Beaufort NC Fishing Charter | Half Day Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday morning charter targeting multiple inshore speciesSmall group capacity accommodates up to three guests maximumExperienced guides provide equipment and local fishing expertise
Start your morning right with a world-class half-day fishing charter that'll have you hooked on Beaufort's legendary waters. We're talking about a 7 AM departure that puts you right in the sweet spot when fish are most active and the water's still got that glassy calm. This mixed bag charter is what separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers – you'll be targeting multiple species in prime inshore waters where anything can hit your line. With just 3 spots available, you're getting the personal attention that makes the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with a cooler full of fish.
Beaufort's inshore waters are like a fish highway, and we know exactly where to set up shop. You'll be fishing the flats, channels, and structure where Striped Bass cruise for breakfast and Redfish patrol the shallows looking for their next meal. The morning bite here is legendary – water temps are cooler, baitfish are moving, and predators are hunting. Our guides have been working these waters for years, reading the tides and knowing which spots fire off when conditions are just right. The 7 AM start isn't just about beating the heat – it's about being where the fish are when they're most aggressive. You'll cover different depths and structures, from shallow grass beds where Redfish tail to deeper channels where Black Drum and Striped Bass hold.
We're running light tackle setups that'll put you in direct contact with every fish that hits your line. Spinning reels loaded with braided line give you the sensitivity to feel even the lightest bite, while our selection of rods matches perfectly with what we're targeting. Live bait is king out here – fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and cut bait that we source locally because these fish know what they want to eat. We'll also throw artificials when the action calls for it – soft plastics that mimic the baitfish moving through these waters, and topwater plugs when fish are busting the surface. The beauty of this mixed bag approach is adapting to what the fish are telling us. Some days they want slow-rolled baits along the bottom, other mornings they're crushing everything that moves through the water column.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and keep your drag screaming. These silver bullets show up in numbers during warmer months, typically running 1-3 pounds of pure energy. They're suckers for fast-moving baits and small spoons, often hitting so hard you'll think you've hooked something twice their size. What makes them customer favorites is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit multiple times if you miss the first strike, and when you find a school, you can catch them back-to-back until your arms are burning.
Bluefish are the bullies of these waters, and that's exactly what makes them so much fun to catch. These toothy predators run anywhere from 2-8 pounds around Beaufort, with occasional bigger fish that'll really put a bend in your rod. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but summer mornings can produce excellent action when they're chasing bait schools. Bluefish are perfect for anglers who want constant action – they travel in groups, fight hard, and aren't picky about what they'll eat.
Black Drum are the heavyweights that'll surprise you with their power. These bottom dwellers can push 10-40 pounds in Beaufort's waters, using their broad tails and stubborn nature to test your tackle and patience. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures are in their comfort zone. What anglers love about Black Drum is the initial run – they'll strip drag like a freight train before settling into that head-shaking, bulldogging fight that makes you earn every inch of line.
Striped Bass, or Rockfish as the locals call them, are the crown jewel of Beaufort's inshore scene. These silver-sided fighters range from schoolie size up to real trophies pushing 20-30 pounds. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations, but quality fish are available year-round if you know where to look. Stripers are smart, structure-oriented fish that require finesse and persistence. When you connect with a good one, you'll understand why they're considered one of the premier gamefish on the East Coast – long runs, acrobatic jumps, and the kind of fight that creates lifelong fishing memories.
Redfish are the reason many anglers become obsessed with inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 5-15 pounds in our area, with occasional bull reds that'll make you question your tackle choices. They're available year-round but really shine in fall when they school up in massive numbers. Redfish are sight fishing opportunities waiting to happen – watching their tails break the surface as they root around shallow flats, then making the perfect cast and watching them crush your bait. They're strong, smart, and absolutely beautiful fish that photograph well and fight even better.
This top-rated half-day charter fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when word gets out about the morning bite. With only 3 anglers per trip, you're getting the personalized attention that turns good fishing days into great ones. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're committed to putting you on fish while sharing the local knowledge that makes each trip a learning experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore game or someone ready to experience what Beaufort fishing is all about, this mixed bag approach gives you the best shot at multiple species and consistent action. Don't wait until peak season to secure your spot – the fish are biting, the guides are ready, and your next fishing story is just a booking away.
Jump aboard our 2017 Seahunt 22-foot center console and get ready to chase some serious fish in Beaufort's productive waters. This bay boat handles like a dream with its Yamaha 200HP engine pushing you to the hotspots where striped bass, redfish, and spanish mackerel are waiting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on feeding fish, while our GPS and fish finder help locate schools and structure. With space for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without tangling up. This boat was built for these coastal waters - stable enough for comfort but nimble enough to chase birds and bait when the action heats up. Whether you're working the grass flats for reds or hitting deeper structure for black drum, this Seahunt gets you there and keeps you fishing.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our waters - powerful, heavy fish that can weigh anywhere from 5-30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 50+. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws perfect for cracking oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-20 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning and you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater. These fish are all about the fight - they pull hard and steady, testing your tackle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's what works: fish right on the bottom with fresh crab or cut bait. When you feel that steady pull, don't rush it - they'll use their weight and that current against you every chance they get.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators known for their razor-sharp teeth and relentless strikes. Most run 3-10 pounds around here, with that distinctive blue-green back fading to silver sides. They show up in big schools during summer months, often creating feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitz" where the water looks like it's boiling. You'll find them in open water, around structure, and pushing baitfish against the surf. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes. The smaller "snappers" are great eating with mild, flaky meat, while the bigger ones have a stronger flavor. They're perfect for beginners since they're not picky about bait. Local tip: when blues are feeding, use wire leaders - those teeth will cut through mono in seconds. Fresh cut bait or shiny spoons work best.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are bronze beauties with that signature black spot near the tail - nature's bullseye that guests love to target. They typically run 18-30 inches around Beaufort, with some big bulls pushing 40+ pounds. These fish live shallow, cruising 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll use every bit of structure to try and break you off. The meat on slot fish is fantastic - mild, sweet, and firm. They're not spooky like some species, making them great for all skill levels. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows. A live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but don't be afraid to throw topwater when they're feeding up shallow.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silvery fighters that run 1-2 feet long and weigh around 8-11 pounds. You'll spot them by their distinctive yellow spots along their sides and that streamlined body built for speed. Around Beaufort, we find them schooling near the surface from late spring through fall, especially when the water warms up. They love structure - jetties, piers, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. These fish hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat's excellent eating too - mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds, there's usually a school of Spanish underneath feeding on the same baitfish. Use small spoons or live shrimp and keep your retrieve fast - they like their prey moving.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are the crown jewel of our coast - those unmistakable dark stripes running down silver sides make them easy to spot. Most range 20-40 pounds, but we've seen some real giants over 50. They're structure lovers, hanging around drop-offs, jetties, and anywhere current pushes baitfish. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're actively feeding. These fish are smart and can be picky, but when they hit, they make powerful runs and fight with everything they've got. The meat is top-shelf - sweet, flaky, and perfect for the grill. They're year-round residents here, moving with the baitfish and tides. Local secret: early morning and late evening are prime time when they come up to feed. Live bait like menhaden or eels works best, but don't overlook cut bait when the bite gets tough.
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