5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Morning Fishing in Wanchese, NC
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and cobiaExpert captains use jigging, trolling, and live bait techniquesCustom Parker boat accommodates up to four guests comfortably
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't eat up your whole day? This 4-hour morning charter out of Wanchese puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best inshore fishing waters. You'll fish with experienced captains who know these waters like the back of their hand - guys like Lance Luke, Andy Ennis, and Mike Midgett who've been working these flats and inlets for years. They'll put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet.
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when the fish are most active. The captains run a beautiful custom Parker boat that handles these waters perfectly - stable enough for good fishing but nimble enough to get you to those hard-to-reach honey holes. With just 4 anglers max, you'll get plenty of personal attention and rod time. No crowded boat here. The captain reads the conditions each morning and makes the call on where to fish - could be working the grass flats for reds, hitting structure for black drum, or running to the inlet for some variety. These guys adapt to what Mother Nature gives them, and that's exactly what separates the good trips from the great ones.
You'll be fishing with light tackle that makes every catch feel like a real battle. The captains switch up techniques based on what's biting - some days that means jigging soft plastics around structure, other days you'll be trolling for cobia or drifting live bait for drum. Cut bait works magic on the bottom feeders, while live shrimp and finger mullet get the trout and reds fired up. The beauty of a 4-hour trip is you can cover different techniques without feeling rushed. These captains know when to move and when to stay put, reading the water and the fish behavior to keep your lines tight. All gear is provided, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got them.
Redfish are the bread and butter around Wanchese, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and grass beds, especially during the warmer months. They'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at slot-sized reds, though the big bulls show up in schools during late summer and fall. What makes reds so special is their fight - they don't jump like a tarpon, but they'll pull steady and strong, using their broad sides to fight the current.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene. These bottom dwellers can get massive - we're talking 20, 30, even 40-pound fish that'll make your arms ache. They love structure like bridge pilings and oyster bars, especially during their spring spawning runs. You'll hear them drumming underwater, which is wild if you've never experienced it. They're not the prettiest fish, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget. Best part? They bite year-round, though spring and fall see the biggest concentrations.
Speckled trout are the technical fish of the bunch. They can be picky eaters, but when you dial in their pattern, they'll bite consistently. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots prefer grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving water. Fall is prime time when they school up and feed heavily before winter. They're excellent table fare too, which makes them a customer favorite. The key is finding the right depth and structure - something these captains have mastered.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your whole trip. These big, brown sharks-lookers show up in warmer months, often following rays or just cruising the surface. When you hook into a 30-pound cobia, you'll know it immediately - they're strong, stubborn, and love to dive for structure. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and the Outer Banks waters around Wanchese are prime cobia habitat. They're curious fish too, sometimes coming right up to the boat to investigate.
Sheepshead are the tackle thieves with teeth that can crush a fiddler crab shell like it's nothing. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around structure year-round, but spring is when they really turn on. They're notorious bait stealers, but once you get the hang of their bite, they're a blast to catch. Plus, they're fantastic eating - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. The captains know exactly where to find them and how to rig up to avoid getting your bait stolen without a hookset.
This half-day morning trip hits the sweet spot for most anglers - long enough to get into some serious fishing but short enough to leave your afternoon free. The early start means you're fishing during prime time when these fish are most active, and you'll be back at the dock before the heat gets too intense. With experienced captains who know these waters inside and out, quality gear, and a boat that can handle whatever these waters throw at you, this trip delivers consistent action. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list or just want to spend a morning doing what you love, this charter puts you in position to succeed. Book early, especially during peak season - morning trips fill up fast for good reason.
This custom Parker boat is a fishing machine that'll have you hooked from the moment you step aboard. With room for up to 4 anglers, she's perfectly sized for targeting redfish, cobia, and whatever else is biting in the waters around Wanchese. The GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of finding productive spots, while the radar keeps you safe when visibility drops. Communication stays solid with the VHF radio, and the flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot fish and navigate the inshore waters. The onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water instead of heading back to shore. Whether you're jigging for flounder or working live bait for drum, this boat handles it all with style. Captain and guests alike agree - she's simply a joy to fish from and gets you right where the action is.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we find the best action. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during the spawn, which is pretty cool. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, but if you're planning to eat your catch, keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds - the big ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom, and don't be surprised when that first run peels line off your reel. These fish have serious power.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these chocolate-colored bruisers average 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. We find them around structure like buoys, channel markers, and wrecks, usually cruising just under the surface. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving north to spawn. They're mostly loners, so when you see one, get a bait to it fast. What makes them special is the incredible fight - they'll sound deep then make powerful runs that test your equipment. The meat is firm and white, often compared to mahi-mahi for table fare. Bucktail jigs and live eels work great, but honestly, a hungry cobia will eat almost anything you put in front of it. Sight-fishing tip: when you spot one, cast well ahead and let your bait sink - they're curious but spook easily if you drop something right on their head.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow flats, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we also target the big bull reds that can push 40+ inches. These fish thrive in water so shallow their backs show, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Spring and fall offer the best sight-fishing opportunities when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything - topwater plugs, soft plastics, spoons, and live bait all work great. They're strong fighters that make long runs and never give up easily. The meat is mild and sweet on slot-sized fish. Here's a guide secret: look for nervous water or "waking" fish on calm mornings - those are usually reds pushing through shallow water chasing bait.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, typically running 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds with beautiful spotted sides. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring and fall provide the best action, especially on moving tides around dawn and dusk. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with authority. The fight is scrappy but not overpowering - perfect for light tackle fun. They're excellent eating with delicate white meat, just don't overcook them or they'll get mushy. During winter, they school up in deeper channels, but summer finds them scattered across the flats. Local tip: work your lures slowly and pay attention to the grass edges where baitfish congregate - that's where the trout ambush their meals.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-5 pounds around docks, pilings, and jetties, though we occasionally hook into 10+ pounders. They're notorious bait thieves - nibbling instead of striking hard - so you need to stay alert and set the hook aggressively when you feel that telltale tap-tap. Spring brings the best fishing when they move inshore to spawn. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare despite being tricky to clean. Here's the key: get your bait tight to structure and keep it on the bottom. Fiddler crabs work great, but if you can scrape some barnacles off the pilings first, you'll have them lined up waiting.
5.0 out of 5.0
Wanchese, NC, United States