Oak Island Half Day PM Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day afternoon fishing charter departing at 12PM dailyTarget flounder, redfish, king mackerel, and speckled troutIntimate inshore experience accommodating only two guests maximum
Looking for some solid afternoon fishing action? This half-day PM trip with Reelin Pelican puts you on Oak Island's productive inshore waters right when the bite heats up. We're talking a 12PM departure that gets you fishing during prime afternoon hours when species like redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel are actively feeding. With just two spots available, you'll get personalized attention from our experienced captain who knows these Carolina waters like the back of his hand. This isn't some crowded party boat situation - it's quality fishing time where you can actually learn something and put fish in the cooler.
Our afternoon departure timing hits the sweet spot for inshore action around Oak Island. You'll be fishing the creeks, flats, and nearshore structure where the Carolina coast's best species hang out. The captain will read conditions and move between spots based on tides, bait activity, and what's been producing lately. Expect to work everything from shallow grass flats for redfish to deeper channels where king mackerel cruise. The intimate two-person capacity means you're not waiting in line for your turn at the rod - when fish are biting, you're fishing. The afternoon light also makes for great photos when you land that keeper red drum or hefty black drum.
We'll have you rigged up with the right gear for whatever we're targeting. Light spinning tackle works great for the Spanish mackerel and speckled trout, while we'll bump up to medium action rods when black drum and king mackerel are on the menu. Live bait is king out here - expect to fish with live shrimp, finger mullet, and menhaden depending on what's available and what the fish want. We'll also throw artificials like spoons, jigs, and soft plastics when fish are schooled up and aggressive. The captain will show you how to work different baits and read your rod tip - skills that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends. Structure fishing around docks and jetties requires precision, while the grass flats call for stealth and patience.
Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, hitting anything shiny with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up fast. These chrome rockets typically run 2-4 pounds around Oak Island and are absolute blast on light tackle. They school up in late spring through fall, often feeding near the surface where you can see the water boiling with activity. The key is finding the bait schools - where there's glass minnows and sardines, Spanish mackerel won't be far behind. They're also excellent table fare when kept on ice.
Black drum are the bulldogs that'll test your drag and patience. These bottom dwellers can push 20-30 pounds or more in these waters, and they know how to use every piling and oyster bar to their advantage. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, when big mature fish move into the sounds to feed on crabs and shellfish. They're not flashy fighters, but they're powerful and stubborn - perfect for anglers who appreciate a methodical battle. Fresh shrimp and crab baits work best, fished right on the bottom near structure.
Redfish are what most folks dream about when they think Carolina inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows and grass flats year-round, though fall brings the best action when they school up in big numbers. Slot-size fish typically run 18-27 inches and fight way above their weight class with long runs and head-shaking jumps. Bull reds over the slot limit provide catch-and-release excitement that'll leave your arms aching. Live bait works great, but they'll also crush cut mullet and artificial lures when they're feeding aggressively.
Sheepshead are the bait thieves that'll humble even experienced anglers with their light bites and quick mouth work. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around any structure with barnacles and oysters, using their human-like teeth to crush shellfish. They're most active during cooler months and require finesse fishing with small hooks and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. Landing a quality sheepshead takes skill and patience, but they're among the best eating fish in these waters.
King mackerel bring the offshore excitement to nearshore waters, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These toothy speedsters can reach 20-40 pounds around Oak Island and provide searing runs that'll test your equipment and nerves. Trolling live bait or pulling spoons near temperature breaks and bait schools produces the most consistent action. They require wire leaders due to their razor-sharp teeth, and the fight is pure adrenaline from hookup to boat.
This half-day PM trip delivers serious fishing action without eating up your whole day. The afternoon timing means you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still get quality time on the water when fish are active. With only two anglers per trip, you'll get the personalized instruction and fishing time that bigger charters can't offer. Oak Island's diverse inshore fishery means something's always biting, whether you're after table fare or bragging-sized sport fish. Our captain's local knowledge puts you on fish faster and teaches you techniques you can use for years. Don't wait - these intimate charters book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red hot.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the tanks of inshore fishing, commonly running 10-30 pounds around Oak Island with some bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. These gray-black fish with powerful jaws love shallow muddy bottoms, oyster bars, and creek mouths where they crunch on crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time, especially March through May when they school up for spawning in 3-15 feet of water. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump, but they'll test your drag and arms with steady, powerful runs. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating with firm, white meat. My go-to trick is using fresh peeler crab on a Carolina rig, keeping your bait right on the bottom where they feed. When you feel that steady thump-thump, set the hook hard - their mouths are tough as leather.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our offshore waters, averaging 15-40 pounds with some monsters hitting 60+ pounds. These silver bullets have razor-sharp teeth and explosive speed that'll make your drag scream. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools from late spring through early fall. What makes them special is that initial run - pure adrenaline as they peel line at incredible speed. The meat is rich and flaky, great smoked or grilled. We typically troll live bait or spoons along drop-offs and ledges where they ambush prey. Here's a key tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one through the nose of your live bait, another trailing behind. Kings often hit the tail first, and that second hook will save you from a lot of pulled baits.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the golden ghosts of our shallow waters, with their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-30 inches around Oak Island, though the big "bull" reds offshore can hit 40+ pounds. They love super shallow water - often just 1-4 feet deep around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges where you'll see their backs breaking the surface. Fall is prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round in the right spots. What guests love is their powerful, sustained fight and that they're sight-fishing targets. The smaller "slot" fish are fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. My favorite approach is using live shrimp under a popping cork around structure. When you see that telltale swirl or bronze flash, cast past them and work your bait slowly back - redfish are curious and will often follow before committing.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the craftiest fish around Oak Island. Running 2-8 pounds typically, they have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around dock pilings, jetties, and bridge structures. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're most active in 10-30 feet of water. What guests love is the challenge - these guys are notorious bait thieves with light, nibbling bites that'll clean your hook before you know it. The reward is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My trick is using small fiddler crabs or shrimp on a #1 hook, getting as close to structure as possible. When you feel that subtle tick-tick, don't wait - set the hook immediately or they'll steal your bait every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that run 1-3 pounds around Oak Island, with their silver bodies and yellow spots making them easy to spot in schools. They love warmer water from late spring through fall, often found near the surface around structure or chasing bait. These speedsters put up a solid fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. You'll typically find them in 15-40 feet of water near jetties, piers, and artificial reefs. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move inshore to feed. Pro tip: when you see diving birds or surface activity, get there fast and cast small spoons or live shrimp - Spanish Mackerel are opportunistic and will hit hard when they're feeding.
Wilmington