Private 6 Hour Fishing Trip - Wanchese, NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private charter accommodates up to six guestsSeasonal fishing targets sharks, cobia, triggerfish, and seabassInshore and nearshore waters offer variety without fullday commitment
Looking for that sweet spot between a quick morning trip and burning a full day? Our 6-hour private charter from Wanchese hits it just right. You'll get serious time on the water to really dial in what's working, switch up tactics when the bite slows, and chase multiple species without your whole day disappearing. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and with six hours to work with, we can adapt to what the fish are telling us. Whether that's running live baits for sharks prowling the shallows, sight-casting to cruising cobia, or dropping down on productive wrecks for triggerfish and sea bass, this trip gives you the flexibility to fish smart and fish hard.
Your day starts at the dock in Wanchese, where we'll get you set up with gear and go over the game plan based on what's been producing lately. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is we're not rushed - if the sharks are thick inshore, we can work that bite properly. If the cobia show up and start tailing on the surface, we've got time to chase them around and really put on a show. The boat handles up to 6 anglers, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or keeping it intimate, everyone gets plenty of room to fish without stepping on each other. We'll move around based on conditions and what we're seeing, hitting different spots until we find the action. Some days that means bouncing between several inshore holes, other days we might spend the whole trip working one productive area hard.
We fish smart out here, matching our approach to what's happening that day. Live bait fishing for sharks means we're putting out fresh cut bait or live bottom fish where the current's moving right, letting those scent trails work for us. When cobia season heats up, we're scanning the surface for those dark shapes cruising shallow, then getting you set up with live eels or bucktails for sight-casting shots. The wreck fishing is all about timing your drops right and keeping good bottom contact - these triggerfish and sea bass know their neighborhood, so we work the structure methodically. All tackle's provided and rigged fresh each trip, from circle hooks for the shark fishing to the heavier bottom rigs for wreck work. We adjust leader length and weight based on current and depth, taking the guesswork out so you can focus on feeling those bites.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of our wreck fishing, and these guys fight way above their weight class. Most of what we're seeing runs 2-4 pounds, but the bigger ones will surprise you with how they dig down toward structure when hooked. They're most active spring through fall, and the beautiful thing about sea bass is they're almost always willing to eat when you put bait in front of them. Plus, they're fantastic on the table - firm white meat that takes seasoning well. The 6-hour trip gives us time to really work these wrecks properly, hitting different sides as the current changes.
Cobia fishing is pure excitement when they're around. These fish cruise the shallows looking for rays and crabs, and when you spot that brown torpedo shape just under the surface, your heart starts pounding. They average 20-40 pounds in our waters, and they fight like fish twice that size. Peak season runs May through September, and the sight-fishing opportunities can be absolutely electric. When a cobia eats your bait right at the surface, it's game on - they'll make long runs and test your drag settings. Many anglers say landing their first cobia was a turning point in their fishing, and with good reason.
Grey triggerfish are the character fish of the bunch. They've got serious attitude and some of the strongest jaws in the ocean, so they'll test your knots and your patience. Most triggers run 2-5 pounds, but they pull hard and fight dirty, trying to cut you off on structure every chance they get. Summer and early fall are prime time, and they're surprisingly good eating despite their weird looks. The key with triggers is staying patient - they'll nibble and pick at baits, so you need to time your hook sets right. When you do connect, they make that distinctive triggerfish run straight for the bottom.
Six hours gives you the best of both worlds - enough time to really fish but not so much that you're wiped out for the rest of your vacation. Our Wanchese location puts us right in the heart of some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters, and the variety keeps things interesting all day long. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been working these waters for years, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps you coming back. The boat's comfortable, the crew knows their stuff, and with room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, buddy trips, or corporate groups. Don't wait - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season when the cobia and triggers are most active.
Step aboard our 35-foot Newton Boatworks sportfisher for your 6-hour inshore adventure off Wanchese. This proven fishing machine packs a serious 540HP Cummins engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 25 knots while you scout for action from the spacious flybridge. Built to handle whatever North Carolina waters throw at you, she's loaded with the gear that matters - GPS to mark your favorite spots, radar for those foggy mornings, and a quality fish finder to locate schools and structure. Whether you're live baiting for sharks in the shallows, sight casting to cruising cobia, or working nearshore wrecks for triggerfish and seabass, this boat delivers the performance and comfort you need. With room for up to 6 anglers and a head onboard, you can focus on what's bending your rod instead of watching the clock. Six hours gives you real time to explore different techniques and target whatever's biting without burning your whole day. Perfect for groups wanting solid fishing action while staying within reach of the Outer Banks.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, scrappy bottom dwellers that most folks catch in the 1-3 pound range, though bigger males can push 6-8 pounds. We find them around wrecks, hard bottom, and structure in 40-120 feet of water from late spring through summer when they move inshore. They're part of the grouper family and fight hard until they hit the surface - then they give up quick. What makes them fun is they're always hungry and great eating with white, flaky meat. Here's a tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips and keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom. They'll pick at it first, so when you feel that tap-tap, give them a second before setting the hook. The bigger males hang deeper on rocky areas.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that average 20-40 pounds but can hit 50-60 pounds in our waters. We sight fish for them in 30-70 feet around buoys, wrecks, and current breaks during their spring migration and spawning season. They're usually solo fish, not schooled up, which makes spotting one exciting. What guests love is the visual aspect - seeing them cruise just under the surface - plus they fight like freight trains and taste amazing. The meat is firm and white, similar to mahi. My go-to trick is using a bucktail jig in any color, but here's the key: when you spot one, get your bait in front of where they're heading, not where they are. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow the boat before deciding to bite.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough customers that average 12-17 inches but can reach 2-3 pounds on nearshore wrecks and hard bottom areas. We target them in 60-180 feet around structure during summer months when they're most active. They've got leather-tough skin, sharp teeth, and an attitude - they'll steal bait right from other fish. What makes them popular is they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat and they're always ready to bite. The challenge is they're bait thieves who nibble before committing. My trick is using inch-wide chunks of squid on a heavy bottom rig, and here's the secret: drop your bait near other fish like grouper or snapper. Triggerfish can't resist competition and will charge in to steal the bait from the other fish.
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