Full Day Fishing Trip - North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore fishing adventure in pristine Swansboro watersExpert crew guides guests to prime fishing locationsSmall group experience accommodates maximum two guests
Looking to spend a proper day on the water around Swansboro? This 8-hour fishing adventure with Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II gives you plenty of time to work the inshore waters without feeling rushed. With just 2 anglers max, you'll get personalized attention from the crew and won't be fighting for rod space like on those packed party boats. The Crystal Coast waters around here hold some solid fish year-round, and an 8-hour window lets us hit multiple spots depending on what's biting and where the conditions look best.
Your day kicks off early when we meet at the dock in Swansboro. The crew will get you set up with everything you need – no need to bring your own tackle unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. We'll head out into the sounds and nearshore waters, reading the conditions and adjusting our game plan as we go. Some days the fish are stacked up on the grass flats, other days they're holding around structure or working the drop-offs. That's the beauty of having 8 hours – we can adapt and move around until we find where they're feeding. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so we're not just running around blind hoping to get lucky. Expect to cover different water throughout the day, from shallow grass beds to deeper channels where the bigger fish like to cruise.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting. Live bait fishing works great for the drum and sheepshead around the pilings and rock piles. We'll have fresh shrimp, cut bait, and usually some live baitfish in the well. When the Spanish mackerel and bluefish are running, we'll switch to trolling spoons and small lures to cover water fast. Cobia fishing often means sight casting to fish we spot cruising the surface – that's when things get really exciting and you need to be ready to make a quick, accurate cast. The crew will handle rigging and re-baiting, but they'll also teach you the techniques so you can improve your game. We use circle hooks for most live bait presentations to improve hookup rates and make releasing fish easier when needed.
Spanish mackerel are some of the most fun fish you can catch on light tackle around here. These speed demons typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They show up in good numbers from late spring through fall, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot in the 70s. You'll find them schooled up around bait balls, and when you hook into one, there's usually more where that came from. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make every hookup a blast, plus they're excellent table fare if you want to take a few home.
Bluefish are the bullies of the inshore waters, and for good reason. These aggressive predators will hit just about anything that moves and put up a serious scrap once hooked. We see them year-round, but fall brings the best action when they're fattening up for winter. Blues range from small "snappers" up to 10+ pound choppers that can test your drag system. They school heavily and feed with reckless abandon, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop. Just watch those teeth – they're called choppers for a reason.
Black drum are the heavyweights of our target list, with fish over 40 pounds caught regularly in these waters. These bottom-dwellers love structure like bridge pilings, oyster bars, and channel edges where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the big spawning fish into shallow water, making for some epic battles on medium-heavy tackle. Drum are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style – they'll use every piling and obstruction to try breaking you off. The smaller ones make great table fare, while the big breeders are usually released to keep the fishery strong.
Sheepshead fishing requires finesse and patience, but the payoff is worth it. These convict-striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around structure. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook at the slightest tap. Most sheepshead run 2-5 pounds, but the waters around Swansboro produce plenty of 6+ pounders that can bend a rod. They're structure-oriented, so we'll work around docks, pilings, and rock piles where they feel comfortable. Many anglers consider them the best eating fish that swims in salt water.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your whole trip. These brown sharks of the inshore world can show up anywhere from spring through fall, often cruising just under the surface where you can sight cast to them. A typical cobia runs 20-40 pounds and fights like a freight train with an attitude problem. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities if you don't spook them. When hooked, they make powerful runs and aren't afraid to dive under the boat or head for structure. Landing a good cobia on your first trip is something you'll be talking about for years.
An 8-hour trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything these waters have to offer. With only 2 anglers per trip, you'll get the personalized guidance that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. The crew at Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II knows these waters inside and out, and they're committed to putting you on fish while showing you techniques that'll make you a better angler. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather forecast and pick your dates carefully. Book now and get ready for a full day of serious fishing action on the Crystal Coast.
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Swansboro aboard our beautifully restored 21' Hewes Redfisher. This classic flats boat combines old-school charm with modern performance, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly and efficiently. The shallow-draft design lets us access those hard-to-reach inshore spots where the fish like to hide. You'll appreciate the onboard fish finder that helps us locate schools and structure, while the wireless trolling motor keeps us positioned perfectly without spooking the fish. The GPS ensures we can return to productive spots, and there's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during our 8-hour adventure. A multimedia system provides entertainment during travel time between fishing locations. This boat handles beautifully in the varied inshore waters around Swansboro, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels. Whether we're targeting redfish, trout, or flounder, the Redfisher's stable platform gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish comfortably. The restored 2003 hull maintains that classic Hewes quality while updated electronics keep us on the fish all day long.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are bottom-dwelling powerhouses that typically range 10-30 pounds around Swansboro, though we've seen them over 50. They hang around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in brackish water, using those crushing jaws to eat crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time during spawning season when they school up and are easier to find. What draws people to them is the solid fight and those distinctive drumming sounds they make underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Pro tip: fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait - keep it right on the bottom and be patient, because they'll mouth it before they really take it.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that usually weigh 3-15 pounds in our waters, with that distinctive blue-green back and sharp teeth. They love sandy harbors, tidal rivers, and around inlet structures where baitfish gather. Summer into early fall is your best bet, especially when they're feeding in schools - you'll hear them called "choppers" for good reason. Folks love targeting them because they fight hard and are great table fare when handled right, though stick to smaller fish for the best taste. Here's the thing with blues: use a wire leader or they'll bite through your line, and when you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby so keep casting to the same spot.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that can grow huge - we see them from 20-60 pounds regularly around here. They're loners that cruise reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water, often spotted just under the surface. Late spring through summer is peak season when they move through our area during migration. What makes them special is the powerful fight and premium table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. Most of the time we sight-fish for them, so keep your eyes peeled for that dark shadow cruising near the surface. When you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and hold on tight.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are tricky fish with those black and white "convict" stripes and human-like teeth that can steal your bait in seconds. They typically run 2-8 pounds and live around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, anywhere barnacles grow. Spring brings the best action during spawning season when they're more aggressive. People love the challenge because they're notorious bait thieves, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. The key is getting your bait tight to the structure and setting the hook fast when you feel that subtle nibble. Fiddler crabs or barnacles scraped right off the pilings work best - they can't resist fresh local groceries.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 1-3 pounds around here, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They're silver with yellowish spots and love to school up near the surface, especially around structures and baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up - they'll move closer to shore and become more active. What makes them fun is their speed and the way they hit lures hard, plus they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. My tip: when you see birds diving, get over there fast with small spoons or jigs. They feed in a frenzy and you can load up quick if you time it right.
Swansboro