5.0(1 Reviews)Morning Fishing Trip - North Carolina Inshore
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing along North Carolina's diverse coastlineExplore grass flats, creeks, rivers, and oyster barsSmall group charter accommodates up to six guests
There's something special about hitting the water early morning when the mist is still rolling off North Carolina's vast inshore waters. This half-day morning trip with Southern Tides Fishing Charters takes you through some of the best fishing grounds the Carolina coast has to offer. We're talking miles of pristine shoreline, endless grass flats that hold baitfish like a magnet, and oyster bars that stretch as far as you can see. The fish are here, and they're hungry - especially in those early hours when the water's still cool and the pressure's just right.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. With just six anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an amazing day on the water. We launch early to beat the heat and the crowds, giving us first crack at the prime spots before other boats start showing up. The North Carolina inshore fishery is incredibly diverse - one minute you're working a shallow grass flat for redfish, the next you're dropping baits near an oyster bar loaded with black drum. The scenery changes constantly as we move between creeks, rivers, and open flats, but the one constant is opportunity. These waters are absolutely loaded with fish, and the variety keeps things interesting all morning long. You'll spend your time sight fishing, bottom fishing, and working different structures depending on what's biting best that day.
We fish smart out here, using the right approach for each species and situation. Light tackle spinning gear is the name of the game for most of our targets - it's perfect for the shallow water work we do and gives you a real fight when you hook up. Live bait is king in these waters, and we'll have fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows ready to go. When we're sight fishing for reds on the flats, we'll use artificials like soft plastics and spoons that won't spook fish in the skinny water. For the drum and sheepshead around the oyster bars, we'll drop down with circle hooks and let the fish tell us when they're ready. The grass flats require a different approach entirely - we'll drift with the current and work jigs through the structure where trout and flounder like to ambush baitfish. Captain Jacob knows exactly which technique works best for each spot, and he'll have you fishing like a local by the end of the morning.
"Jacob was very knowledgeable and we had a great time limiting out on our catch. Will be back most definitely" - William
Black drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and North Carolina's got some of the best fishing for them anywhere on the East Coast. These bruisers love hanging around oyster bars and pilings where they can crunch on crabs and shellfish all day. Spring and fall are prime time for the big ones, with fish pushing 40-50 pounds not uncommon. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but when a big drum takes your bait and starts that slow, powerful run, you'll understand why anglers get addicted to targeting them. The fight is all about endurance - they won't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll test your drag and your patience with their bulldogging power.
Summer flounder, or fluke as many call them, are the ultimate ambush predators of our grass flats and sandy bottoms. These flatfish can disappear completely into the bottom until an unsuspecting baitfish swims overhead. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and North Carolina's got some legitimate doormat fluke that'll surprise you with their size. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the variety of ways to catch them - you can drift with bucktails, work soft plastics through the grass, or even sight fish them in super shallow water. When they hit, there's that distinctive head shake that lets you know you've got one on.
Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the inshore world, famous for stealing bait right off your hook before you even know they're there. These black and white striped convicts love structure - docks, pilings, oyster bars, anywhere they can find barnacles and crabs to munch on. They've got human-like teeth that can crush shellfish, and they use that same crushing power to steal your bait with surgical precision. Fall and winter are when they really turn on in North Carolina waters, and once you figure out their game, they're incredibly fun to target. The key is feeling that subtle tick-tick-tick as they work your bait, then setting the hook before they rob you blind.
Redfish are hands down the most popular target for North Carolina inshore anglers, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are aggressive feeders that'll eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. They school up in incredible numbers during their fall run, creating some of the most exciting sight fishing opportunities on the East Coast. Reds are perfect for anglers of all skill levels - they're not particularly line shy, they eat a variety of baits and lures, and they put up a fight that's both strong and fun without being overwhelming. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive spot near the tail and bronze coloration that photographs incredibly well.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of North Carolina inshore fishing. These aggressive predators roam the grass flats in schools, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish throughout the water column. They're most active during the warmer months and can be incredibly cooperative when you find them in the right mood. Trout are perfect for light tackle fishing - they'll hit topwater plugs at dawn, soft plastics during the day, and live bait anytime. They've got sharp teeth that can cut light leaders, but their
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are beautiful spotted fish that run 14-24 inches and love our grass flats and oyster bars. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - early morning and evening trips often produce the best results. These fish have soft mouths and delicate white meat that's outstanding on the table. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with explosive strikes. You'll find them suspended over grass beds in 2-8 feet of water. The secret is fishing the moving water around creek mouths and oyster points. Use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the sound attracts them from a distance, but land them gently since their mouths tear easily.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They cruise our shallow grass flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs exposed. These fish average 20-30 inches and are year-round targets, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and strong runs in shallow water - plus they're excellent eating when under slot size. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. My favorite approach is working gold spoons or soft plastics over the grass flats on an incoming tide. Watch for nervous water or tailing fish, and make long casts ahead of cruising schools.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds near deeper channels and oyster beds. These gray fish with powerful crushing jaws love our brackish creeks and shallow flats, especially around oyster bars where they feed on crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, and smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom near structure, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard - they're notorious bait thieves.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are easily spotted by their black and white "convict" stripes and human-like teeth that crush barnacles and crabs around dock pilings and bridges. These 1-8 pound fish live around any hard structure - jetties, oyster bars, and pier pilings are prime spots. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they're more aggressive. What makes them special is their fight and excellent white meat, though they're tricky to clean. They're notorious bait thieves with their nibbling technique. Here's the key: get your fiddler crab or shrimp bait tight against the structure, keep it pinned firmly on the hook, and when you feel them picking at it, set the hook aggressively - they've got tough mouths.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms and grass flats. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and are ambush predators that change color to match their surroundings. You'll find them lying in wait on soft bottom areas in 6-30 feet of water, especially near channel edges and drop-offs. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. They're prized for their excellent white meat and provide a fun challenge since they bite sideways. My go-to technique is drifting live minnows or strip baits slowly along the bottom - keep your rod tip up and feel for that subtle weight change when they grab it.
5.0 out of 5.0Jacob was very knowledgeable and we had a great time limiting out on our catch. Will be back most definitely
Cedar Point, NC