6-Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure - Atlantic Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore fishing within 15 miles of Atlantic Beach coastlineTarget King Mackerel, Cobia, Snapper and bottom fish speciesBeginnerfriendly charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Picture yourself casting lines in the productive waters just off Atlantic Beach, where the Gulf Stream's edge creates some of North Carolina's hottest fishing action. This 6-hour nearshore charter with Reel Time Charter takes you within 15 miles of the coastline, targeting prime fishing grounds where kings, cobia, and bottom fish stack up seasonally. Perfect for newcomers wanting to learn the ropes or seasoned anglers looking for consistent action without the long boat ride to the deep water.
Your day starts early at the Atlantic Beach marina, where Captain and crew will have the boat rigged and ready. We'll head out through Beaufort Inlet, one of the most reliable inlets along the Crystal Coast, and make our way to productive nearshore structure within a comfortable boat ride. The beauty of nearshore fishing here is the variety – you might start the morning trolling for kings along temperature breaks, then switch to bottom fishing over natural ledges and artificial reefs. The 6-hour window gives us flexibility to move around and chase the bite, whether that's following bird activity for Spanish mackerel or setting up on known cobia spots during their peak season. With a maximum of 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably and get hands-on instruction from the crew.
We run a mix of techniques depending on conditions and target species. For pelagics like king mackerel and cobia, we'll pull a spread of trolling lures – think spoons, diving plugs, and rigged baits behind planers and downriggers to cover different depths. When Spanish mackerel are schooling, nothing beats the excitement of casting small jigs or spoons into feeding frenzies marked by diving terns. Bottom fishing involves dropping rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait to target snapper, black sea bass, and whatever else is holding on the structure. All tackle, bait, and lures are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites. The crew handles all the rigging and will teach you proper techniques for fighting fish and using the equipment effectively.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of nearshore fishing here, with smoker kings (20+ pounders) cruising the temperature breaks from late spring through early fall. These speed demons make blistering runs and test both tackle and angler skills. Spanish mackerel show up in huge schools during summer months, providing fast action on light tackle that's perfect for beginners and kids. Cobia are the wild cards – these curious brown sharks (they're actually not sharks) often approach the boat and can be sight-fished with live bait or jigs. Black sea bass are reliable bottom dwellers that fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare. Depending on the season and recent fish reports, we might also encounter barracuda, bluefish, or surprise catches like amberjack and red drum that wander into nearshore waters.
King mackerel are what most anglers dream about when they book nearshore trips. These silver bullets typically run 10-40 pounds in our waters, with the occasional trophy fish pushing 50+. Best fishing happens from May through October when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. Kings are notorious for their initial run – they'll scream drag and test your fighting skills. The key is keeping steady pressure without pulling too hard, as their soft mouths tear easily.
Cobia are probably the most exciting fish to catch nearshore because you can often see them coming. These bronze-colored bruisers cruise just under the surface and are curious enough to investigate the boat. Peak season runs from April through June during their spawning migration. A 30-40 pound cobia will give you a workout with powerful runs and head-shaking fights. They're also fantastic eating, with white, flaky meat that rivals any fish in the ocean.
Spanish mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. During summer months, schools of "Spanish" create feeding frenzies that attract diving birds and provide non-stop action. They're perfect for light tackle and great for getting kids or nervous beginners excited about fishing. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they fight well above their weight class.
Black sea bass are the workhorses of bottom fishing, holding on every piece of structure within 15 miles of the beach. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically weigh 1-4 pounds and provide steady action when pelagic fishing slows down. They're aggressive biters, excellent eating, and perfect for anglers who want to learn proper bottom fishing techniques. Sea bass fishing is good year-round, but peaks during cooler months when they stack up on the reefs.
This 6-hour nearshore trip offers the perfect balance of fishing variety, learning opportunities, and realistic expectations for a day on the water. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just want consistent action without the expense and time commitment of offshore fishing, Atlantic Beach's nearshore grounds deliver. The combination of Reel Time Charter's local knowledge, quality equipment, and prime fishing locations makes this a top-rated choice for anglers visiting the Crystal Coast. With only 4 spots available per trip, these charters fill up quickly during peak season. Book now to secure your date and get ready for some of the best nearshore fishing the North Carolina coast has to offer.
Our well-equipped motorboat gets you to the prime nearshore fishing grounds of Atlantic Beach within 15 miles of the coastline. Built for serious angling, she's rigged with a fish finder to locate schools and structure, plus GPS navigation to hit the hottest spots. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you target King Mackerel, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia depending on the season. Bottom fishing produces quality Snapper and Black Bass too. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers and a head onboard, you can fish hard all day without missing a beat. Perfect for newcomers wanting to learn proper techniques or seasoned fishermen looking to put some serious fish in the cooler. The boat handles these waters like a champ, getting you on the fish quickly so you can maximize your 6 hours on the water.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our reliable bottom dwellers - chunky, dark fish that typically weigh 1-4 pounds and love hanging around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet. Late spring through summer is best when they move closer to shore. What makes them popular is they're great fighters for their size and absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're also perfect for beginners since they're cooperative biters. Key tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or cut bait, but keep your rod tip up. These fish will grab your bait and head straight back to structure, so you need to pull them up quickly before they wrap you around something.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our nearshore waters - big, brown, and often mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising solo near the surface. Most run 20-50 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. Look for them around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet during spring and early summer. What guests love is the sight fishing aspect - you can actually see these fish before you cast. Plus, they're phenomenal eating with firm white meat. My go-to trick is using a heavy bucktail jig in any color. Don't be fancy - just bounce it near structure and hang on when one picks it up.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are what we call speed demons - these silver bullets can hit 30+ pounds and will test your drag like nothing else. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet deep around structure and baitfish schools. Late spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What makes them special is that lightning-fast run when they grab your bait - pure adrenaline. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Kings love to hit the tail end of a baitfish, so that second hook back near the tail will save you from a lot of missed strikes.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for newcomers - they're aggressive, plentiful, and typically run 1-3 pounds with those distinctive yellow spots along their silver sides. You'll find schools of them in 10-40 feet near baitfish, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. They swim fast and hit hard for their size, making them a blast on light tackle. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills up beautifully. Here's a local secret: when you see birds diving on bait, cast small spoons or jigs right into the commotion. Spanish macks will be feeding underneath, and you can often catch them one after another once you find a school.
Atlantic Beach, NC