Nearshore Charters with Onslow Bay Waterman
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday and fullday private charters accommodate up to six guestsTarget King Mackerel, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and Blacktip Shark nearshoreKidfriendly fishing experience operates Monday through Saturday seasonally
Looking for a fishing trip that delivers big action without the big boat ride? Our nearshore charters hit that sweet spot where you get serious saltwater fishing without burning half your day getting there. These waters hold some of the hottest fishing action you'll find, and we're talking about species that'll bend your rod and get your heart pumping. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of ocean fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to load the cooler, our nearshore trips deliver the goods every single time out.
We run both half-day and full-day private charters Monday through Saturday, keeping things seasonal to hit the fish when they're most active. Your group of up to 6 anglers gets the boat to yourselves, which means no fighting for rail space or waiting your turn on the hot bite. The beauty of nearshore fishing is we're typically working in 20 to 60 feet of water, close enough to see land but far enough out to get into the good stuff. The ride out is smooth and quick, perfect for anyone who gets a little green around the gills on longer offshore runs. Kids absolutely love these trips because the action starts fast and stays consistent throughout the day. We're targeting structure, wrecks, and drop-offs where the baitfish stack up thick, and that's exactly where our target species love to hunt.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting best that day. For the pelagic species like kings and Spanish mackerel, we'll pull spreads of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait behind the boat at varying speeds and depths. The key is covering water and finding where the fish are holding. When we mark good bottom structure or find a wreck, we'll anchor up and drop down with cut bait, live bait, or jigs to target the bottom dwellers and sharks. All tackle is provided, but if you've got your own gear and want to bring it along, we're running medium to medium-heavy spinning and conventional setups. Wire leaders are a must when kings are around, and we keep plenty of different weight sinkers on hand to adjust for current and depth. The boat is rigged with quality electronics so we can mark fish, find structure, and stay on top of the productive water all day long.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing, showing up in big schools from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. They're suckers for small spoons and jigs trolled at moderate speeds, and when you find a school, you can load the boat fast. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that even picky eaters love, and they're perfect for getting kids hooked on saltwater fishing since the action is almost non-stop when they're around.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters, ranging from small "snapper" blues around a pound up to big "gator" blues pushing 10-15 pounds. They show up in massive feeding frenzies that you can often spot from a distance by the birds diving and the water boiling with activity. These fish are aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for beginners. They fight hard and dirty, using their powerful bodies and sharp teeth to try every trick in the book to throw the hook.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of nearshore fishing, with fish ranging from 10-pound "school" kings up to massive 40+ pound smokers that'll test every bit of your tackle and skill. These speed demons make blistering runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds, and their acrobatic jumps make for some incredible photo opportunities. Kings are structure-oriented fish that love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where they can ambush schools of baitfish. Peak season runs from late summer into fall, and when conditions are right, you might boat several in a single trip.
Atlantic Bonito are often overlooked but provide some of the most exciting light-tackle action you'll find. These mini-tunas rarely exceed 5 pounds, but they're built for speed and endurance, making long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. They travel in schools and can be incredibly finicky eaters, requiring light leaders and precise presentations. When you dial in the right technique and find a hot school, the action can be absolutely electric with multiple hookups and steady action.
Blacktip Sharks add serious excitement to any nearshore trip, with fish ranging from small 20-pounders up to bruising 60+ pound specimens. These sharks are incredibly acrobatic, often jumping completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're common around structure and areas with heavy baitfish activity, and they'll readily take both live and cut baits. The fights are absolutely memorable, combining powerful runs with spectacular aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat cheering.
Nearshore fishing offers the perfect balance of accessibility and action that keeps our regular customers coming back season after season. You get the excitement of saltwater fishing without the time commitment or seasickness concerns of longer offshore trips, making it ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone who just wants to get out and catch fish. The variety of species keeps things interesting all day long, and with our local knowledge of the best spots and most productive techniques, you're setting yourself up for success from the moment you step on the boat. Don't wait until peak season to book your trip – these dates fill up fast when word gets out about the hot bite.
Hit the water aboard our beautifully restored 24-foot Performance Yachts center console, a classic 1988 build given new life in 2016. This fishing machine handles nearshore waters like a dream, getting you to productive spots where King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish are waiting. The spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers, with an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the day. Our GPS navigation and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating schools, while the boat's shallow draft lets us chase Blacktip Sharks and Bonito in skinny water close to shore. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to saltwater fishing without venturing far offshore. This versatile platform delivers solid performance whether you're trolling for kings or bottom fishing for weakfish.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are like small tuna on steroids - they're fast, aggressive, and travel in huge schools that can stretch for miles. They average 5-8 pounds and have dark stripes along silver bodies. You'll spot them easily when feeding because their dorsal fins stick out of the water like small sharks. They stay in mid-water column, rarely going deep, and prefer water temps in the 60s. The fight is pure speed - they'll run hard and jump clear out of the water. They're not great eating here, but they're perfect for kids since they hit anything when feeding. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue. Once you find a school feeding, troll fast or cast anything shiny. Metal lures work best in wind.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are exciting nearshore targets that average 4-5 feet and can reach 9 feet. You'll recognize them by the black tips on their fins. They patrol shallow waters around structure, muddy bays, and artificial reefs in 30-100 feet. These sharks are surprisingly acrobatic - they'll jump completely out of the water and spin. They're also known for being a bit unpredictable, sometimes even jumping in the boat! The fight is strong and steady with occasional aerial shows. They're catch-and-release only for us. Best bait is oily, smelly fish like mackerel or sardines. Here's the trick: use a heavy braided line with circle hooks and start chumming early. Once you get them interested, the action can be non-stop.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that average 3-10 pounds, though we catch them up to 20 pounds. They're built for speed with broad tails and razor-sharp teeth. Look for them around structure, surf zones, and open water from late spring through fall. These fish hunt in packs and create feeding frenzies called "bluefish blitz" - you'll see the water churning like a washing machine. They fight hard with strong runs and head shakes. The smaller ones make decent table fare if bled and iced immediately. Fair warning - be careful handling them because those teeth can do serious damage. When they're feeding aggressively, almost any lure works, but cut bait and live menhaden are hard to beat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of nearshore waters, capable of blistering runs that'll strip line fast. They average 20-30 pounds but grow much larger. You'll find them in 40-150 feet around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. They prefer water temps between 68-84°F, so spring through fall are prime times. Kings are ambush predators that love to hit live bait from behind. The fight is what makes them special - they'll make long runs and aerial jumps. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait. Put one hook in the nose and let a treble hook dangle near the tail. Kings typically grab bait from the back, so that trailing hook saves the day.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver fish with distinctive yellow spots that usually run 1-2 feet and weigh 8-11 pounds. They travel in large schools near the surface, making them easy to spot when feeding. You'll find them around structures, flats, and oyster bars in 20-80 feet of water. They show up best during warmer months when water temps climb into the 70s. These fish hit hard and make blazing runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent - mild flavor, perfect for grilling or smoking. Here's a tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast but drift to the school instead of motoring right up. Spook them and they'll disappear quick. Small spoons and live sardines work great.
Sneads Ferry, NC