5.0(1 Reviews)Expert Guided Red Drum and Speckled Trout Fishing
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targeting red drum and speckled trout inshoreEarly 7 AM departure allows access to productive open watersLight tackle fishing suitable for all experience levels
If you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience in the Outer Banks, this 6-hour charter from Wanchese delivers the goods. Captain Ryan and the Sea Jay Fishing Charters crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on productive fishing grounds where red drum and speckled trout are actively feeding. Starting at 7:00 AM, you'll have plenty of time to work multiple spots and dial in on what's biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is designed to get everyone hooked up with light tackle that's forgiving and fun to fish.
This charter takes you beyond the typical tourist spots to open water locations where the fish actually live. With 6 hours on the water, you're not rushing from spot to spot – instead, you're methodically working areas where red drum schools patrol and speckled trout hang around structure. The extra time means Captain Ryan can adjust tactics based on conditions, whether that's switching from live bait to artificials or moving to different depth zones as the tide changes. You'll be fishing with light tackle that makes every fish feel like a trophy, and the crew provides all the gear, bait, and lures you need. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so there's plenty of room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Don't forget to pack your own snacks and drinks – you'll work up an appetite after a few hours of steady action.
This is light tackle inshore fishing at its finest, using spinning reels spooled with braided line that gives you the sensitivity to feel every bump and tap. The crew runs a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what's working best. You might find yourself drifting with live shrimp under popping corks over grass flats, or casting soft plastics around docks and pilings where bigger fish ambush baitfish. When the spanish mackerel are running, expect to troll small spoons or throw Gotcha plugs that trigger explosive surface strikes. The beauty of light tackle is that even a 14-inch trout puts up a real scrap, and when you hook into a slot red drum, you'll think you've got a monster on the other end. Captain Ryan adjusts techniques throughout the day based on tide, wind, and fish activity, so you're always fishing the most productive method for the conditions.
"Captain Ryan was a fantastic guide for our group. He was especially patient with the two children on board, teaching them exactly what they needed to do to be successful. Even though it was late in the season and the water conditions were a bit choppy, he still managed to get us on the fish." - Brad
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful spotted fish are aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastic jigs. Most of your trout will run 12-16 inches, perfect eating size, but don't be surprised when a 20-inch "gator trout" crushes your bait and takes off on a blistering run. They're most active during moving tides, especially around grass edges and sandy holes where they corner baitfish. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to bite – even when other species are finicky, you can usually count on specks to keep your rod bent.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore angling, and the Wanchese area holds some real bruisers. These copper-colored bulldogs average 18-27 inches in the slot, but oversized drum over 30 inches provide heart-stopping fights that test your drag system. Red drum are ambush predators that cruise shallow flats and hang around structure waiting for an easy meal. They're incredibly strong fish that make long, powerful runs when hooked, often heading straight for the nearest piling or oyster bar. Fall and spring offer the best action, but summer fishing around dawn and dusk can be phenomenal when drum move shallow to feed.
Cobia are the bonus fish that can make your entire season. These brown sharks of the inshore world grow fast and fight harder than anything their size, often reaching 30-40 inches in local waters. Cobia are curious fish that will follow the boat and inspect lures, giving you multiple chances to trigger a strike. They're most common in late spring and early summer when water temperatures climb, often found around structure or following rays in shallow water. When a cobia hits your bait, get ready for a drag-screaming battle that combines the power of a red drum with the endurance of a tarpon.
Spanish Mackerel provide non-stop action when schools move through the area. These silver speedsters hit fast and fight hard on light tackle, making screaming runs that peel line off your reel. Most spanish run 12-16 inches, perfect for the dinner table with their mild, flaky meat. They're most active during warmer months, often feeding aggressively on small baitfish near the surface. When mackerel are around, you'll know it – the water will be alive with diving birds and jumping fish, and your lures will get hammered as soon as they hit the water.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that keep things interesting when other species slow down. These toothy customers hit hard and fight dirty, making powerful runs before coming to the boat. Blues travel in schools and feed voraciously, often creating feeding frenzies when they trap baitfish against the surface. They're excellent eating when bled and iced properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. Bluefish are most active during spring and fall migrations, but summer residents provide consistent action throughout the warmer months.
Our 24' Privateer center console is your ticket to productive waters around Wanchese and the Outer Banks. This fully restored boat runs smooth with a reliable 150HP Yamaha, cruising comfortably at 24 knots to get you to the fish fast. The stable platform handles six anglers with plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. Built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long morning runs. The GPS and fish finder combo helps us locate schools of red drum and speckled trout hiding in the marsh channels and grass flats. Whether you're targeting slot reds in shallow water or working structure for specks, this rig gets you there ready to fish. Perfect setup for families or groups wanting to maximize their time on the water without the crowds of bigger charter boats.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that arrive in late spring and stick around through fall. These blue-green predators typically weigh 3-15 pounds and travel in hungry schools that can turn the water into a washing machine when they're feeding. You'll find them in open water, around inlet mouths, and along beach fronts where baitfish concentrate. They're not picky eaters - cut bait, live eels, spoons, and plugs all work great. What guests love is their hard initial run and the surface explosions when schools are feeding. They're good eating when handled properly, especially the smaller ones. Fair warning: they have razor-sharp teeth, so bring a net and pliers. Best tip: when birds are diving and you see splashing, get there fast - bluefish blitzes don't last long but the action is non-stop.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our inshore waters, often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These fish can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them a serious challenge on light tackle. Spring through early fall is best, especially around structures like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet. They're mostly loners, not schooling fish, so it's all about sight fishing when you spot one cruising near the surface. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - plus they're amazing on the dinner table with firm, white meat. During spawning season in late spring, they move into shallower bays. Pro tip: once you hook one, watch for others nearby since they sometimes travel in small groups during spawning.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the backbone of our inshore fishing here. These bronze-backed fighters average 20-35 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is watching these fish push water in skinny areas - sometimes their backs are completely exposed. They eat just about anything: cut bait, live shrimp, topwater plugs, and spoons. The fight is steady and strong, perfect for light tackle. Here's a local secret: look for muddy water where they're rooting around oyster beds. That's where you'll find the biggest ones feeding.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, as we call them locally, are one of our most reliable inshore targets. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and love our grass flats and shallow bays. Spring through fall are prime time, especially dawn and dusk when they're feeding actively. They hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is their delicate fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. During cooler months, they school up in deeper channels around 15-20 feet. My go-to trick: work a gold spoon slowly through the grass beds on an incoming tide. The flash drives them crazy, and you'll often hook doubles when you find a feeding school in the shallows.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These silver rockets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and show up in big schools from spring through fall. They cruise open water around 10-30 feet, often following baitfish along beach fronts and inlet mouths. What makes them fun is their lightning-fast strikes on small spoons, jigs, and live bait - you'll know when you hook one because they take off like a missile. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. The key is finding the schools, which often show up as bird activity on the surface. Once you locate them, work fast with small, shiny lures. My trick: troll a small Clark spoon at 4-5 knots until you mark fish, then stop and cast into the school.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Ryan was a fantastic guide for our group. He was especially patient with the two children on board, teaching them exactly ...
Wanchese, NC