Inshore / Backwater Charters in North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Early morning backwater charters targeting trout, redfish, and flounderSmall group fishing experience accommodating up to two guestsSpecialized inshore fishing guided by Reel McCoy Sportfishing
Nothing beats the feeling of your rod bending with a solid hookup in North Carolina's pristine backwaters. Captain Reel McCoy Sportfishing knows these shallow waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. We're talking speckled trout, redfish, and flounder — the holy trinity of inshore fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. This isn't some cattle boat operation either. With just two spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing real estate without fighting crowds for the best casting positions.
We're rolling out before sunrise because that's when the magic happens. The backwaters come alive in those early morning hours when the baitfish are moving and the predators are feeding. You'll be fishing the grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where North Carolina's top-rated inshore species love to hunt. The shallow draft boat gets us into skinny water that bigger vessels can't touch — we're talking 2-3 feet deep where the fish feel safe and feed aggressively. Don't worry about experience level; whether you're a weekend warrior or this is your first time holding a rod, we'll get you dialed in. The intimate group size means plenty of one-on-one coaching and more shots at quality fish. Plus, if you want to bring a buddy or family member, we can work something out to accommodate your crew.
We're running light tackle here — 7-foot medium action rods spooled with 15-20 pound braid that gives you the sensitivity to feel every bump and the backbone to turn fish away from structure. The name of the game is sight fishing and working artificial lures through the grass beds and along drop-offs. We'll be throwing soft plastics rigged on jig heads, topwater plugs that create explosive strikes, and suspending twitch baits that drive trout crazy. When the tide's moving right, we'll work the oyster bars with live shrimp under popping corks — a deadly combination that produces consistent action. The key is reading the water conditions and adjusting our approach throughout the day. Incoming tide usually fires up the bite along the creek edges, while outgoing tide concentrates baitfish in the deeper pockets where predators ambush them.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of North Carolina backwater fishing, and these speckled beauties are absolute fighters on light tackle. They average 14-18 inches with plenty of 20+ inch "gator trout" roaming the flats during cooler months. Spring and fall are prime time when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 65-75 degrees. Trout are ambush predators that love structure — they'll set up along grass edges, oyster bars, and creek mouths waiting for baitfish to swim by. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to hit artificials and their acrobatic fights that include spectacular gill-rattling jumps.
Redfish are the bruisers of the backwater world, and North Carolina's red drum population is world-class. These copper-colored tanks average 18-27 inches in the slot, but we regularly hook bull reds pushing 30+ inches that'll test your drag system and your patience. Summer months are peak season when schools of reds cruise the flats tailing and feeding on blue crabs. They're sight fishing targets that get your heart pumping — watching a red's back fin cutting through 18 inches of water never gets old. Once hooked, they make powerful runs toward the nearest oyster bar or grass bed, so you better be ready to put the pressure on early.
Southern flounder are the sneaky assassins of the backwater ecosystem, and they're pure table fare gold. These flatfish average 16-20 inches with doormat-sized fish over 24 inches always a possibility during their fall migration. They're masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sandy bottoms near creek mouths and ambushing prey that swims overhead. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the technique — you're working slow-moving baits along the bottom, feeling for that subtle tick that signals a flounder has inhaled your offering. The bite detection requires finesse, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in North Carolina waters.
This is exactly the kind of fishing trip that creates lifelong memories and gets you hooked on the backwater lifestyle. With only two spots available, you're getting a premium experience that's more like fishing with a buddy who happens to know every productive spot within 20 miles. We're not just putting you on fish — we're sharing local knowledge, teaching techniques, and making sure you walk away a better angler. The early morning departure maximizes your time on the water during peak feeding periods, and the diverse target species means consistent action whether you're after your first redfish or chasing a personal best speckled trout. North Carolina's backwaters are trending as some of the Southeast's top inshore destinations, and there's no better way to experience them than with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Don't sleep on this opportunity — book your charter and get ready for some serious backwater action.
Our small, reliable boat is perfect for navigating North Carolina's shallow backwaters where the big fish hide. This nimble vessel, picked up just last year, runs on a dependable 50hp Honda outboard that gets you to the fishing spots fast and quiet. The wireless Minkota trolling motor lets us sneak up on redfish and trout without spooking them, while the Lowrance fish finder and GPS keep us on top of the action. With space for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. The onboard livewell keeps your bait frisky, and there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold during those hot summer mornings. Whether you're targeting speckled trout in the grass flats or hunting redfish around oyster bars, this boat handles the skinny water like a dream. We'll get you out early when the fish are biting and back with a cooler full of dinner.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in North Carolina. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push well into the slot limit and beyond. You'll spot that telltale black eyespot near their tail as they cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing. They love oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What guests love most is watching these fish absolutely crush topwater baits in skinny water - it's pure visual fishing. They also make great table fare when kept within regulations. My go-to trick is throwing a gold spoon past them and working it back slowly - they can't resist it.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most consistent targets in North Carolina's backwaters. These silvery, speckled fish typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally hook into bigger ones. They love shallow grass flats and hang around oyster bars, especially during early morning and evening hours. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but they school up in deeper channels during winter. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics - plus they're excellent table fare with that mild, flaky white meat. Pro tip: work your lure slowly over the grass beds and listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound when they're feeding actively.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are our underwater ninjas - masters of camouflage that ambush prey from sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, but we get into some nice 3-5 pounders fairly regularly. These flatfish hang out in creek mouths, around docks, and near any structure where baitfish gather. Fall migration season is when they really turn on, moving from shallow areas toward deeper water. What makes them special is the challenge - you're sight fishing for fish that are nearly invisible until they move. They're also some of the best eating fish we target. The key is using live finger mullet or bull minnows on light jigheads, and working them right along the bottom where flounder are waiting to strike.
North Carolina