Beaufort NC Fall/Winter Trout Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing charter targeting fall and winter trout speciesSmall group experience accommodates maximum three guests per tripExpert guides navigate scenic Beaufort coastal waters for optimal catches
When the water temps start dropping and the crowds thin out, that's when Beaufort's inshore fishing really gets good. This full-day charter puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's most productive trout waters, where speckled trout and redfish cruise the grass flats and oyster bars year-round. Captain Mike and the Reel Tight Adventures crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish whether you're slinging artificials for the first time or you've been working these flats for decades. With just three anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and one you'll be talking about for years.
Your day starts early at the Beaufort waterfront, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on conditions. Fall and winter fishing in Beaufort is all about reading the water and adapting to what Mother Nature throws at you. Some days you'll be working shallow grass beds in Taylor Creek, other times you'll find yourself drifting deeper holes near the Turning Basin where big trout stack up when it gets cold. The beauty of this fishery is the variety – one cast you might be sight-fishing a tailing red in six inches of water, the next you're working a suspending twitch bait over an eight-foot drop-off. Your captain will have you rigged with quality spinning gear and a selection of soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending baits that match the seasonal patterns. Don't worry about bringing tackle – everything's provided, though you're welcome to throw your favorite lures if you've got confidence baits.
Beaufort's inshore scene is perfect for learning different approaches, and fall/winter fishing opens up some killer techniques you might not get to use in summer. When the water's cool, trout get sluggish and you need to slow your presentation way down. We're talking about working a soft plastic so slow it feels like you're barely moving it – just tiny twitches and long pauses that drive big specks crazy. Your captain will show you how to rig a DOA shrimp under a popping cork, a deadly combo when fish are holding tight to structure. On warmer days when the sun gets the flats heated up, topwater action can be absolutely nuts – there's nothing like watching a big red blow up on a spook plug in skinny water. The boat stays in constant motion, covering water efficiently while keeping noise to a minimum. Expect to make lots of casts to different structure – downed trees, oyster bars, grass edges, and those sweet spots where current creates feeding zones.
Speckled trout are the main target here, and Beaufort's fall/winter fish are some chunky specimens. These guys average 14-18 inches during the cooler months, with plenty of keeper-size fish and the occasional gator trout pushing 24+ inches that'll test your drag. Specks love structure during winter – they'll stack up around oyster bars, submerged grass beds, and creek mouths where baitfish get pushed around by tide changes. What makes them so fun is their aggressive strike and the way they'll jump when hooked. They're also excellent table fare, which is why most anglers keep a few within the slot limit. The key to consistent trout fishing here is understanding their temperature preferences – they get lethargic below 50 degrees but feed aggressively in that 55-65 degree sweet spot that's common during Beaufort's mild winters.
Redfish are the bonus fish that can turn a good day into an epic one. Beaufort's reds typically run 18-27 inches, right in that slot size that fights like crazy and tastes even better. Unlike trout, redfish actually prefer the cooler water and will feed aggressively all winter long. They're ambush predators that cruise shallow flats looking for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. What makes reds special is their power – when a 5-pound red takes off on its first run, you'll understand why they're called bull reds when they get bigger. They're also incredibly smart fish that will test your patience and skill. The sight-fishing opportunities for reds in Beaufort's clear winter water are world-class, especially on those calm, sunny days when you can spot their copper backs from 50 yards away.
This isn't your typical summer tourist trip – it's serious fishing with a top-rated crew that knows how to put you on fish when conditions get challenging. The three-angler limit means you get personalized instruction and more water time per person, which translates to more hookups and better technique development. Fall and winter dates book up fast because the fishing is so consistent and the weather is generally more comfortable than summer's heat and afternoon storms. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fish in the cooler or just want to experience some of the East Coast's best inshore action, this charter delivers the goods. Captain Mike's been guiding these waters for years, and his repeat customer rate speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. Don't wait – prime winter dates fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on some of the year's best fishing.
Hit the waters around Beaufort aboard our reliable 2017 Seahunt 22-foot center console, built to handle whatever the coastal waters throw at you. This bay boat's got the perfect setup for chasing fall and winter trout in the shallows and deeper channels around Cape Lookout. The Yamaha 200HP gets you to the fishing grounds fast, while the wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and the GPS keeps you on productive spots. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for sight-casting to tailing reds or working the grass flats where speckled trout love to feed during cooler months.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored bruisers are what dreams are made of around here. Most of our reds run 20-35 inches, but we see plenty of slot fish and the occasional bull that'll test your drag system. They love our shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths - anywhere from 6 inches to 4 feet deep. Fall and winter fishing is outstanding when they group up for the cooler months. What gets people hooked is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. Those black spots near the tail aren't just pretty - they confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Pro tip: look for nervous water or actual backs showing on the flats. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easy in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaAround Beaufort, we're talking about speckled trout - beautiful spotted fish that run 14-24 inches and fight way above their weight class. These guys love grass flats and shallow water, especially at night when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime time here since they school up in deeper holes and channels when the water cools. What makes them special is that scrappy fight and excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The meat's pretty delicate though, so don't overcook it. Here's a local trick: when you're working the flats at dusk, throw a topwater plug or soft plastic shrimp right along the grass edges where they ambush prey. Listen for those telltale slurps - that's your dinner calling.
Beaufort