Hatteras Sunset Fishing with Tightline Charters
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Twohour sunset fishing charter targeting red drum in Pamlico SoundAccommodates up to 6 guests with all gear and bait providedCaptain Aaron guides every cast for maximum fishing success
When the afternoon light starts painting the Pamlico Sound in gold and orange, that's when Captain Aaron fires up the engines for what locals know is some of the best inshore fishing Hatteras has to offer. This two-hour sunset charter puts you right in the heart of red drum country, where the flats come alive as the day winds down. You'll be targeting not just the famous red drum, but also Spanish mackerel, southern flounder, black drum, and speckled trout that call these waters home. With room for up to six anglers and gear provided, this top-rated evening trip is perfect whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in the world-class fishery that surrounds the Outer Banks.
Captain Aaron knows these flats like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard at 5pm, you're getting more than just a boat ride – you're getting a masterclass in Hatteras fishing. The Pamlico Sound's shallow waters and grass flats create the perfect hunting grounds for red drum, and as the sun starts its descent, the fish start getting active. You'll be sight fishing in skinny water, watching for those telltale tails and nervous water that signal feeding fish. The captain positions the boat strategically, using the wind and tide to your advantage while keeping noise to a minimum. This isn't about lucky casts – it's about reading the water, understanding fish behavior, and putting your bait or lure exactly where it needs to be. The relaxed pace means everyone gets plenty of shots, and with all skill levels welcome, Captain Aaron adjusts his guidance to match your experience level.
Fishing the Hatteras flats requires a completely different approach than offshore fishing, and that's what makes it so addictive. You'll be working shallow water structure – grass beds, oyster bars, and sand holes where baitfish gather and predators follow. Captain Aaron provides all the tackle you need, from light spinning gear perfect for sight casting to the specific baits that produce results in these waters. Cut bait works magic for red drum, while artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons can trigger aggressive strikes from speckled trout and flounder. The key is staying quiet and watching the water – you might spot a red drum's bronze back cruising just under the surface, or see a school of Spanish mackerel busting bait near the grass line. Polarized sunglasses are essential for cutting through the glare and spotting fish, while the shallow draft boat allows access to areas bigger vessels simply can't reach.
Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, and during their peak season from late spring through early fall, they provide fast-paced action that gets everyone's heart pumping. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and hit lures with aggressive strikes that'll test your reflexes. They school up around structure and baitfish, often feeding near the surface where you can watch the water explode as they attack. What makes Spanish mackerel so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute the water is calm, the next it's boiling with feeding fish.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, laying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with doormat flounder over 5 pounds being the stuff of legends. Fall months bring the best flounder action as they fatten up before their offshore migration. They're ambush predators that require patience and finesse – you might feel just a slight tick on your line before setting the hook on a fish that could be the trip's highlight.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats, and when you hook into a big one, you know it immediately. These copper-colored bruisers can push 20-30 pounds or more, using their broad tails and strong bodies to test your tackle and your stamina. They're often found around oyster bars and shell piles, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. Spring and fall see the best black drum action, and catching one is a rite of passage for serious Outer Banks anglers.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are arguably the most beautiful fish you'll encounter on these flats. Their spotted silver sides and delicate build hide a fierce predator that provides some of the most technical fishing in the sound. They're structure-oriented fish that love grass beds and drop-offs, often feeding in schools that can provide multiple hookups. Spring and fall offer the best speckled trout fishing, with gator trout over 4 pounds being legitimate trophy fish that anglers travel from across the country to target.
Redfish are the undisputed kings of the Hatteras flats, and they're the reason most anglers make the trip to these waters. These bronze-backed powerhouses can range from schoolie reds around 18-27 inches to massive bull reds that can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds. What makes red drum special isn't just their size and fight – it's their behavior. You might spot them tailing in inches of water, their dorsal fins and tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and worms in the grass. The sight of a big red drum cruising the flats is something that stays with you long after the trip ends, and their powerful runs can strip line off your reel in seconds.
This customer favorite sunset charter combines the best of Hatteras fishing with the magic of golden hour on the water. Captain Aaron's local knowledge and patient instruction make it perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends looking to experience what makes the Outer Banks a renowned fishing destination. With all gear provided and room for six anglers, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure, some snacks and drinks,
The 25' Privateer is your ticket to prime red drum fishing in the Pamlico Sound flats. This fully restored 1980 classic runs on a dependable Suzuki engine, cruising at 30 mph to get you to the hot spots fast. Built for Hatteras inshore action, she handles the shallow flats like a dream while keeping your group of 6 comfortable during those golden hour fishing sessions. Captain Aaron knows exactly where the reds are feeding as the sun drops, and this boat gets you there with room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. The stable platform makes it perfect for sight fishing the flats when the drum are tailing in skinny water. Whether you're working the grass beds or drifting the sound, this Privateer delivers the performance and comfort you need for serious evening fishing on the Outer Banks.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often weighing 15-40 pounds around Hatteras. These powerful fish have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, making them serious fighters that will test your drag. You'll find them around oyster beds, bridge pilings, and deeper holes in the Sound, especially during spring spawning when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds. They're year-round residents but spring offers the best action. What guests love is the pure power - these fish dig deep and make long, sustained runs. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating. Fresh blue crab is the top bait, but cut mullet and clams work too. Here's the key: fish right on the bottom with just enough weight to hold, and when you feel that steady pull, set the hook and hang on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our Pamlico Sound fishery and the main target on these sunset trips. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-35 inches around here, with slot-sized fish being perfect for the table. They cruise super shallow water - often with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime time when they school up heavily. What makes them special is the explosive strikes and bulldogging fights in shallow water. The meat is sweet and firm when kept on ice. They'll eat live shrimp, cut bait, and spoons, but my favorite trick is sight casting to tailing fish on the flats during low light. Look for nervous water and copper flashes - that's your target.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of our most popular inshore targets around Hatteras. These silver fish with black spots typically run 14-18 inches and about 1-3 pounds, though 4-5 pounders show up regularly. They love grass flats, shallow creek mouths, and drop-offs in 2-6 feet of water throughout the Sound. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with evenings being prime time during our sunset trips. Guests appreciate their willingness to bite and the delicate white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with enthusiasm. The trick is fishing moving water near grass beds - specks ambush baitfish along the edges. Use a popping cork with live shrimp underneath, and work it slow with gentle pops.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of camouflage on our sandy and muddy flats. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 2 feet, with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match the bottom. They bury themselves in sand near oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats throughout the Sound, ambushing prey like a natural predator. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore for winter. Guests love the challenge of sight fishing for "doormat" sized ones and the excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They hit live mud minnows, finger mullet, and soft plastics bounced along the bottom. My go-to trick is drifting the flats slowly and watching for their outline or puff of sand when they spook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, schooling fish that show up around Hatteras from spring through fall. These silver beauties with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones do cruise through. You'll find them near the surface around structures, jetties, and inshore waters when the water warms up. They're aggressive feeders that hit live shrimp, small baitfish, and shiny spoons hard. What makes them fun is their speed - they'll peel line and make multiple runs. The meat is excellent eating when fresh, with a mild flavor that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast small silver spoons into the frenzy. These fish move in big schools, so where there's one, there's usually plenty more.
Hatteras, NC