Full Day Fishing Adventure in Swansboro
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing adventure in Swansboro watersExpert crew guides guests to prime fishing locationsAccommodates two guests with all equipment provided
Looking for a serious fishing day that'll test your skills and fill your cooler? This 8-hour charter with Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II puts you right in the heart of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters. Swansboro sits at the perfect spot where the White Oak River meets the Atlantic, creating an incredible mix of structure, current, and feeding zones that attract everything from hard-fighting cobia to tasty sheepshead. With just 2 anglers max, you're getting a personalized experience where the captain can focus on putting you on fish instead of managing a crowded boat. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're ready to step up your inshore game, this full-day trip gives you the time to really dial in on what's biting and learn the local techniques that separate the pros from the weekend warriors.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the dock, and trust me, the early wake-up call is worth every minute of extra fishing time. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand - they've been working the grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges around Swansboro for years. You'll cruise out to spots that most anglers never see, places where the bottom structure creates perfect ambush points for predators. The boat comes rigged with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but if you've got your lucky rod or favorite reel, bring it along. Eight hours gives you serious flexibility to adapt as conditions change throughout the day. Morning might find you working topwater around grass beds for spanish mackerel, then switching to bottom rigs over structure when the tide changes and the black drum start feeding. The crew watches weather, tide, and fish movement patterns to keep you on productive water all day long.
Inshore fishing around Swansboro means versatility is king, and this crew knows exactly how to rig for whatever's biting. You'll be working everything from light spinning tackle with live shrimp under popping corks to heavier conventional setups when targeting big drum around pilings. Spanish mackerel respond well to small spoons and Gotcha plugs worked fast through the water column, while sheepshead require a completely different approach with fiddler crabs or barnacles presented right against structure. For cobia, be ready to sight-fish with live bait when these brown sharks cruise the surface, or work bucktails around markers and channel edges. The captain adjusts techniques based on seasonal patterns, water temperature, and what the fish are telling you that day. Bottom fishing for black drum means learning to feel the subtle taps through your rod tip, while bluefish fishing can turn into fast action with multiple hookups when you find a feeding school. This crew teaches you the local tricks like reading water color changes, identifying productive bottom structure, and timing your presentation with tidal movement.
Spanish mackerel are absolute speed demons that'll test your reflexes and give you an arm workout you won't forget. These chrome rockets show up in huge numbers during their peak season from late spring through early fall, and they're suckers for fast-moving lures worked through the water column. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they fight way above their weight class and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. What makes them special around Swansboro is how they school up near grass beds and channel mouths, creating opportunities for multiple hookups when you find them fired up and feeding.
Bluefish bring serious attitude and razor-sharp teeth to every fight, earning their reputation as some of the most aggressive predators in these waters. They range from snapper-sized juveniles to chopper blues pushing double digits, and when they're feeding, the action gets wild fast. These fish hunt in packs, slashing through baitfish schools and creating feeding frenzies that attract birds from miles away. The key to consistent bluefish success is matching your presentation to their mood - sometimes they want fast-retrieved metals, other times a steady retrieve with soft plastics does the trick.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish regularly topping 30-40 pounds and providing drag-stripping fights that'll make your arms burn. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deep holes where they cruise around vacuuming up crabs and shellfish. What makes drum fishing addictive is the anticipation - you might sit for 20 minutes without a bite, then suddenly your rod doubles over and you're connected to a freight train. They're not the prettiest fish in the water, but pound-for-pound, few species can match their raw pulling power.
Sheepshead fishing is all about finesse and timing, making these black-and-white striped convicts a favorite target for anglers who enjoy technical fishing. They've got human-like teeth perfectly designed for crushing barnacles and shellfish off structure, which means you need to present your bait right where they're feeding. These fish are notorious bait stealers with lightning-fast reflexes, so success requires sharp hooks, sensitive tackle, and quick hooksets. When you connect with a good sheepshead, they make bulldogging runs straight back to structure, testing your drag settings and your nerves.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn any ordinary fishing day into something legendary. These brown sharks cruise the surface during warmer months, often following rays and sharks while hunting for easy meals. Sight-fishing for cobia gets your heart pumping like nothing else - spotting that brown shadow cruising just under the surface, then making the perfect cast and watching the fish turn to investigate your bait. They're curious fish that often follow lures or baits for long distances before deciding to eat, and when they do commit, you better hold on tight.
Eight hours on Swansboro's best
Step aboard our beautifully restored 21' Hewes Redfisher and get ready for a full day of fishing the productive waters around Swansboro. This classic flats boat combines old-school charm with modern reliability, thanks to its complete 2022 restoration. The powerful 250HP Yamaha engine gets you to the fishing grounds quickly, cruising at speeds up to 55 knots when needed. Perfect for up to 2 anglers, this boat is equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the best spots. When stealth is key for targeting spooky fish in shallow water, the wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly without spooking your targets. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, along with drinks and snacks for the long day ahead. The multimedia system provides entertainment during travel time between fishing spots. Whether you're casting to redfish in the shallows or working deeper structure for other species, this versatile boat handles it all with ease in North Carolina's diverse inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+ pounds around our area. They love shallow oyster bars, muddy flats, and around dock pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear through the boat hull. They're bulldogs on the bottom - not flashy fighters, but they'll test your tackle with that steady pull. Smaller ones eat great, but the big breeders get tough and fishy. Fresh blue crab is the ticket, and keep your bait tight on the bottom. They're notorious bait thieves, so stay ready to set the hook.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that run 5-20 pounds in our waters, with those razor-sharp teeth that'll cut right through your line if you're not careful. They travel in schools through Swansboro's sounds and nearshore waters from late spring into fall, feeding hard on baitfish. You'll hear them called "choppers" for good reason - they go into feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Great fighters that make long runs and jump. The smaller "snapper blues" are perfect table fare, but the big ones can be strong-flavored. Best bet is trolling spoons or casting metal lures when you see birds working. Always use a wire leader - learned that one the hard way too many times.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks that aren't sharks - powerful fish averaging 30-50 pounds that patrol reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Peak season runs May through September when they migrate through our area. These are sight-fishing targets you'll often spot cruising just under the surface. They hit bucktail jigs hard and fight like freight trains with long runs that'll make your arms burn. Top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the ocean. The trick is getting close enough for a good cast without spooking them. When you see one, cast well ahead of where it's swimming and work the jig slowly back. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow the boat for a look.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish with those black and white stripes and human-like teeth that can crack barnacles like peanuts. They run 1-8 pounds typically, hanging tight around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, anywhere with barnacles and crabs to eat. Spring is prime time when they spawn around inlet structures. These fish are notorious bait thieves with light bites that'll clean your hook before you know it. But they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. Fiddler crabs and sand fleas work great, but keep your bait pinned tight to the hook. Fish right against the structure and set the hook hard at the first tap.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel run 1-2 feet long and typically weigh 8-11 pounds around Swansboro. These silver speedsters with yellow spots travel in big schools near the surface, making them easy to spot when they're feeding. You'll find them from spring through fall in our nearshore waters, especially around structure and bait schools. They hit fast and fight hard for their size - that initial run will test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that grills up perfect. Pro tip: when you see diving birds, get there quick and cast small spoons or jigs right into the action. These fish spook easily, so drift into the school instead of running the motor right up to them.
Swansboro