Half Day Morning Fishing in Wanchese Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday morning inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and sea trout.Captain Mike provides expert guidance for all skill levels.Fourhour trip departing 7:30 AM from Wanchese Marina.
Picture yourself casting lines into some of the Outer Banks' most productive inshore waters, with the morning sun painting the sound in golden hues. Captain Mike Midgett's half-day morning fishing trip out of Wanchese Marina offers exactly that – four solid hours of quality fishing time targeting redfish, sea trout, black drum, bluefish, and sheepshead. This top-rated morning adventure kicks off at 7:30 AM, giving you the perfect chance to beat the heat while the fish are still actively feeding in the cooler dawn hours.
Captain Mike knows these Wanchese waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're looking to put fish in the boat. This four-hour trip strikes the perfect balance – long enough to hit multiple productive spots, but short enough to leave you with plenty of energy for the rest of your Outer Banks vacation. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, so you'll never feel crowded or rushed. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Mike adjusts his approach to match your skill level. He'll show you the ropes on proper bait presentation, reading the water, and fighting fish without taking over your experience. The pace stays relaxed but productive, focusing on finding active fish rather than just burning fuel between spots.
Captain Mike comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for Outer Banks inshore fishing. You'll be using medium-action spinning gear that's perfect for the variety of species you'll encounter. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be working with live bait like shrimp or finger mullet, or throwing artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons. The captain reads the tide charts, water temperature, and wind conditions to determine the best approach for the day. Some days call for drifting over grass beds with popping corks, while others might have you anchored up near structure with bottom rigs. Captain Mike explains his tactics as you go, so you're not just catching fish – you're learning techniques you can use on future trips. All you need to bring is your North Carolina fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and whatever personal gear makes you comfortable on the water.
The waters around Wanchese offer some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the Outer Banks, and Captain Mike's local knowledge puts you right where the action is. Redfish remain the crown jewel of these waters – these copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars that dot the sound. They're most active during moving tides, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. The fight is pure power, with long runs and head-shaking that'll test your drag system. Sea trout provide steady action throughout the morning, especially around drop-offs and channel edges. These speckled beauties are excellent table fare and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Black drum patrol the deeper holes and around bridge pilings, offering arm-burning battles that can last several minutes. Bluefish show up in aggressive schools, providing fast action when they're feeding, and sheepshead hang around structure with their distinctive black and white stripes, testing your patience and precision with their finicky feeding habits.
Redfish are the local favorite, and for good reason. These bronze beauties average 18 to 27 inches in Wanchese waters, with the occasional bull red pushing over 30 inches. They feed most actively during the two hours before and after tide changes, cruising shallow flats and ambushing bait around oyster bars. What makes them special is their fighting power – they'll strip line off your reel in long, determined runs that'll have your arms burning. Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, provide consistent action throughout the morning hours. These silvery fish with distinctive dark spots prefer water temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees, making spring through fall prime time. They typically run 14 to 20 inches in these waters, with their white, flaky meat making them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Black drum offer a completely different fishing experience – these bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon in Outer Banks waters. They're most active during cooler months, feeding heavily on crabs and oysters around structure. When you hook a big drum, prepare for a long, grinding fight that tests both your equipment and endurance. Bluefish provide the most explosive action when they're around, traveling in schools and feeding aggressively on baitfish. They hit hard and fight dirty, with acrobatic jumps and line-stripping runs. Sheepshead round out the morning's possibilities with their unique feeding habits – these black and white striped fish require finesse and patience, picking at baits around pilings and structure with their human-like teeth.
A half-day morning fishing trip with Captain Mike offers the perfect introduction to Outer Banks inshore fishing without eating up your entire vacation day. The 7:30 AM start time puts you on the water during prime feeding hours, when fish are most active and the weather is typically at its best. With only four spots available per trip, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to cast without tangling lines with other anglers. The combination of Captain Mike's local knowledge, quality equipment, and productive waters makes this a world-class fishing experience that consistently delivers results. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, enjoy a relaxing morning with friends, or add some fresh fillets to your vacation menu, this trip checks all the boxes. Don't let this renowned Wanchese fishing opportunity slip away – morning trips book quickly during peak season, and you'll want to secure your spot for what could be the highlight of your Outer Banks fishing adventure.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some real giants pushing 50+ pounds. These powerful fish love shallow oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the most action. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or clam on the bottom is your best bet. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Bigger fish are better released since the meat gets tough. Here's a local trick: when you feel that slow, steady pull, don't rush the hookset. Let them take it and move off before you tighten up - they're not going anywhere fast anyway.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a solid fight when hooked. These silver-blue fish typically run 2-10 pounds around here, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They're fast swimmers with razor-sharp teeth, so watch your fingers! You'll find them in open water and around structure from spring through fall. They love chasing baitfish, so look for diving birds - that's usually where the action is. Bluefish make great table fare when they're under 5 pounds; bigger ones can be strong-tasting. Best technique is to fish with cut bait or metal spoons when you see them feeding on the surface. During our morning trips, we often find them working the edges of channels where the current brings in fresh bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails that every angler wants to catch. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-30 inches in our shallow waters, though we see plenty of bigger "bull" reds offshore. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes in water so thin their backs show. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight. The slot-sized fish (under 27 inches) are fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're active year-round but spring and fall fishing is outstanding. Best tip I can give: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where it's going, not where it is. They spook easily but once hooked, they'll make runs that'll test your drag.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout, are beautiful silver fish covered in dark spots that make them easy to identify. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, perfect for light tackle fishing. They love grass flats and shallow water, especially during low-light periods like early morning. These fish are willing biters that'll hit both live shrimp and artificial lures. The meat is delicate and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're most active in warmer months around here, feeding heavily in the shallows. A good trick is to work your bait slowly near grass beds and structure. When the water's calm and clear, try a topwater plug right at dawn - the strikes are something you won't forget.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the cleverly striped "convict fish" that'll test your patience and skill. These 2-8 pound tricksters hang around any structure they can find - docks, pilings, and bridges. What makes them special are those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling your offering clean off the hook if you're not paying attention. But land one and you've got some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Spring brings the best action when they're most active around structure. My advice: use small hooks, keep your bait tight to the pilings, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. These fish have tough mouths and won't hook themselves.
Outer Banks