Hatteras Charter Fishing with Team Dempsey
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing targeting Cobia, Bluefish, and Spanish MackerelFour-hour trips with all tackle, licenses, and equipment providedSmall group experience with Captain Jake for up to four guests
Captain Jake and Team Dempsey Guide Service know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish around Hatteras Island. This half-day charter targets the hottest inshore species in North Carolina – we're talking Cobia, Redfish, Sea Trout, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish that'll bend your rod and get your heart pumping. With four hours on the water and a maximum of four anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work and all the attention you need to boat some quality fish.
Your day starts 15 minutes before departure when you'll meet Captain Jake at the dock. He'll have all your gear ready to go – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license are covered in the trip price. All you need to bring is yourself, some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled, sunblock (trust me, the sun reflects hard off these waters), a hat, and a towel for when things get messy. Captain Jake runs both morning and afternoon trips, so whether you're an early bird who loves the dawn bite or prefer to sleep in and fish the afternoon action, there's a slot that works for your schedule. The beauty of a four-hour trip is that it gives you real time to find fish – no rushing from spot to spot. Jake knows where these species hang out during different tides and conditions, and he'll work his tail off to put you on productive water.
Inshore fishing around Hatteras is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Jake runs light tackle setups that let you feel every headshake and run these fish make. Depending on what's biting and where, you might be casting live bait around structure, working artificial lures through grass flats, or drifting cut bait in deeper channels. The waters around Hatteras offer everything from shallow sound fishing to near-shore action just outside the inlet. You'll learn to work different depths and cover types – from oyster bars and grass beds where Redfish love to cruise, to the deeper drop-offs where Cobia patrol. Jake's been guiding these waters for years, so he'll teach you the local tricks like reading bird activity, spotting bait schools, and timing your presentations with the tide changes. The gear is sized perfectly for these species – not so heavy that you can't feel the bite, but with enough backbone to handle a bull red or a big Cobia when they decide to make a run.
Sea Trout are hands-down one of the most consistent fish you'll find in these waters year-round. These speckled beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially when there's moving water. They'll hit both live shrimp and soft plastic lures, and they fight with surprising strength for their size. Most of the keepers run 14 to 18 inches, but don't be shocked if you hook into a gator trout pushing 20-plus inches – those big females are absolute tanks and they'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the best action, but even winter days can produce solid numbers when you find the right water temperature.
Redfish are the bruisers of the inshore world, and Hatteras waters hold some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored fighters average 18 to 27 inches in the slot, but you'll also encounter over-slot bulls that can stretch past 35 inches and weigh 15-plus pounds. Reds are ambush predators that love structure – think oyster bars, downed trees, and channel edges. They'll crush cut bait, live crabs, and paddle-tail grubs worked slowly along the bottom. Summer and fall are prime time, but these fish stay active most of the year. When a slot red grabs your bait, get ready for multiple runs and some serious head-shaking action.
Cobia are the prize catch that gets every angler's attention. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that often follow rays and other marine life. They're sight-fishing targets when conditions allow, and watching a 30-pound Cobia swim up to investigate your bait is pure adrenaline. They hit hard and fight even harder, peeling drag and making long runs. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and while they're not always guaranteed, when Cobia show up, they make the trip memorable. These fish love live eels, crabs, and large swimbaits worked near the surface.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're around. These speed demons hit fast and fight with incredible energy for their size. They school up in massive numbers during their peak season from late spring through early fall, and when you find them, you can catch fish on every cast. They love small spoons, Got-Cha plugs, and live bait rigs. Most Spanish run 12 to 16 inches, but the bigger fish can push 18-plus inches and really bend light tackle. They're perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they bite aggressively and stay hooked well.
Bluefish round out the target list with their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed voraciously on baitfish. They'll hit cut bait, live offerings, and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. Blues in these waters typically run 12 to 20 inches, with occasional larger fish mixed in. They're excellent table fare when handled properly and bled immediately. Wire leaders are often necessary when Blues are around – their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono and fluorocarbon in a heartbeat.
Captain Jake and Team Dempsey Guide Service have built their reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great day on the water. With
Captain Jake's 25' Carolina Yachts center console is your ticket to Hatteras Island's best inshore fishing spots. This 2021 beauty packs a 250HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise at 35 knots, getting you to the fish fast and smooth. The spacious deck gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Everything you need is on board - GPS to navigate the waters, fish finder to locate schools of Cobia and Spanish Mackerel, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives Captain Jake a perfect view of the water while you focus on landing that Redfish or Bluefish. Whether you're casting lines in the morning calm or afternoon action, this boat handles Hatteras waters like a dream. Just bring your appetite for fishing - tackle, rods, and reels are all included.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are scrappy fighters that show up in good numbers around Hatteras from late spring through fall. Most run 2-8 pounds with those razor-sharp teeth and aggressive attitude. They hunt in packs along beaches, around structure, and wherever baitfish are thick, usually in the top 30 feet. Summer is peak season when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. Guests love the hard strikes and bulldogging fights - these fish don't give up easy. The smaller "cocktail blues" are great eating when bled and iced quickly, with firm white meat. They're also perfect for kids since they're not finicky about baits. Watch your fingers though - those teeth are serious business. My go-to technique is casting metal spoons or chunk baits when we find feeding birds. The key is using a wire leader and being ready for fast, multiple hookups when the school fires up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing challenge around Hatteras. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 inches and can hit 100 pounds. We find them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet of water. Spring migration from April to June is peak season when they're moving through our area to spawn. What guests love most is watching these fish swim right up to the boat - they're naturally curious. The fight is solid but steady, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf, firm and white like a premium steak. Since they're usually alone or in small groups, each fish is a trophy. Pro tip: when we spot a cobia, I'll have you cast a bucktail jig or live eel well ahead of where it's swimming. Let it sink naturally - cobia like to pick up baits off the bottom.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. They average 20-35 inches around here, with that classic copper-bronze color and black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising our shallow flats in just 1-4 feet of water, around oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, but we catch them year-round. What makes reds special is their powerful fight - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. These fish aren't spooky like some species, so they're great for beginners. Here's a local trick: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait 3-4 feet ahead of where they're moving, not right on their head. They'll pick it up naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout around Hatteras typically run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They love our grass flats and shallow bays, usually in 1-4 feet of water where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Best fishing happens spring through fall, especially on overcast days or around dawn and dusk. These fish are scrappy fighters with great table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're pretty predictable once you find them, often hanging in the same spots day after day. My tip: when you're working the flats, look for nervous water or bait getting pushed around. Throw soft plastics like paddle tails or live shrimp under a popping cork near grass edges, and be ready for that telltale thump.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a workout on light tackle. These silvery fish with yellow spots typically run 12-20 inches and are some of the fastest swimmers we target. They school up around structures, bait pods, and temperature breaks, usually in the top 20 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're actively feeding. What makes them fun is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your reflexes. The meat is excellent too, mild and flaky, perfect for grilling or smoking. They're great confidence builders since schools can be thick when you find them. Key tip: these fish have razor-sharp teeth, so use a short wire leader. When trolling small spoons or casting jigs, keep your retrieve fast and steady - slow presentations won't trigger strikes from these aggressive feeders.
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