NC Charter Fishing with OverFlo Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning and afternoon inshore fishing charters availableLight tackle fishing suitable for beginners and experienced anglersFamilyfriendly trips accommodate up to four guests comfortably
There's nothing quite like getting out on North Carolina's inshore waters with a rod in hand and the promise of solid action ahead. Our 4-hour morning and afternoon fishing trips put you right where the fish are biting, whether you're a weekend warrior looking to land your personal best or bringing the kids out for their first real taste of saltwater fishing. We keep our groups small at just 4 anglers max, so you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Picture this: you're cruising through North Carolina's protected inshore waters where the chop stays manageable and the fishing stays hot. These aren't the rough offshore runs that leave half your crew green around the gills – we're talking about prime fishing grounds that are close to shore but loaded with hungry fish. The calm conditions make this a top-rated choice for families, and trust me, there's nothing better than watching a kid's face light up when they hook into their first redfish. We fish light tackle here, which means you feel every head shake and every run. It's pure fishing at its finest, where technique beats brute force every time. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, reading the tides, structure, and seasonal patterns that put you on fish consistently.
We're all about light tackle fishing here – think spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test, paired with rods that let you feel every bump and tap. This isn't heavy-handed fishing; it's finesse work that makes every catch more exciting. We'll have you working live bait around oyster bars, pitching soft plastics into grass flats, and sight-fishing to tailing redfish in skinny water. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one cast you might be bouncing a jig head off the bottom for black drum, the next you're working a topwater plug over a grass bed for a explosive strike. Our guides will match your skill level, whether you need help with basic casting or want to learn advanced techniques like working structure with pinpoint accuracy. The gear stays light, but the action stays heavy.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene, and North Carolina's waters hold some real bruisers. These fish love to hug the bottom around oyster bars and bridge pilings, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall are prime time for the big ones – we're talking fish that can push 30-40 pounds and will test every ounce of your drag system. What makes black drum so rewarding is their sheer power; they don't jump like tarpon, but they'll pull steady and hard, making you work for every inch of line you get back.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world, notorious for their light bites and lightning-fast reflexes around structure. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for picking barnacles and crabs off pilings, which also makes them masters at stealing bait. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they stack up around docks and jetties. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience and quick reflexes – miss that subtle tap and you're rebaiting your hook. But hook into a 4-5 pounder and you'll understand why seasoned anglers respect these crafty fish.
Redfish are North Carolina's premier inshore gamefish, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round, though fall brings the best action when they school up in massive numbers. Reds are aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures, and their drag-screaming runs in shallow water create some of the most exciting moments you'll have on the water. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide pure sport with their raw power and stamina.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn a routine day into something special. These brown sharks of the inshore waters are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart racing. Summer months bring the best cobia action as they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish. A 30-pound cobia on light tackle is a world-class fight – they're strong, stubborn, and have a habit of making long, powerful runs that will have you wondering if your drag is set right. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare when prepared right.
North Carolina's inshore waters deliver consistent action throughout the year, and our customer-favorite 4-hour trips give you the perfect window to experience the best of what these waters offer. Whether you choose a morning trip to beat the afternoon winds or an afternoon adventure when the fish start feeding again, you're looking at prime fishing time with guides who live and breathe these waters. The small group size means personalized instruction, better fishing spots, and more shots at quality fish. Don't wait until peak season fills up – book your charter today and get ready to see why OverFlo Fishing has become the go-to choice for serious anglers and fishing families alike.
This beautifully restored 2003 26' May-Craft center console puts you right where the fish are biting along North Carolina's productive inshore waters. The 300HP Suzuki gets you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 25 knots, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure or shallow flats. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting redfish tails and bird activity, and the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools. With room for up to 4 anglers, this classic center console design gives everyone plenty of casting room and easy access to the action. The GPS ensures we hit all the productive spots from creeks to nearshore reefs. Perfect for targeting speckled trout, red drum, and flounder in the sounds and marshes where light tackle fishing really shines.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of NC's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers love shallow mudflats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning. They're notorious for their drumming sounds and put up a solid fight on light tackle. Keep anything under 15 pounds for the table - smaller ones have sweet, flaky meat while the big boys get tough. Pro tip: use fresh crab bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster structure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these 30-100 pound fish cruise our inshore waters from spring through fall. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 20-50 feet of water, often swimming solo near the surface. Peak season runs May through September during their migration. They're prized for their firm, white meat and aggressive strikes on bucktail jigs and live bait. What's exciting is sight fishing - you'll actually see them swimming before you cast. These fish are curious and will investigate your boat. Key tip: when you spot one, cast ahead of where it's heading, not directly at it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are NC's signature inshore species, easily spotted by their copper color and black eyespot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches in our shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths - often in water so thin their backs show. Fall and spring offer prime fishing when they're actively feeding. They hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp and give an awesome fight on light tackle. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. They're curious fish that'll follow your boat, so keep multiple rods ready. Work your lures slow and steady across the flats.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of NC waters with their black and grey stripes and famous human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound scrappy fighters hang tight around docks, bridge pilings, and any barnacle-covered structure. Spring months bring peak action when they're most active. They're fantastic table fare with sweet white meat, though those tough scales make cleaning a chore. What makes them fun is their bait-stealing reputation - they'll nibble your hook clean if you're not paying attention. My advice: get your bait tight to the pilings and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight.
Raleigh