Nearshore Charters in North Carolina
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.
Picture this: you're out on the Carolina waters with Captain Clint McCoy, a guy who's been working these fishing grounds for over two decades. The boat's cutting through the surf, you've got your tackle ready, and you're heading to some of the most productive nearshore waters on the East Coast. That's exactly what you get with Reel McCoy Sportfishing – a no-nonsense charter experience that puts you right where the fish are biting.
Captain Clint runs a tight ship with space for up to 4 anglers, which means you're getting personalized attention without feeling crowded. You've got options here – half-day trips run about 4 hours if you want to test the waters, or go all-in with an 8-hour adventure when the bite is hot. The boat launches from North Carolina's prime fishing ports, and Clint knows exactly where to find the action based on seasonal patterns, water temperature, and current conditions. He's been doing this for 20+ years, so when he says the fish are there, you can bank on it. The nearshore waters off Carolina offer that perfect sweet spot – close enough to stay comfortable, but far enough out to get into some serious gamefish territory.
You'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. For the mackerel runs, expect to be trolling with spoons, planers, and diving plugs – classic Carolina-style fishing that produces fast action. When targeting redfish and black sea bass, you'll likely be bottom fishing with circle hooks and chunk bait around structure. Captain Clint provides all the gear you need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you prefer. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS to locate productive bottom and mark productive spots. Live bait is often the ticket for bigger fish, and Clint knows the local bait shops and where to catch fresh menhaden or spot when the situation calls for it.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing here, especially during their peak runs from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. The key is their aggressive feeding behavior – they'll absolutely destroy a small spoon or jig trolled at the right speed. What makes Spanish mackerel so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Black Sea Bass are the go-to bottom dwellers that keep rods bent year-round in these waters. Running anywhere from keeper size up to 4-5 pounders, they're structure-oriented fish that love wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, and they're known for their strong initial run when hooked. Bass fishing is perfect for anglers who enjoy precise bottom fishing techniques, and these fish are outstanding on the dinner table.
Spadefish show up around structure during the warmer months and offer one of the more technical fishing challenges on the trip. These disc-shaped fish are notorious for their light bite and their ability to steal bait without getting hooked. They typically run 2-8 pounds and require patience and finesse. When you do connect with a good spadefish, they're strong fighters that make powerful runs. Many consider them one of the best eating fish in these waters.
King Mackerel are the prize gamefish of the nearshore waters, running anywhere from 15-40+ pounds during peak season. These fish are built for speed and endurance, making blistering runs that can peel line off your reel in seconds. Kings are typically caught trolling live bait or large spoons near temperature breaks and structure. Summer and early fall offer the best shots at kings, and landing one is often the highlight of any nearshore trip.
Redfish, particularly the big bull reds, show up in nearshore waters during their fall migration. These copper-colored bruisers can push 30-50+ pounds and are known for their powerful, sustained fights. Bulls are drum family fish that use their broad tails and body mass to wear down anglers. They're typically caught on the bottom with cut bait, and the sight of a big red coming to the boat is something every angler remembers.
Here's the deal – Captain Clint McCoy has spent two decades figuring out exactly where and when to find fish in these North Carolina nearshore waters. Whether you're after fast action with Spanish mackerel or hoping to tangle with a bull redfish, this charter puts you in the right place with an experienced captain who knows how to make it happen. With only 4 spots on each trip, you're getting the kind of personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Don't miss your chance to fish with one of Carolina's top-rated charter captains.
This 27-foot Cape Horn is built for serious fishing in North Carolina's nearshore waters. Twin 175hp Suzuki outboards get you to the fish fast, while Lowrance electronics and fish finder help locate your targets. The spacious cockpit handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, with Gemlux outriggers ready for trolling runs. Captain Clint McCoy brings over 20 years of local knowledge to put you on bull reds, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, black sea bass, spadefish, and flounder. Large coolers keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during 4 or 8-hour trips. GPS navigation ensures safe passage to North Carolina's productive fishing grounds, whether you're working the backwaters or heading to deeper nearshore structure. This fishing machine combines speed, safety, and fish-catching features for productive days on the water.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, aggressive bottom dwellers that typically run 1-4 pounds, though we see some pushing 8+ pounds around deeper wrecks and rock piles. They love structure - old pilings, jetties, artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests love about sea bass fishing is the steady action and hard fights they put up until they break the surface. They're also top-notch table fare with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: drop your bait right to the bottom, then lift it up about a foot - sea bass will grab it on the fall. Use circle hooks with squid strips and you'll boat plenty.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, averaging 20-40 pounds with some pushing 60+ pounds. These olive-backed rockets patrol depths from 40-150 feet around structure and temperature breaks. Late spring through fall brings the best action when they follow baitfish inshore. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag system. They're decent eating when prepared fresh. The secret is using a two-hook rig with live bait - put one hook through the nose and let a treble hook dangle near the tail since kings often bite the back half of their prey. Troll just fast enough to keep your bait swimming naturally.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull reds are copper-colored powerhouses with distinctive black spots near their tails, running 28-45 inches with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water where you can actually see their backs. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. What makes redfish special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights in skinny water. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the deal: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast topwater plugs or shrimp imitations ahead of them. Work it slow and steady - reds will crush a well-placed lure in knee-deep water.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are distinctive disk-shaped fish with black vertical stripes that average 3-10 pounds and 18 inches. They school up in massive groups around wrecks, pilings, and reef structures, usually in 20-60 feet of water. Summer months are prime when they're thick around our nearshore structures. Anglers love them for their surprising fight - they'll bend your rod and make long runs despite their flat profile. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The key to catching spadefish is small hooks and fresh clam strips. Cast past the school and drag your bait through them slowly. They're picky eaters, so downsize your tackle and be patient - once you hook one, the school usually sticks around.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, scrappy fighters that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds around here. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots cruising in schools near the surface, especially around structures and drop-offs in 20-60 feet of water. They show up strong from late spring through fall when the water warms. What makes them popular is their aggressive strikes and solid fight for their size, plus they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working, get there fast and cast small spoons or jigs ahead of the school - Spanish mack will hit anything shiny moving through their feeding zone.
North Carolina