Full Day Nearshore Charter Off Southport
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day nearshore fishing charter targeting mackerel and sharksExpert guides provide equipment and instruction for all skill levelsOperates from Oak Island and Bald Head Island waters
There's nothing quite like spending a full day on the water hunting for some serious gamefish off the coast of Southport. When you fish with Reelin Pelican Fishing Charters, you're getting access to some of the hottest nearshore action North Carolina has to offer. We'll cruise out from Southport to the productive waters around Oak Island and Bald Head Island, where the fish are thick and the action stays steady. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking about a proper fishing adventure where you'll have time to really get into the groove and chase multiple species. Whether you're looking to tangle with a screaming king mackerel or test your drag against a bull shark, these waters deliver year-round.
Your day starts early at our Southport marina, where we'll get you rigged up and ready to fish. Our boat is set up specifically for nearshore fishing, with all the electronics and gear you need to locate and hook up with fish. The ride out to our fishing grounds is usually 20-30 minutes, giving us plenty of time to discuss the game plan and get your gear sorted. We keep our trips small - just four anglers max - so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to fish. The vibe is relaxed but focused, and our guides know these waters like the back of their hand. We'll move around to different spots throughout the day, reading the water and following the bite. Some days we're trolling for kings, other days we're anchored up chumming for sharks. The beauty of a full day trip is we can adapt to whatever the fish are doing.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and what you're after. For king mackerel, we'll pull a spread of live baits and dead baits behind the boat, covering water and looking for that distinctive king mackerel bite. We use circle hooks and wire leaders because these fish have teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. When we're targeting sharks, we switch gears completely - anchoring up over structure and putting out a chum slick with fresh cut bait. The sharks come cruising in following that scent trail, and that's when things get interesting. All our rods are tournament-grade gear that can handle whatever shows up, from 15-pound kings to 200-pound bull sharks. We provide all tackle, bait, and equipment, so you just need to bring yourself and be ready to fish. Our guides will coach you through every step, from setting the hook to fighting the fish properly.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing around Southport, and for good reason. These fish are pure adrenaline - they hit hard, run fast, and jump like crazy. Kings in our area typically run 15-40 pounds, with bigger fish showing up during their fall migration. The best action happens from April through November, with peak season hitting in late summer when the bait schools are thick. What makes king fishing so addictive is their unpredictability - one minute you're trolling along, next minute your reel is screaming as a 30-pound king takes off for the horizon.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smallest sharks we target, but they're scrappy little fighters that are perfect for getting kids or nervous anglers comfortable with shark fishing. These guys average 2-4 feet and have this distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes them instantly recognizable. They're around year-round but really show up in numbers during the warmer months. Bonnetheads are actually pretty unique - they're one of the few sharks that eat a lot of vegetation along with crabs and small fish.
Blacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, and catching one near the surface will give you a show you won't forget. These fish love to jump when hooked, sometimes clearing the water completely multiple times during the fight. Blacktips in our area run 3-6 feet on average and are most active from late spring through early fall. They're aggressive feeders and will hit both live and cut baits with authority.
Tiger sharks are the apex predators that serious shark anglers dream about. These monsters can exceed 10 feet and have jaws that can crush just about anything. Tigers are more common in our deeper nearshore waters during the summer months, and they're notorious for their unpredictable behavior and incredible power. Landing a tiger shark is a bucket-list experience that tests both angler and equipment to the limit.
Bull sharks earn their name with their stocky build and aggressive attitude. These fish are built like underwater bulldozers and fight accordingly - they're all power and determination. Bulls can show up anywhere from 4-8 feet in our area and are known for their ability to tolerate both salt and fresh water. They're opportunistic feeders that will eat virtually anything, making them one of the more reliable shark species to target.
A full day nearshore charter with Reelin Pelican gives you the complete Southport fishing experience. You're not rushing around trying to cram everything into a few hours - instead, you're really fishing, learning the water, and giving yourself the best shot at multiple species. Our guides live and breathe these waters, and they're genuinely excited to share their knowledge and put you on fish. The combination of excellent fishing grounds, experienced guides, and top-notch equipment makes for the kind of day that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Don't just think about it - get on the calendar and see why nearshore fishing off Southport has such a loyal following. The fish are out there waiting, and we know exactly where to find them.
Get ready to chase mackerel and sharks aboard our reliable 24-foot Triton center console! This 2004 workhorse packs a serious punch with its Yamaha V6 300HP engine, perfect for reaching those productive nearshore waters off Oak Island and Bald Head. Built for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rails without bumping elbows. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to mark those honey holes, fish finder to locate schools, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on finicky fish without spooking them. Whether you're dropping live bait for kings or chunking for sharks, this center console gives you 360-degree fishing access. The open layout means easy movement when that big fish makes a run around the boat. Ready to get your lines wet?
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of our shark trips, known for their high-flying jumps that can reach 20+ feet out of the water. These streamlined sharks average 5-6 feet but can hit 9 feet, and they're easily spotted by those signature black-tipped fins. They patrol our nearshore waters around 30-100 feet, especially near artificial reefs where baitfish gather. Summer brings the best action when they're feeding aggressively. What makes blacktips special is their energy - they'll give you multiple jumps and strong runs that test your drag. Despite being excitable, they can be a bit timid around other sharks. My go-to setup is heavy braided line with circle hooks and plenty of oily chum. Fresh mackerel or herring chunks work best - the stronger the smell, the better.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the gentle giants of our shark trips, running 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. These smallest hammerheads travel in schools of 10-15, making them easier to find than most sharks. They stick to shallow bays and nearshore waters, especially during summer months before heading south in fall. What guests love about bonnetheads is they're perfect for beginners - not too aggressive but still give a solid fight. They're harmless to humans and actually pretty shy, which makes landing one feel like an achievement. The key to success is fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg. That oily scent draws them in from a distance, and they can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the muscle cars of our shark trips - thick, powerful, and built for fighting. These gray bruisers average 8-10 feet and pack serious punch with their broad shoulders and aggressive nature. They're unique because they can handle both salt and freshwater, often cruising shallow coastal areas and river mouths. Summer months from June through September bring them into our area. What makes bulls special is their raw power - no fancy jumps, just bulldozer strength that will test your back and your gear. They're tough to tire out and never give up easy. The best bait secret around here is fresh eel - the high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible and it stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll hook in these waters, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These silver rockets cruise our nearshore waters from 40-150 feet deep, feeding on blue runners, menhaden, and squid. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll strip line faster than almost anything out here. The fight is pure adrenaline with long runs and aerial jumps. Their rich, oily meat is great on the grill too. Pro tip: when using live bait, rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit bait from the rear, and that second hook will save you from a lot of missed fish.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the apex predators of our waters, reaching 11-14 feet and over 1,000 pounds. Those distinctive dark stripes fade as they age, but their reputation for power never does. These nomadic hunters cruise deeper waters around 100+ feet but will come shallow when feeding. Summer and fall offer the best shots when water temps are warmest. What draws anglers to tigers is the ultimate big game challenge - they're incredibly strong swimmers with bursts of speed that will test every piece of your gear. The fight can last hours, and landing one is a lifetime achievement. Heavy tackle is mandatory - 100-pound test minimum. Fresh tuna or mackerel chunks work well, but here's the secret: tigers are curious about anything, so don't be afraid to try different baits.
Wilmington