5.0(2 Reviews)Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and bluefish inshoreFourhour guided trip includes all rods, reels, and baitSuitable for all skill levels with experienced local guides
Looking for some solid fishing action without burning a whole day on the water? Our 4-hour half-day inshore charter hits all the sweet spots around the Outer Banks where the fish are actually biting. Captain Randy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet. We're talking about real fishing here – not just boat rides – in some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast.
This isn't your typical "let's hope we get lucky" fishing trip. We're targeting the bread-and-butter species that make the Outer Banks famous: speckled trout, redfish, flounder, bluefish, and sheepshead. Captain Randy rotates between the sound, inlet mouths, grass flats, and nearshore structure depending on what's feeding that day. The boat's rigged and ready when you show up – clean tackle, sharp hooks, and live bait when the fish are picky. You'll spend more time with a rod in your hands than messing around with gear, which is exactly how it should be. Bring polarized glasses and a hat because you'll want to spot these fish working the shallows, especially when we're sight-fishing the flats.
We fish smart, not hard. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be jigging soft plastics over grass beds, drifting cut bait along drop-offs, or working live shrimp around structure. Captain Randy switches up techniques based on what the fish want that day – sometimes they're aggressive and hitting anything that moves, other times you need to finesse them with lighter tackle and natural presentations. The boat carries everything from spinning gear for the trout to heavier setups for bull reds. Don't worry if you've never tied a Carolina rig or bounced a jig head – Captain Randy breaks it down step by step and gets everyone fishing effectively, regardless of experience level.
"We explained to Capt. Randy we wanted to catch fish to eat for dinner. He delivered! We had a great time tolling and taking turns catching and yes even missing a few. Capt. Randy was easy to work with and everyone caught fish. He showed us how to bring them in and remove them and to the ice chest they went. Really super fun. Not our first trip out fishing in the Ocean but the best ever. Capt. Randy is patient and laidback so kids would have a good time. Everything was in great working order, boat clean and ready to go when we arrived. We were very pleased. Thank you Captain Randy." - Pete
"This is my first time booking a charter, my son and I have recently taken to fishing and are still very much beginners lol. I went with Riptide for a midday 4 hour trip and had a blast, I definitely recommend Capt. Randy he's super knowledgeable and experienced, he's down to earth and easy to chat with. He explained the process every step of the way and answer all of my questions and there was a lot, I genuinely learned a ton, and will be booking again." - Wes
Bluefish are the workhorses of Outer Banks fishing – aggressive, hard-fighting, and willing to eat just about anything you throw at them. These silver torpedoes show up in schools and turn the water into a feeding frenzy when they're around. Spring through fall, they're cruising the surf line and inlet mouths, perfect for sight-casting when you see birds working over them. Blues range from snapper-sized 2-pounders up to chopper blues pushing 10-15 pounds that'll test your drag and your arms.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge every angler needs to experience. These black-and-white striped convicts have crushing power in their jaws and the pickiest feeding habits in the sound. They love hanging around structure – docks, bridges, and rocky areas where they pick off barnacles and crabs. The bite is subtle, almost like a gentle tap, and you need to set the hook fast before they spit it out. Land one of these 3-5 pound bruisers and you've earned some serious bragging rights.
Sea Trout, or specks as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These beautiful spotted fish love grass flats and sandy bottoms where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They hit soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Most run 14-18 inches, but the gator trout over 20 inches are the ones that make your day. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when the water temps are just right.
Redfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing. These bronze-backed bruisers can push 40+ inches and fight like freight trains in the skinny water. Reds patrol the grass flats and marsh edges, often in schools that'll make your heart race when you spot their backs cutting through the water. They're suckers for cut bait, live shrimp, and spoons worked along the bottom. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the cooler, while the over-slot bulls are pure adrenaline on light tackle.
Half-day trips book up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the bite is hot. This charter delivers exactly what it promises – productive fishing with a captain who knows how to find fish and put you on them consistently. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler, learn new techniques, or just get away from the dock for a few hours, this trip hits the mark. The boat accommodates up to 5 anglers, making it
This 25-foot Mako center console cuts through Outer Banks waters with authority, powered by a reliable 300HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. Built for serious anglers, she handles everything from shallow sound flats to nearshore reefs where the redfish and speckled trout hang out. The spacious deck gives up to 5 anglers room to work, while the flybridge offers a perfect vantage point for spotting fish and navigating through the inlets. GPS keeps you on course to productive spots, and the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Carolina days. Whether you're drifting over structure for flounder or working the grass beds for reds, this proven fishing platform delivers the performance and comfort you need for a successful day on the water.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that make our Outer Banks trips exciting. These silvery-blue predators typically run 3-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 15-20 pounds during peak season. They're voracious hunters that travel in schools, hitting everything from menhaden to squid with those razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them around our nearshore reefs and inlet mouths, especially during summer and early fall when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is their fierce fight - they'll make screaming runs and never give up easy. The smaller "snapper blues" are perfect for kids to learn on. Fair warning: handle with care since they can deliver a nasty bite even after landing. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water churning white, gun it over there fast - that's a bluefish blitz in action, and the fishing will be red hot.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, with bull reds over 40 inches providing arm-burning battles. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's their trademark. They cruise our flats in just 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round residents, they school up in cooler months but spread out during warmer weather. What guests love is their power and tenacity - they make long runs and fight to the bitter end. Plus, slot-sized fish are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. They'll eat just about anything, from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Best tip I can share: watch for nervous water or "wakes" on the flats, then cast well ahead of their path and work your bait slowly back toward them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our grass flats fishing. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with some trophy fish pushing 5-6 pounds in deeper holes. They love shallow grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths where they ambush shrimp and baitfish. Spring through fall provides steady action, but early morning and evening bites are often best. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - watching one explode on a surface plug never gets old. They're also excellent table fare with tender, flaky white meat. The tricky part is their soft mouths tear easily, so steady pressure works better than hard fighting. Local secret: look for slicks on calm water where they're feeding below, and work a soft plastic slowly through the grass - that's money every time.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters, sporting black bars on silver sides and human-like teeth that can crack barnacles with ease. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we hook into some hefty 8-10 pounders around dock pilings and bridge supports. They're structure lovers, hanging tight to barnacle-covered posts where they feed on crabs and shellfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around incoming tides when they're actively feeding. Guests enjoy the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, but once hooked, they put up a solid scrap. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight.
5.0 out of 5.0We explained to Capt. Randy we wanted to catch fish to eat for dinner. He delivered! We had a great time tolling and taking turns ...
This is my first time booking a charter, my son and I have recently taken to fishing and are still very much beginners lol. I went...
Wanchese, NC