North Carolina Nearshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Clint McCoy brings over 20 years fishing experience.Inshore and offshore charters accommodate up to 4 guests.Target redfish, mackerel, sea bass, spadefish, and flounder.
Captain Clint McCoy has been working these North Carolina waters for over two decades, and he knows exactly where the fish are biting. When you step aboard with Reel McCoy Sportfishing, you're getting more than just a boat ride – you're tapping into years of local knowledge and a genuine passion for putting anglers on fish. Whether you want to spend half a day testing your luck or commit to a full 8-hour adventure, we've got the perfect setup for groups up to four people.
Your day starts early, meeting Captain Clint at the dock as the sun's coming up. There's something special about those first few minutes on the water – the anticipation builds as we head out to the nearshore grounds where the action happens. These aren't crowded party boat trips where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. With just four anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Captain Clint reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on current conditions, bait movements, and seasonal patterns he's tracked for years. Some days we'll start shallow targeting redfish around structure, other times we'll head straight to the king mackerel grounds if the bite's hot. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your line next.
We run a well-equipped boat with quality tackle suited for everything from finesse flounder fishing to battling bull reds. For Spanish mackerel, we'll often troll small spoons and feathers at varying speeds, covering water until we locate schools. When targeting kings, expect to use live bait or pull larger spoons and diving plugs behind planers or downriggers. Bottom fishing for black sea bass and spadefish means dropping jigs and cut bait around structure – artificial reefs, ledges, and wrecks that hold concentrations of fish. Captain Clint provides all the gear, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got them. He's always happy to share techniques and help less experienced anglers improve their skills. Don't worry if you've never fished saltwater before – every trip includes hands-on instruction tailored to your experience level.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of North Carolina nearshore fishing, especially from late spring through early fall. These aggressive feeders school up in massive numbers, and when you find them, it's game on. They typically run 1-3 pounds and fight with surprising strength for their size. The non-stop action makes them perfect for kids and new anglers who want constant excitement. Spanish macs prefer warmer water and will follow bait schools close to shore, making them accessible on both our 4 and 8-hour trips.
Black sea bass are year-round residents around structure, though they're most active in spring and fall. These chunky bottom dwellers average 1-2 pounds but can push 4-5 pounds around deeper wrecks. They're excellent table fare and relatively easy to catch once you locate schools. Bass fishing requires patience and finesse – they'll often mouth the bait before committing, so you need to feel for that subtle pickup.
Spadefish show up around artificial reefs and wrecks during summer months, usually in schools that can provide non-stop action. They're notoriously picky eaters, preferring small pieces of cut bait or tiny jigs. Once you dial in the technique, though, it's common to catch dozens. They fight harder than you'd expect and make excellent eating.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of nearshore fishing, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "snakes" up to 40+ pound smoker kings. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up in fall. Kings are pure adrenaline – they'll smoke drag on the initial run, then put on an aerial show as you fight them to the boat. Live bait works best, but trolling can be highly effective when fish are scattered.
Bull redfish are the bruisers of the nearshore game, with fish over 27 inches providing some of the strongest fights you'll experience. These copper-colored giants patrol the surf line and nearshore structure year-round, though fall brings the best action as they school up for spawning. A big red will test your tackle and your endurance – they use their broad sides and powerful tails to wage war in the current.
North Carolina's nearshore waters offer world-class fishing just minutes from the dock, and Captain Clint McCoy knows how to make the most of every trip. Whether you're after table fare for the family fish fry or trophy fish for the wall, these waters deliver consistently. The 4-hour trips are perfect for testing the waters or when you've got limited time, while the full-day 8-hour adventures let you really explore different areas and techniques. With over 20 years of local experience and a customer-favorite approach to guiding, Reel McCoy Sportfishing has earned its reputation as one of the top-rated charter operations along this stretch of coast. Don't spend another weekend wondering what you're missing – grab three friends and book your nearshore adventure today.
Get ready to hit North Carolina's prime fishing waters aboard this 27-foot Cape Horn Ocean Fishing machine! With twin 175hp Suzuki Outboards pushing you to the hottest spots, you'll have the speed and reliability to make the most of your time on the water. Captain Clint McCoy brings over 20 years of experience targeting everything from bull redfish to king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, black sea bass, spadefish, and flounder. The boat's loaded with Lowrance electronics and fish finder to locate your targets, plus Gemlux outriggers to spread your lines wide. Spacious coolers keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the day. GPS navigation ensures you'll find those productive inshore grounds where the fish are biting. Whether you choose a 4 or 8-hour charter, this setup handles up to 4 anglers comfortably with plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, bottom-dwelling fighters that run 1-4 pounds on average, though we catch some pushing 8+ pounds. They hang around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them fun is their scrappy fight and they're some of the best eating fish we target - firm, white meat with great flavor. Males turn bright blue during spawning season and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. Bottom fish with squid strips or live bait on a two-hook rig. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep fishing the same spot - they school up tight and where there's one, there's usually more.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These olive-backed predators cruise in 40-150 feet around structure and temperature breaks. Peak season runs spring through fall when baitfish are thick. What gets anglers hooked is their blistering runs and aerial shows - few fish match their raw power and speed. They're also excellent eating with rich, flaky meat. Troll large spoons, live bait, or slow-pitch jigs around drop-offs and ledges. Local secret: use a two-hook setup with the back hook free-swinging - kings often hit the tail end of baitfish first. Wire leaders are a must since those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull redfish are copper-colored powerhouses with distinctive black spots near their tails, running 28-45 inches and capable of reaching 50+ pounds. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Peak action is spring and fall when they school up, but we catch them year-round in North Carolina waters. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and that explosive topwater strike when they're feeding shallow. They're also great table fare with sweet, firm meat. Topwater plugs at dawn and dusk are money, but live shrimp works anytime. Here's the deal: when you see nervous water or tailing fish, approach quietly and cast well ahead of them.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are disk-shaped, silver fish with distinctive black stripes that average 3-10 pounds and 18 inches. They school in huge numbers around wrecks, reefs, and nearshore structures during summer months. What makes them special is the tough fight they put up - they'll pull drag and test your tackle. They prefer shallower waters and can be found near pilings, harbors, and mangrove areas. Summer through early fall is peak season when water temperatures are warmest. Fresh clam on a small circle hook is the go-to bait, though jellyfish works too. Here's the key: cast past the school and slowly drag your bait through them. They're curious fish but can be picky, so patience pays off when targeting these silvery beauties.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, schooling fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. You'll spot their silver bodies with yellowish spots near the surface in large schools. They're found throughout our nearshore waters from spring through fall, moving closer to shore when the water warms up. Look for them around structures, jetties, and piers. These speedsters put up a great fight with blazing runs, and they make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Use light tackle with shiny spoons or live bait like sardines. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds, head that way fast - Spanish mackerel are probably feeding underneath.
North Carolina