Half Day Afternoon Fishing Trip In North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing targeting multiple species in productive watersSmall group experience with maximum three guests per charterProfessional guidance from On Deck Fishing Charters in Beaufort
Looking for a solid afternoon of inshore fishing without the commitment of a full day? This 4-hour trip out of Beaufort, North Carolina hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing time in some of the Crystal Coast's most productive waters. You'll be targeting the usual suspects – Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum – plus whatever else decides to bite in these fish-rich sounds and creeks. With just 3 spots available, you get that personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
This afternoon charter launches from Beaufort, putting you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best inshore fishing grounds. The beauty of a 4-hour window is that you're fishing during prime afternoon hours when the tide movement really gets things going. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every oyster bar, grass flat, and creek mouth where fish like to hang out. You'll be working both structure and open water, adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you that day. The intimate 3-person capacity means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized instruction. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique or someone newer to saltwater fishing, this trip gives you the perfect amount of time to really get into a rhythm without feeling rushed.
Inshore fishing around Beaufort is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish want. You'll likely start with live or cut bait – shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are local favorites that rarely disappoint. Depending on conditions, you might also throw some artificials – soft plastics work great for trout and redfish, especially when worked around grass beds and drop-offs. The captain provides all the tackle, so you don't need to worry about rigging or having the right gear. Expect to fish depths ranging from 2 to 15 feet, working everything from shallow flats where reds cruise in skinny water to deeper channel edges where bigger trout like to ambush baitfish. Light spinning gear is the name of the game here – sensitive enough to feel those subtle trout bites but with enough backbone to handle a bull red that decides to make a run for the next county.
Red Drum are the bread and butter of Beaufort inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round, but fall and winter months often produce the best action as schools of slot fish move through the sounds. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths, especially when the tide is moving. What makes reds special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag and your patience. Plus, they're excellent table fare when they're in that 18-27 inch slot limit.
Speckled Trout might be the most fun fish to catch in these waters. They're aggressive feeders with a distinctive bite that you'll learn to recognize after a few fish. Specks love grass beds and drop-offs, particularly during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around. Fall through spring offers the best trout fishing, with cooler water concentrating fish in predictable areas. A 3-pound speck will give you a surprisingly good fight on light tackle, and they're absolutely delicious when prepared right.
Flounder fishing requires a bit more finesse, but landing a nice doormat is always a trip highlight. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying in wait near structure or current breaks. They hit with a distinctive thump, and the key is giving them time to really grab the bait before setting the hook. Summer and early fall are prime time for flounder, and anything over 3 pounds is considered a keeper worth bragging about.
Black Drum often get overlooked, but they're fantastic fighters and surprisingly good eating when they're in the smaller sizes. You'll typically find them around oyster bars and hard bottom areas where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They're available year-round but seem most active during cooler months. Don't be surprised if a black drum takes your bait intended for redfish – they often hang in the same areas.
Bluefish add some variety to the mix, especially during their seasonal runs. These toothy predators are pure aggression, hitting baits and lures with authority. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Blues are excellent fighters and great for novice anglers because they're not particularly line-shy or finicky about presentations.
A half-day afternoon trip strikes the perfect balance between getting your fishing fix and having time for other activities. You're fishing during some of the day's best hours, working with an experienced captain who knows exactly where to put you on fish, and you're doing it all in a small group setting that ensures everyone gets the attention they deserve. Beaufort's inshore waters are renowned for their diversity and productivity, making this one of the top-rated fishing experiences on the Crystal Coast. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just enjoy a few hours of quality angling, this trip delivers. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – with only 3 people per trip, these afternoon charters fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons.
Your fishing platform for this half-day adventure is a 2013 22' Pathfinder bay boat, perfectly suited for North Carolina's inshore waters. This reliable vessel runs on a powerful 250HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly, with a top speed of 50 knots when conditions call for it. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Essential electronics include GPS navigation to pinpoint the best spots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder hiding in the shallows. The Pathfinder's shallow draft design lets you access those productive backwater areas where the big fish like to feed, while its stable platform makes it easy to fight fish and land your catch. Whether you're sight-casting in skinny water or bottom fishing deeper channels, this boat delivers the performance and comfort you need for a successful day targeting Beaufort's finest gamefish.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that make for exciting fishing around Beaufort. These silver-blue predators typically run 2-10 pounds, though bigger ones can hit 15-20 pounds. You'll find them in schools feeding on baitfish near the surface, especially around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall are prime times when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is their hard fight and the way they'll hit topwater lures with explosive strikes. They're also great eating when prepared fresh. The key trick here is to look for birds diving on baitfish - that's where the blues will be feeding underneath. Once you find a school, work fast with spoons or poppers because they move quickly.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize catch that gets everyone excited when they show up. These brown, shark-looking fish are loners that average 20-40 pounds and can reach 6 feet long. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, channel markers, and structure in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight-fishing aspect - you actually see the fish before you cast. Plus, they're outstanding eating with firm, white meat. The fight is strong but manageable. Here's the key: when you see one, cast well ahead of where it's swimming and let your bait sink naturally into its path. Don't cast directly at them or they'll spook every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, with that distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds so popular is their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them. They're also excellent table fare. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows during high tide. When you spot them, make a quiet approach and cast well ahead of where they're heading - they spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a local favorite that'll keep you busy all day. These spotted beauties average 12-18 inches and about 1-3 pounds, perfect pan-size fish. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and shallow bays in 2-8 feet of water. They bite best during cooler months and on overcast days when they move shallow to feed. What guests really enjoy is their willingness to hit lures and their delicate, sweet-tasting meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also great for kids since they bite regularly. Here's a local secret: work your lure slowly over grass beds during moving water. Trout are ambush feeders and won't chase a fast-moving bait far, so keep it subtle and near the bottom.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are some of the best fighting fish you'll encounter in our waters. These silver beauties with distinctive black stripes typically range from 18-30 inches, though we see plenty of bigger fish. They love structure like jetties, drop-offs, and oyster bars, usually in 10-40 feet of water. Fall and spring migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes stripers special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll test your drag for sure. Plus, they're top-notch table fare with firm, flaky meat. My local tip: fish the moving water around tide changes near structure. They position themselves to ambush baitfish in the current, so cast upcurrent and let your bait drift naturally to them.
North Carolina