5.0(2 Reviews)Wanchese NC Inshore Multi Species Full Day Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore charter targets red drum and speckled troutEight hour trip accommodates up to six guests with gear includedAll skill levels welcome with high catch rates expected
When you're looking for a solid day of inshore fishing on the Outer Banks, this full-day charter out of Wanchese delivers exactly what you're after. Captain Ryan runs an 8-hour trip that kicks off at 7 AM, giving you plenty of time to hit multiple spots and work different techniques throughout the day. The beauty of booking the whole boat is that your group of up to 6 anglers gets personalized attention and can fish at your own pace. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're seasoned anglers wanting to put some quality fish in the cooler, this charter adapts to what you need.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you barely get your lines wet before heading back to the dock. Eight hours gives Captain Ryan the flexibility to read the conditions, follow the bite, and adjust tactics as the day unfolds. You'll start early when the water's calm and the fish are active, then work through different tide changes and locations as opportunities present themselves. The boat comes fully rigged with light tackle that's perfect for the species you'll be targeting - no need to drag your own gear unless you want to. All your bait, lures, and tackle are handled, plus your fishing licenses are covered. Just bring your lunch, some drinks, and non-spray sunscreen, and you're set for the day.
Inshore fishing around Wanchese means working structure, grass beds, and channel edges where the fish concentrate. You'll be using light spinning tackle with artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs, plus live and cut bait when the situation calls for it. The captain knows when to sight fish for cruising reds in shallow water and when to drop down and work the bottom for trout and flounder. Depending on conditions, you might find yourself casting into marsh creeks at high tide or working deeper channel drops when the water's moving. The variety keeps everyone engaged, and there's always something new to try when one technique isn't producing.
"Captain Ryan provided an excellent experience for us. He took our group to two productive locations and was incredibly helpful throughout the trip. He was especially patient and kind while assisting my son in landing an impressive red drum, which weighed in at 7lbs and measured 27.5 inches." - Justin
"Captain Ryan provided an outstanding experience and was exceptionally respectful throughout our trip. He took the time to answer all my questions regarding the local area and the specifics of fishing in North Carolina." - John
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from keeper-sized specks around 14 inches up to gator trout pushing 20-plus inches. They love grass beds and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish, and when you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. The fight is scrappy but not overwhelming, making them perfect for anglers of all experience levels.
Redfish are what most people dream about when they think of inshore fishing, and the waters around Wanchese hold some quality fish. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their bulldogging runs and their willingness to eat just about anything you put in front of them. Fall is prime time when schools of reds move through the area, but you can find them year-round in the right spots. A slot-sized red between 18 and 27 inches makes excellent table fare, while the oversized fish provide memorable fights before you release them to spawn again.
Cobia are the wildcard species that can show up when you least expect them and turn a good day into a great one. These brown sharks, as locals sometimes call them, are curious fish that often approach the boat and give you shot after shot with sight casting. They're most common during the warmer months and can range from schoolie-sized fish up to real bruisers over 40 inches. When you hook a cobia, you know it immediately - they're strong, stubborn fighters that test your drag and your patience.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and excitement that keeps kids and adults alike glued to their rods. These silver bullets hit fast and fight hard for their size, often jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Summer and early fall are peak times, and they're suckers for small spoons and jigs worked quickly through the water column. They're also fantastic eating when prepared fresh, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to take a few fish home for dinner.
Bluefish round out the mix as aggressive predators that school up and feed with a vengeance when conditions are right. These toothy customers will hit just about any moving lure and provide steady action when other species are being finicky. They range from small snapper blues that are perfect for kids to chopper blues that can pull drag and keep you honest. While they're not everyone's first choice for the dinner table, they're outstanding sport fish that ensure nobody goes home without bending a rod.
This full-day charter gives you the complete Outer Banks inshore experience without the rush of shorter trips. You get quality time on the water, expert local knowledge, and the chance to target multiple species using different techniques throughout the day. Captain Ryan's patient teaching style makes it perfect for mixed groups with different skill levels, and the private boat charter means the day revolves around what your group wants to accomplish. Whether that's filling the cooler, teaching the kids to fish, or just enjoying a day away from the dock, this trip delivers. The calendar fills up during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your dates for what could be
Step aboard our fully restored 24' Privateer center console and get ready to fish the productive waters around Wanchese. This stable boat was completely rebuilt in 2020 and runs smooth with a reliable 150HP Yamaha engine, cruising comfortably at 24 knots to get you to the fish fast. Built for serious angling, she's equipped with GPS navigation to hit all the right spots and a fish finder to locate schools of red drum, speckled trout, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel. The spacious center console design gives all six anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the full 8-hour day on the water. Whether you're casting light tackle in the shallows or working deeper channels, this boat handles Outer Banks conditions with ease and gets you where the fish are biting.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything you throw at them. They school up tight and average 3-10 pounds, though bigger ones push 15-20 pounds. We find them around baitfish schools, inlet mouths, and over structure from late spring through fall. When they're feeding, the water looks like it's boiling - that's the famous "bluefish blitz" where they go into a frenzy. What makes them fun is their willingness to eat and their strong fight on light tackle. The meat's good eating when fresh, especially the smaller ones. Just handle them carefully - those razor-sharp teeth can do damage. Best approach: when you see birds diving and water churning, get there fast with cut bait or metal spoons. They won't stay in one spot long.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of inshore fishing, averaging 30-50 pounds with some pushing 100+. They're loners by nature, cruising around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 15-50 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move through our waters heading north to spawn. People often mistake them for sharks at first glance due to their brown coloring and single dorsal fin. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll actually follow the boat and inspect your lures. The meat is outstanding, firm and white like mahi. Best technique I've learned: sight-cast a bucktail jig when you spot one cruising. Let it sink near them and work it slow - they rarely pass up an easy meal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are built like tanks and fight twice as hard. Around Wanchese, we target them in 1-4 feet of water along grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. They run 28-33 inches on average but can push well into the 40+ inch range. Spring and fall give us the most consistent action when they're feeding heavy before seasonal moves. The famous black spot near their tail makes them easy to ID, and that copper-bronze coloring really pops in shallow water. What guests love most is watching these bruisers crush topwater lures in skinny water - pure adrenaline. The meat's excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in the shallows, cast well ahead and work your bait right past their nose.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout around here run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds, though we've seen some push beyond that. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but they school up in deeper channels during winter months. What makes specks so popular is their delicate, flaky white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also scrappy fighters that'll give light tackle a workout. My go-to tip: work your lures slow and steady around the grass beds. These fish spook easy, so keep noise down and make long casts to stay on them longer.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that travel in large schools, making for fast-paced action when you find them. They average 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, with distinctive yellow spots along their silver sides. Look for them near the surface around structure, inlets, and baitfish schools from late spring through early fall. They're some of the fastest swimmers out there, so when they hit your lure, you'll know it immediately. Guests love the constant action - when you're on a school, everyone stays busy. The meat's excellent grilled or smoked with a mild flavor and good omega-3 content. My secret weapon: small silver spoons trolled at moderate speed. Match your trolling speed to the bait they're chasing and you'll stay connected to the school longer.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Ryan provided an excellent experience for us. He took our group to two productive locations and was incredibly helpful thr...
Captain Ryan provided an outstanding experience and was exceptionally respectful throughout our trip. He took the time to answer a...
Wanchese, NC