Hatteras Charter Fishing with Team Dempsey
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting Cobia, Bluefish, and Spanish MackerelFourhour charter includes all tackle, licenses, and equipmentCaptain Jake guides small groups of four guests maximum
When you're looking for some of the best inshore fishing on the Outer Banks, there's no beating what Hatteras Island has to offer. Captain Jake and the Team Dempsey crew have been working these waters for years, and they know exactly where to put you on fish. This half-day charter gives you four solid hours to chase everything from bull reds to fat cobia, and trust me – these waters don't disappoint. You'll be fishing some of the most productive inshore grounds on the East Coast, where the Gulf Stream's influence creates perfect conditions for multiple species year-round.
Your morning starts 15 minutes before departure – don't be that angler showing up late because Captain Jake likes to get lines wet right on schedule. The boat's already rigged with quality tackle, and your fishing license is covered, so you can focus on what matters: catching fish. These four-hour trips give us plenty of time to work different areas and adjust tactics based on what's biting. We're not rushing from spot to spot – when Captain Jake finds active fish, we're staying put and making the most of it. The boat handles four anglers comfortably, so you've got room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. Bring your own snacks and drinks because working a school of bluefish will work up an appetite fast. Don't forget that hat and sunblock either – the sun reflects hard off these waters, and you'll thank yourself later.
Captain Jake runs a mix of live bait and artificial setups depending on what's happening that day. We'll often start with bottom rigs loaded with fresh cut bait – perfect for drawing in hungry redfish and sea trout holding near structure. When the Spanish mackerel are running, we'll switch to lighter tackle with small jigs and spoons that get their attention fast. Cobia fishing is a whole different game – we're sight fishing with live bait or working crab pots and channel markers where these bruisers like to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One minute you're working a grass flat for reds, the next you're casting to busting bluefish in open water. Captain Jake reads conditions like a book – wind direction, tide movement, water temperature – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. The tackle's sized right for each species we're targeting, so you're not fighting a trout on heavy cobia gear or trying to land a bull red on ultralight spinning tackle.
Sea trout are one of our most consistent catches around Hatteras, and for good reason. These spotted beauties love the shallow grass flats and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with fish ranging from keeper-sized specks up to genuine gator trout that'll test your drag. They hit soft plastics and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm, and there's something satisfying about the way a good trout fights – not the fastest fish in the water, but they'll make multiple runs and keep you honest. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take a few home for dinner.
Redfish are the real prize for many anglers, and Hatteras Island serves up some absolute bulls. These copper-colored fighters are ambush predators that love structure – docks, oyster bars, channel edges where they can pin baitfish. Summer and fall bring the best red fishing, with fish ranging from slot-sized reds perfect for photos up to oversized bulls that'll give you an arm workout. When a big red takes off on its first run, you'll understand why they're called bullreds. They fight dirty, using their broad sides to pull hard in the current. Most of our reds go back in the water after a quick photo, helping keep these amazing fish around for future trips.
Cobia fishing around Hatteras is something special – these brown sharks, as some folks call them, show up in late spring and stick around through early fall. They're curious fish that often cruise near the surface, following rays and checking out crab pots. When you spot a cobia, the game changes fast. We're making precise casts with live bait or large artificials, and you better be ready because these fish hit hard and fight harder. A 30-pound cobia will test every piece of tackle and your endurance too. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that grills up perfectly.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action when they're schooled up, typically during their spring and fall migrations. These speedsters travel in large schools, and when you find them, it's game on. They hit fast-moving lures and small baits with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up quick. While they're not the biggest fish we target, Spanish mackerel make up for size with sheer numbers and fight. Kids especially love the constant action, and experienced anglers appreciate their willingness to bite when other species are being finicky.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore waters around Hatteras. When blues are feeding, you can often spot the action from a distance – birds diving, bait jumping, and that distinctive chop on the water surface. These aggressive predators will hit almost anything you throw at them, from metal spoons to chunk baits. They fight with pure power, making strong runs and never giving up until they're in the boat. Bluefish are also one of the best bait fish for targeting larger species, so even when we're catching blues, we might be thinking ahead to that big cobia or king mackerel.
Hatteras Island fishing with Team Dempsey Guide Service delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – experienced local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast. Captain Jake's been putting clients on fish in these waters long enough to know where they'll
Hit the productive waters around Hatteras Island aboard this sharp 25' Carolina Yachts center console. Built in 2021 and powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki, she'll cruise at 35 knots to get you to the fish fast. The spacious deck gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to work, while the fish finder helps locate those coveted Cobia, Redfish, and Spanish Mackerel. Captain Jake has you covered with tackle, rods, and licenses – just bring your cooler drinks, snacks, and sun protection. The icebox keeps your catch fresh, GPS gets you there and back safely, and the flybridge gives great visibility for spotting feeding birds and bait schools. Perfect setup for a solid half-day of fishing the legendary waters off the Outer Banks.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that'll attack anything that moves, making them perfect for non-stop action around Hatteras. These blue-backed bruisers typically range from 2-10 pounds and travel in feeding schools that create real chaos on the water. You'll find them from the surf to several miles offshore, especially around bait schools during their spring and fall migrations. Summer brings smaller "snappers" into the shallows that are perfect for beginners. What guests love is the sheer aggression - bluefish hit lures like they're mad at them and fight hard right to the boat. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, with rich, flaky meat. Here's the secret: when you see birds diving and water churning, that's a bluefish blitz. Get there fast with wire leaders and metal lures because these fish have razor teeth that'll cut through mono in seconds. Work the edges of the school, not the middle.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the apex predator that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These dark brown giants average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ around Hatteras. They're loners that cruise near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers, often mistaken for sharks until you see that distinctive flat head. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes cobia special is the visual game - you'll actually see them swimming just under the surface before casting. They fight like bulldogs and are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. The trick with cobia is patience and accuracy. When you spot one, get your bucktail jig or live bait in front of it without splashing. They're curious but spook easily, so one bad cast usually means game over. Keep that drag loose - they make powerful runs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the perfect fish for anglers who love sight fishing and shallow water action. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-40 inches around Hatteras, though we get some real bulls offshore. They love super shallow flats where their backs almost stick out of the water, plus oyster bars, creek mouths, and marshes. Fall and spring are prime time when they're most active, but summer mornings and evenings produce well too. What guests love most is watching these fish cruise the shallows - it's pure hunting. They hit hard and fight like trucks, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. My go-to tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where it's moving and let it find your offering naturally. Spook them once and they're gone.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or specks as we call them around here, are some of the most reliable fish you'll find in Hatteras waters. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and love hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're not too picky about bait - live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs all work great. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but winter can be solid too when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is they fight hard for their size and taste amazing on the table - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or fried. Here's a local trick: when you're working the grass flats, throw your lure past where you think they are and work it back slowly. Specks are spooky, so noise will send them running.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you arm-burning action all trip long. These silver torpedoes with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles. You'll find them near the surface around structure, bait schools, or just cruising open water from late spring through early fall. They migrate through Hatteras waters during their seasonal runs, and when you find them, it's nonstop action. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight fast, and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Plus they're great for kids since the action stays hot once you locate a school. Here's the key: use small, shiny lures like spoons or gotcha plugs and retrieve them quickly. Spanish mackerel have razor-sharp teeth, so always use a wire leader or you'll lose every fish that hits.
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