in open water, near inlets, and along the surf. They hit hard and fight dirty with sharp teeth, so bring a wire leader. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're most active. Guests love the nonstop action and excellent table fare - just bleed them quick and keep on ice. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, get your lure in there fast. They're feeding and won't be picky about what they grab.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the copper-colored bulls of our shallow water, sporting that distinctive black spot near their tail. Most run 20-35 inches with slot fish around 5-8 pounds, though big bull reds can hit 40+ pounds. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and marshes in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Fall is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively before winter. Guests love sight-fishing to tailing reds and the powerful runs they make in shallow water. They're great eating in the slot size with firm, mild meat. My go-to trick: look for nervous water and muddy spots where they're rooting for crabs. Cast ahead of cruising fish and work your bait slow along the bottom.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, running 12-20 inches with occasional gator trout over 5 pounds. These spotted beauties cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow bays hunting shrimp and baitfish. You'll find them in 2-8 feet of water, especially around moving water and structure edges. Spring through fall are prime with early morning and evening being best. Guests love their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and run when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. Key is working soft plastics or live shrimp around grass edges at a steady pace. Don't horse them in - they have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you're too aggressive with the drag.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our inshore waters, easily spotted by their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 8+ pounders lurk around the best structure. You'll find them tight to pilings, docks, jetties, and any barnacle-covered structure where they munch on crustaceans. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. Guests love the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require finesse. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, firm white meat. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook at the first sign of weight. They'll steal your bait if you hesitate.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, typically running 15-20 inches with doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds always possible. These flatfish lie buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey, making them a fun challenge to target. You'll find them on structure edges, around inlets, and over sandy flats in 10-40 feet of water. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily before winter. Guests enjoy the steady action and excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key is bouncing your bait right along the bottom with just enough movement to get their attention. Use a slow retrieve and be ready to set the hook when you feel that telltale tap-tap.
Outer Banks