5.0(1 Reviews)Expert Guided Full Day Fishing Adventure in Manteo Waters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderExpert local captain provides light tackle and proven techniquesMaximum four guests for personalized Manteo Sound fishing experience
When you book this full-day charter with Salty Charters out of Manteo, you're signing up for eight solid hours of world-class fishing in some of the best waters North Carolina has to offer. Captain John and his crew know these sounds, creeks, and nearshore waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the whole family for their first real fishing adventure. With only four spots available, you get that personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
Your day starts early at the Manteo docks, where you'll meet Captain John and get the rundown on the game plan. The beauty of an eight-hour charter is flexibility – if the ocean's cooperating, you might head out to the nearshore wrecks and reefs for some serious bottom fishing. If it's blown out, no worries – the inshore waters around Roanoke Sound and the back bays are absolutely loaded with redfish, trout, and flounder. Captain John reads the conditions like a book and adjusts the plan to put you where the fish are biting. You'll be fishing light tackle, which means you feel every headshake and run – that's what makes catching a bull red or a keeper flounder so addictive. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, so you just show up ready to fish.
This isn't a one-trick-pony operation. Depending on what's biting and where, you might find yourself drift fishing over structure with live bait, working artificial lures around downed trees and oyster bars, or even doing some light trolling to cover water and find active schools. The Outer Banks waters offer incredible variety – one minute you're sight-fishing for tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're dropping down to thirty feet for black sea bass around a nearshore wreck. Captain John's got the local knowledge to switch tactics on the fly, and he's great at teaching beginners the ropes while keeping experienced anglers engaged. The light tackle approach means even smaller fish put up a real fight, but when you hook into a slot red or a doormat flounder, you'll know why people travel from all over to fish these waters.
"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 Outer Banks fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can push forty inches and twenty pounds, and they fight like they're twice that size. Spring through fall, you'll find them cruising the grass flats and oyster bars, often in water so shallow their backs are showing. They're not picky eaters – cut bait, live shrimp, or a well-placed soft plastic will get their attention. What makes reds special is how they eat – that deliberate pickup followed by a screaming run toward the nearest structure. Land a keeper red, and you've got some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Speckled sea trout might not have the size of a bull red, but pound for pound, they're some of the most fun fish to catch in these waters. They love grass beds and drop-offs, especially during moving water, and they absolutely hammer topwater plugs in the early morning and late evening. A good trout will go three to five pounds and make multiple jumps trying to throw the hook. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer.
Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting baitfish. They can be tricky to hook since they often grab bait and swim off before actually eating it, but once you get the timing down, they're a blast to catch. Doormat flounder – anything over five pounds – are getting harder to find, which makes landing one even more special. They're also tough to beat on the dinner table, with firm white fillets that cook up beautifully.
Black sea bass might be smaller than the other target species, but they make up for it in numbers and attitude. These feisty bottom dwellers love structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom – and they'll hit just about any bait that gets near them. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged since the action can be non-stop when you find a good school. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, mild meat that's great for fish tacos or blackened fillets.
Sheepshead are the pick-pocket artists of the fishing world, famous for stealing bait without getting hooked. They hang around structure like bridge pilings, docks, and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Landing a sheepshead requires finesse and quick reflexes, but it's incredibly satisfying when you outsmart one of these notorious bait thieves. They're also some of the best eating fish in the water, with firm fillets that hold up well to any cooking method.
Bluefish are the schooling speedsters that can turn a slow day into non-stop action in minutes. When the blues are running,
Captain John Speener's 2017 motorboat cuts through Manteo waters with authority, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast. This precision-built vessel tops out at 50 knots, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The onboard GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder does the heavy lifting, pinpointing schools of redfish and speckled trout hiding in the shallows. Built for serious angling, this boat handles the choppy waters around the Outer Banks like a champ. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your rods without bumping elbows. Whether you're casting for flounder in the sound or chasing trophy fish in deeper water, this solid platform gives you the stability and speed to make the most of your full day on North Carolina's productive inshore waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable bottom dwellers, especially productive from May through early fall when they move into shallower water around 30-80 feet. These chunky fighters average 1-3 pounds but can reach 6+ pounds around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom structure. They're pretty aggressive and will hit both bait and jigs readily. What guests love is their strong initial fight and excellent eating quality - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. You'll find them stacked up around any kind of structure: natural reefs, artificial reefs, even old shipwrecks. They're perfect for families since they bite consistently. Here's a local trick: drop down a double-hook rig with squid or cut bait, and once you find them, you can usually catch several from the same spot before moving on.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, with summer being prime time. These voracious feeders typically run 2-8 pounds around here, though bigger ones push 15+ pounds. They travel in schools and hit hard - you'll know when you hook one. Blues love to ambush baitfish around structure like wrecks and ledges, usually in 20-80 feet of water. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and will hit just about anything - spoons, jigs, or live bait. What makes them special is their fight and the way they attack in feeding frenzies. The meat's excellent when fresh, just bleed them right away. Pro tip: use a wire leader - they'll bite through mono in a heartbeat, and always keep your fingers clear when handling them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, with those signature black spots and copper-bronze sides. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we see plenty of oversized bulls in the 30-40 inch range that'll test your tackle. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here, but fall is absolute magic when they school up. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and how they'll eat everything from topwater plugs to live bait. The smaller ones are excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. They're sight-fishing targets on calm days when you can spot their tails or backs. Best local tip: look for nervous baitfish or muddy water where they're rooting around oysters - cast ahead of where they're moving, not right on top of them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are some of our most popular inshore targets, running 12-20 inches on average with plenty of 3-5 pounders mixed in. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water, especially during moving tides. Spring and fall are prime time, but they bite year-round here in the sounds. Early morning and evening produce best, and they'll absolutely crush topwater plugs when conditions are right. What guests enjoy is their acrobatic fight and willingness to hit artificials - soft plastics, spoons, and live shrimp all work great. The meat is delicate and delicious but don't overcook it. They school up during cooler months in deeper holes and channels. Local secret: work the grass edges during low light with a popping cork and live shrimp - let it sit still between pops and watch for that cork to disappear.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the coast with their distinctive black stripes, and they're some of the craftiest fish you'll encounter. Most run 2-5 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 10+ pounds. They hang tight around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings, reefs - picking off barnacles and crabs. Spring through fall is best, especially when water temps are steady. What makes them challenging is they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth. Guests love the puzzle of outsmarting them, plus they're outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky meat. You'll find them from shallow water to about 40 feet, always near cover. My go-to tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook the moment you feel them nibbling - hesitate and they'll steal your bait every time.
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