Express Inshore Bottom Fishing in the Atlantic
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Express 2-hour inshore bottom fishing adventure in Atlantic watersTarget redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead with expert guidanceFamily-friendly trip accommodating up to 6 guests comfortably
Looking for a quick fishing fix that won't eat up your whole day? Pogie's Fishing Center has you covered with this fast-paced 2-hour inshore bottom fishing adventure in the Atlantic. This trip is built for families who want to get the kids hooked on fishing without the marathon commitment of a full-day charter. You'll be targeting some of the most reliable species in these waters - redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead - all while staying close enough to shore that even the youngest anglers can handle the conditions. With just 6 spots available, you get that personal touch from the crew without feeling crowded on deck.
This isn't your typical all-day grind - it's designed to maximize your fishing time while keeping things comfortable for the whole family. The crew at Pogie's knows these Atlantic inshore waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you fishing productive bottom structure within minutes of leaving the dock. The boat stays in protected waters where the kids won't get seasick, but you're still hitting prime fishing spots where the target species love to hang out. Expect to be anchored up over oyster bars, grass flats, and structure where these fish feed heavily. The pace is relaxed but steady - perfect for teaching kids proper technique while still giving experienced anglers a chance to put some quality fish in the boat.
Bottom fishing in these Atlantic inshore waters is all about presenting the right bait in the right spots. The crew will set you up with medium-action rods and conventional reels loaded with enough weight to keep your baits down where the fish are feeding. You'll be using circle hooks with live or cut bait - shrimp, squid, and small baitfish are the go-to options depending on what's biting best. The technique is straightforward: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a turn or two, and wait for that telltale thump. Kids pick this up quick, and it's hands-down the most productive way to target the species mix you'll encounter on this trip. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on feeling for bites and fighting fish.
Sheepshead are the bread and butter of Atlantic inshore bottom fishing, and these waters hold some solid fish. They're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, but once you figure out their bite, they're a blast to catch. Look for fish in the 2-4 pound range around structure - they hit light but fight hard once hooked. Spring through fall is prime time, with cooler months often producing the biggest fish. What makes sheepshead special is their challenging nature - they'll test your patience but reward persistence with some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Redfish are the crowd-pleasers that get everyone excited, especially when a slot-sized fish makes that classic red drum run. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in these inshore waters and put up a fight that'll wake up anyone dozing on deck. They're most active during moving tides and love feeding over oyster bars and grass edges. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, though summer can be productive early and late in the day. The thrill with reds is that initial run - they'll peel drag and test your technique, making them perfect for building confidence in younger anglers.
Speckled trout round out this trio as the most finicky but rewarding species you'll target. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots and canine teeth typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with occasional surprises pushing the 24-inch mark. They're most active during cooler months and love grass flats with good water movement. What makes specks exciting is their unpredictable nature - they might ignore your bait for an hour, then suddenly turn on and provide fast action. When they're biting, it's some of the most fun you'll have on a short trip like this.
This express inshore trip delivers exactly what busy families need - quality fishing without the time commitment of longer charters. You'll hit productive waters, target species that actually bite, and be back at the dock before the kids get restless. The crew at Pogie's has this trip dialed in perfectly, from the fishing spots they choose to the gear they provide. With only 6 anglers per trip, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of chances to get on fish. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing or just want a quick fishing fix, this 2-hour bottom fishing adventure gives you the best bang for your buck in Atlantic inshore waters.
Our well-equipped motorboat is built for serious bottom fishing action in Atlantic waters. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines while targeting redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive spots, while our GPS keeps us on the best fishing grounds. When it's time for stealthy positioning over structure, the wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly without spooking the fish below. Keep your catch fresh in the spacious ice box, and stay entertained between bites with the multimedia system. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to the sport - this boat handles both novice and experienced anglers with ease. Two hours of productive fishing time means you'll be back at the dock with dinner and great memories.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near the tail typically range 20-35 inches and put up a serious fight. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near grass beds in 1-6 feet of water. Spring through fall are peak seasons, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is the explosive topwater action - watching a 25-pound red blow up on a surface plug never gets old. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild flesh that grills beautifully. These fish are built for shallow water battles, using their broad tails to make powerful runs. Here's the key: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during low light periods. When you spot one, cast beyond it and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily in skinny water.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout aren't what you'd typically expect on an Atlantic Ocean charter, but when we do encounter them near coastal streams and estuaries during certain seasons, they're a real treat. These colorful natives run small - usually 8-15 inches - but they're absolutely gorgeous with olive-green backs, red spots circled in blue, and wavy lines across their backs. They need cold, clean water below 68°F, so you'll find them in deeper, cooler pockets or near freshwater inflows. Late fall through early spring gives you the best shot when water temperatures drop. What makes them special is their fight-to-size ratio and those stunning colors that make every photo worthwhile. They're also fantastic eating with delicate, sweet meat. These fish are spooky and prefer cover like fallen trees or rocky structure. My advice: use light tackle and small presentations - they won't hit anything oversized, and stealth is everything with these wary fish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of the most unique fish you'll target on our inshore trips. These gray and black striped "convict fish" typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 20 pounds. What makes them special? Those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs around docks, bridges, and pier pilings. You'll find them hugging structure in 10-30 feet of water year-round, but spring months from February through April are prime time when they're most active. Families love going after sheepshead because they're great eating - mild, white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Fair warning though: they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, so keep that hook set ready. Pro tip - get your bait right against the pilings where they hide. They won't chase it far from cover.
Swansboro, NC