6-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure in Beaufort
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesDeparts 7 AM with experienced guides from BeaufortAccommodates up to three guests in coastal waters
Ready to get on the water and chase some serious fish? Our 6-hour inshore trip out of Beaufort puts you right in the heart of North Carolina's most productive fishing grounds. We're talking about crystal-clear waters loaded with Bluefish, Striped Bass, Black Drum, Redfish, and Spanish Mackerel – all within casting distance of some of the prettiest coastline you'll ever see. This isn't your average fishing charter; it's a hands-on adventure where you'll learn the ins and outs of inshore angling while actually catching fish that'll make your friends jealous.
We kick off at 7 AM sharp, which puts us on prime fishing spots right when the bite gets hot. The early morning departure means you'll beat the boat traffic and hit those sweet spots while the fish are still actively feeding. Our experienced captain knows every drop-off, oyster bar, and grass flat in these waters – places where big fish hang out waiting for an easy meal. You'll be fishing in the protected waters around Beaufort Inlet, Cape Lookout, and the backwater creeks that make this area famous among serious anglers. The boat accommodates just three guests, so you're not fighting for rod space or competing with a crowd. Everyone gets plenty of one-on-one attention, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or someone who's never held a fishing rod before. The smaller group size also means we can adapt the trip based on what's biting and what you want to target.
Inshore fishing in Beaufort is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on conditions and what species we're targeting. Light tackle spinning gear lets you feel every bump and run, making even smaller fish feel like monsters. We'll work everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise looking for crabs, to deeper channel edges where stripers ambush baitfish. You'll learn how to work soft plastics along the bottom, pitch live shrimp under docks, and cast topwater plugs that'll bring explosive strikes right on the surface. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. Part of the fun is experimenting with different presentations until you find what works. We'll also cover proper fish handling techniques, so your catch photos look professional and the fish you release swim away healthy.
Bluefish are absolute bruisers that'll test your drag system and your arms. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action gets wild fast. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so expect blistering runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Spring through fall sees the best action, with schools ranging from smaller "snapper" blues perfect for light tackle to chopper blues that can push 10+ pounds. What makes them so exciting is their willingness to hit just about anything – live bait, spoons, plugs, or soft plastics worked with an aggressive retrieve.
Striped Bass, or "rockfish" as the locals call them, are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around here. These silver-sided fighters can range from schoolie-size fish around 20 inches up to true cows pushing 40+ pounds. They're smart, which makes them challenging, but when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. Stripers love structure – bridge pilings, jetties, and drop-offs where they can ambush unsuspecting baitfish. Best action typically happens during moving tides, especially in the cooler months when big fish move into the shallows to feed.
Black Drum might not be the prettiest fish in the water, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter inshore. These bottom-dwellers use their powerful tails and broad bodies to make long, steady runs that'll burn your forearms. They're suckers for fresh shrimp and blue crab, and once they decide they want your bait, they rarely let go. Adult drum can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're year-round residents, making them reliable targets when other species are finicky.
Redfish are probably the most sought-after species in our waters, and for good reason. Their copper-bronze coloring and distinctive black spots make them beautiful, but it's their fighting ability that really sets them apart. Red drum are ambush predators that cruise shallow flats and creek mouths, often with their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Sight-fishing for reds in skinny water is as good as it gets – watching a 30-inch fish track down your lure and explode on it in two feet of water never gets old. They're available year-round, but fall brings the biggest specimens as they fatten up before winter.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're around. These speed demons hit fast and fight hard, making long runs and jumping clear of the water. They're perfect for light tackle fishing, and their willingness to hit small jigs, spoons, and live bait makes them ideal for anglers who want steady action. Spanish macs show up in late spring and stick around through early fall, often feeding in massive schools that create feeding frenzies. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Six hours on the water with Reel Tight Adventures gives you the perfect taste of what makes Beaufort one of the top inshore fishing destinations on the East Coast. You'll come away with new skills, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fish to take home. The small group size means personalized attention, and our captain's local knowledge
Our 2017 Seahunt 22-ft center console is built for serious inshore fishing around Beaufort's productive waters. This bay boat handles up to 3 anglers comfortably while the Yamaha 200HP motor gets you to the fish quickly and quietly. The wireless trolling motor lets you position perfectly over structure without spooking redfish or black drum in shallow water. GPS navigation takes the guesswork out of finding your favorite spots, while the fish finder shows you exactly what's below - whether you're working grass flats for speckled trout or drifting deeper channels for stripers. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without tangling lines, and the shallow draft gets you into those back-country honey holes where the big reds feed. Perfect for targeting everything from schooling spanish mackerel to bull drum cruising the flats around Cape Lookout.
Beaufort