Charter Fishing Morehead City NC Atlantic Inshore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure in Atlantic waters off Morehead CityAll equipment, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning services includedSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximum
Ready to get your lines wet in some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters? This 4-hour Atlantic Ocean fishing charter puts you right where the action happens, just off Morehead City's coast. You'll be targeting some seriously fun species - King Mackerel, Albacore Tuna, and Spanish Mackerel - all fish that'll give you a real fight and make for great stories back at the dock. We keep things simple but effective: quality gear, fresh bait, valid fishing licenses, and we'll even clean your catch so you can take home dinner. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip works perfect for families, buddy groups, or anyone looking to experience what Crystal Coast fishing is all about.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using decades of local knowledge. We launch from Morehead City and head out to productive inshore spots where structure, baitfish, and game fish come together. The boat's rigged for comfort and fishing success - you'll have plenty of room to move around, rod holders positioned right, and all the gear you need already on board. Don't worry about bringing anything except your cooler for the ride home. The crew handles everything from rigging your lines to netting your fish, but they're also happy to teach you the ropes if you want to learn. These waters can be pretty forgiving for newer anglers, but they also hold some real trophy-class fish that'll test experienced fishermen. Weather plays a big part in where we fish each day, but your captain always has backup spots that produce when conditions change.
Most of your fishing will be done trolling, which means covering water efficiently while presenting baits at different depths and speeds. The boat runs a spread of rods - typically four to six lines out at once - each rigged for specific species and depths. You'll see everything from surface baits that create commotion and attract Kings, to deeper running lures that get down where the Albacore hang out. Planers, downriggers, and various trolling weights help get baits to the right zone. When something hits, the crew will clear the other lines quickly so you can fight your fish without tangles. Rod and reel combos are matched to the target species - medium-heavy spinning and conventional setups that can handle 15-40 pound fish but still let you feel every head shake and run. Live bait like cigar minnows, blue runners, and pogies often outproduce artificials, especially when the bite gets tough. The crew keeps bait fresh in live wells and knows exactly how to rig everything for maximum effectiveness.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Morehead City inshore fishing, and for good reason. These speed demons can hit 30-50 pounds in local waters, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make blistering runs that'll test your drag system and fighting skills. Kings are most active from late spring through fall, with summer months producing the largest fish. They love structure like artificial reefs, ledges, and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability - one minute you're trolling peacefully, the next you're holding on tight as 40 pounds of angry mackerel tries to take your rod to the bottom.
Albacore Tuna might be smaller than their offshore cousins, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. Most run 10-25 pounds in these waters, but they fight like fish twice their size. Albies are incredibly fast and athletic, making multiple runs and direction changes that keep you guessing. They show up in good numbers during fall months, often feeding on small baitfish in spectacular surface frenzies. When you find feeding Albacore, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups. They're also excellent table fare - their meat is darker and richer than most fish, perfect for grilling or searing.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect introduction to inshore fishing, but don't let their smaller size fool you. These 2-5 pound speedsters are incredibly aggressive and will hit almost anything that moves. They're abundant from spring through fall and often save the day when larger species aren't cooperating. Spaniards are great for kids and new anglers because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. They also make excellent bait for larger fish, so catching a few Spanish often leads to hooking something bigger. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes keep things interesting, and they're delicious when prepared fresh.
This top-rated charter delivers exactly what serious anglers and weekend warriors are looking for - productive fishing in proven waters with experienced crew who know how to put you on fish. The 4-hour timeframe hits the sweet spot between having enough time to find fish and not wearing out less experienced anglers. Everything's included except your fishing license, which you can grab online before the trip. With only 6 spots available, popular dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to land your first King Mackerel, want to experience the rush of fighting Albacore, or just need a break from the everyday grind, this charter puts you right where you need to be. Book now and get ready to see why Morehead City has earned its reputation as one of the East Coast's premier fishing destinations.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly designed for Morehead City's productive inshore waters. This spacious vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target the Atlantic's best catches just off the North Carolina coast. Stay cool with onboard air conditioning between fishing spots, and keep your beverages cold in the refrigerator while the ice box preserves your fresh catch. Our advanced fish finder helps locate schools of fish, while GPS navigation ensures we hit the most productive fishing grounds. The flybridge offers excellent visibility for spotting fish activity, and when nature calls, the onboard toilet keeps you comfortable. Between bites, relax with the multimedia system or grab snacks from the kitchen area. All your fishing gear, bait, and licenses are included, plus we'll clean your catch so you can focus on what matters most - landing fish in these rich Atlantic waters.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are bullet-shaped fighters that typically weigh 20-45 pounds and stretch 18-25 inches. These deep-ocean wanderers travel in massive schools that can span nearly 20 miles wide. They show up best in our warmer months when subtropical waters move closer to shore. What draws anglers back is their non-stop fight - albacore never rest, so they battle hard from hookup to boat. The meat is premium too - it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" with that mild flavor and firm texture. Pro tip: when you hook the first one, work fast. That lead fish often guides the whole school, so if it gets away, the entire bunch usually follows it out of the area.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, typically running 15-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50+. These olive-backed rockets cruise the 40-150 foot depths around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel drag like few fish can. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key trick here is using a two-hook rig on your live bait. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that stinger hook back near the tail saves you from a lot of short strikes and missed fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds. These silver speedsters with yellow spots love shallow waters around piers, jetties, and nearshore structure during warmer months. They school up tight and move constantly, making for exciting action when you find them. Anglers love spanish macs because they hit hard, fight above their weight, and make fantastic table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. The secret is staying mobile and watching for surface activity. When you see diving birds or bait getting pushed around, get there quick but drift into the school quietly. Spook them with the motor and they'll vanish in seconds.
Morehead City