Inshore Fishing with Onslow Bay Waterman
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Black Drum, Sheepshead, Trout, Red Drum, and Flounder inshoreHalf-day or full-day private charters accommodate up to 6 guestsFamily-friendly trips include optional lunch stops and sandbar relaxation
When you're looking for a solid day of inshore fishing that delivers action without the hassle, our private charters hit the sweet spot. Whether you've got half a day to spare or want to make it a full adventure, we'll put you on fish in waters that consistently produce. With up to 6 anglers on board, you've got plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without bumping elbows. From first-time anglers to seasoned pros, everyone finds their rhythm out here.
Our inshore trips run Monday through Saturday during peak season, giving you flexibility to plan around your schedule. The beauty of fishing these waters lies in the variety – one cast you're working a grass flat for speckled trout, the next you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. The terrain changes throughout the day, and so does your strategy. When the bite slows or the crew needs a break, we'll cruise over to a sandbar where kids can stretch their legs and families can grab lunch. The river systems we fish offer protection from rough seas while still holding serious fish populations year-round.
Inshore fishing demands versatility, and we come prepared with multiple approaches. Light tackle spinning gear handles most situations, letting you feel every head shake and run. We'll have you throwing live shrimp under popping corks for trout, bouncing jigs along oyster bars for sheepshead, and working soft plastics through grass beds where flounder ambush baitfish. When targeting drum species, we step up to medium-heavy rods with circle hooks and cut bait. The shallow flats require different presentations than deeper channel edges, so expect to switch techniques as we move between spots. All tackle and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one that's been good to you.
Black drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, often pushing 20-40 pounds and testing your drag system to its limits. These powerful fish cruise oyster bars and shallow flats, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall produce the best action, when schools move through during spawning migrations. The fight is all about endurance – they don't jump, but they'll make long, steady runs that'll have your arms burning. Landing a big black drum is a badge of honor that keeps anglers coming back.
Summer flounder, or fluke as many call them, are the masters of camouflage in our sandy bottoms and grass edges. These flatfish can stretch over 20 inches and provide excellent table fare when prepared right. They're ambush predators, lying motionless until baitfish swim within striking distance. The summer months offer peak action, especially around structure changes where current creates feeding opportunities. Feeling that distinctive flounder bite – a subtle tap followed by steady weight – takes practice, but once you dial it in, you'll be hooked on targeting these tasty bottom dwellers.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" from the black stripes running down their silver sides, but anglers know them better as bait thieves with serious attitude. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and fiddler crabs around pilings and oyster bars. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action when they school up in deeper waters. They're notorious for stealing bait without getting hooked, making them a favorite challenge among experienced anglers who appreciate their finicky nature and excellent eating quality.
Redfish, or red drum, represent the holy grail of inshore fishing with their copper-bronze sides and distinctive black spots near the tail. Slot-sized reds between 18-27 inches provide steady action year-round, while oversized bull reds over 40 inches show up during fall runs. These fish adapt to various environments, from grass flats to oyster bars to deeper channels. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water gets your heart pumping like few other experiences. Their powerful runs and never-give-up attitude make every hookup memorable, whether you're using live bait or throwing artificials.
Consistent fish, comfortable boat, and waters that produce year after year – that's what keeps our calendar full with repeat customers and their referrals. Whether you're planning a family trip where kids can experience their first fish, or you're a group of serious anglers looking to put multiple species in the cooler, these inshore waters deliver. The combination of action and scenery, plus the flexibility to tailor the trip to your group's interests, makes for days that exceed expectations. Our seasonal schedule runs Monday through Saturday, so grab your preferred dates while they're available. The fish are biting, and your spot on the water is just a phone call away.
Hit the inshore waters aboard our beautifully restored 24-foot Performance Yachts center console – a classic 1988 build that got a complete makeover in 2016. This fishing machine handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing Black Drum, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Red Drum, and Flounder. The GPS keeps us on the fish while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. Pack your lunch in the onboard icebox and get ready for some serious angling action. Between fishing spots, we can cruise over to a sandbar for a break or grab lunch along the river. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to land some quality fish, this boat delivers the perfect platform for inshore success.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 90. These gray-black fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. You'll find them in brackish water around creek mouths and structure. They're famous for that distinctive drumming sound they make - you can actually hear schools of them underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with flaky white meat. My tip: use fresh crab on a heavy sinker and let it sit on bottom near oyster bars. When you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - they've got serious power and will snap light tackle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of shallow water fishing, with that copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches and put up one heck of a fight in skinny water. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in just 1-4 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. They're year-round fish but really shine in fall when they school up. What makes them special is watching them cruise the shallows like submarines, plus they'll eat almost anything you throw at them. The meat on smaller ones is fantastic - firm and mildly sweet. They're built for power, not speed, so once hooked they'll make strong runs and try to wrap you around structure. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, cast well ahead and let your lure settle before working it slowly past their nose.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really gets people talking are those human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound fighters live around any structure they can find - docks, bridges, pilings covered in barnacles. They're notorious bait thieves, using those teeth to pick at your offering without getting hooked. Spring months are best when they're most active and feeding heavy. People love targeting them because they're excellent table fare with sweet, mild white meat, plus they put up a solid scrap for their size. The challenge is getting them to commit - they'll nibble and pick at bait all day. My secret: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight. They've got tough mouths, so don't be gentle.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish change color to match the bottom perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big females can hit 26 pounds and make your drag sing. They're ambush predators that bury in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. You'll find them on sandy bottoms from shallow flats to deeper channels. Fall is when they really turn on, especially September through November as they fatten up before winter. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they come off the bottom - plus they're some of the best eating fish around with sweet, firm white meat. They can be tricky since they bite sideways with that weird mouth setup. Here's the key: use a circle hook with live minnows and give them a few seconds to turn the bait before setting the hook. Patience pays off with these guys.
Sneads Ferry, NC