Full Day Inshore Fishing Charter – Outer Banks, NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting red drum in Pamlico SoundCaptain Aaron provides all gear, bait, and fishing licensesAccommodates up to 4 guests with expert guidance included
Captain Aaron knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's a serious day of targeting red drum and other prized inshore species in the legendary Pamlico Sound. You'll launch at 7am when the water's calm and the fish are active, giving you a full day to work the flats and structure where these fish love to hang out. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Captain Aaron will dial you in and make sure you're fishing the right spots at the right time. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so bring your crew or join a small group for what locals consider one of the best inshore fishing experiences on the Outer Banks.
Your day starts early with a 7am departure, but trust me, it's worth the early alarm. Captain Aaron runs a tight ship and knows that prime fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. The Pamlico Sound and surrounding flats are where the magic happens – shallow water structure, grass beds, and drop-offs that hold everything from slot reds to big cobia cruising the surface. You'll spend the day moving between proven spots, reading the water, and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you. The boat's equipped with everything you need: rods, reels, terminal tackle, fresh bait, and all the licenses are covered. Captain Aaron's not just driving the boat – he's actively coaching every cast, helping you read the water, and positioning you for the best shots at fish. The vibe is relaxed but focused, perfect for anglers who want to actually learn while they're catching.
Inshore fishing in the Outer Banks is all about reading the conditions and adapting your approach. Captain Aaron runs a variety of techniques depending on what's working – from sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water to working structure with live bait for cobia and big drum. You'll fish with both artificial lures and live bait, learning when to throw topwater plugs at busting fish and when to slow down with a Carolina rig. The Pamlico Sound system offers everything from 2-foot flats where you can see fish tailing to deeper channels and structure that hold different species. Grass beds are key – they're like underwater highways where baitfish travel and predators wait to ambush. Captain Aaron will teach you to spot the subtle signs: nervous water, bait jumping, birds working, and how water color and current changes affect where fish position themselves. The gear is top-notch but not overly complicated – medium to heavy spinning and conventional setups that can handle everything from 20-inch reds to 40-pound cobia that might cruise by.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs fight way above their weight class and are incredibly smart fish. You'll find them in everything from 18 inches of water tailing on flats to deeper structure where the big bulls hang out. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, but Captain Aaron targets them year-round by adjusting locations and techniques. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat both artificials and live bait, plus that distinctive drum they make when you get them in the boat. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the table, while the oversized drum provide heart-stopping fights that'll test your drag system.
White weakfish, or "specs" as locals call them, are the finicky cousin that rewards patient anglers. These silver-sided fish have soft mouths and require a gentle touch, but when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They love structure and moving water, typically feeding best during low-light periods or when bait is thick. Specs are excellent table fare with flaky white meat, and they respond well to both live shrimp and soft plastic lures worked slowly near the bottom. Captain Aaron knows the seasonal patterns and will put you on schools when conditions line up perfectly.
Cobia are the wildcards that make every trip exciting. These brown sharks-looking fish cruise the surface and can appear out of nowhere, often following rays or sharks. When Captain Aaron spots one, everything stops – these fish require sight fishing skills and quick reactions. Cobia are notorious for following lures to the boat without committing, then either eating at the last second or disappearing into the depths. They're incredible fighters and excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. Prime cobia season runs from May through September, and a 30-40 pound fish will give you a workout you won't forget.
Albacore tuna bring the offshore experience to inshore waters during their seasonal runs. These silver bullets are pure speed and endurance, making screaming runs that'll empty your reel if you're not careful. Captain Aaron targets them when they're chasing bait in the sound, often during late summer and early fall. The fight is completely different from bottom fish – it's all about angles and pressure, keeping them from diving deep or wrapping you around structure. Fresh albacore sashimi on the boat is a treat that few anglers experience.
Bluefish are the aggressive schooling fish that provide non-stop action when you find them. These toothy predators travel in packs and absolutely destroy baitfish, creating feeding frenzies that attract birds from miles away. Captain Aaron uses blues as both target species and indicators of bigger fish – where there are blues, there are often better fish feeding underneath. They're excellent on light tackle and perfect for newer anglers to build confidence, plus they make great cut bait for targeting larger species.
This full-day charter with Captain Aaron isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience the Outer Banks like a local. You'll learn
Captain Aaron's 25-foot Privateer is your ticket to productive Outer Banks fishing. This classic 1980 restoration combines old-school charm with modern reliability, powered by a dependable Suzuki engine that cruises at 30 mph to get you to the fish quickly. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Built tough for Hatteras waters, she handles the Pamlico Sound flats and nearshore runs with ease. The boat's layout maximizes fishing space while keeping safety gear within reach. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in shallow water or anchored up waiting for drum to bite, this vessel puts you in prime position. Her shallow draft opens up skinny water spots where bigger boats can't go, while her seaworthy design handles choppier conditions when you venture toward the inlet. Perfect for serious fishing without the crowds.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore tuna aren't really inshore targets for our Outer Banks charters - they're deep ocean fish that prefer subtropical waters well offshore. These bullet-shaped speedsters run 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds, traveling in massive schools up to 19 miles wide. They're constantly moving since they need to keep water flowing over their gills. Peak season varies, but they spawn March through July. What's special is the meat - it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat tuna." They're daytime feeders that love mackerel, anchovies, and sardines. Since they're offshore fish, you'd need a different charter setup than our inshore trips. Trolling is the main technique, keeping lures 50-90 feet behind the boat.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are scrappy fighters that show up in our waters mid-June through October before heading south for winter. These blue-green predators typically run up to 20 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and serious attitude. We catch them in surf, inlets, and around structure where baitfish gather. Summer and early fall are prime, especially when they're feeding in schools. What guests love is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything and fight hard. The meat's good eating when fresh, especially smaller ones under 10 pounds. Fair warning though - handle with care since those teeth can do damage. My tip: when you find feeding bluefish, work fast. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - dark brown torpedoes that average 6 feet and can hit 100 pounds. They're loners, not schooling fish, which makes each one special. We spot them cruising near the surface around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration through summer is prime time, especially May through August. What makes them awesome is the fight - they're aggressive predators with serious power. Plus, the meat is outstanding, firm and white like high-end restaurant fish. They're curious too, often checking out the boat. Here's my trick: when you see one, don't spook it. Present your bait naturally and be ready - they hit hard and fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of our Outer Banks inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 28-33 inches but can push 50 pounds. Look for that signature black eyespot near the tail - it's their trademark. They love super shallow water, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. We find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps are stable. What guests love most is the explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fight. The meat's excellent eating too - mild and flaky. My tip: when you see one red drum, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small groups, and patience pays off big time.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish are actually West Coast fish - white seabass - that don't swim in our Outer Banks waters. These big croakers can hit 5 feet and 88 pounds, though most run around 28 inches. They're strong fighters despite the "weakfish" name, living in brackish and saltwater from surface down to 400 feet. Peak season runs March through September when they spawn. What makes them special is their size - they're the largest croaker species - and their table quality is top-notch. They communicate using five different sounds, which is pretty unique. If you're targeting them, live squid works best since that's their favorite meal. Look for the distinctive belly ridge to separate them from other croakers.
Hatteras, NC