Wanchese NC Fishing Charters | Private 6 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour nearshore fishing charter for up to 6 guestsTarget Cobia, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Flounder speciesProfessional crew and modern vessels from Wanchese harbor
Looking for a top-rated fishing charter that puts you right in the action? Our Wanchese NC fishing charters deliver exactly what serious anglers want – a full 6-hour private trip targeting the Outer Banks' hottest species. We're talking Cobia, Little Tunny, Bluefish, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Flounder, all within reach of our nearshore waters. With Roankoe Sportfishing, you're getting a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand and boats equipped to handle whatever the day throws at us. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to get your feet wet, this charter gives you the real deal – no crowds, no rushing, just you and up to 5 of your buddies chasing fish in some of North Carolina's most productive waters.
Your day starts early at Wanchese Harbor, where our crew will have everything prepped and ready to roll. We'll brief you on the game plan, get your gear sorted, and head out to where the fish are biting. The beauty of a 6-hour charter is we've got time to work different spots, adjust tactics, and really dial in on what's working. Our boats are rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle – everything you need to land whatever we hook into. The nearshore waters around Wanchese are perfect for this kind of fishing. We're close enough to shore that the ride out isn't brutal, but far enough to get into the good stuff. Expect to work structure, artificial reefs, and natural bottom where these species love to hang out. Our captain will read the conditions, check the sonar, and put you on fish. This isn't a cattle boat operation – with just 6 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting and what the conditions look like. Light tackle trolling is deadly for Spanish Mackerel and Little Tunny – we'll pull small spoons, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait behind the boat at varying speeds and depths. When we mark Cobia or bigger Redfish, we switch gears to sight fishing and bottom bouncing. Cobia are visual feeders, so when we spot one, it's all hands on deck with live bait or jigs worked right in their face. For Flounder, we're talking Carolina rigs with live minnows or gulp baits worked along the bottom near structure. Bluefish are aggressive and will hit just about anything when they're feeding – cut bait, lures, you name it. Our rods are matched to the species we're after. Light spinning gear for the Spanish and smaller stuff, medium conventional setups for Cobia and big Reds. We've got circle hooks for the live bait work and a selection of jigs and lures that have proven themselves in these waters. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and net work – your job is to fish and have a good time.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our nearshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 25-35 inches around here, with plenty of slot fish and some real bulls mixed in. Spring through fall is prime time, but we catch them year-round when conditions are right. They're structure oriented, so we work oyster bars, channel edges, and artificial reefs where they come to feed. What makes Reds so special is the fight – they're powerful, stubborn, and will test your drag system. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive spotted tail and bronze coloration. Cobia show up in late spring and stick around through early fall, and they're absolute weapons when hooked. These fish can push 40-50 pounds and fight like a freight train. They're curious by nature, often following rays and sharks, which makes sight fishing for them incredibly exciting. Little Tunny, or False Albacore as locals call them, are speed demons that show up in big schools during their migration periods. They're perfect on light tackle and will absolutely scream line off your reel. Spanish Mackerel are consistent producers spring through fall, and while they're not huge, they're fast, aggressive, and excellent table fare. Bluefish come through in waves, and when they're here, it's fast action with multiple hookups common. These toothy predators hit hard and fight dirty, making them a blast on medium tackle.
The Outer Banks nearshore fishing scene is world-class, and there's a reason Wanchese charters stay booked solid during peak season. Our 6-hour private trips give you the perfect balance of fishing time and value – long enough to really get into the fish, but not so long that you're worn out by the end of the day. With our experienced crew, quality equipment, and productive waters, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. We provide all the tackle, bait, and expertise you need. Just bring your fishing license, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for the day. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, family outing, or just want to get out there with your fishing buddies, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime fishing season. Book your Wanchese NC fishing charter with Roankoe Sportfishing today and get ready to experience some of the best nearshore fishing the East Coast has to offer.
Step aboard the "Roanoke," a 50-foot sportfishing beast built by legendary local craftsman and captain Sheldon Midgette. This isn't your average charter boat – she's designed for serious anglers who want comfort while chasing Cobia, Little Tunny, Bluefish, and Redfish in North Carolina waters. With air conditioning to beat the heat, three fighting chairs for epic battles, and a flybridge for spotting fish, you'll have everything needed for a successful day on the water. The onboard fish finder helps locate your targets while GPS keeps you on course. Between catches, grab cold drinks from the icebox or tune into the multimedia system. VHF radio ensures safety communication, and the onboard facilities mean no cutting trips short. Whether you're targeting Spanish Mackerel or Flounder, this vessel puts you in prime position to fill the coolers during your 6-hour nearshore adventure from Wanchese.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them - and I mean aggressively. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds in our waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and bad attitude making every hookup interesting. You'll find schools feeding in the surf, around inlets, and over structure from spring through fall. They're notorious for their feeding frenzies, churning the water white when they corner baitfish. What guests enjoy is the non-stop action - when you find them, you'll usually catch multiple fish quickly. Fresh smaller blues are excellent eating, but handle them carefully. Here's my advice: bring a good pair of pliers and watch those teeth when unhooking them. Cut bait like mullet chunks works great, but they'll also smash spoons and plugs. When they're in one of their famous feeding blitzes, almost any lure will work.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of our nearshore waters - thick-bodied, powerful fish that average 30-60 pounds around here. They're loners, not schooling fish, so we typically sight-fish for them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they move through on their way north to spawn. What guests love about cobia is the raw power - they'll make long, strong runs and really test your tackle. The meat is outstanding too, firm and white like shark but without the ammonia taste. Here's what works: when we spot one, I'll position the boat ahead of its path and have you drop a bucktail jig or live eel right in front of it. Don't rush the cast - cobia are curious and will often circle back for a second look if you miss the first shot.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, or False Albacore as most folks call them, are speed demons that'll give you one heck of a fight on light tackle. These torpedo-shaped fish with dark wavy lines and spots typically run 5-15 pounds in our waters. They travel in schools and stay near the surface, often feeding around jetties, inlets, and drop-offs where baitfish concentrate. Fall is absolutely prime time when they show up in big numbers chasing bait. What makes them fun is pure speed and stamina - they'll burn drag and make blistering runs that'll have your arms aching. While the dark red meat isn't for everyone, it's actually quite good when prepared fresh. Here's the key: when we find a school feeding on the surface, get a small metal spoon or jig to them fast. They're here one minute, gone the next, so you've got to react quickly when we spot the birds diving.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets around Wanchese - and for good reason. These copper-backed beauties with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-35 inches in our waters. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars and grass beds. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding aggressively. What makes them special? They put up a serious fight, peeling drag and making long runs. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. Here's a local tip: when you spot one in super shallow water with its back showing, cast well ahead of where it's headed - they spook easily but will hammer a well-placed bait. Live shrimp or cut bait works great, but don't overlook topwater plugs for explosive surface strikes.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are some of the fastest fish we target - sleek, silver bullets with yellow spots that can really burn line. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the bigger ones around 5-6 pounds will surprise you with their speed. They school up near the surface around structure, inlet mouths, and along the beaches from spring through fall. Warmer water brings them closer to shore, making them perfect for both boat and pier fishing. Guests love them because they hit hard and fast, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, white meat that grills perfectly. The challenge is their razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. Here's what I always tell folks: use a short wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon, and keep your spoons and small jigs moving fast. When you find a school, work quickly - they can disappear as fast as they showed up.
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