Half Day Mixed Bag Fishing Charter - Beaufort NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day afternoon charter targets multiple inshore speciesStriped bass, redfish, and Spanish mackerel fishing opportunitiesSmall group experience with maximum three guests
Looking for some solid afternoon action on the water? Our Half Day Mixed Bag charter out of Beaufort is exactly what you need. We launch at 1 PM sharp and spend the next few hours working the productive inshore waters where the variety of fish keeps your rod bent and the adrenaline pumping. This isn't your typical one-species chase – we're targeting whatever's biting, from hard-fighting redfish to fast-running spanish mackerel. With just 3 anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and prime positioning at every spot we hit.
This top-rated afternoon trip takes full advantage of Beaufort's prime inshore waters when fish are actively feeding. We'll work everything from grass flats and oyster bars to creek mouths and channel edges, reading the water and adjusting our approach based on tides, weather, and what's showing up on the fish finder. The beauty of a mixed bag charter is the variety – one minute you're battling a chunky black drum in shallow water, the next you're watching a redfish blow up on topwater near a marsh edge. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while sharing local knowledge that only comes from years of working these flats. The small group size means everyone gets plenty of rod time and individual coaching, whether you're new to inshore fishing or looking to dial in your technique.
We run a variety of setups depending on what we're targeting and where we're fishing. Light to medium spinning tackle is our go-to for most situations, letting you feel every head shake while still having the backbone to turn fish away from structure. Live bait is king out here – we'll have fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and cut bait ready to go. Artificial lures play a huge role too, especially soft plastics on jigheads for working grass flats and topwater plugs for those heart-stopping surface strikes. The captain will match your tackle to the conditions and target species, so you might find yourself throwing a gold spoon for spanish mackerel one minute and bouncing a jig through an oyster bar for black drum the next. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you've got one.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit, often jumping clear out of the water on their first run. These fish school up heavily during their peak season from late spring through early fall, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They love shiny lures like small spoons and glass minnow jigs, and they're not shy about crushing a well-presented live shrimp either. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size and make excellent table fare.
Bluefish are the bullies of the inshore waters, traveling in aggressive schools that will attack just about anything you throw at them. These toothy predators are perfect for anglers who want consistent action – when blues are around, everyone catches fish. They average 2-5 pounds in our waters and are renowned for their hard initial runs and never-give-up attitude. Wire leaders are a must when they're thick.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this crew, with fish ranging from 5-pound "puppy drum" to bruiser 20+ pounders that will test your drag system. They're bottom huggers that love oyster bars and structure, making them a blast to target with cut crab or shrimp. These fish are customer favorites because they're predictable to find but challenging to land, especially the big ones that use their broad sides and powerful tails to make bulldozing runs.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and our grass flats are loaded with them. These spotted beauties average 12-16 inches but the "gator trout" over 20 inches are what dreams are made of. They're suckers for soft plastics worked slowly over grass beds, and their distinctive croaking sound when landed never gets old. Peak action is typically during moving tides when they're actively hunting shrimp and baitfish.
Redfish are hands down the most exciting fish we target. These copper-colored bruisers are world-class fighters that use shallow water to their advantage, making blistering runs through oyster bars and grass flats. They range from 18-inch "rat reds" to 30+ inch bulls, and they'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live bait. The sight of a red's back and tail cutting through shallow water is something every angler should experience.
This Half Day Mixed Bag charter delivers exactly what its name promises – variety, action, and memories that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock. With only 3 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention from our experienced captain and prime fishing opportunities at every stop. The afternoon timing is perfect for working fish during their active feeding periods, and the mixed bag approach means you'll experience the full range of what Beaufort's inshore waters have to offer. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to sample the local action, this charter hits all the marks. Don't wait – these popular PM trips fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Hit the waters of Beaufort aboard our reliable 2017 Seahunt 22-footer – built tough for North Carolina's inshore fishing grounds. This center console bay boat handles beautifully whether you're chasing redfish in the shallows or working structure for black drum. The Yamaha 200HP gets you to the fish fast, while our wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into position without spooking your targets. GPS keeps you on the productive spots, and the fish finder shows what's swimming below. Perfect size for up to 3 anglers who want room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. From the grass flats to the sound's deeper channels, this boat goes where the striped bass, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are biting.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds in our area. These dark, powerful fish have crushing jaws built for cracking oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in shallow to moderate depths, especially during spring spawning season when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound underwater. They're known for their bulldogging fight - not flashy, but they'll test your drag and patience. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are prime table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the key: fish dead on the bottom with fresh crab or cut bait, keep your rod tip low, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, wait a beat before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that typically run 3-20 pounds in our waters, known for their broad tails and razor-sharp teeth. They school up in large numbers and create feeding frenzies that churn the water like washing machines. You'll find them from shallow sandy areas to deeper waters around structure, following baitfish throughout the day. Summer months bring the best action, with "baby blues" showing up in late summer for newer anglers to target. Guests love their hard strikes and strong runs - just be ready for that initial surge. They're excellent eating when prepared fresh, with mild, flaky meat. My advice: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon, and bring pliers - those teeth can do serious damage to both lures and fingers if you're not careful.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails, averaging 20-35 inches around Beaufort. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall are prime time, but they bite year-round in our waters. What makes them special is that explosive strike in skinny water and the way they'll peel drag on long runs. Plus, they're protected from commercial harvest, so populations stay healthy. The meat is mild and sweet - great on the grill. Here's my go-to trick: look for "tailing" fish with their tails sticking up while they feed, then cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them locally, are beautiful spotted fish that average 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. Their torpedo-shaped bodies are covered in distinctive black spots, making them easy to identify. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active. Spring and fall offer prime fishing, though they can be caught year-round - just look deeper in winter when they school up. Anglers enjoy their scrappy fight and willingness to hit both live bait and artificials. The meat is tender and mild - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Best tip I can share: work your lures slowly around grass beds at night with topwater plugs or soft plastics, and listen for the telltale "pop" when they hit.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are sleek, fast-moving fish that average 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds around Beaufort. You'll spot them by their silvery sides with yellow oval spots and dark green backs. They travel in large schools near the surface, making them easier to locate when they're feeding. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when water temps climb and baitfish are active. These speedsters put up a solid fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Pro tip: when you see diving birds or surface commotion, get there fast but drift into the school quietly. Spoons and small jigs work great, but match your retrieve speed to their aggressive nature.
Beaufort