Half Day Family Fishing Adventure on Pamlico River
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday guided trip targets redfish and flounder inshoreFamilyfriendly adventure combines fishing, crabbing, and ecotouringAvailable May through September in scenic Pamlico waters
Get ready for a half-day adventure that's perfect for the whole family on the beautiful waters of Eastern North Carolina's Pamlico River and sound. This isn't your typical fishing trip – we're talking about a top-rated experience that combines the best of inshore fishing with crabbing and eco-touring, all rolled into one action-packed day. Captain and the crew at Wicked East Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're excited to show you why this area is a customer favorite for families looking to create lasting memories on the water. From shallow flats to deeper channels, the Pamlico system offers some of the best inshore fishing opportunities on the East Coast, and you'll get to experience it all while learning about the local ecosystem that makes this region so special.
Your family adventure kicks off as we head out into the renowned Pamlico River system, where we'll split the day between multiple fishing spots and activities that keep everyone engaged. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you're working a grass flat for redfish, the next you're dropping crab pots or learning about the local wildlife. We'll hit productive reefs, shallow shoals, and even some wrecks depending on conditions and what's biting. The waters here are relatively protected, making it comfortable for kids and first-time anglers while still offering world-class fishing action. Each location we visit tells a different story, from the marshy creeks where juvenile fish grow up to the deeper channels where the big boys hang out. Your guide will adjust the day based on tides, weather, and what the family is most interested in experiencing, ensuring everyone from grandparents to grandkids has a blast.
We keep the fishing techniques simple and effective, perfect for families with varying skill levels. Most of our fishing revolves around light tackle bottom fishing and sight casting, using live bait like shrimp, mud minnows, and crabs that we'll often catch ourselves during the crabbing portion of the trip. The shallow water nature of the Pamlico system means we're usually fishing in 3 to 15 feet of water, where you can actually see the structure and sometimes even the fish we're targeting. For the bottom fishing, we'll use simple Carolina rigs and fish finder rigs that are easy for kids to manage, while more experienced anglers might get the chance to sight cast to tailing redfish or cruising drum. The crabbing adds a whole different element – we'll show you how to properly bait and set crab pots, then check them throughout the day. All gear is provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, so you just need to bring your enthusiasm and maybe a cooler for your catch.
Redfish are the stars of the show in these waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love the grass flats and oyster bars throughout the Pamlico system, and they put up a fight that'll get your heart pumping regardless of size. Most of our reds run between 18 and 27 inches, perfect eating size, though we regularly see slot busters that we'll photograph and release. What makes redfish so exciting here is their predictable behavior – they feed heavily during moving tides and aren't too spooky, making them ideal for kids and beginners. The best action typically happens from May through September when they're most active in shallow water.
Black drum are the bruisers of the bunch, often mistaken for their red cousins until you see that distinctive barbeled chin. These fish can range from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to massive 40-pound bulls that'll test your patience and your drag system. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for our crabbing-and-fishing combo approach. Black drum are most active during the warmer months, and there's nothing quite like the slow, powerful pull of a big drum to get the whole family excited.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish we target, but they're also one of the most rewarding. These black-and-white striped convict fish have teeth like a human and a bite so subtle you'll swear they're just nibbling your bait off. They hang around structure – docks, pilings, oyster bars – and require a gentle touch and quick hookset. Most sheepshead here run 2 to 4 pounds, perfect for the dinner table, and their finicky nature makes them a favorite challenge for more experienced anglers in the family.
Sea trout round out our target species list and are often the most cooperative fish of the day. These spotted beauties love grass flats and channel edges, especially during moving water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificial lures, making them perfect for kids who want to see immediate action. Most of our trout run 14 to 18 inches, with bigger gator trout always a possibility when conditions are right. They're excellent eating and one of the most beautiful fish in these waters with their distinctive spotted pattern.
This family-friendly half-day trip offers something most fishing charters can't – a perfect blend of action, education, and fun that keeps everyone engaged from start to finish. Whether you're introducing kids to their first fishing experience or looking for a relaxed day on the water with multiple generations, this Pamlico River adventure delivers memories that'll last a lifetime. The combination of fishing, crabbing, and eco-touring means there's never a dull moment, and you'll leave with a cooler full of fresh seafood and a camera full of photos. Remember, these trips are only available from May 1st through September 30th, so don't wait to secure your spot during the prime season. Book your family adventure with Wicked East Charters today and discover why Eastern North Carolina's inshore waters are considered some of the best family fishing destinations on the East
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our reliable 22' Chawk, perfectly rigged for chasing redfish and flounder through the productive waters of the Pamlico River and sound. This 2020 fishing machine runs smooth with a 150 Suzuki outboard, getting you to those productive reefs, shoals, and wrecks where the fish are biting. Built for serious angling, she's equipped with GPS to mark your hot spots, VHF radio for safety on the water, and a quality fish finder to locate schools below. The boat handles North Carolina's inshore waters like a champ, whether we're drifting over structure for flounder or poling shallow flats for tailing reds. With room for your family and all the gear, plus a stable platform for fighting fish, this setup delivers everything you need for a successful day on the water. She'll cruise comfortably to our fishing grounds and get you back to the dock with coolers full of fresh catch and plenty of stories to share.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the heavyweights of our waters, running anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These gray-black bruisers love hanging around oyster bars and shallow muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring's your best bet when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater, which is pretty wild to experience. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make solid table fare. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near structure. These fish are picky eaters, so patience pays off, but once you hook into a big drum, you'll know why folks keep coming back for them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - copper-colored beauties with that signature black spot near the tail. Most of our reds run 18-32 inches and put up one heck of a fight in shallow water. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding and easier to spot. What guests love most is watching these fish cruise the shallows and that explosive topwater bite when everything comes together. They're also great on the table - mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. The key here is staying quiet, making long casts to avoid spooking them, and using live shrimp or gold spoons. Watch for nervous water and baitfish activity - that's usually where you'll find feeding reds.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter fish here in the sound - beautiful silver sides covered in dark spots that typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These guys love grass flats and shallow water, especially around drop-offs and creek mouths where baitfish gather. Early morning and evening are prime time, and they really turn on during moving water. What makes them special is that aggressive strike when they hit topwater lures or soft plastics, plus they're some of the best eating fish we catch - tender, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They can be finicky though, so we often switch between live shrimp under a popping cork and artificial baits. Local secret: fish the grass edges on an incoming tide with a suspending jerkbait worked slow - that subtle twitch often triggers the bigger ones hiding in the grass.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the thieves of the sound - those black and white striped "convict fish" with human-like teeth that'll steal your bait faster than you can blink. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we see some hefty 15+ pounders around docks and pilings where they munch barnacles all day. They're structure huggers, so we target bridge pilings, oyster bars, and any hard bottom with current flow. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. Folks love the challenge because they're notorious bait stealers with light bites, but once hooked they fight hard and make excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's worth the effort. Here's the trick: use fiddler crabs, get tight to structure, and set the hook fast when you feel that subtle tap.
North Carolina