Guided Redfish, Mackerel And Bass Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour familyfriendly fishing trip targeting redfish and mackerelAll equipment, tackle, bait and fishing licenses includedEarly morning departure with trolling near Wanchese beaches
Picture this: the sun's just starting to peek over the horizon as you cast off from Wanchese at 6 a.m., coffee in hand and the smell of salt air filling your lungs. This isn't your typical charter experience – it's a family-friendly 5-hour adventure that puts you right in the action without any of the hassle. Captain and crew at Shine Eye Girl OBX Charters know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or teaching the kids their first cast, this trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that stick with you long after you've cleaned your catch.
From the moment you step aboard, everything's taken care of. We're talking complete tackle setup – rods, reels, terminal gear, fresh bait, ice for your catch, and even your fishing license. The only things you need to worry about are bringing some snacks, drinks, and a cooler to haul your fish home. The boat holds up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for family trips or small groups of friends who want to avoid the crowded party boats. We'll be working the inshore waters around Wanchese, trolling the productive zones where the baitfish stack up and the predators follow. The early morning start isn't just for show – that's prime time when fish are actively feeding and the bite is typically at its hottest. By 11 a.m., you'll be back at the dock with tired arms and hopefully a cooler full of dinner.
Trolling these inshore waters is all about reading the signs and putting your baits where the fish want them. We'll be pulling a spread of lures and live baits at varying depths, covering water efficiently while targeting multiple species at once. The captain adjusts trolling speed based on conditions and what we're seeing on the fish finder – sometimes a slow troll with live bait does the trick, other times we'll pick up the pace with spoons and diving plugs. The tackle is matched perfectly to the target species, with medium-action rods that have enough backbone for red drum but won't overpower smaller Spanish mackerel. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing, which makes catch and release cleaner and helps keep fish healthy if you decide to throw them back. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots. When a rod starts screaming, they'll coach you through the fight and make sure you get that fish to the boat safely.
Red drum are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Wanchese, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can range anywhere from slot-sized 18-inchers up to bull reds that'll test your tackle and your stamina. They're most active during the cooler months from September through December, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Reds are sight feeders that cruise the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, making them perfect targets for our trolling approach. When you hook into a decent red drum, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful runs and fight dirty, using their broad tails to shake hooks. The slot fish make excellent table fare with firm, mild meat that's perfect on the grill.
Spanish mackerel bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These silver bullets are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They show up in big numbers during the warmer months, typically from April through October, and they're absolute suckers for small spoons and shiny lures trolled at moderate speeds. A Spanish mack will hit your bait like a freight train, then put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing for their phones. They're not huge fish – most run between 1-3 pounds – but what they lack in size they make up for in pure aggression. Plus, they're fantastic eating when prepared fresh, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for fish cakes or simply pan-fried with some lemon.
Black sea bass might not get the same press as reds or mackerel, but they're absolute workhorses that'll keep your rod bent and your cooler full. These bottom-dwelling fighters are available year-round in our waters, though they're most cooperative during spring and fall when they're actively feeding. Sea bass are structure-oriented fish that love wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush prey. They'll eat just about anything that fits in their mouth, from cut bait to small jigs bounced along the bottom. Don't let their humble appearance fool you – a good-sized sea bass will put a serious bend in your rod and make you work for every inch of line. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, white meat that's virtually impossible to mess up in the kitchen.
This top-rated charter experience combines everything you want in a fishing trip – knowledgeable crew, productive waters, quality equipment, and multiple target species that'll keep the action steady throughout the morning. The early departure time means you'll beat the afternoon winds and have the fish to yourself before the recreational fleet hits the water. Remember to factor in a 20% tip for your mate – these guys work hard to put you on fish and deserve recognition for their efforts. With only six spots available per trip, this charter books up fast, especially during peak fishing season. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing or chase your personal best red drum, this trip delivers the kind of authentic Outer Banks fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Meet your fishing platform for the day - a classic 40-foot sportfishing boat that's been working these North Carolina waters since 1960. This Warren O'Neal build got a complete restoration in 2015, so she's got that vintage charm with modern reliability. Her single 450HP Cummins will cruise you and up to 5 other anglers out to the productive waters around Wanchese at a steady 18 knots. The boat's rigged for serious fishing with a fish finder to locate those redfish and mackerel schools, plus GPS and radar to keep you on the fish even when conditions get sketchy. There's a proper icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh, and the flybridge gives your captain the perfect vantage point to spot feeding birds and baitfish. When nature calls, there's an onboard head so you don't have to cut the fishing short. Whether you're targeting Spanish mackerel near the beach or hunting for that trophy red drum, this boat has everything needed for a productive morning on the water.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are scrappy bottom dwellers that love hanging around hard structure. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, but the occasional 5-pounder will surprise you. They're homebodies that stick close to wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-100 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is best when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What guests love is their willingness to bite and decent fight until they break the surface. They're also some of the best eating fish out there - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat fried up. Here's the trick: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and bounce it right on bottom. They're curious fish, so if you're marking them but not getting bites, try lifting your rig a foot off bottom and dropping it back down.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are built like tanks and fight just as hard. These copper-backed beauties average 20-30 inches around here, with that signature black spot near their tail that fools predators. You'll find them cruising super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They love mud bottoms around oyster bars, grass flats, and old dock pilings. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy in 1-4 feet of water. What makes them special is that bone-jarring strike and bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat. My go-to trick? When you spot one tailing, cast well ahead and let your bait settle before they get there - spook one and the whole school vanishes.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll snap your line tight in a heartbeat. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds, but they pack serious punch for their size. We find them schooling near the surface around structure - wrecks, jetties, and drop-offs in 15-40 feet of water. May through October is peak season when water temps climb and baitfish move in thick. They're fast, fun, and make excellent table fare with firm white meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is speed - when you see birds diving or water boiling with bait, get there quick with small spoons or live shrimp. Keep your drag loose though, because their razor teeth and lightning runs will part your line faster than you can blink.
Wanchese