Half Day Dogfish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targeting striped bass and dogfishChoice between trolling in sound or bottom fishing ocean watersSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboard
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the Outer Banks' most productive fishing waters? This 4-hour trip with Shine Eye Girl OBX Charters puts you right where the action is, whether you're targeting chunky stripers in the sound or wrestling with feisty dogfish in the ocean. Operating out of Wanchese, we're perfectly positioned to hit the best spots depending on what's biting and what you're after. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – we're talking serious fishing with a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand.
When you step aboard in Wanchese, you've got two solid options for your half-day adventure. If striped bass are calling your name, we'll head into the sound where trolling is king. The protected waters here are perfect for working lures and covering ground to find those schooling fish. On the flip side, if you're up for some ocean action, we'll venture out for bottom fishing where seabass and dogfish are waiting to test your arms. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility – Captain and crew read the conditions, check what's been biting, and put you on the fish. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your tackle without feeling crowded. Fall and spring can get downright cold out here, so layer up and bring that extra jacket. Trust me, nothing kills a good fishing day like being too cold to enjoy it.
Trolling for stripers in the sound is all about covering water and finding the right speed. We'll be pulling a spread of lures at different depths, working the channels and drop-offs where these fish like to cruise. The key is staying mobile – when we mark fish on the sounder, we'll circle back and work that area hard. For the ocean bottom fishing, it's a completely different game. We're talking heavy sinkers, strong circle hooks, and bait that stays put on the bottom. Dogfish have serious teeth and attitude, so you'll be working heavier tackle that can handle their fight. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels, but if you've got your own setup and know how to use it, bring it along. Just remember, this is seasonal fishing – regulations and weather play a big role in where we can go and what we can target. That's part of the challenge and excitement of fishing these waters.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around here, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters can range from schoolie size up to legitimate keeper fish that'll bend your rod in half. Spring and fall are prime time when they're moving through our waters in serious numbers. What makes stripers so special is their fight – they'll make long runs, shake their heads, and generally do everything they can to throw your hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared right. The sound holds good populations, especially around structure and current breaks where baitfish concentrate.
Picked dogfish might not win any beauty contests, but they'll absolutely wear out your arms. These small sharks are pure muscle and attitude, fighting way above their weight class. Most dogfish you'll encounter run between 2-4 feet long, but they fight like fish twice that size. They're most active during cooler months, which lines up perfectly with this seasonal trip offering. What anglers love about dogfish is their aggressive nature – they'll hammer your bait and then proceed to put up a scrappy fight all the way to the boat. They're also surprisingly good eating if you know how to clean them properly, though many folks prefer the fight over the filet.
This half-day trip hits the sweet spot for serious fishing without burning your whole day. Whether you're a local looking to get out on familiar waters or visiting the Outer Banks and want some authentic fishing action, this trip delivers the goods. The seasonal nature means you're fishing when conditions and fish behavior line up just right. Remember to factor in a 20% tip for your mate – these guys work hard to put you on fish and keep your lines in the water. With only 6 spots available, this top-rated charter fills up fast during peak seasons. Book your trip now and get ready to experience why Wanchese has been a fishing hub for generations. The fish are out there waiting, and we know exactly where to find them.
Meet the Miss Wanchese, a classic 40-foot sportfishing vessel that's been working these North Carolina waters since 1960. This Warren O'Neal build got a complete restoration in 2015, so she's ready to chase stripers and dogfish for years to come. Her single 450HP Cummins diesel will cruise you and five fellow anglers out to the fishing grounds at a steady 18 knots. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to find the hotspots, radar for when the fog rolls in, and a fish finder to locate those schooling bass. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold, plus a head for convenience during those longer bottom fishing sessions. The flybridge gives the captain a perfect view of the action and puts you right in the middle of it all. Whether you're trolling the sound for stripers or dropping lines in the ocean for seabass and dogfish, this old-school fishing machine has the space and gear to make it happen. She's built tough for these Outer Banks waters.
Squalus AcanthiasDogfish are scrappy little sharks that'll surprise you with their fight. Most run 2-4 feet long and pack serious attitude in a small package. They've got two sharp spines on their backs, so handle with care - they'll arch up and try to stick you when brought aboard. October's prime time when they school up thick in our deeper waters, usually 100-300 feet down. What's fun about targeting them is they hit almost any bait hard and fight like fish twice their size. Plus, they make decent table fare if prepared right - firm, white meat. We catch them bottom fishing with cut bait, sardines work great. Pro tip: use a 15-20 pound line because once you hook into a school, you'll be pulling them up steady for hours.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our sound trolling trips. These silver-sided fighters with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see some real monsters pushing 50+. They're moving through our waters spring through fall, following the baitfish migrations. What makes them special is that powerful run when they hit your line - they'll test your drag and keep you busy. The meat is fantastic too, sweet and flaky when cooked right. We find them cruising structure like drop-offs and channel edges in 15-30 feet of water. Local tip: when the water hits that 60-65 degree sweet spot and you see birds working, that's prime time. They're feeding heavy and less picky about lures.
Wanchese