5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Outer Banks
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing targeting redfish, sheepshead, and black drumPamlico Sound waters offer abundant opportunities for multiple speciesSmall group experience with maximum four guests per trip
The Pamlico Sound is hands down one of the most productive inshore fishing destinations on the entire East Coast, and Captain Cobb knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and channel marker like his own backyard. This half-day charter puts you right in the sweet spot where redfish cruise the shallows and black drum patrol the deeper edges. You'll fish some of the most consistent waters in the Outer Banks, where the mix of fresh water from mainland rivers creates the perfect nursery for gamefish. With room for up to four anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between serious fishing action and a laid-back morning or afternoon on the water.
Captain Cobb runs a tight ship but keeps things fun and relaxed. You'll launch early to beat the crowds and hit the prime feeding windows when fish are most active. The Pamlico Sound offers incredibly diverse fishing opportunities depending on the season and conditions. Some days you'll be sight-fishing shallow flats where you can actually see redfish tailing in two feet of water. Other times, you'll anchor up near structure and drop baits for hefty black drum that can pull drag like freight trains. The beauty of this fishery is its variety – you might catch five different species in a single trip. Captain Cobb brings all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need, plus he's got a knack for putting beginners on fish while still challenging experienced anglers.
Most of your fishing will be done with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with 15-20 pound braided line. Captain Cobb runs everything from live shrimp under popping corks to cut bait on the bottom, depending on what the fish want that day. When the redfish are shallow and spooky, you'll use lighter leaders and make long casts with soft plastics or live baits. For the bigger black drum and sheepshead around structure, expect heavier tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut crab or shrimp. The boat is equipped with quality rods and reels, but if you've got your own favorite setup, bring it along. Don't worry about bringing bait or tackle – Captain Cobb stocks everything you need, including a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh.
"Had a great time .Captain Cobb did an outstanding job will book again with him knows the sound like the back of his hand And he even caught a bunch off shrimp awesome man" - Susan
Redfish are the crown jewel of Pamlico Sound fishing, and for good reason. These bronze-backed bruisers average 18-27 inches in these waters and fight like they're twice their size. Peak season runs from April through November, with fall offering some of the best action when schools of reds push into the shallows to feed on fleeing baitfish. What makes catching redfish so addictive is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging runs – they'll make multiple powerful runs toward structure, testing your drag and your nerves.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the sound, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds and occasional giants topping 50. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars and bridge pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with their pharyngeal teeth. Spring and fall are prime time, especially around the full and new moons when they feed most actively. Landing a big black drum is like arm-wrestling a truck – they use their broad sides and sheer weight to wear you down in a test of endurance.
Sheepshead are the pickiest eaters in the sound but also some of the best table fare. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around any hard structure, using their human-like teeth to pick barnacles and crabs off pilings and rocks. They're most active from March through November, with the biggest fish showing up in late spring. Hooking a sheepshead requires patience and finesse – they're notorious bait stealers who can clean a hook without moving the rod tip.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and excitement factor to your trip, especially during their spring and fall runs when schools move through the sound. These sleek predators average 1-3 pounds but make up for their size with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're perfect light tackle targets that hit small spoons, jigs, and live baits with authority. When a school of Spanish moves through, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line.
Spotted Weakfish, also called speckled trout, are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These beautiful fish prefer grass flats and channel edges where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They're excellent on light tackle and make great eating, with a delicate flavor that's perfect for grilling. Most fish run 12-18 inches, but the sound produces some real slobs over 20 inches that will surprise you with their power.
Captain Cobb's half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. This is your chance to fish with a captain who truly knows the Pamlico Sound and has the track record to put you on fish consistently. Whether you're a first-timer looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler wanting to explore new waters, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of diverse species, beautiful scenery, and expert guidance makes this one of the top-rated fishing experiences in the Outer Banks. Don't wait – prime dates book weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss your shot at some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast.
This 20-foot bayrider is built for serious fishing action on Pamlico Sound's productive waters. Comfortably accommodating up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need to target redfish, sheepshead, black drum, and spanish mackerel in the shallow inshore waters around the Outer Banks. The wireless trolling motor keeps you positioned quietly over structure where these species love to hang out, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom features. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those warm Carolina days. GPS navigation and VHF radio ensure safe passage through the sound's channels and marshes. The multimedia system adds convenience between fishing spots. Whether you're working oyster bars for sheepshead, sight-casting to tailing redfish in the grass, or drifting structure for black drum, this versatile fishing platform handles Pamlico Sound's varied conditions with ease.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the Pamlico Sound - thick, powerful fish that can push 30+ pounds around oyster beds and muddy flats. These bottom-feeders love brackish water and can handle everything from 2-foot shallows to deeper channels. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. They're famous for their crushing power once hooked - no fancy jumps, just pure muscle grinding against your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare. Fresh crab is your best bet for bait, especially soft shells or peelers. Fish it right on the bottom near structure. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard because they'll spit it quick.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Pamlico Sound fishing - copper-colored beauties with that signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches and put up a serious fight with long, powerful runs. They love super shallow water on grass flats, oyster bars, and around structure, sometimes in just a foot of water where you can see their backs. Fall is magic time when they school up, but spring and summer offer great sight fishing. What gets people hooked is watching them crush topwater baits in skinny water - pure visual excitement. They're also excellent eating. Try a gold spoon or soft plastic worked slow and steady. Local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during high tide.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the Pamlico Sound with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These crafty 2-5 pounders love hanging around docks, pilings, and any structure covered in barnacles. They're notorious bait thieves - you'll feel them nibbling before they commit to a real bite. Spring is best when they're spawning around structure, but they're catchable year-round. What makes them special is the challenge and the payoff - they're smart fish that make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs work best, fished tight to structure. Here's the trick: when you feel that telltale pecking, count to three then set the hook hard. Their mouths are tough, so don't be gentle.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes in the Pamlico Sound. These silver rockets typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, traveling in schools that can stretch for miles. Look for them near the surface around structure and baitfish, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They're fantastic fighters - fast, acrobatic, and they don't give up easy. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling or smoking. Here's the key: use small, shiny spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast. When you see birds working or bait jumping, get there quick. Once you hook into a school, work it hard because they move constantly. Light tackle makes it even more fun.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish are one of our most reliable targets in the Pamlico Sound, running 12-16 inches on average with some reaching 3+ feet. These silver beauties with their distinctive spots love shallow grass flats and sandy bottoms in 10-30 feet of water. They're ambush feeders that hit hard and make that famous drumming sound when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. What makes them special is their willingness to take artificial lures - they'll crush a slow-retrieved spoon or soft plastic near the surface. Fair warning though: their mouths are soft, so keep steady pressure and avoid jerking the rod. The meat is excellent eating when filleted properly.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a great time .Captain Cobb did an outstanding job will book again with him knows the sound like the back of his hand And he ev...
Outer Banks