Full Day Oak Island Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting Flounder, Redfish, Sheepshead, and StingraySmall group experience with maximum 2 guests aboard7am departure from scenic Oak Island coastal waters
Picture this: 7 AM sharp, you're stepping aboard with Captain and crew from Reelin Pelican, coffee still steaming in your cup, watching the sun paint Oak Island's waters gold. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking a full commitment here—dawn to dusk fishing that lets you really get into the rhythm of these productive North Carolina waters. With space for just two anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and one you'll be talking about for years.
Oak Island's inshore waters are legendary among Carolina anglers, and for good reason. We'll be working the creeks, oyster beds, and structure where the big three—Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Redfish—love to hang out. Your captain knows every shell rake, every creek mouth, and every piece of structure that holds fish. The beauty of a full day trip is we can chase the bite. If the drum are being finicky on the flats, we'll slide into the creeks for some redfish action. When the tide changes and the sheepshead get active around the docks, that's where we'll be. You're not locked into one spot or one technique—we adapt to what the fish are telling us.
We fish light tackle here, which means you'll feel every headshake and run these fish give you. Spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound braid, matched to medium-heavy rods that have enough backbone to turn a big drum but won't overpower a smaller redfish. Live bait is king in these waters—fresh shrimp, mud minnows, and finger mullet depending on what we're targeting. For the sheepshead, we'll rig up with fiddler crabs and sand fleas. Circle hooks are the standard to ensure clean releases and better hook-ups. The captain provides all tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod combo, bring it along. There's something special about landing a personal best on your own gear.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats, and Oak Island's shallow waters produce some genuine giants. These fish can push 40-50 pounds, and when you hook into one, you know it immediately. They don't jump or make flashy runs—they just put their heads down and pull like a freight train. Spring and fall are prime time, especially around the new and full moons when they school up for spawning. Look for them around oyster beds and creek mouths where they're rooting for crabs and shellfish. The fight is all about patience and pressure—rush them and they'll find the nearest oyster bar to cut you off.
Sheepshead might be the craftiest fish swimming in these waters. With their human-like teeth and incredible ability to steal bait, they've earned the nickname "convict fish" for their black stripes and thieving ways. They hang around any structure—docks, pilings, rocks—where barnacles and crabs provide easy meals. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action, when they school up in deeper channels before spawning. A good sheepshead weighs 3-8 pounds and provides excellent table fare. The trick is feeling that subtle tick-tick of them nibbling, then setting the hook before they figure out what's happening.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Carolina inshore fishing, and these copper-colored beauties never disappoint. They'll eat just about anything you throw at them—shrimp, mullet, crabs—and when they grab your bait, there's no mistaking it. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, with slot fish providing great sport and the occasional oversized bull red showing up to test your drag. They love shallow water, often feeding in just inches of depth around oyster bars and marsh edges. Watch for tailing fish pushing wakes through the shallows—that's when sight fishing gets your heart pumping. Year-round residents, but fall brings the best numbers as they fatten up before winter.
Oak Island's inshore fishing scene is top-rated for a reason—consistent action, beautiful scenery, and fish that'll test your skills. This full day charter with Reelin Pelican gives you the time to really experience what makes Carolina fishing special. No rushing, no watching the clock, just solid fishing with a crew that knows these waters inside and out. With only two spots available, you'll get the attention and coaching that turns a good day into a great one. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list or just spend a day doing what you love, this is the trip that delivers. Ready to get after it? Your spot's waiting, but these popular charters book up fast—especially during peak seasons.
Get ready to fish the waters around Oak Island aboard our reliable 24-foot Triton center console! This 2004 beauty packs a serious punch with its Yamaha V6 4.2L engine pushing 300 horsepower – plenty of muscle to get you to the hotspots fast and handle whatever the Atlantic throws your way. Perfect for a cozy crew of two anglers, this boat's got everything you need for a successful day chasing flounder, redfish, and sheepshead in the inshore waters. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on structure without spooking the fish, while our GPS keeps you on course and the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom features where the big ones hide. Pack your lunch and drinks in the spacious icebox – you'll want to stay hydrated during those long fights with bull reds! The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, so whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows or bottom fishing for flounder around the jetties, you've got room to work. This proven fishing platform will put you on the fish and get you back to the dock safely.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love our shallow muddy flats and oyster beds around Oak Island, using their crushing jaws to crack open shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater during this peak season. What makes them special is their raw power and the challenge they present on light tackle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: use fresh peeler crab on a Carolina rig and keep your bait tight to the bottom around those oyster beds - they won't chase it far, but when they find it, hold on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, easily spotted by their copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These bruisers typically run 20-35 inches but can push 45+ inches in our deeper channels. They love super shallow water - often so shallow their backs show above the surface on the flats. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. The key here at Oak Island is working the grass flats on incoming tides with gold spoons or topwater plugs. Cast past them and work your lure back slowly - they can't resist that flash and vibration.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and famous human-like teeth. These crafty 1-8 pounders (with some reaching 20+ pounds) hang around any structure they can find - docks, bridge pilings, and barnacle-covered posts. They're notorious bait thieves, using those powerful teeth to nibble your offering clean off the hook. Spring months are best when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love is the challenge - these fish test your patience and skill like no other. The reward is some of the sweetest white meat you'll find. My local trick: get as close to structure as possible with fiddler crab or shrimp, keep your hook razor sharp, and the moment you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard and fast.
Wilmington