Full Day Fishing Trip In Eastern North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore charter targeting Spanish mackerel and bonitoFocus on seasonal species like false albacore and bluefishSingle angler trip with extended fishing time opportunities
Eight solid hours on the water – that's what separates this top-rated inshore charter from the quick half-day trips everyone else is running. When you're out here with Wicked East Charters, you're getting the full treatment: time to work multiple spots, adjust tactics when fish get finicky, and really dial in your technique. Eastern North Carolina's inshore waters are legendary for their variety, and this extended trip gives you the best shot at connecting with Spanish mackerel, bonito, false albacore, and whatever else is running hot. Whether you're bringing the family for a day they'll never forget or you're a serious angler looking to put some serious numbers on the board, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back season after season.
This isn't your typical "let's try one spot and call it a day" kind of trip. With eight hours to work with, Captain and crew can really show you what Eastern North Carolina's inshore fishery is all about. You'll start early, hitting the prime feeding windows when fish are most active, and you'll have the luxury of time to explore different structures, grass flats, and drop-offs until you find where the action is hottest. The boat is rigged specifically for inshore work – light tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run, but with enough backbone to handle the bigger drum and bonito that call these waters home. Expect to cover some serious ground, from shallow flats where Spanish mackerel slash through bait schools to deeper channels where false albacore patrol like underwater missiles. The crew knows these waters like their own backyard, and they'll put you on fish while teaching you the little tricks that separate good days from great ones.
Eastern North Carolina inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll be throwing everything from live bait under corks to fast-moving artificials, depending on what the fish are telling you. The boat comes loaded with quality spinning gear perfectly matched to these species – nothing too heavy that kills the fight, nothing too light that costs you fish. Live shrimp and finger mullet are always prime choices, but don't be surprised when the crew breaks out the sabiki rigs to load up on fresh bait, or when they hand you a casting rod rigged with a deadly spoon or jig. Trolling is a big part of the program here, especially when targeting bonito and false albacore that cruise the edges of structure. You'll learn to watch the electronics, read bird activity, and spot the subtle signs that separate productive water from empty ocean. The crew will have you working different depths and presentations until you find what flips the switch – that's half the fun of a full-day trip.
Little tunny, or false albacore as most folks call them, are the speedsters of the inshore scene around here. These fish hit like freight trains and fight like they're twice their size, typically running 3-8 pounds with the occasional double-digit bruiser. Fall is prime time for false albacore, when they show up in big schools chasing bait along the beaches and nearshore structure. They're absolute suckers for small jigs and spoons worked fast through the water column, and once you hook one, get ready for multiple screaming runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. What makes them so special is their speed – they're built like torpedoes and fight accordingly.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of summer inshore fishing here, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive, willing biters that'll crush live bait, dead bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the bigger "smoker kings" can push 4-5 pounds and provide surprising fights on light tackle. They school up around grass flats and structure from late spring through early fall, and when you find them, you can usually count on steady action. Their razor-sharp teeth mean you'll need a wire leader, but their willingness to bite makes them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when handled properly.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore world – not the prettiest fighters, but they make up for it with pure aggression and determination. Eastern North Carolina sees good runs of blues from spring through fall, with fish ranging from snapper-sized juveniles to 10+ pound choppers that can bend a rod double. They travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, often creating feeding frenzies that'll spoil you for other fishing. Bluefish will hit just about anything you throw at them, but they're particularly fond of cut bait and fast-moving lures. Fair warning: those teeth are no joke, so the crew will handle the unhooking duties.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the flats, often running 20-40 pounds with occasional giants pushing 50+. These fish are all about finesse – they're not going to crush a fast-moving lure like a Spanish mackerel, but present them with a well-placed piece of crab or shrimp near structure, and they'll make your reel sing. Spring and fall are prime times for big drum, and they're often found around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deeper channels. The fight is more about power than speed – long, steady runs that test your tackle and your patience. Landing a quality black drum is always a highlight of any inshore trip.
Atlantic bonito are the cousins of the false albacore, and they share that same torpedo-like build and lightning speed. These fish typically show up in late summer and fall, often mixed in with schools of false albacore. They're slightly smaller on average, usually running 2-6 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in sheer athleticism. Bonito are incredibly fast and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, flavorful
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are speedy members of the tuna family that show up in schools during fall migration, typically weighing 3-12 pounds. These silver bullets with dark stripes can hit 40 mph and travel in large schools that feed aggressively on the surface. You'll spot them by looking for diving birds and fins cutting the water like small sharks. They prefer coastal waters in the 60-70 degree range and will chase baitfish right to the surface. While they're not great table fare here in the States, they're fantastic sport fish that fight way above their weight class. Once you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Quick tip: when you see birds working, get there fast with metal jigs or small spoons and cast into the mayhem.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to massive 50+ pound bulls. These bottom-dwellers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow water structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and are easier to target. The smaller fish are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat, but the big ones get tough and aren't worth keeping. Guests enjoy the challenge of landing these powerful fish - they're not fast but they're incredibly strong. Best bait is fresh blue crab or cut bait fished right on bottom. Here's the key: use enough weight to stay down and be patient. When a drum picks up your bait, let them run with it before setting the hook.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, with the best action during summer months. These toothy fighters typically run 3-15 pounds and travel in schools that can create feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitz." You'll find them in surf zones, around jetties, and over sandy bottom areas where they chase baitfish. They're popular with families because they bite readily and put up a solid fight, plus smaller ones make good eating when fresh. The bigger fish have stronger flavor, but anything under 10 pounds is pretty tasty. Watch for diving birds - that's usually a dead giveaway for feeding blues. Use circle hooks only per regulations, and bring wire leaders because their teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called false albacore, are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll find inshore. These smaller tuna relatives run 10-20 pounds on average and travel in schools around nearshore waters during fall and winter. Look for them around jetties, inlets, and points where baitfish gather - they're loud feeders so you'll often hear them before you see them. Their torpedo-shaped bodies and powerful swimming make for serious runs that'll test your drag. The meat is red and has a stronger taste than regular tuna, but it's actually pretty good when prepared right. Pro tip: when you find a school feeding, set up multiple lines trolling with bright feathers and ballyhoo - they're aggressive and will hit fast-moving baits. Just be ready for a fight when you hook up.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are one of our most reliable targets during the warmer months, typically running 1-3 pounds with some pushing 8-10. These silver speedsters with yellow spots love nearshore waters around structure - think jetties, piers, and oyster bars. They school up in big numbers and feed aggressively near the surface, making them perfect for light tackle action. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit the 70s. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's great grilled or fried. The key is finding the schools; once you do, they'll hit spoons, jigs, and live bait readily. My go-to trick is using a small gold spoon on 15-20lb test - cast into the school and retrieve fast.
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