5.0(1 Reviews)NC Coastal Fly Fishing: The Ultimate Challenge
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish and tarpon using fly fishing techniques in NC watersIncludes fishing license with guidance to prime inshore locationsAccommodates up to three guests for challenging shallow water fishing
There's nothing quite like the feel of a fly rod in your hands when you're targeting redfish and tarpon in North Carolina's pristine inshore waters. This top-rated fly fishing adventure with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters puts you right where the action is – shallow flats and backwater channels where trophy drum cruise and tarpon roll. Captain David and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll get you positioned for shots at some seriously impressive fish. You'll bring your own fly rod and selection of flies, while we handle everything else including your NC fishing license. With space for up to three anglers, this is the perfect setup for serious fly fishermen looking to test their skills against North Carolina's best inshore species.
Your day starts early when we meet at the dock, ready to hit prime feeding windows when fish are most active. We'll run to productive flats and grass beds where redfish tail in skinny water, sometimes so shallow you can see their backs breaking the surface. The sight fishing here is world-class – watching a 30-inch red drum slowly cruise toward your perfectly placed fly gets your heart pounding every single time. Tarpon fishing adds another level of excitement, especially when these silver kings start rolling and you know they're feeding. We'll position the boat to give you clean casting angles, and our local knowledge means we're always fishing the most productive spots based on tide, wind, and seasonal patterns. The challenge with fly fishing is all about presentation and timing – you've got one shot to make it count when that fish appears in casting range.
Inshore fly fishing in North Carolina requires specific techniques that differ from freshwater or offshore approaches. We'll be sight casting to individual fish, which means staying quiet and making accurate casts to moving targets. Your fly selection matters here – we recommend bringing shrimp patterns, crab flies, and baitfish imitations in sizes 2-6 depending on what we're targeting. Redfish respond well to gold spoon flies and shrimp patterns worked slowly along the bottom, while tarpon prefer larger baitfish imitations stripped with erratic movements. The key is reading water conditions and fish behavior – sometimes they want a fly that barely moves, other times an aggressive strip gets their attention. We'll coach you through proper presentation techniques, including how to lead moving fish and when to set the hook. Wind management is crucial in these open flats, so we'll work on casting techniques that help you punch through coastal breezes and deliver your fly accurately even when conditions get challenging.
"David is fantastic guide and mentor. I learned so much from him." - Jeff
Redfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina inshore fly fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18-35 inches in our waters, with slot-sized fish between 18-27 inches being the most common targets. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are optimal, but you can find quality redfish year-round in deeper channels during winter months. What makes them so exciting on fly gear is their aggressive take and bulldogging fight – once hooked, they'll make powerful runs toward structure and test your drag system. Redfish are also visual feeders, making them perfect for sight casting when they're tailing or cruising shallow flats.
Sea Trout offer consistent action and are fantastic for fly fishing because they're aggressive feeders that readily take artificial flies. These spotted beauties average 12-16 inches with occasional trophy fish pushing 20+ inches. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, making them perfect targets for morning and evening fishing sessions. Sea trout love grass flats and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish, and they respond well to small shrimp and baitfish patterns worked with subtle twitches. Their soft mouths require careful handling, but their willingness to eat makes them a customer favorite for building confidence with fly tackle.
Striped Bass bring serious pulling power to North Carolina's inshore waters, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 16-inchers up to trophy stripers exceeding 30 inches and 15+ pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love current breaks, bridge pilings, and channel edges where baitfish get swept along. Stripers are known for their hard strikes and sustained runs, making them one of the most exciting targets for fly fishermen. They prefer larger flies that imitate mullet, menhaden, or other substantial bait, and they'll often feed in schools when conditions are right.
Southern Flounder provide a completely different fly fishing experience as ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for prey to pass overhead. These flatfish typically measure 14-20 inches with occasional doormat flounder reaching 24+ inches. They're most active during warmer months when they move into shallow waters to feed, particularly around structure like docks, jetties, and oyster bars. What makes flounder exciting is the challenge of getting them to leave the bottom – they'll often follow a fly for long distances before committing to strike. Once hooked, they fight with surprising strength and make powerful runs along the bottom.
