Full Day Nearshore Fishing Off Oak Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday nearshore fishing targeting Mackerel and Shark speciesExpert guides provide equipment and personalized instruction for all levelsMaximum 4 guests exploring Oak Island and Bald Head waters
When you're looking for serious action on the water without burning a tank of gas getting there, our full-day nearshore trips off Oak Island and Bald Head Island deliver exactly what Carolina anglers crave. We're talking about productive waters just minutes from the inlet, where king mackerel run thick and sharks patrol the structure like they own the place. Captain and crew at Reelin Pelican know these waters like the back of their hands, and we've got the boat rigged right for whatever's biting. Whether you're after your first king or looking to tangle with something that'll test your drag, this is your ticket to some of the best fishing the Cape Fear region has to offer.
Your day starts early at the Southport marina, where we'll get you squared away with tackle and go over the game plan. The run out to our fishing grounds is short and sweet – usually 20 minutes or less to prime structure and current breaks where the fish stack up. We fish a variety of spots depending on conditions and what's been producing, from artificial reefs to natural ledges and wrecks that hold bait and attract predators. The boat's set up to handle four anglers comfortably, so everyone gets plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. We provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need, plus a cooler full of ice to keep your catch fresh. The only thing you need to bring is food, drinks, and your fishing license – we handle everything else.
Nearshore fishing means we've got options, and that's what makes these trips so productive. For kings, we'll pull a spread of live baits behind planer boards and downriggers, covering water efficiently while staying in the strike zone. When the mackerel are finicky, we'll switch to slow-trolling live pogies or big dead baits around structure. For sharks, it's all about putting out a solid chum slick and fishing heavy circle hooks with wire leaders – these fish don't mess around, and neither does our gear. We run quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with braided line that can handle whatever decides to eat. The bottom fishing setup involves stout rods and conventional reels loaded with enough backbone to pull fish off structure before they cut you off. GPS and fishfinder technology help us stay on productive spots and adjust our approach based on what we're seeing below.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of our nearshore fishery, and for good reason – these fish fight like freight trains and taste even better on the dinner table. Kings typically run 10-40 pounds in our area, with bigger fish showing up during their fall migration from August through October. They're ambush predators that relate to structure and baitfish, making them perfect targets for our trolling presentations. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run when hooked – they'll peel line off the reel like it's going out of style, often jumping completely clear of the water multiple times.
Bonnethead Sharks might be the smallest sharks we target, but don't let their 3-4 foot average length fool you – these fish are scrappy and fun on lighter tackle. They're actually members of the hammerhead family, and their unique shovel-shaped heads make them easy to identify. Bonnetheads are most active during warmer months and often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They're curious fish that respond well to cut bait and small live baits fished near the bottom.
Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. These sleek predators average 20-50 pounds in our waters and are incredibly athletic fighters that'll test your tackle and your patience. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. Blacktips feed aggressively on schools of baitfish, and they're not shy about taking a well-presented live or cut bait.
Tiger Sharks represent the apex of our nearshore shark fishing – these are serious predators that can reach impressive sizes and provide battles that anglers remember for years. Tigers are opportunistic feeders with powerful jaws and an attitude to match. They're most common during summer months when water temperatures peak, and they have a reputation for eating just about anything that fits in their mouth. Landing a tiger shark requires heavy tackle, strong nerves, and a healthy respect for what you're dealing with.
Bull Sharks are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish swimming in our waters, with broad shoulders and an aggressive nature that makes every hookup memorable. These fish are built like underwater bulldozers and fight with a relentless power that'll wear you down if you're not prepared. Bulls can show up year-round but are most active during warmer months. They're known for their ability to tolerate fresh water, so don't be surprised to hook one near river mouths and inlets where salinity levels fluctuate.
The Cape Fear region's nearshore waters offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing opportunities on the entire East Coast, and there's no better way to experience it than with a crew that knows how to put you on fish. Our full-day trips give you the time to really work the water and adapt to changing conditions, which often means the difference between a good day and a great day. The combination of mackerel action and shark fishing keeps things interesting from start to finish, and with only four anglers on board, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference. Whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler or just want to feel your drag screaming, this trip delivers the goods. Give us a call and let's get you booked – the fish are out there waiting, and we know exactly where to find them.
Our 24-foot Triton center console is your ticket to prime fishing waters around Oak Island and Bald Head. This 2004 workhorse packs a Yamaha V6 300HP engine that'll get you to the fish fast and comfortable. Built for serious anglers, she handles nearshore waters like a champ while keeping up to four fishermen steady when the action heats up. The boat comes rigged with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to mark those honey holes, fish finder to locate the schools, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. Whether you're targeting mackerel runs or battling sharks, this center console gives you the platform to fish hard from sunrise to sunset. The open layout means everyone has room to fight fish without tangling lines, and the console provides protection when you need it.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for those signature black-tipped fins and their habit of launching clear out of the water when hooked. These 4-6 foot sharks patrol our nearshore reefs and ledges in 30-200 feet, following schools of mackerel, herring, and sardines. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when they're most active in warmer water. What makes them special is their energy—they'll jump, spin, and give you a workout that's pure fun without being too intimidating. They're social too, often traveling in small groups around structure. Heavy braided line with circle hooks is essential since they get pretty excited once hooked. My go-to trick is chunking oily fish like mackerel into a paste for chum, then fishing live sardines on the bottom. That oil slick brings them in from a long way off.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the gentle giants of the hammerhead family, running 3-4 feet long with that distinctive spade-shaped head. These shy sharks school up in groups of 10-15, cruising shallow bays and nearshore waters during our warm months before heading south for winter. They're perfect for families since they're completely harmless and put up a fun fight without being too aggressive. What guests love is watching them swim in formation—it's like nothing else you'll see. They feed on crabs and small fish in depths from 10-60 feet around grass flats and sandy bottom. Summer's your best bet when water temps are up. Here's a local trick: cut blue crab in half and thread your circle hook through one of the legs. That fresh crab scent drives them crazy, and the firm shell keeps bait stealers away.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the ultimate nearshore bruisers—thick, powerful, and built for a fight. Running 8-12 feet and up to 300 pounds, these gray torpedoes are famous for their ability to swim into freshwater, making them unique among sharks. They love shallow coastal waters, inlets, and river mouths where fresh and salt water mix. Summer's prime time when they're most active in our area. What guests love is their raw power—bulls are pure muscle and will take you to the cleaners on heavy tackle. They're aggressive feeders, hitting everything from cut bait to live fish. The fight is legendary among shark fishermen. Fresh eel is my secret weapon for bulls—the high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible and stay on the hook through smaller fish. Fish it on the bottom with heavy gear and hang on tight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These olive-backed fighters cruise depths from 40-150 feet, following baitfish like blue runners and menhaden. Summer through fall brings the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs—they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for the grill. We typically troll with heavy tackle and wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Pro tip: rig two hooks on your live bait—one in the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section first, and that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators of our waters, easily recognized by those dark stripes that fade with age. These massive sharks reach 11-14 feet and can top 1,400 pounds, making them one of the most challenging fish you'll ever hook. They cruise deeper water around 100+ feet but will move shallow to hunt, especially at dawn and dusk. Summer brings them closer to our coast following warm currents. What draws serious anglers is the sheer power—a big tiger will test every piece of your gear and your endurance. They're nomadic loners, so every encounter feels special. Heavy tackle is mandatory—100-pound test minimum with big circle hooks. Fresh tuna, mackerel, or bluefish chunks work best for bait. Pro tip: these sharks rely heavily on their sense of smell, so keep a steady chum line going and be patient. When one shows up, it's worth the wait.
Wilmington