5-Hour North Carolina Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing adventure in North Carolina watersExpert captain teaches techniques for multiple species targetingSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
North Carolina's coastal waters are legendary among anglers, and Captain Pierre knows every productive spot along this stretch of the Atlantic. This half-day inshore and nearshore fishing trip puts you right in the action, targeting some of the region's most sought-after species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Pierre's hands-on teaching approach ensures you'll learn proven techniques while enjoying one of the best fishing experiences the Carolina coast has to offer.
Your 5-hour adventure starts early, when the fish are most active and the waters are calm. Captain Pierre runs a tight ship with room for up to 4 anglers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching throughout the day. The boat is rigged with quality tackle and Pierre provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and fresh bait. You'll fish both inshore waters around structure and nearshore areas where the bigger fish roam. Pierre's got decades of experience reading these waters, and he's not shy about sharing his knowledge – expect to learn everything from reading water conditions to proper hook-setting techniques. The pace is relaxed but focused, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and refine your skills between catches.
Pierre's approach combines traditional Carolina rigging with modern techniques that consistently produce fish. You'll work with live bait presentations around oyster bars and grass flats, perfect for targeting redfish and black drum. For Spanish mackerel and other pelagic species, expect to troll small spoons and jigs in nearshore waters where baitfish concentrate. Bottom fishing comes into play when targeting tautog around structure – Pierre knows exactly where these fish hold and how to present baits that get their attention. All tackle is provided, including circle hooks for conservation-minded fishing and a variety of sinker weights to match current conditions. Pierre adjusts techniques based on tide, weather, and fish behavior, so you'll see different approaches throughout the trip and understand why certain methods work better in specific situations.
Tautog are the crown jewel of North Carolina's nearshore fishing scene. These hard-fighting fish live around rocky structure and artificial reefs, typically weighing 2-8 pounds with trophy fish pushing double digits. They're most active during cooler months from October through April, making them a customer favorite during shoulder seasons. What makes tautog special is their fight – they use structure to their advantage, diving hard and testing your drag system. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters.
Spanish mackerel show up in big numbers during summer months, and they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. These speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and hit lures with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up fast. They school heavily around nearshore structure and baitfish concentrations, often providing non-stop action when you find them. Pierre targets them with small jigs and spoons, and the fight is spectacular – long runs and acrobatic jumps that make every hookup memorable.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds and giants topping 50 pounds. These powerful fish cruise oyster bars and shallow flats, feeding on crabs and shellfish. They're year-round residents but most active during spring and fall transitions. What anglers love about black drum is their bulldogging fight – they don't jump, but they'll test your tackle with sustained runs and head-shaking battles that can last several minutes.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge every angler needs to experience. These convict-striped fish have incredible eyesight and lightning-fast reflexes, earning them the nickname "bait stealers." They average 2-5 pounds and live around docks, pilings, and oyster bars. Peak season runs from March through November, with spawning fish providing the best action. Successfully catching sheepshead requires finesse and timing, making each fish a genuine accomplishment.
Redfish are North Carolina's signature inshore species, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters average 18-27 inches in the slot limit, with bull reds over 27 inches providing epic battles in deeper water. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and their fight combines power with endurance. Redfish are year-round residents that school heavily during fall months, often providing multiple hookups when you locate feeding pods.
Captain Pierre's 5-hour inshore fishing adventure delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive fishing, expert instruction, and access to North Carolina's world-class coastal waters. With only 4 spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Pierre's teaching approach means you'll leave with new skills and confidence, whether you're targeting your first redfish or looking to master tautog techniques. The combination of inshore and nearshore fishing maximizes your opportunities while showcasing the diversity that makes North Carolina a top-rated fishing destination. Don't wait – these productive waters and Pierre's expert guidance are booking up fast, and the fish are waiting.
Our fishing boat is built for serious angling in North Carolina's coastal waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on finicky redfish and flounder in shallow areas, while the GPS makes sure you never lose track of those productive honey holes. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of Spanish mackerel and trout, so you'll spend more time with your line wet and less time wondering where the fish are hiding. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up with your buddies. Whether you're targeting black drum in the surf or working structure for sheepshead and tautog, this boat handles the inshore and nearshore waters with ease. The setup is perfect for both beginners learning the ropes and experienced fishermen looking to put some serious numbers in the cooler.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the tanks of our inshore waters, averaging 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses love brackish estuaries, oyster beds, and muddy flats where they crunch shellfish all day. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound. Guests get hooked on their bulldogging fight and the smaller ones make great table fare. The key to success is fresh crab bait fished right on bottom - they won't chase anything. My go-to trick is using peeler crabs because catfish won't steal them like they do shrimp. Keep your bait moving just enough to avoid getting buried in the mud.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing. These copper-colored beauties with black spots near their tail run 20-40 inches and fight like nothing else. They cruise 1-4 foot flats, marsh edges, and oyster bars where they'll actually show their backs above water. Year-round fishing here, but fall is magic when big schools push through. Guests love watching them crash topwater lures in skinny water - it's pure adrenaline. The meat is sweet and mild, perfect for blackening. My secret: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast a gold spoon past them and work it back slow. They can't resist that flutter, and once hooked, they'll make screaming runs that'll test your drag.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of the dock - gray with black bars and human-like teeth that'll creep you out. These 2-8 pounders live around any structure with barnacles: pier pilings, jetties, bridge supports. Spring is prime time when they spawn near inlets and passes. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with delicate bites, then suddenly turn into freight trains. The white meat is some of the best eating around. Here's my trick: get as close to structure as possible with fiddler crab or shrimp, feel for that subtle tap-tap, then set the hook hard. They've got vice-grip jaws, so don't hesitate or you'll just be feeding them free meals all day.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that run in massive schools along our coast. These silvery torpedoes with yellow spots typically weigh 1-3 pounds and hit like freight trains. You'll find them near the surface around structure, from nearshore reefs to pier pilings. Spring through fall they're thick here, especially when water temps climb. What guests love most is the nonstop action - when you find a school, it's game on. Plus they're fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when you see diving birds, get there fast and cast small spoons or jigs. They'll hit anything shiny moving at speed, but keep your drag loose or they'll snap you off on that first scorching run.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or "blackfish," are thick-bodied fighters that love rocky structure. These 1-3 pound bruisers hang around jetties, reefs, and boulder fields where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring through fall are prime times when they're most active during daylight hours. What makes them special is their territorial nature - they'll defend their spots aggressively. The meat on smaller fish is excellent eating with a firm, white texture. Here's the key: use green crab bait, but crush up some shells nearby to create a scent trail. The smell drives them crazy and brings them right to your hook. Just remember to fish tight to structure and be ready to muscle them away from the rocks.
Wrightsville Beach, NC