Full Day Inshore Fishing Charter – Outer Banks, NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore charter targeting red drum in Pamlico Sound.Captain Aaron provides all gear, bait, and fishing licenses.Accommodates up to 4 guests with expert guidance included.
Captain Aaron knows exactly where the red drum are holding, and he's ready to put you on them. This full-day inshore charter launches at 7am sharp from the Outer Banks, targeting the productive flats and grass beds of Pamlico Sound where redfish, cobia, and other prized inshore species cruise year-round. With room for up to four anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and enough space to work different techniques without bumping elbows. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to upgrade your game or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, Captain Aaron tailors every drift and cast to match your crew's experience level while maximizing your time on productive water.
Your day starts early – 7am means business when you're chasing inshore species that feed best during prime windows. Captain Aaron runs a clean, well-maintained boat equipped with everything you need to land fish: quality rods and reels matched to target species, fresh bait, and all required licenses. The beauty of Outer Banks inshore fishing lies in the variety – one moment you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're working structure for cobia or picking apart grass lines where weakfish school up. The Pamlico Sound system offers endless opportunities, from shallow flats that warm quickly in spring to deeper channels that hold fish when conditions get tough. Captain Aaron reads these waters like a book, adjusting tactics throughout the day based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling him. Pack sun protection, comfortable clothes that can get wet, and polarized sunglasses – they're essential for spotting fish in shallow water. Bring your own snacks and drinks (adults can bring alcohol), but leave the gear worries to the captain.
Inshore fishing in the Outer Banks demands versatility, and Captain Aaron's approach reflects that reality. Light tackle reigns supreme here – think spinning gear in the 15-20 pound class that gives you the sensitivity to feel subtle bites while providing enough backbone to turn fish away from structure. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll work everything from live bait rigs with mullet or shrimp to artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. The shallow nature of much of this fishing means stealth matters – quiet approaches, long casts, and reading water become as important as bait selection. When targeting red drum on the flats, expect to make precise casts to specific spots where Captain Aaron marks feeding fish or promising structure. Cobia fishing might involve sight-casting to cruising fish or working them up with chum, while weakfish and bluefish often require covering water with moving baits until you locate schools. The captain provides all tackle, but he's also happy to let experienced anglers bring their favorite rods if they prefer. Live bait comes from local sources and stays fresh in onboard wells, while the artificial selection includes proven Outer Banks patterns that consistently produce fish in these waters.
White weakfish might not get the press of their bigger cousins, but they're pure fun on light tackle and excellent table fare. These silvery fighters typically run 12-18 inches in Outer Banks waters, with occasional specimens pushing the 20-inch mark. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides when schools push into the shallows to feed on small baitfish and crustaceans. What makes weakfish special is their willingness to hit both live and artificial baits, plus they fight with surprising strength for their size. Captain Aaron often finds them in grass beds and around structure where they ambush prey, making them perfect targets for light spinning gear and small jigs or live shrimp.
Redfish are the stars of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from schoolie-sized fish around 18-22 inches up to genuine bulls that can stretch your drag and test your knots. Red drum feed aggressively in the shallow sounds and flats, often in water so skinny you can see their backs breaking the surface. Late spring through early fall provides consistent action, though these fish can be caught year-round when you know where to look. What gets anglers hooked on redfish is the visual aspect – watching a 30-inch fish cruise toward your bait in clear, shallow water creates the kind of fishing memories that last forever. They're also excellent fighters that use their broad sides and strong tails to make powerful runs, especially in the confined spaces of shallow flats.
Cobia are the wildcards of inshore fishing, showing up when you least expect them and providing some of the most exciting fishing the Outer Banks has to offer. These brown sharks of the inshore world can reach impressive sizes – 30 to 40-pound fish are caught regularly, with occasional giants topping 50 pounds. Late spring and summer are prime time, when cobia cruise the shallows looking for crabs and small fish. They're curious fish that often investigate boats, creating opportunities for sight-casting with live bait or large artificials. The fight is what separates cobia from other inshore species – they're incredibly strong and stubborn, making long runs and using their size to test every component of your tackle. Plus, they're outstanding on the dinner table, making them a true prize catch.
Albacore tuna bring the offshore excitement to inshore waters when conditions align properly. These smaller members of the tuna family typically run 10-20 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs that test your drag settings and endurance. They're more common during certain times of year when baitfish concentrations draw them close to shore, often mixed with other pelagic species. What makes albacore special is their speed and stamina – they fight from the moment they're hooked until they hit the boat, providing non-stop action on appropriately sized tackle. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flavorful meat that's prized by ang
The 25 Privateer is your ticket to serious inshore action on the Outer Banks waters. This fully restored 25-footer runs on a dependable Suzuki engine, cruising at speeds up to 30 mph to get you to the hot spots fast. Built for Hatteras charter fishing, she handles the Pamlico Sound flats and nearshore waters like a dream. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. Captain Aaron knows these waters inside and out, putting you on red drum and other local favorites that call these coastal waters home. The boat's classic lines and solid performance make every cast count, whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler looking to boat some quality fish in OBX waters.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the smaller cousins of the tuna family, typically running 18-25 inches and 20-40 pounds with those distinctive long pectoral fins. They're deep-water fish found in the Gulf Stream and offshore waters during summer months when water temps hit the right range. These bullet-shaped speedsters travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles. What draws anglers is the non-stop action when you find them, plus they're the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat" - premium table fare. They never stop swimming, so expect a strong, steady fight on lighter tackle. Best technique is trolling cedar plugs or small swimming lures 50-90 feet behind the boat. Once you hook the first fish, work fast - the whole school will usually stick around if you keep the action going.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, running anywhere from snapper-sized juveniles to 15-pound choppers. You'll find schools working baitfish in shallow bays, around inlet mouths, and along beach fronts. They're known for their feeding frenzies - "bluefish blitz" - where they'll churn the water attacking schools of menhaden and anchovies. Summer and early fall are prime time when bait is thick. What makes blues popular is their willingness to hit almost anything and fight hard for their size. Smaller ones are great eating when bled immediately and kept cold. Watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding schools. Wire leaders are smart since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our waters - dark brown, shark-looking fish that cruise solo around structure and current breaks. Most run 30-50 pounds, but we see some real monsters pushing 80+ pounds during spring migration. You'll find them around buoys, channel markers, and anywhere bait congregates in 15-50 feet of water. May through September is peak season when they move through our area following the spawn. What makes cobia special is their aggressive nature and incredible table quality - firm, white meat that's restaurant-grade. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat. The key is having a bucktail jig ready to pitch as soon as you spot one. Color doesn't matter much, but a quick, accurate cast does - these fish move fast and won't wait around.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of our Pamlico Sound fishery, running anywhere from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to bruiser bulls over 40 pounds. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow structure - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during moving tides. What guests love most is the visual fishing - watching these copper-colored fish cruise the flats with their distinctive black spots near the tail. They fight hard and smart, using their broad tails and that shallow water to their advantage. The smaller ones make fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to trick is watching for nervous water and subtle pushes - redfish often give themselves away before you see them.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish are some of the largest members of the croaker family, averaging around 28 inches and 7-8 pounds, though they can reach over 5 feet. You'll find them in brackish waters throughout the Pamlico Sound, usually suspended between mid-water and the bottom. They're drawn to areas with good squid populations since that's their favorite meal. Spring through early fall gives you the best shots at them. What makes these fish special is their surprising fight despite the "weak" name - they'll give your drag a workout. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, flaky texture. Here's a local tip: use squid for bait and let it drift naturally rather than jigging aggressively. These fish can be lazy, so patience pays off when targeting them around structure.
Hatteras, NC