5.0(1 Reviews)Full-Day Nearshore Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour charter targeting multiple species in nearshore watersAccommodates up to five guests with varied fishing techniquesCovers open ocean and sound areas for diverse catches
Ready to spend a proper day on the water? This 6-hour nearshore fishing charter with Riptide Charters gives you the time and space to really get after it. We're talking about hitting multiple spots – from the open ocean where the big boys cruise to the calmer sound waters where the bite stays steady. Captain Randy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're a first-timer or someone who's been working these waters for years. With room for up to 5 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between covering serious ground and keeping things personal enough that everyone gets their shots.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. Six hours gives us the luxury of adapting to what the fish are telling us. Some days that means a 45-minute run out to the reefs where the bottom fish are stacked up. Other days we might work the nearshore structure for cobia and Spanish mackerel, then slide into the sound for some redfish action when the tide turns right. Captain Randy reads the conditions – water temp, wind, current – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. You'll start early, usually around 6 AM when the bite is hot and the water's calm. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from tackle to ice, so you just show up ready to fish. Families love this trip because there's enough variety to keep everyone engaged, whether you've got teenagers who want to catch something every cast or adults who appreciate the strategy of working different techniques.
We're not married to one way of fishing out here. Depending on what we're targeting and where we find them, you'll get to work with casting, drifting, jigging, and live baiting – sometimes all in the same trip. When we're on the reefs, we'll drop you down with bottom rigs loaded with cut bait or squid, teaching you how to feel that subtle tick when a black sea bass or triggerfish picks up your offering. For the cobia and amberjack, we might switch to jigs or live bait, working the water column where these predators cruise. Spanish mackerel and bluefish often respond best to fast-moving lures or small spoons, so we'll have you casting and retrieving with purpose. The sound fishing calls for a different approach entirely – lighter tackle, more finesse, working grass lines and oyster bars where redfish and trout set up to ambush baitfish. Captain Randy doesn't just put you on fish; he explains why we're using each technique so you walk away a better angler.
"We met up with Capt Randy at 6am on a (really) hot day in late June 2025 for a 6 hour fishing trip. Based on the days conditions, Capt Randy recommended a run out to a reef for bottom fishing. We road about 45-50 mins out to the reef on a very calm ocean day. On our out to the reef, we spotted a sea turtle and got a cobia on a lucky cast. Capt Randy trained us on the reef fishing techniques and we caught many fish! Black Seabass, Triggerfish, and Sea Robin Fish. Many fish we had to toss back, but we did keep a handful. Wonderful day for a family of 4 (14yo, 16yo) on a six hour trip." - Andrew
"This was our first ever fishing trip and man was it one for the books! Captain Randy and Drake are A+. All 5 of us caught more fish than we ever have and raved about it all evening to our crew who didn't go. Definitely choose Riptide Charter for your next fishing adventure" - Courtney
King mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, and for good reason – these fish can rip line off your reel faster than you can blink. They typically show up in decent numbers during the warmer months, cruising the edges of temperature breaks and structure where baitfish concentrate. A good king might go 15-30 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing 40 or more. What makes them special is that explosive first run when they realize they're hooked – it's pure adrenaline. We'll usually target them with live bait or fast-trolled spoons, and the fight is worth every minute of prep time.
Greater amberjack earn their nickname "reef donkeys" the hard way. These brutes live around hard bottom and wrecks, and when you hook one, your first thought is usually that you're stuck on the reef itself. Then it starts moving, and you realize you're tied into 30-50 pounds of pure muscle. Amberjack are notorious for making long, powerful runs straight toward the bottom, testing your drag and your back in equal measure. They're year-round residents but bite best when the water's warm and bait is thick around the structure. Landing a big AJ is a badge of honor that'll have you talking about the fight for months.
Cobia are the opportunists that make every trip interesting. These brown submarines cruise around looking for an easy meal, and they're notorious for showing up when you least expect them. A decent cobia runs 20-40 pounds, but they can get much larger – the state record fish are true giants. What sets cobia apart is their curiosity; they'll often follow your bait right to the boat, giving you a clear look before deciding whether to commit. The fight is different from most fish – less about speed and more about power and stubbornness. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them doubly popular with anglers who like to eat what they catch.
Bluefish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with attitude. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them feeding, it's like hitting the lottery. They'll hit almost anything you throw at them –
This rugged 25' Mako center console is your ticket to prime fishing waters off the North Carolina coast. Powered by a reliable 300HP Suzuki outboard, she'll cruise at 30 knots to get you on the fish fast and keep you comfortable throughout your 6-hour adventure. The spacious deck accommodates up to 5 anglers with plenty of room for casting, fighting fish, and moving around safely. From the elevated flybridge, you'll spot surface action and navigate between hotspots while the onboard fish finder reveals what's lurking below. Whether you're jigging for Amberjack in deeper water, casting to Cobia cruising the surface, or bottom fishing for Sheepshead, this boat handles it all. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with trophy fish. Built tough for both nearshore runs and sound fishing, this Mako delivers the performance and reliability serious anglers demand.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are the bread and butter of bottom fishing - reliable, tasty, and always willing to bite. These chunky fish typically run 1-4 pounds with occasional 6-8 pounders around deeper structure. They love wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests appreciate is their steady action and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The bigger males develop a distinctive hump on their heads during spawning season. My go-to setup is a simple two-hook rig with squid strips or clams, and don't be afraid to bounce bottom - they're right there waiting.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that travel in schools and create some of the most action-packed fishing you'll find. These toothy predators typically run 2-15 pounds with occasional larger ones pushing 20+. They roam nearshore waters, surf zones, and bays from spring through fall, following baitfish migrations. What makes blues exciting is their feeding frenzies - when you find a school, it's fast and furious action with multiple hookups. They fight hard for their size and are decent eating when prepared fresh. Here's the secret: use wire leaders because their sharp teeth will cut through anything else, and when the bite is on, work fast since schools move quickly.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants that cruise just under the surface like brown sharks. These bronze beauties average 20-50 pounds and stretch 3-4 feet long. They're loners, not schooling fish, so spotting one is always exciting. Look for them around buoys, floating debris, or shallow reefs in 20-50 feet during spring and summer migrations. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll follow the boat and eat almost anything you throw at them. Plus, they're top-shelf table fare with white, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of it and work it slow. They rarely refuse a well-presented meal.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef. These bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 80+ pounds and 5 feet long. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and offshore structure in 60-200 feet of water. Best fishing runs April through October when they're most active. What guests love about AJs is their raw power - they'll drag you straight down to the rocks and make your reel scream. The meat is firm and white, perfect for steaks or sushi. Here's the trick: once you hook up, fight them hard and fast to get them away from structure. Use heavy tackle, 50+ pound test, and don't give them an inch or they'll cut you off on the bottom.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag and your arms. These silver rockets typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 90+ if you're lucky. They cruise nearshore waters from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're chasing baitfish. What makes kings special is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - plus they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key to landing one is using a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Troll with live bait or spoons, and when one hits, hold on tight.
5.0 out of 5.0We met up with Capt Randy at 6am on a (really) hot day in late June 2025 for a 6 hour fishing trip. Based on the days conditions, ...
This was our first ever fishing trip and man was it one for the books! Captain Randy and Drake are A+. All 5 of us caught more fis...
Wanchese, NC