Express Inshore Bottom Fishing – Atlantic Ocean
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour express inshore fishing trip in Atlantic watersTarget redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead speciesFamilyfriendly bottom fishing accommodates up to six guests
Looking for a quick fishing fix that won't eat up your whole day? Pogie's Fishing Center has you covered with this 2-hour express trip that packs serious action into a short window. Perfect for families with kids or anyone wanting to wet a line without the commitment of an all-day charter. We'll cruise out to some of the Atlantic's most productive inshore spots where redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead are waiting to test your angling skills. With just 6 anglers max, you'll get plenty of personal attention from our crew and room to fish comfortably.
This trip is all about getting you on fish fast. We launch from Pogie's dock and make a quick run to proven bottom structure where these species love to hang out. The beauty of inshore bottom fishing is its simplicity – no complicated techniques or fancy footwork required. Just good old-fashioned fishing that puts smiles on faces and fish in the cooler. Our experienced captains know exactly where to find the action, targeting oyster bars, grass flats edges, and structure that holds fish year-round. The Atlantic's inshore waters here are incredibly productive, and even on this short trip, you'll hit multiple spots to maximize your chances. Kids absolutely love this style of fishing because the action can be non-stop once you find the right spot.
Bottom fishing is the bread and butter of inshore angling, and we've got it dialed in. We'll set you up with medium-action rods paired with conventional reels loaded with enough line to reach the bottom and fight these scrappy inshore species. The tackle is straightforward – typically a Carolina rig or fish finder rig with circle hooks to keep everything legal and safe. We'll anchor up over structure and let the baits work in the current. Live shrimp and cut bait are the stars of the show here, though we might throw some artificials if the fish are being picky. The key is keeping your bait on or near the bottom where these species feed. Our crew will show you how to feel the bite, set the hook properly, and work fish to the boat. It's hands-on learning that improves your skills while putting fish in the box.
Sheepshead are the ultimate structure huggers and one of the tastiest fish swimming in these Atlantic waters. These black-and-white striped beauties average 2-4 pounds but can push 8-10 pounds if you're lucky. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can strip a hook clean before you know what hit you. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch them year-round around pilings, rocks, and oyster bars. What makes sheepshead so exciting is their finicky nature – they'll test your patience and skill, making every fish earned feel like a victory.
Redfish are the inshore slam champions that never disappoint. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size 18-27 inchers perfect for dinner to oversized bulls that'll test your drag system. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight harder, making long runs and using their broad sides to leverage against you. Reds are around all year but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper water near structure. There's nothing quite like the thump of a red drum hitting your bait – it's what keeps anglers coming back for more.
Brook trout might surprise you on this Atlantic inshore trip, but these beautiful fish show up in the cooler months around structure and grass edges. They're smaller than their freshwater cousins but pack the same fighting spirit and gorgeous coloration. Most run 12-16 inches and are absolutely delicious on the table. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and small artificials with equal enthusiasm. Finding brook trout mixed in with reds and sheepshead makes for an exciting day of variety fishing that keeps everyone guessing what's coming up next.
This express trip delivers maximum fishing fun in minimum time, making it perfect for busy schedules or families testing the waters. With Pogie's Fishing Center's top-rated crew and intimate 6-person capacity, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. The Atlantic's inshore waters are loaded with opportunity, and our local knowledge puts you on fish faster than you can imagine. Whether you're introducing kids to the sport or just need a quick fishing fix, this 2-hour bottom fishing adventure hits all the right notes. Don't wait – prime spots fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are biting and word gets around the docks.
Our fully equipped motorboat gets you to the prime fishing spots in the Atlantic quickly and comfortably. With room for up to 6 anglers, this boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful bottom fishing adventure. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead, while GPS navigation ensures we hit the best inshore grounds. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in ice box, and enjoy tunes from the multimedia system between bites. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure without spooking the fish below. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to angling or experienced fishermen looking to sharpen their bottom fishing techniques in productive Atlantic waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore trips, with their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These fish average 18-28 inches and put up a serious fight that gets everyone pumped up. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around grass flats, oyster bars, and dock edges. We find them year-round, but spring and fall are money when they're feeding heavy before and after spawning runs. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they peel drag on light tackle. Kids especially love seeing these bronze beauties come to the boat. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The key is staying quiet and making long casts to avoid spoking them in skinny water. Watch for nervous water or tailing fish - that's your target. Use live shrimp or soft plastics and be ready for that trademark head shake.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout aren't what you'd expect on an Atlantic inshore trip since they're typically freshwater fish found in cold mountain streams. These beautiful natives have olive-green backs with yellow spots and bright red dots circled in blue along their sides. They usually run 8-15 inches and rarely exceed 2 pounds in most waters. If we're targeting them, it's likely in tidal creeks or brackish areas where they sometimes venture during cooler months. They prefer water below 68°F and need clean, well-oxygenated conditions. Fall and early winter offer the best chances as they become more active. What anglers love is their stunning colors and the challenge - they're incredibly wary and require stealth. Light tackle and small presentations work best. The meat is delicate and sweet, some say the best of all trout. My advice: approach any potential brook trout water like you're hunting - slow, quiet movements and keep your shadow off the water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese fish are easy to spot with their gray bodies and dark vertical stripes - locals call them "convict fish" for obvious reasons. What really sets them apart are their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around docks and bridge pilings. Most sheepshead run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we see some nice 5-8 pounders too. They love hanging tight to structure - the closer you can get your bait to those barnacle-covered pilings, the better. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move into shallow water to feed. They're notorious bait thieves, so keep your bait pinned on tight and set the hook hard when you feel that telltale nibble. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them one of the best eating fish we target. Pro tip: if you feel like you're getting picked clean without hooking up, try smaller hooks and fresher bait.
Swansboro, NC