5 Hour Inshore Atlantic Ocean Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesExpert guides navigate local Atlantic channels and marshesSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboard
Picture this: you're drifting through pristine Atlantic marshes at first light, watching the water come alive as baitfish start moving and gamefish begin their feeding frenzy. That's exactly what you'll get with Pogie's Fishing Center's top-rated 5-hour inshore fishing trip. Our seasoned captains know every creek, oyster bar, and grass flat along these waters like the back of their hand. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows, making this a customer favorite for both solo trips and group outings.
This isn't your typical party boat experience – we're talking about serious inshore fishing in some of the Atlantic's most productive shallow waters. Your captain will navigate the maze of tidal creeks, marshy backwaters, and grass-lined channels where the big fish like to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing is that you're always close to structure, whether that's an oyster rake, a drop-off near a creek mouth, or a grass bed holding bait. The scenery changes constantly as we move between spots, but the action stays hot. You'll be sight fishing in crystal-clear shallows one minute, then working deeper holes the next. Our guides read the water conditions, tides, and fish behavior to put you on the most active spots throughout the trip.
We'll be running light to medium tackle perfect for the inshore game – think spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders that won't spook wary fish in shallow water. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks near structure, bouncing soft plastics along the bottom for flounder, or working topwater plugs over grass beds during the early morning bite. Our captains carry a full arsenal: Carolina rigs for drum fishing, jig heads for working the flats, and even some light tackle for when the trout are being finicky. The technique changes based on species, tide, and conditions, but that's what keeps it interesting. You'll learn to read the water, understand how fish relate to structure, and pick up techniques you can use for years to come.
Red Drum are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around here, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can range from schoolie-sized 20-inchers up to bull reds pushing 40+ pounds. Reds are most active during moving water, especially around oyster bars and creek mouths. They're sight fishers' dreams – you'll often spot their backs or tails in shallow water before making your cast. The fight is pure power from start to finish, with long runs that'll test your drag system. Fall and spring offer the best shot at bigger fish, while summer brings consistent action with smaller, more aggressive reds.
Sea Trout might not have the size of drum, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These spotted beauties love grass flats and sandy potholes, especially during the warmer months. Trout are structure-oriented fish that respond well to both live bait and artificials. A 3-pound gator trout is a trophy worth bragging about, and they're some of the best eating fish in the marsh. The key with trout is finding the right depth – they'll move shallow to feed during low light periods and deeper during bright conditions.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge fish – they're notorious for their light bites and ability to steal bait without getting hooked. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around any hard structure: docks, pilings, oyster bars, and rocks. They're powerful fighters in tight spaces, using their broad sides to leverage against structure. Sheepshead fishing requires patience and sensitivity, but landing a 4-pound sheepie is incredibly satisfying. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall produce the biggest fish as they move toward spawning areas.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore world. These bottom-dwellers can reach massive proportions – we're talking fish that can bend heavy tackle and make grown anglers sweat. They're often found in the same areas as reds but tend to prefer deeper holes and channel edges. Black drum have excellent hearing and are drawn to scent, making fresh cut bait deadly effective. The bigger fish are catch-and-release only, but the smaller "puppy drum" make excellent table fare. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer when they're spawning in nearshore waters.
Summer Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish require a different approach – you'll be bouncing baits along the bottom or slow-trolling in deeper channels. Flounder fishing is all about covering water and finding fish that are actively feeding. A 3-pound doormat is a solid fish, while anything over 5 pounds is bragging-rights territory. They're some of the finest eating fish in the ocean, which makes them a favorite target for anglers looking to fill the cooler.
Five hours on the water with experienced guides who live and breathe these marshes – that's what separates this trip from the rest. You're not just getting a fishing trip; you're getting an education in reading water, understanding fish behavior, and learning techniques that'll make you a better angler. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to dial in your inshore game or a newcomer wanting to experience world-class fishing, this trip delivers. The variety keeps things interesting, the scenery is spectacular, and the fish are plentiful. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – book now and let our captains show you why Pogie's Fishing Center has built
Our well-equipped motorboat is built for serious Atlantic inshore fishing adventures. This vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Red Drum, Sea Trout, and Flounder lurking in the channels, while GPS navigation keeps us on the hottest fishing spots. When stealth mode is required for spooky Sheepshead or Black Drum, the wireless trolling motor lets us slip in quietly without spooking the fish. Your catch stays fresh in the spacious ice box, and the multimedia system provides entertainment during travel between fishing grounds. Our experienced captains know these local marshes and inshore waters like the back of their hand, putting you on whatever species are biting that day. Whether we're drifting oyster bars for Sheepshead or working grass flats for Sea Trout, this boat delivers the stability and features serious anglers demand for a successful Atlantic fishing trip.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find these gray-black bruisers around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the most action. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make underwater, plus they're bulldogs once hooked. For eating, stick with fish under 15 pounds as the bigger ones get tough. Pro tip: use fresh crab bait and fish it right on the bottom - they rarely venture far from structure to feed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing with their copper-red backs and signature black spots near the tail. They range from schoolie-sized 20-inchers up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds in our shallow waters. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're year-round targets but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What guests love most is sight-fishing to these beauties in skinny water - watching a big red crush a topwater plug is something special. The smaller ones are fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and work your bait slowly back to intercept.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them locally, are beautiful silver fish with black spots that love our grass flats and shallow bays. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we catch some real slobs pushing bigger numbers. These fish are most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime time. Guests enjoy their aggressive strikes on topwater plugs and their acrobatic fights. The meat is tender and mild, just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Best tip I can give: work the grass edges at first light with a popping cork and live shrimp, or throw a spoon over the flats when you see them busting bait.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll surprise you every time. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're year-round residents but spring brings the best action when they school up near jetties and reefs. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves - you'll feel them nibbling before they commit. The payoff is worth it though; white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crab or shrimp, get tight to structure, and when you feel them messing with your bait, set that hook hard and fast.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, changing color to match their surroundings perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but we see some real doormat-sized ones pushing 5+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot at them as they stage near inlets before heading offshore. Guests love the challenge - they're sneaky biters and put up a solid fight. The meat is outstanding, sweet and flaky. My advice: use a slow drift with live minnows or sea worms, and when you feel that subtle tap, give it a second before setting the hook.
Swansboro, NC