Full Day Family Fishing - Swansboro Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour family fishing charter departing at 7:00 AM dailyTarget Black Drum, Bluefish, Sheepshead, and Spanish Mackerel inshoreAll fishing gear and instruction provided for beginners
Looking for the perfect way to get the whole crew out on the water? This 8-hour family charter with Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II hits all the right notes. We're talking about a legitimate full day of fishing in some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters, starting at 7:00 AM when the fish are hungry and the kids are still excited. Captain knows these Swansboro waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to work with everyone from first-timers to seasoned weekend warriors. The trip covers two guests in the base price, but you can bring up to six total - just add $50 per extra angler. Trust me, splitting an 8-hour charter among a family makes this one heck of a deal.
This charter is built around keeping everyone comfortable and engaged, which isn't always easy when you've got multiple generations on deck. We launch from Swansboro's protected harbors and work the inshore structure where the action stays consistent throughout the day. The captain provides all your tackle, bait, and gear, so you're not scrambling around trying to figure out what rigs work best for these waters. Expect to move around a bit - we're not the type to anchor up in one spot and hope for the best. The boat stays within the inshore zone, meaning calmer seas and shorter runs between fishing spots. Perfect setup for families who want steady action without the rough ride that comes with offshore fishing. The 8-hour timeframe gives us plenty of opportunities to adjust tactics if one species isn't cooperating.
Inshore fishing around Swansboro relies heavily on reading structure and current flow. We're working with light to medium tackle that kids can handle but still has enough backbone for the bigger drum and cobia that cruise these waters. Most of the day involves bottom fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait - cut mullet, shrimp, and whatever baitfish we can catch on the way out. The captain sets up multiple rod configurations so everyone can fish their comfort level. Beginners get the simple bottom rigs while more experienced anglers might work some artificial lures around the structure. Trolling comes into play when we're moving between spots, especially for the Spanish mackerel that love to chase spoons and small plugs. The key here is versatility - these inshore waters demand different approaches throughout the day as tides change and fish move with the current.
Spanish Mackerel show up in serious numbers during their peak season from late spring through early fall. These fish are absolute rockets when they hit - perfect for getting kids excited about fishing. They typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. Best part is they're not picky eaters, so you'll get consistent action when the schools move through. They love structure and moving water, which makes Swansboro's inlets and channels perfect hunting grounds. The meat is excellent eating too, so families often go home with a nice cooler full.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of these waters, and they provide some of the most exciting action you'll find inshore. These guys travel in schools and when you find them, everybody on the boat is going to hook up. They range from smaller snappers perfect for kids to handle, all the way up to chopper blues that'll test your drag system. They're active year-round but peak during spring and fall migrations. Fair warning - they've got serious teeth, so the captain handles all the unhooking for safety.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of the inshore scene. These fish can get massive - we're talking 20, 30, even 40+ pounders cruising the shallows and structure. They're bottom feeders with a preference for crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for our standard bottom rigs. What makes them special for family trips is their fighting style - long, steady pulls rather than crazy runs. Kids can actually fight these fish without getting worn out, and landing a big drum creates memories that last forever. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch them throughout most of the year.
Sheepshead are the master thieves of the inshore world, famous for stealing bait right off your hook. They hang around structure with their human-like teeth, crunching barnacles and being generally difficult to hook. But when you do connect, they're fantastic fighters and absolutely delicious table fare. The captain knows all their favorite hiding spots around Swansboro's docks, bridges, and rock piles. These fish require some finesse and patience, making them perfect for teaching young anglers about reading subtle bites.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anytime and turn a good day into an epic one. These fish are curious and aggressive, often following the boat or cruising near the surface where you can sight-cast to them. They're powerful fighters that make long runs and test everyone's skills. While not as common as the other target species, hooking into a cobia is something every angler dreams about. They show up most consistently during warmer months, and the captain keeps his eyes peeled for them throughout the trip.
Here's the deal - family fishing trips that actually work for everyone are harder to find than you'd think. This charter nails the balance between serious fishing and family fun, with a captain who understands that success isn't just measured in pounds of fish. The 8-hour format gives you real value, especially when you factor in the cost per person with a full boat. Swansboro's inshore waters are productive year-round, but the best family fishing happens when weather cooperates and fish are actively feeding. Don't wait until the last minute to book, especially during peak season when the Spanish mackerel and cobia are most active. Give Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II a call and lock in your dates - your family will be talking about this trip for
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are bottom-dwelling powerhouses that range from 5-30 pounds around Swansboro, with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. They hang around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in shallow water, using their crusher teeth to munch crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time during spawning season when they school up and are easier to target. These fish are famous for their drumming sounds and stubborn, bulldogging fights that test your drag. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, mild meat. The key to catching them is getting fresh crab or clam bait right on bottom - they rarely chase anything more than a few inches off the mud.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll give you a real workout - most run 2-8 pounds but can hit 15+ in good years. They're known for their razor-sharp teeth and nasty attitude, making them exciting to catch but requiring some caution when handling. You'll find schools feeding in 15-60 feet around baitfish, often creating feeding frenzies at the surface. Summer into fall is peak season when they migrate through our waters. They fight hard with strong runs and head shakes that keep everyone engaged. The meat is excellent if you bleed them immediately - oily and rich, perfect smoked or grilled fresh. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon because those teeth will slice through regular line like butter.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking bruisers that average 20-40 pounds but can easily hit 50+ pounds. They're usually loners cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through and hang around structure. These fish are pure power - long, bulldogging runs that'll test your equipment and your arms. They're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. The trick is sight fishing - look for that dark shadow just under the surface, then drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. Once they see it, they usually can't resist.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs around docks and pilings. Most run 2-6 pounds, though we catch some real slabs pushing 10+ pounds. They live around any hard structure - bridges, docks, jetties - in 5-25 feet of water. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're feeding heavily before spawning. They're notorious bait thieves with light nibbles, but once hooked, they make strong runs toward structure. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. Here's the secret: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crab or shrimp, keep your bait tight to the pilings, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver-sided speedsters that typically run 1-3 pounds around here, though we see some pushing 5-6 pounds. They travel in schools near the surface, making them perfect for families since they're aggressive biters and put up a solid fight without being overwhelming for kids. You'll find them around structure, inlets, and over sandy bottoms in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time, especially when the water warms up. They're excellent eating - mild, white meat that grills beautifully. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your line tight and work the school because where there's one Spanish, there's usually a dozen more ready to bite.
Swansboro