Hatteras Charter Fishing with Team Dempsey
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Tactics & Techniques We Use
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.
Species You'll Want to Hook
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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