Charter Fishing Hatteras NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing targeting redfish, cobia, and speckled troutAll fishing gear and licenses included with departure from HatterasAccommodates up to 4 guests with Team Dempsey Guide Service
Looking for some serious inshore action? Team Dempsey Guide Service knows exactly where the fish are biting around Hatteras Island. This full-day charter puts you right in the middle of North Carolina's best inshore fishing grounds, where redfish prowl the shallows and cobia cruise the drop-offs. We're talking about waters that consistently produce, and with a seasoned captain who's been working these flats for years, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard.
Your day starts early – show up about 15 minutes before we shove off so we can get you sorted with gear and go over the game plan. The boat's rigged and ready, all your tackle is provided, and your fishing license is covered. Just bring yourself, some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled, plus the usual sun protection gear like a hat, sunblock, and a towel. We'll spend the full day working different spots around Hatteras Island, from grass flats where speckled trout love to ambush bait, to deeper structure where cobia and bluefish hang out. The boat holds up to four anglers, so it's perfect for a family trip or a small group of friends who want to get into some fish without dealing with crowded party boats.
We fish these inshore waters with a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what the fish are telling us that day. You'll be throwing everything from soft plastics on jig heads for trout and redfish, to cut bait on circle hooks when we're targeting cobia and bigger drum. The tackle's all medium to medium-heavy spinning gear – nothing too crazy, but sturdy enough to handle whatever decides to eat your offering. We'll work shallow water structure, oyster bars, and grass beds where baitfish concentrate and predators follow. Sight fishing is a big part of what we do here, especially for redfish, so keep your eyes peeled for those copper-colored backs cruising the shallows. When the bite gets hot on artificials, it's game on – but don't be surprised if we switch to live or cut bait when the bigger fish are being picky.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Hatteras inshore fishing, and these speckled beauties are active year-round in our waters. They average 14 to 18 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed in with some real doormat trout pushing 20-plus inches. Spring and fall are prime time when they stack up in the grass beds, but summer fishing can be lights-out if you know where to look. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to hit artificials – a well-placed soft plastic or topwater plug can trigger some serious strikes.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore scene, and Hatteras Island sits right in the heart of red drum country. These bronze fighters range from slot-sized fish around 18 to 27 inches up to massive bull reds that'll test your drag and your patience. Late summer through fall is when the big schools move through, but resident fish are here year-round. Reds are smart – they'll inspect your bait, follow it, and sometimes just stare at you like they know exactly what you're up to. When one finally commits, though, get ready for a fight that'll have you grinning for days.
Cobia show up when the water starts warming in late spring and stick around through early fall. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, are curious fish that'll come right up to the boat to check you out. They average 20 to 40 pounds around here, with some real monsters mixed in. Cobia are sight fishing at its finest – you'll see them cruising just under the surface, and a well-presented crab or eel will usually get their attention. They fight dirty too, diving for structure and making long runs that'll have your arms burning.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that show up in good numbers during the warmer months. They're not huge – most run 1 to 3 pounds – but they make up for size with pure aggression. These fish will absolutely demolish small spoons, jigs, and even topwater plugs. When you find a school of Spanish, it's fast and furious action until they move on or go deep. They're also excellent table fare, so don't overlook these smaller speedsters.
Bluefish are the thugs of the inshore waters, and they'll eat just about anything you throw at them. Spring and fall see the best blue fishing when they're feeding heavily before and after their migrations. They range from smaller snapper blues perfect for kids to learn on, up to chopper blues that can push 10 pounds or more. Blues fight hard and cut bait like nobody's business, so we use wire leaders when they're around thick. Love them or hate them, bluefish put bend in rods and keep the action going when other species get finicky.
Hatteras Island inshore fishing delivers the goods, plain and simple. You've got world-class redfish and trout fishing, the chance at some really nice cobia, and enough variety to keep everyone in your group happy. Team Dempsey Guide Service takes care of all the details so you can focus on what matters – getting fish to the boat and making memories on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this full-day charter gives you the best shot at experiencing what North Carolina inshore fishing is all about. Don't wait too long to book – the good dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
This 25' Carolina Yachts center console is your ticket to some serious fishing action off Hatteras Island. Built in 2021 with a reliable 250HP Suzuki outboard, she'll get you to the hot spots quickly, cruising at 35 knots through North Carolina's productive inshore waters. The spacious deck gives you and up to 3 fishing buddies plenty of room to work your lines and land those Redfish, Cobia, and Speckled Trout that call these waters home. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing grounds. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those long days on the water. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting feeding birds and surface activity. Whether you're casting for Bluefish or working the shallows for Weakfish, this boat handles the diverse conditions around Hatteras with ease.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bullies of the inshore waters, and they'll give you some of the most action-packed fishing around Hatteras. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They travel in aggressive schools that attack baitfish like a feeding frenzy. You'll find them in bays, around structure, and along the surf from late spring through fall. What guests love is the non-stop action when you hit a school - they'll hit anything you throw at them. They're also decent eating if you bleed them right away and keep them cold. Fair warning: these fish will bite you, so bring pliers and watch your fingers. When you find birds diving and water churning, that's usually bluefish tearing up baitfish underneath.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the most exciting fish we target - big, aggressive, and built like torpedoes. These brown beauties average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds easily. They're loners, not schooling fish, which makes each one special. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-300 feet, but they cruise the surface too. Spring through early fall is prime time, especially during their spawning runs. What makes them awesome is their curiosity - they'll swim right up to the boat to investigate. The fight is brutal and the meat is some of the best you'll ever taste - firm, white, and perfect for the grill. My tip: when you see one, don't rush the presentation. They like to look things over first, so let them get comfortable before you make your move.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish for sight fishing around here, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 20-35 inches and can push 20-50 pounds. You'll find them cruising super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and structure around 1-4 feet deep. Best action happens spring through fall when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What guests love most is watching these fish cruise the flats and getting that perfect cast. They fight like trucks and taste great too - sweet, firm meat that grills perfectly. Here's the key: when you spot one, lead it by a few feet and let your bait settle naturally. They spook easily, so quiet approaches win every time.
Salmo TruttaSea trout (spotted trout) are one of our most reliable targets here around Hatteras. These silvery fish with dark spots run 14-24 inches typically, weighing 1-5 pounds, though we've seen some real bruisers pushing much bigger. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they get aggressive. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but they school up in deeper water during winter months. What makes them popular is they fight hard for their size and taste fantastic - mild, flaky white meat that's tough to beat. Pro tip: when you're working the flats, look for nervous baitfish on the surface. That's usually where the trout are feeding underneath. Topwater plugs and soft plastics work great, but don't overlook live shrimp.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a workout on light tackle. These silver rockets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long, weighing 1-3 pounds, but they're built for speed and put up a great scrap. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structure, beaches, and open water. They show up strong from spring through fall, especially when baitfish are thick. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit anything that moves fast enough. Plus they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect smoked or grilled. The trick with these guys is to keep your lures moving fast and shiny. They've got razor teeth, so use a wire leader or you'll lose half your tackle box. When you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby.
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