Nearshore Fishing - North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina nearshore watersFishing license included with maximum capacity of four guestsOperated by Tombstone Charters with snacks and drinks welcome
North Carolina's nearshore waters are some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast, and this top-rated trip with Tombstone Charters puts you right in the action. You'll be targeting two of the area's most exciting species - King Mackerel and Bluefish - in waters that consistently produce quality fish year-round. With a small group of just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and all the personal attention you need from your experienced captain.
This nearshore adventure takes you out to North Carolina's renowned fishing grounds where the Gulf Stream influence creates perfect conditions for pelagic species. You'll be fishing in 20-60 feet of water, close enough to shore that you won't spend all day traveling but far enough out to get into the good stuff. The trip has a relaxed vibe - no pressure, just good fishing with plenty of opportunity to learn new techniques or perfect your existing skills. Your fishing license is included, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and feel free to pack your favorite snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Your captain will have you set up with the right gear for the conditions and target species. Most of the fishing involves trolling with medium to heavy tackle, using a mix of live bait, dead bait, and lures depending on what's working best. You'll likely be pulling spoons, diving plugs, and cigar minnows behind the boat at various speeds to cover water and locate active fish. When you mark fish on the finder or see birds working, you might switch to live lining or casting to sight fish. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the variety - you never know if the next fish will come on a slow-trolled bait or a fast-moving lure ripped through a bait ball.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of North Carolina nearshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure power and speed, capable of blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Kings typically range from 15-40 pounds in these waters, with bigger fish showing up during peak season from late spring through early fall. They're structure-oriented fish that love to hunt around ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. What makes them so exciting to catch is their unpredictability - one minute you're trolling along peacefully, the next your reel is screaming as a King peels off 200 yards of line in seconds. They're also fantastic table fare when prepared fresh.
Bluefish might not get the respect they deserve, but any angler who's tangled with a big Blue knows they're serious fighters. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them feeding, the action can be non-stop. North Carolina Blues typically run 3-15 pounds, with the bigger "chopper" Blues putting up fights that'll surprise you. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but resident fish can be caught year-round. Blues are known for their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive strikes - they'll hit just about anything that moves through a feeding school. They're also excellent eating when bled and iced properly, despite what some people might tell you.
This nearshore fishing experience offers everything you want in a North Carolina charter - productive waters, manageable boat size, and species that'll give you a real fight. Whether you're looking to check King Mackerel off your bucket list or just want to spend a day on the water catching fish, Tombstone Charters has you covered. The included fishing license takes one thing off your to-do list, and the relaxed atmosphere means you can fish at your own pace. Book your spot today and get ready to experience why North Carolina's nearshore waters have such a loyal following among serious anglers.
Your nearshore fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for North Carolina's coastal waters. This reliable vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS navigation keeps you on course to the hottest fishing spots. An ice box ensures your catch stays fresh, and there's even a toilet for convenience during longer trips. The boat's setup is perfect for casting lines and fighting fish in the nearshore zone where these species love to feed. Your captain knows these waters well and will position you where the action is. Fishing licenses are included, so just bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, this boat provides a solid platform for testing your skills against some of NC's most popular gamefish.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a solid scrap on light tackle. Most run 2-10 pounds in our nearshore waters, with some reaching 15+ pounds. You'll find them in schools around bays, inlets, and surf zones during summer months. They're not picky about depth - anywhere from shallow flats to 50+ feet. Blues are famous for their feeding frenzies, churning the water when they attack baitfish schools. They fight hard and are great table fare when handled properly - bleed them right away and keep them cold. The smaller "snapper" blues are perfect for kids to catch. Pro tip: use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon. Those razor-sharp teeth will slice through regular mono in a heartbeat. Chunk baits work great, especially oily fish like mackerel or menhaden.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds in our nearshore waters, though we see some bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. The meat's excellent too, though smaller fish under 20 pounds taste better. Here's a local trick: when using live bait, rig two hooks on a wire leader. Put one through the nose, let the second dangle near the tail. Kings love hitting bait from behind, and that stinger hook will save you plenty of heartbreak.
Atlantic Beach, NC