Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Outer Banks
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sevenhour freshwater fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesExpert guides provide access to prime Outer Banks inland watersSmall group experience accommodates up to four guests maximum
Looking for a solid day on the water that'll put some serious fish in the boat? This 7-hour freshwater fishing adventure takes you deep into the Outer Banks' best-kept secrets - those quiet inland waters where the big ones live. While everyone else is fighting crowds on the beach, you'll be working productive backwaters and hidden coves with guides who know exactly where the fish are holding. We're talking about waters loaded with largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass, and some serious surprises that'll make your day. Whether you've been fishing since you could hold a rod or you're just getting started, this trip is built to put fish in your hands and teach you something new about these waters.
Your day starts early when we meet at the launch - that's when the fish are most active and before the boat traffic picks up. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat that can handle up to 4 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. Our guides have been working these waters for years and know every submerged tree, drop-off, and grass bed that holds fish. The beauty of freshwater fishing here is the variety - one minute you're working shallow cover for bass, the next you're dropping down for crappie in deeper structure. The water clarity changes throughout the day, and we adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us. You'll spend time learning to read the water, understanding how weather affects fish behavior, and picking up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends. The pace is relaxed but focused - we're here to catch fish, but we're also here to enjoy being on the water.
We fish multiple methods depending on what's working and what you want to learn. For bass, we'll throw everything from topwater plugs in the early morning to soft plastics around cover when they get finicky. Crappie fishing means working jigs around structure - brush piles, fallen trees, and ledges where they school up. When we're targeting stripers, we might troll crankbaits or work live bait near current breaks. All tackle is provided, but if you have favorite rods or lures, bring them along. We run quality spinning and baitcasting setups spooled with appropriate line for the conditions. The boat is rigged with electronics to find fish and structure, but don't worry - we'll explain what we're seeing on the screen so you learn to read it yourself. Bait varies by season and target species, from live minnows and worms to an arsenal of proven artificials. Our guides will teach you knots, show you how to work different lures, and help you understand why we're fishing certain areas at specific times.
Largemouth Bass are the main attraction in these waters, and for good reason. These fish grow fat and healthy in the nutrient-rich freshwater systems around the Outer Banks. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding and fighting hard, but we catch quality bass year-round by adjusting our approach. They love structure - submerged logs, vegetation edges, and shallow flats where they ambush baitfish. A 3-4 pound bass is common, but don't be surprised when something bigger crushes your lure. The fight is what makes bass fishing addictive - they jump, they run, and they test your skills every time.
Crappie fishing here is outstanding, especially during their spring spawning runs when they move shallow and aggressive. These slab-sided fighters typically run 10-14 inches, with some real doormat crappie pushing 16 inches or better. They school heavily around submerged structure, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. Crappie have paper-thin mouths, so they require a delicate touch - perfect for teaching proper fish-fighting technique. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat.
Striped Bass, or "stripers" as locals call them, are the power hitters of these waters. They can show up anywhere from 2 pounds to over 20, and they fight like freight trains when hooked. Stripers are nomadic, following baitfish schools and current breaks, which makes finding them part of the challenge and excitement. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but resident fish provide opportunities throughout most of the year. When you hook into a good striper, you'll know immediately - they make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience.
American Yellow Perch are scrappy little fighters that often surprise first-time visitors. They might be smaller than the other species we target, but they're aggressive biters and excellent table fare. Perch typically school up in deeper water during summer but move shallow in cooler months. They're perfect fish for kids or beginners because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Don't overlook these golden-sided beauties - they often save the day when other species aren't cooperating.
Bowfin are the wild cards in these waters - prehistoric looking fish that fight like nothing else you've ever hooked. They're not pretty, but they're pure muscle and determination. Bowfin can breathe air, so they fight all the way to the boat and sometimes even after you think they're done. They're more common in the warmer months when they're actively hunting in shallow, vegetated areas. Catching a bowfin is always memorable - they're living fossils that have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years, and hooking into one feels like battling a piece of natural history.
Seven hours on productive freshwater with an experienced guide, quality tackle, and multiple species to target - this is what a proper fishing day looks like. You'll come away with new skills, a better understanding of these unique waters, and hopefully some great fish stories to
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our 20-foot bayrider, a solid fishing platform built to handle the Outer Banks' freshwater hotspots. This motorboat comfortably seats up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water. The fish finder helps locate schools of crappie and bass hiding in structure, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish. GPS navigation ensures we hit all the best fishing areas, and the VHF radio keeps us connected for safety. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 7-hour trip. The multimedia system adds some entertainment between bites. Our experienced guides know exactly where the largemouth bass are holding and which areas produce the most crappie, yellow perch, and other species. Whether you're casting lures or working live bait, this boat gives you the stable platform and modern electronics needed to make the most of your freshwater fishing experience in this unique coastal region.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and tasty results. These golden beauties with dark vertical bars typically run 7-8 inches and school up in large numbers. Find them around docks, vegetation, and structure in shallow to moderate depths. They're active year-round but spring offers the best shallow water fishing when they spawn. What guests love about perch is the consistent bite and excellent eating quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they're aggressive biters and not too hard to handle. My favorite setup: ultralight tackle with small jigs tipped with minnows or worms. When you catch one perch, work that area thoroughly - schools of 50+ fish are common, and they'll keep you busy all day.
Amia CalvaBowfin are living fossils - prehistoric fish that survived since the Jurassic era. These olive-green fighters average 18-24 inches and pack serious attitude with rows of sharp teeth. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas where other fish can't survive thanks to their ability to breathe air when oxygen runs low. They're most active at night and will absolutely crush live bait like cut bluegill. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. What makes bowfin special is the fight - they're incredibly strong and stubborn, earning respect from anglers who appreciate a challenge. Here's my tip: use heavy tackle and keep your hands clear when landing them. These ancient predators don't mess around and will bite anything that gets too close.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are hands-down the best eating fish we target, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. These silver beauties run 7-12 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Look for them around submerged structure, brush piles, and vegetation in 5-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Dawn and dusk are your best bets since they're less active during bright daylight. Guests love crappie because they're fun to catch and make a fantastic fish fry. My go-to technique: use a small jig under a bobber with live minnows. Keep your bait just off the bottom near cover and be patient - let them take it before setting the hook.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the kings of freshwater fishing here. These green giants average 12-24 inches but can push 30+ inches in our best spots. Look for them around fallen trees, docks, and thick vegetation in shallow to mid-depth water. They love structure and ambush prey from cover. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and late evening when they move shallow to feed. What guests love most is the explosive strike and acrobatic fight - bass will jump and run hard when hooked. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right. My local tip: throw a Texas-rigged worm right into the thickest cover you can find. Bass hide where other lures can't reach, so don't be afraid to get into the weeds.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are powerful fighters that can reach 20-40 pounds, with those distinctive dark stripes running down their silver sides. These structure-loving fish hang around drop-offs, channels, and moving water where they ambush schools of baitfish. They're anadromous, so you'll find them in both fresh and brackish water throughout the year. Spring and fall migrations provide the hottest action, especially when they're feeding heavily. What makes stripers special is their strength - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat. My local secret: fish live herring or cut bait near moving water at dawn or dusk. Stripers love current breaks where they can sit and wait for food to come to them. Use strong tackle - these fish don't give up easy.
Outer Banks