Bluefish are the wild cards of inshore fly fishing – aggressive, fast, and always ready to attack a well-presented fly. These toothy predators range from snapper-sized juveniles up to chopper blues exceeding 20 inches. They're most active during spring and fall when large schools push baitfish against shorelines and structure. Bluefish are perfect for action-packed fly fishing sessions because they'll hit almost any fly pattern with aggressive strikes that leave no doubt about the hookup. Their sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their aggressive nature makes them great targets when you want consistent action between shots at larger species.
This renowned fly fishing
Get ready to target redfish and tarpon in North Carolina's productive inshore waters aboard our brand new 2025 Parker Offshore 2300SE. This 23-foot boat handles the shallow flats and deeper channels of Pamlico Sound perfectly, giving you access to prime fly fishing spots where trophy drum and slot reds cruise year-round. The Parker's shallow draft design lets us sneak into those skinny water areas where big fish tail in just inches of water. Equipped with GPS to mark productive flats, a multimedia system for downtime between spots, and onboard facilities for longer days on the water. The spacious deck provides plenty of room for fly casting without crowding your fellow anglers. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising tarpon or working the grass beds for drum, this boat puts you right where the action happens in some of North Carolina's most fish-rich waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in our waters during summer months, usually running in schools along sandy beaches and inlet mouths. Most weigh 3-10 pounds, but we hook into 15-20 pounders that'll test your drag. These silver-blue predators have razor-sharp teeth and feed in frenzies on baitfish like menhaden and anchovies. They're found from the surf zone out to deeper channels, often chasing bait to the surface where you'll see birds diving. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and strong runs - they don't give up easy. They're also great eating when bled and iced properly. Here's the key: when you see birds working or bait getting pushed around, get your fly or lure in there fast. These feeding frenzies don't last long, but the action is non-stop.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect sight-fishing target in NC's shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and are easily spotted by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Year-round fishing is possible, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their power and endurance - they'll make multiple runs and test your tackle. Plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. I always tell guests to look for that bronze flash or subtle wake, then lead them by 3-4 feet with a crab or shrimp pattern. Once hooked, hold on tight!
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are sight-fishing favorites that cruise our grass flats and shallow bays year-round. Most run 14-20 inches with those beautiful silver sides covered in black spots. They love areas with sandy bottoms near grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What guests love is watching them sip flies off the surface during topwater action and their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch - tender, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My go-to trick is fishing a small shrimp pattern or popper around grass edges during the last two hours of incoming tide - that's when they're most aggressive.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud along our shallow flats and creeks. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see plenty in the 20+ inch range that'll surprise you with their power. They're ambush predators with both eyes on one side - usually the left - and those distinctive light and dark blotches make them easy to ID. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before heading offshore to spawn. What makes them special is the challenge of sight fishing these camouflaged fish in skinny water, plus they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. My tip: look for subtle puffs of sand or that telltale outline on light-colored bottom, and keep your fly or lure moving slow and low.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the ultimate inshore challenge on fly - powerful, smart, and built for long fights. Most fish we target run 20-30 inches, but trophy fish over 40 inches patrol our waters during their spring and fall migrations. They love structure like jetties, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring brings the northbound migration, while fall offers the best action as they feed heavily before heading south. What makes them special is their intelligence - they can be picky about presentations - and their incredible strength once hooked. They're also premium table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The secret is matching your fly to whatever bait they're feeding on, whether it's anchovies, menhaden, or eels, and fishing the current breaks where they wait to ambush prey.
5.0 out of 5.0David is fantastic guide and mentor. I learned so much from him.
Jeff Pentz, Thank you! You were awesome. Nothing like a 9th inning walk off HR! Looking forward to o...
North Carolina