5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day OBX Fishing Charter - Manteo, NC
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderExpert local captain provides light tackle and proven techniquesEight-hour adventure accommodates up to four guests comfortably
When you're ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the East Coast has to offer, our full day charter out of Manteo puts you right in the heart of the action. Captain John and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish from sunrise to sunset. We're talking 8 solid hours of fishing the productive waters around Manteo Sound, the Pamlico Sound system, and when conditions allow, we'll push out to the nearshore structure where the bigger fish hang out. With a maximum of 4 anglers per trip, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you barely get your lines wet before heading back to the dock. We're talking about a proper fishing adventure that gives you time to really work the water and dial in on what the fish want. Captain John starts by reading the conditions - tide, wind, water temperature, and what's been biting lately - then plots a course that maximizes your chances of success. You might find yourself working the shallow grass flats for redfish one hour, then moving to deeper channels for speckled trout the next. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is the flexibility to adapt and chase the bite wherever it takes you. Light tackle is the name of the game here, which means every fish fights like it's twice its size. You'll feel every head shake, every run, and every jump when you're using the right gear for these species.
Captain John's approach centers around light tackle fishing with proven techniques that consistently produce results in these waters. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be using everything from live bait rigs with shrimp and mullet to artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs. The shallow water structure fishing around Manteo requires finesse - we're often working in 2-6 feet of water where stealth and presentation matter more than raw power. You'll learn how to work a popping cork for speckled trout, how to sight-cast to tailing redfish in the shallows, and the art of bouncing a jig along the bottom for flounder. When we move to the nearshore waters, the tactics shift to bottom fishing around structure and some light trolling for pelagic species. All tackle, bait, and ice are provided, though serious anglers are welcome to bring their own gear if they prefer.
"Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year's trip." - Tonya
"Wife and I booked a full day with Captain John, hoping to get out onto the ocean and hook into some bigger fish like Amberjack or Cobia. We got out there and it ended up being way too rough before we got to the wreck we were trying to get to. Captain John suggested we go closer to shore for some trolling. Wife ended up getting sea sick so we took her back to the dock and headed back out." - Michael
Redfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina inshore fishing, and the waters around Manteo hold some absolute bruisers. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18 inches up to well over 40 inches, with the slot-size fish (18-27 inches) providing excellent table fare and the oversized bulls offering pure adrenaline rushes. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but you can find reds year-round in these waters. What makes them so special is their aggressive nature and the variety of ways you can catch them - sight-casting to cruising schools, working them around oyster bars, or even topwater fishing in the early morning hours when they're feeding aggressively.
Speckled sea trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are another staple that keeps anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted sides typically run 12-20 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 4-6 pounds. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, feeding heavily on shrimp, small baitfish, and crabs. Specks are known for their delicate mouths and acrobatic fights, often jumping clear of the water when hooked. They respond well to live bait under popping corks, soft plastic jigs, and topwater lures during low-light periods.
Black sea bass might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality. These bottom dwellers congregate around nearshore structure and wrecks, typically weighing 1-3 pounds with some reaching 5+ pounds. They're available year-round but are most active during spring and fall. Bass are perfect for introducing kids to fishing since they bite readily and fight hard for their size, plus they're fantastic on the dinner table.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that can turn a slow day into non-stop action in minutes. These toothy speedsters travel in schools and feed voraciously on baitfish, often creating feeding frenzies that attract birds and dolphins. They range from "snapper blues" at 8-12 inches up to "choppers" exceeding 10 pounds. Summer and fall are prime time for blues around Manteo, and when you find them, you'll often catch them as fast as you can get your line back in the water.
Sheepshead are the crafty convict-striped fish that test an angler's skill and patience. These bait thieves hang around structure like pilings, docks, and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. They typically weigh 2
Captain John Speener's 2017 motorboat cuts through Outer Banks waters with serious fishing power. The 250HP Yamaha engine pushes this precision-built vessel up to 50 knots, getting you to the hottest fishing spots fast. Built for performance and safety, she's equipped with GPS navigation to pinpoint prime locations and a fish finder to locate those trophy redfish and speckled trout hiding in Manteo Sound. With room for 4 anglers, this boat delivers the speed and technology you need for a productive day targeting flounder and other NC coast favorites. The reliable Yamaha power means more time with lines in the water and less time worrying about getting back to dock.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love structure. Most run 1-4 pounds, but we see some nice 6+ pounders around wrecks and deeper reefs. They're dark gray to black with white-centered scales, and the big males get a bright blue color during spawning season. You'll find them around jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-100+ feet from late spring through fall. What guests love is their aggressive bite and how they use every ounce to fight back to the bottom. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom near structure and setting the hook quick. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, don't fight it straight up - angle it away from the wreck or they'll wrap you up in the structure every time.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, usually running 2-8 pounds with some reaching 15+. They hunt in schools and put up a solid fight with their broad tails and sharp teeth. You'll find them around baitfish schools in 10-40 feet of water, especially near structure or temperature breaks. They hit hard and fast on everything from topwater plugs to cut bait. What makes them special is their legendary feeding frenzies - when they're on, the action is non-stop. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids, while the bigger ones test your drag. Fresh bluefish is excellent eating when bled properly and cooked same day. Pro tip: use a wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, and always keep your fingers clear when unhooking them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 18-30 inches, with some monster "bull" reds pushing 40+ inches. They love super shallow water - often so skinny their backs show above the surface. You'll find them around oyster bars, marsh edges, and grass flats, especially on moving tides. Spring and fall are prime, but we catch them year-round. What makes redfish special is their powerful runs and how they use their broad tails to fight. Plus, they're excellent eating in the slot size range. They're not picky eaters - cut bait, live shrimp, or soft plastics all work. The real trick is sight fishing them in shallow water. When you see that copper flash or tail waving, cast well ahead and let your bait settle naturally. Move too fast or get too close, and they'll spook into deeper water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled sea trout are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in dark spots, running 14-20 inches with some reaching 5+ pounds. They're actually not trout at all, but they're one of our most popular inshore targets. You'll find them over grass flats and sandy bottom in 2-8 feet, especially around moving water and structure. They feed best during low-light periods - early morning, evening, and overcast days. Spring through fall are peak seasons here. What anglers love is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They make excellent eating too - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. The key is working soft plastics or topwater lures slowly over the grass beds. Pro tip: when the water gets cold in winter, look for them in deeper holes and channels where they school up - you can catch multiple fish from the same spot once you find them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're famous for having human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds around here, though we occasionally see some 8+ pounders. They live around any structure - docks, pilings, bridges, reefs - feeding on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with delicate bites, so it takes skill to hook them. But once you do, they're strong fighters that make great table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keeping your bait tight to the structure. Here's what most people don't know: when you feel that light tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook immediately or they'll steal your bait and disappear back into the pilings.
5.0 out of 5.0Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look for...
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look for...
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look for...
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look for...
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look for...
Wife and I booked a full day with Captain John, hoping to get out onto the ocean and hook into some bigger fish like Amberjack or ...
Manteo, NC