Afternoon Red Drum Fishing Charter in Hatteras
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Afternoon inshore fishing targeting red drum in Pamlico SoundCaptain Aaron provides all gear, bait and fishing licensesHalfday charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
When you're looking for a solid afternoon of fishing without the early morning rush, Captain Aaron's half-day inshore charter hits the sweet spot. You'll spend your time working the flats and channels around Pamlico Sound, where red drum patrol the shallows looking for their next meal. This isn't some crowded party boat situation – just you and up to three buddies with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Everything's taken care of, from rods and reels to bait and licenses, so you can focus on what matters: getting fish in the boat.
This afternoon charter kicks off when the sun's past its peak and the fish start getting active again. You'll launch from Hatteras and head into the protected waters of Pamlico Sound, where the shallow flats create perfect hunting grounds for red drum and other inshore favorites. Captain Aaron runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – he'll put you on fish while making sure everyone stays safe and comfortable. The boat's rigged with quality tackle that can handle everything from schoolie reds to bull drum that'll test your drag. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, Aaron adjusts his approach to match your crew's experience level. Bring your own snacks and drinks (yes, beer's allowed if you're legal), plus sun protection because even afternoon sun can be brutal on the water.
You'll be fishing with medium to heavy action spinning rods paired with reels that can handle 20-30 pound test line – perfect for the mix of species cruising these waters. The approach varies depending on what's biting, but expect to throw everything from cut bait on the bottom to topwater plugs when fish are feeding up top. Captain Aaron reads the water conditions and adjusts tactics accordingly – maybe you're sight fishing to tailing reds in two feet of water, or anchored up on a productive drop-off letting drum find your bait. The Pamlico Sound's shallow nature means you're often fishing in 3-8 feet of water, where you can actually see the fish you're targeting. Circle hooks are the standard here, especially for drum, since they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and make for easy releases. Don't worry about bringing your own gear – Aaron's got quality rods, reels, and tackle that's proven to produce in these specific waters.
Redfish are the main event here, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats and oyster bars around Hatteras, where they hunt crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. You'll find them ranging from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches that make great table fare, all the way up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches that'll give you an arm workout. Red drum are year-round residents, but they're most active during the warmer months when they cruise the shallows looking for food. What makes them special is their fight – they're bulldogs that make long runs and use their broad tails to wear you out.
Spanish mackerel show up in good numbers during spring and fall, hitting anything shiny you throw at them. These speedsters average 1-3 pounds but make up for their size with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're perfect for light tackle action and excellent eating if you know how to handle the dark meat properly. Bluefish are another crowd favorite, especially when they're feeding in schools. These toothy predators will hit topwater lures with explosive strikes, and the 3-8 pound fish common in these waters provide consistent action when other species are being finicky.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute tanks when it comes to fighting power. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes in North Carolina waters, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They're suckers for crab baits fished near oyster bars and bridge pilings. The occasional albacore tuna adds some variety to the mix, especially during their migration periods. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin are built for speed and will test both your tackle and technique when they decide to cooperate.
Captain Aaron's afternoon charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing's hot and everyone wants a piece of the action. You're getting access to some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast, with a captain who's put in the time to learn where fish hold and what makes them bite. The convenience factor is huge – no 5 AM wake-up calls, all gear provided, and you're back at the dock with time to clean your catch and grab dinner. Whether you're trying to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking for a productive afternoon on the water, this charter delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to see why Hatteras has earned its reputation as a world-class fishing destination.
Your inshore red drum adventure starts aboard this beautifully restored 25-foot Privateer that's been turning heads since its 1980 makeover. Built for serious fishing, this classic center console cuts through Hatteras waters with authority, powered by a dependable Suzuki engine that'll get you to the hot spots at 30 mph when the fish are calling. The spacious deck gives all four anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up, whether you're casting toward the grass beds or working the shallow flats of Pamlico Sound. Captain Aaron knows exactly where this boat shines – those productive inshore waters where red drum cruise and feed. The stable platform makes it easy to land fish and stay comfortable during your half-day afternoon trip, while the boat's proven design handles whatever conditions the Outer Banks throws your way.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are bullet-shaped speedsters that show up in our deeper waters during summer months. These smaller tunas average 20-45 pounds with their signature long pectoral fins and dark blue backs fading to silver bellies. You'll find them in schools way offshore in the Gulf Stream, usually trolling territory. They're constantly moving since they need water flowing over their gills to breathe. The fight is pure speed and endurance - they'll make long runs that test your drag system. What guests love most is the meat quality - it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" with that firm texture and mild flavor. When trolling, keep your lures 50-90 feet behind the boat and don't let that first fish get away or the whole school will scatter.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, with those distinctive chin barbels and crushing power. These gray-black bruisers range from keeper-size around 16 inches up to monsters over 40 pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, bridge pilings, and muddy flats where they root for crabs and shellfish. Spring spawning season brings the best fishing when they school up in shallow waters. They're bulldogs that use their weight against you, making long, powerful runs. Smaller drums under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough and stringy. The key is fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom - they're not interested in anything fancy. Use heavy tackle because when a 30-pound drum decides to head for deep water, light gear won't stop them.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators with razor teeth that show up in feeding frenzies around Hatteras waters. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-15 pounds and travel in schools that can turn the water into a washing machine when they're feeding. You'll find them in the surf, around inlet mouths, and over nearshore structure during summer and fall migrations. They hit topwater plugs and cut bait with violent strikes that guests never forget. The smaller "cocktail blues" under 5 pounds are best for eating with mild, flaky meat. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable nature and vicious hits. Always use a wire leader and watch your fingers when unhooking - those teeth are no joke and they'll bite anything that moves, even out of the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of our inshore trips here around Hatteras. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-40 inches in our waters, with that classic black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats of Pamlico Sound, especially over oyster bars and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action, but they're around year-round. What makes reds special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and test your patience. The meat's excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead and let it settle to the bottom before they get close.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver rockets with yellow spots that provide fast-paced action around Hatteras. These streamlined fish typically weigh 2-8 pounds and travel in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around piers, jetties, and over nearshore structure during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They're aggressive feeders that hit small spoons and jigs hard, making multiple hookups common. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills perfectly and works great smoked. What makes them fun is the numbers game and acrobatic fights with plenty of jumps. Here's the trick: use a wire leader since those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. Light tackle works best - they're not huge but they'll give you a workout on 15-20 pound gear.
Hatteras, NC