Full Day Inshore Fishing Charter - North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing charter targeting premium speciesProfessional crew provides all gear, lures, and live baitAccommodates up to eight guests with experienced captain guidance
Looking for a serious day on the water? This full-day inshore charter puts you right where the action is. We're talking eight and a half hours of pure fishing time with seasoned pros who know these North Carolina waters like the back of their hand. You'll be targeting some of the best gamefish the coast has to offer - King Mackerel, Redfish, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish. Everything's ready to go when you step aboard, from top-shelf tackle to fresh live bait. Just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks for the ride.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight and a half hours gives you real time to work different spots, adjust to what the fish are doing, and put some serious bends in your rod. Our captain and first mate have been running these waters for years, and they know where to find the bite depending on tides, weather, and what's been happening lately. You'll hit productive inshore grounds where structure holds baitfish and the predators follow. The boat maxes out at eight anglers, so there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. No crowded cattle boat fishing here - you get space to fight your fish properly and enjoy the experience.
We've got you covered gear-wise with rods, reels, terminal tackle, and fresh bait already on board. Depending on what we're targeting and where we're fishing, you'll be using everything from live bait rigs to artificial lures. King Mackerel love a well-presented live bait on a stinger rig, while Redfish often can't resist a properly worked soft plastic or spoon. The crew knows how to rig everything properly and will show you the techniques that work best for each species. Whether you're trolling for kings, sight-casting to tailing reds, or working structure for cobia, they'll put you on fish and help you land them. Live bait makes a huge difference out there, and having fresh baits ready to go keeps your lines productive all day long.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore grounds. These fish hit hard and run fast, peeling line off your reel in spectacular fashion. North Carolina's kings typically run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with some real giants mixed in during peak season from late spring through fall. They're structure-oriented fish that love to cruise along drop-offs and ledges where baitfish congregate. What makes them so exciting is that explosive initial run - they'll smoke 100 yards of line before you know what hit you.
Redfish are the inshore legends that every angler wants to tangle with. These copper-colored bruisers are built like linebackers and fight accordingly. They're year-round residents in North Carolina waters, but fall brings some of the best action when schools of bull reds move through the area. Reds are smart, spooky fish that require some finesse, but once hooked, they'll give you a bulldogging fight that tests your drag and your patience. Seeing a big red's bronze back roll on the surface as it takes your bait never gets old.
Cobia are the mysterious wanderers that show up when you least expect them. These brown sharks of the inshore world are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart racing. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia in North Carolina waters. They're powerful fish with broad shoulders that know how to use leverage against you. A 30-pound cobia will remind you why you need good tackle and better technique.
Spanish Mackerel bring nonstop action when they're around. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel school up in huge numbers and provide fast-paced fishing that keeps everyone busy. They hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with aggressive strikes that are pure fun on lighter tackle. Spring through fall sees good Spanish mackerel fishing, and when you find a school, you can catch them until your arms get tired.
Bluefish are the aggressive biters that never back down from a fight. These toothy customers will hit just about anything that moves and fight hard all the way to the boat. They school up in massive numbers during their peak seasons, creating feeding frenzies that make for spectacular fishing action. Blues range from smaller snapper-sized fish to hefty choppers that can strip line and test your tackle.
This full-day charter gives serious anglers the time they need to really get into the fishing. Eight and a half hours means you're not rushed, you can work different techniques, and when the bite gets hot, you can stay on it. The experienced crew, quality tackle, and productive waters make this a top-rated choice for North Carolina inshore fishing. With only eight spots available, this trip fills up with repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing that reminds you why you love being on the water.
Our classic 42' Bruno Sportfishing boat is your ticket to North Carolina's best inshore fishing grounds. Built in 1980 with proven reliability, this sturdy vessel cuts through coastal waters at 18 knots powered by a solid 450HP Cummins engine. The spacious layout handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, featuring a raised flybridge for spotting fish and navigating shallow waters where the big reds and stripers love to hunt. You'll find everything needed for a successful day chasing kingfish and redfish - GPS keeps us on productive structure, radar handles morning fog, and the fish finder pinpoints schools below. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long North Carolina summer days. With a private head onboard, everyone stays comfortable during the full 8.5-hour adventure targeting the area's most sought-after gamefish.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll hit anything you throw at them. These blue-green fighters typically weigh 2-15 pounds and are built for speed with powerful tails and razor teeth. They school up in surf, around inlets, and over nearshore structure from spring through fall. When blues are feeding, it's called a "blitz" for good reason - they'll churn the water attacking baitfish. What makes them popular is the non-stop action and decent table fare when handled right (bleed them immediately). They're perfect for introducing kids to fishing since they're so aggressive. Just watch those teeth - they'll bite you even after landing. My go-to technique is simple: match the bait size they're chasing with a metal spoon or popper. When you find feeding birds, get there fast and start casting.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the curious giants of inshore waters. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. They're loners, not schooling fish, usually found around structure in 30-70 feet - think reefs, wrecks, and channel markers. Spring migration (April-June) is money time when they're moving through NC waters to spawn. What makes cobia special is their table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're aggressive but smart, often following the boat and checking out your lures. The fight's strong but manageable on medium tackle. Best trick I can share: when you spot one, don't get excited and cast right at it. Lead them by 10-15 feet with a bucktail jig and work it slow. They'll usually eat if you don't spook them first.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-backed fighters typically run 20-40 pounds, but we see some monsters pushing 50+ pounds offshore. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure, reefs, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time here in NC waters, especially when bait schools are thick. Kings make blistering runs that'll burn line off your reel - that's what keeps folks coming back. The meat's excellent too, though watch the mercury in bigger fish. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig your live bait with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of baits, so that stinger hook will save you fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are shallow water bruisers that put up one heck of a scrap. Most run 20-35 inches and pack serious muscle for their size. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They love structure but aren't picky about bottom type. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're feeding heavy before and after spawning. What makes reds special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs and use their broad sides against the current. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. Here's the deal: when you spot a tailing red, cast well ahead of where it's moving and work your bait slowly past its nose. They spook easy, so one shot is usually all you get.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed merchants with those distinctive yellow spots that make great light tackle targets. Most run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, perfect for kids and beginners. They school up in surface waters from spring through fall, especially around piers, jetties, and nearshore reefs. When they're feeding, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups. They're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. What guests love is the consistent action and acrobatic jumps when hooked. These fish move fast and hit hard for their size. The key is finding the schools - look for diving birds and surface commotion. Once you locate them, small spoons and jigs work great, but here's the trick: use light wire leaders because their teeth are razor sharp and they'll cut regular line instantly.
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