Charter Fishing Hatteras NC - Full Day Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting redfish, cobia, and speckled troutAll fishing gear and licenses included with Team Dempsey guidesAccommodates up to 4 guests departing from Hatteras Island waters
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing charter on Hatteras Island, Team Dempsey Guide Service delivers the real deal. This isn't your average tourist trap – we're talking about a legitimate full-day fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters. With a maximum of 4 anglers per trip, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and an absolutely epic one on the water.
Your full day with Team Dempsey starts early, so show up about 15 minutes before departure with your game face on. The beauty of this charter is that all the technical stuff is handled – fishing licenses, rods, reels, tackle, bait – it's all covered. You just need to bring the basics: snacks to keep your energy up, plenty of drinks (the salt air will dehydrate you faster than you think), a good towel, sunblock that actually works, and a hat that won't blow off in the wind. The waters around Hatteras Island are legendary for a reason. We're positioned right where the Gulf Stream meets the Labrador Current, creating an incredibly rich ecosystem that draws baitfish by the thousands. That means predators follow, and that's exactly what we're after. The inshore flats, grass beds, and structure around the island create perfect ambush points for redfish, speckled trout, and the other species that call these waters home.
Team Dempsey runs a variety of proven techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. Light tackle fishing is the name of the game here – we're talking spinning reels with 15-20 pound test line that gives you the sensitivity to feel every nibble while still having enough backbone to handle a solid fish. Depending on the day, you might be throwing soft plastics on jig heads around grass beds, working topwater plugs over shallow flats at first light, or live-lining bait near structure where bigger fish hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety. One cast you might be working a paddle tail through a school of bluefish, the next you're sight-casting to a tailing redfish in two feet of water. The guides know these waters like their backyard and will adjust tactics throughout the day based on tides, weather, and fish activity. You'll learn proper casting techniques, how to read the water, and when to set the hook – skills that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are absolute customer favorites around Hatteras Island. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted sides typically run 14-20 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 24 inches or more. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around grass beds and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. What makes specks so special is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their spirited fight on light tackle. Plus, they're fantastic table fare if you decide to keep a few within the regulations.
Redfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina inshore fishing, and Hatteras Island sits right in prime red drum territory. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-sized fish around 20-26 inches up to massive bull reds that'll test your tackle and your endurance. Late summer and fall bring the best opportunities, when schools of bull reds cruise the beaches and inlets. The slot-sized fish are available year-round in the backwater areas, often tailing in shallow water where you can sight-cast to them. There's nothing quite like watching a redfish inhale your bait in crystal-clear water.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make any trip legendary. These brown sharks of the inshore world average 20-40 pounds around Hatteras, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon during peak season from April through October. Cobia are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you sight-casting opportunities that get your heart pumping. They're strong swimmers that make long runs and are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. When the conditions are right and the cobia are around, Team Dempsey knows exactly where to find them.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're schooled up around Hatteras Island. These speed demons typically run 12-18 inches and hit small lures and live bait with aggressive strikes that'll surprise first-time anglers. Summer and early fall are peak times, when schools of spanish mackerel work bait balls near the surface. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged and are excellent for the dinner table when prepared fresh. Their razor-sharp teeth and acrobatic jumps make every hookup exciting, even for experienced anglers.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore waters around Hatteras Island. These aggressive predators range from smaller "snapper blues" around 10-12 inches up to "chopper blues" that can exceed 15 pounds. They're available most of the year but peak in spring and fall during their migrations. Blues will hit just about any lure or bait presented properly, making them perfect for beginners while still providing plenty of fight for experienced anglers. Their powerful runs and head-shaking fights make them a world-class gamefish, and they're outstanding when smoked or grilled fresh.
Here's the bottom line – Team Dempsey Guide Service offers the kind of authentic inshore fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back to Hatteras Island year after year. This isn't just about catching fish (though you'll definitely do that), it's about experiencing one of the East Coast's most productive and beautiful fishing destinations with guides who know these
This 25' Carolina Yachts center console is your ticket to some serious inshore action around Hatteras Island. Built in 2021, she's powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a comfortable 35 knots. The spacious layout gives you and three buddies plenty of room to work the water for redfish, cobia, speckled trout, and whatever else is biting. She's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to mark the schools, GPS to hit those productive spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you great visibility when you're hunting structure or working the shallows. Perfect setup for a full day chasing North Carolina's finest inshore species.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that show up in massive schools from late spring through fall, usually running 2-15 pounds. They roam open water, surf zones, and inshore structure, feeding in frenzies that churn the water white - we call it a "bluefish blitz." These voracious predators will hit almost any lure or bait, making them perfect for beginners and kids. They fight hard with multiple runs and are decent table fare when properly bled and iced - smaller ones under 5 pounds taste best. What guests remember most is the explosive surface action when a school is feeding. Use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. Quick tip: when you see diving birds working over churning water, get there fast. That's a bluefish school feeding, and the action won't last long once they push the bait down.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize catch that gets everyone excited - these brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and fight like bulldogs. We find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-100 feet of water from May through September. Spring migration brings the best action when they're moving north to spawn. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that will come up to investigate the boat, giving us sight-fishing opportunities. They're also phenomenal table fare - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Most cobia are loners, not schooling fish, so each one is earned. Best technique is sight-fishing with bucktail jigs or live eels. Here's the key: when you see one, don't rush the cast. Let it get comfortable near the boat first, then make your move.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are our bread and butter fish here in the shallows, typically running 20-35 inches and weighing 5-15 pounds around the flats. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and marsh edges - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides. These copper-colored fighters with distinctive black spots near their tails are what keep guests coming back. They pull hard and make long runs, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. Redfish aren't spooky and will eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work well. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast past it and work your bait back slowly - they spook forward, not backward.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 14-24 inches and weighing 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in shallow grass flats, around oyster bars, and near structure in 1-6 feet of water. They love cooler months when water temps drop below 70°F - fall through early spring fishing is prime time. These fish put up a decent scrap and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. What guests really enjoy is how willing they are to bite - speckled trout aren't picky eaters. Fish early morning or late evening around grass beds with live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local tip: when you see nervous bait dimpling the surface over grass flats, work a soft plastic slowly through that area. The trout are usually feeding just underneath.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that make every trip fun - silvery fish with yellow spots that typically run 12-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. They travel in big schools near the surface from spring through fall, moving closer to shore when water warms up. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and wherever baitfish are active in 15-50 feet of water. Guests love how fast the action gets when you hit a school - it's non-stop hookups. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or fried. These aggressive feeders will hit small jigs, spoons, or live bait like sardines and shrimp. Local trick: when you find a school, don't anchor on top of them. Drift through the area to avoid spooking the whole group - they'll scatter if you get too close with the motor.
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