Half Day Fishing Trip In Eastern North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore charter targeting Spanish mackerel and bonitoAccommodates up to four guests with Wicked East ChartersFocuses on seasonal coastal game fish in North Carolina waters
Six hours on the water is the sweet spot for serious fishing without burning out the family or beginners. This half-day charter gives you enough time to hit multiple spots, work different techniques, and really dial in on whatever's biting that day. Eastern North Carolina's inshore waters are loaded with Spanish mackerel, little tunny, bonito, and other hard-fighting species that'll keep your rods bent and your drag screaming. With just 4 anglers max, you're not fighting for deck space or waiting your turn - it's fishing the way it should be.
Captain and crew from Wicked East Charters know these waters like the back of their hand. You'll start early to beat the heat and catch fish when they're most active. Depending on conditions and what's running, we might hit nearshore structure for Spanish mackerel, work the drop-offs for false albacore, or cruise the shallows targeting black drum around oyster beds. The boat's rigged with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own if you've got favorites. We're talking light spinning gear for the smaller species and medium tackle when the bigger fish are around. The captain reads the water constantly - checking bait schools on the fish finder, watching for bird activity, and adjusting the game plan based on what's happening that day.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip where you drop a line and wait. We're actively hunting fish using a mix of trolling, casting, and live bait fishing. When Spanish mackerel are schooled up, we'll troll small spoons and Clark spoons at various speeds until we find what they want. False albacore and bonito love fast-moving baits, so expect to pull artificials at higher speeds or cast Gotcha plugs and small jigs into breaking fish. For black drum, we switch gears completely - using heavier tackle with cut bait or crabs around structure. The crew handles all the rigging and re-rigging as we move between techniques. They'll also clean your catch at the end of the trip, so you can focus on fishing instead of the messy stuff.
Little tunny, also called false albacore, are absolute rockets when they hit your line. These fish typically run 4-8 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. They show up in good numbers from late summer through fall, often feeding in massive schools that create a feeding frenzy on the surface. When you hook one, expect multiple runs that'll test your drag and your arm strength. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, with meat that's closer to tuna than typical inshore fish. Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of Eastern North Carolina fishing. These fish are aggressive, hit fast-moving lures hard, and rarely let you down when other species are being finicky. They average 1-3 pounds but make up for size with pure attitude and excellent table fare. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often showing up during the cooler months. Atlantic bonito are the speedsters of the bunch, capable of blistering runs that'll make your reel sing. These fish prefer cooler water and often show up when conditions are just right - usually fall and early winter. They're fantastic light tackle fish that'll give you a workout on spinning gear. Black drum are the heavyweights, with fish ranging from puppy drum around 2-3 pounds up to bull drum that can hit 20+ pounds. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months. These fish are masters of structure, hanging around oyster beds, bridges, and other hard bottom areas where they feed on crabs and shellfish.
Six hours gives you the perfect balance of serious fishing time without the full commitment of an all-day trip. You'll hit multiple species, learn new techniques, and still have energy left for dinner and telling fish stories. Eastern North Carolina's inshore fishing is world-class, and Wicked East Charters puts you right in the middle of it with experienced captains who know how to put fish in the boat. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to saltwater fishing or you're chasing personal bests on light tackle, this half-day charter delivers consistent action with top-rated guides who make every trip memorable. Book now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast.
Your fishing platform for the day is our reliable 22' Chawk, powered by a 150 Suzuki that'll get you to the productive waters off Eastern North Carolina's coast. Built in 2020, this boat hits 40 knots when you need to chase the bite or beat other boats to the hot spots. She's rigged for serious inshore action with GPS to mark your numbers, VHF radio for weather updates and fish reports, and a quality fish finder to locate structure where Spanish mackerel, bonito, and false albacore hang out. The boat handles four anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work their rods without getting tangled up. Whether you're casting artificials or working live bait, you'll have the space and equipment needed to make the most of your six hours targeting North Carolina's coastal game fish.
Thunnus AlalungaThese bullet-shaped speedsters average 20-45 pounds and stretch 18-25 inches, making them perfect targets for our inshore trips. You'll find them in deeper subtropical waters, often traveling in massive schools that can stretch for miles. Spring through summer offers the best action when they move through our area. What guests love most is the combination of serious pulling power and premium table fare - albacore is the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat tuna." They never stop moving due to their oxygen needs, so expect a solid fight. Here's the key: when you hook the first fish in a school, work fast because that lead fish can spook the entire group if it gets away.
Sarda SardaThese mackerel relatives are built for speed, hitting up to 40 mph with their streamlined bodies and distinctive black stripes. Running up to 12 pounds and 30 inches, they travel in huge schools that feed aggressively on the surface. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign of feeding bonito. They're found in coastal Atlantic waters and prefer temps in the 60s, making late spring through early fall prime time. While they're oily and not great table fare here, they put up an amazing fight on light tackle and often jump clear out of the water. The trick is once you find a feeding school, throw anything shiny at them - they'll hit almost any lure when they're actively feeding.
Pogonias CromisThese bottom-dwelling bruisers are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. You'll find them on shallow muddy flats, around oyster beds, and near pier pilings in brackish water. Spring during spawning season is prime time when they school up and are easier to target. They're known for their powerful jaws that crush oysters and crabs, plus they make distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating with flaky white meat. The secret is getting your bait right on the bottom - they won't come up for it. Fresh blue crab works best because it won't get stolen by catfish like other baits.
Euthynnus AlletteratusAlso called false albacore or bonito, these scrappy little tunas typically run 10-12 pounds but can hit 20+. You'll find them in schools near the surface around jetties, inlets, and points during fall migrations. They're built like torpedoes with dark metallic blue backs and distinctive black spots that separate them from bonito. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they're strong swimmers that'll give you a real workout on light tackle. The meat's darker and stronger-tasting than typical tuna, but fresh is fantastic. Pro tip: listen for feeding activity - they get noisy when chasing bait, and that commotion draws birds that help you locate the schools.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver speedsters with yellow oval spots are some of the most consistent action you'll find. Running 1-2 feet long and weighing 8-11 pounds on average, they travel in large schools near the surface. We find them around structures, flats, and oyster bars, with the best fishing happening when water temps warm up in spring and summer. They're incredibly fast swimmers - among the quickest in the ocean - which makes for exciting light tackle fishing. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for grilling or smoking. My go-to technique is drifting to feeding schools rather than motoring right up to them. These fish spook easily, so keep your distance and let your lures do the work.
North Carolina