Night Redfish Fishing in Eastern North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour night charter targeting Bull Red Drum after darkFish productive waters of Pamlico Sound and connecting riversMaximum 3 guests with experienced local guides
There's something special about fishing after dark in Eastern North Carolina's legendary waters. When the sun dips below the horizon and the night sounds start up, that's when the big Bull Reds really come alive. This 6-hour night charter with Wicked East Charters puts you right in the thick of it, targeting massive Red Drum across Pamlico Sound, Neuse River, Pamlico River, and Pungo River. You'll head out at dusk with guides who've been working these waters for years, armed with fresh cut bait and proven techniques that consistently put anglers on trophy fish. It's a different kind of fishing experience – more patient, more focused, and when you hook up with a 30+ pound red, absolutely electric.
This top-rated night fishing trip starts when most folks are heading in for the day. Your captain knows exactly where to position for the evening bite, moving between productive spots across these four renowned river systems. The boat accommodates up to three anglers, so you're not fighting for space or dealing with crowds. These waters are famous for holding some serious bull reds, and the cooler night temperatures often trigger more aggressive feeding patterns. You'll be fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait – usually cut mullet, menhaden, or blue crab depending on what the fish are keying in on. The guides handle all the rigging and know how to read the subtle differences in these waters that separate a good night from a great one. Expect to move around some as the bite changes, and don't be surprised if you find yourself in completely different water by the end of the trip.
Night fishing for bull reds requires a different approach than daytime angling. Your guides use heavy conventional tackle spooled with 30-50 pound test to handle these powerful fish in structure-heavy water. The standard rig is a fish finder setup with a pyramid or bank sinker to hold bottom, circle hooks to ensure solid hooksets, and fresh cut bait that puts out the scent trail these fish follow in the dark. You'll be bottom fishing most of the time, but don't think it's boring – when a 40-pound red picks up your bait and makes that first screaming run, your drag will be singing. The guides carry backup rods rigged and ready because these fish can absolutely wreck tackle. They'll also have quality headlamps and deck lighting to keep everything visible without spooking fish. The key technique is patience combined with staying alert – red drum bites can be subtle at first, just a gentle tap-tap before they commit and take off.
Redfish are what dreams are made of for serious inshore anglers, and Eastern North Carolina's waters grow them big and strong. Bull Reds – those over 27 inches – are the main target here, and these fish regularly push 30-50 pounds in these productive river systems. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, making night fishing prime time for hooking up. What makes catching them so addictive is their incredible fight – they'll make blistering runs, try to wrap you around structure, and test every knot in your rig. Red drum are also smart fish that get educated quickly, which is why having local guides who understand their seasonal patterns and preferred structure is crucial. During fall and winter months, big schools of oversized reds move through these waters, feeding heavily on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. The Pamlico Sound system is particularly famous for producing trophy-class fish, with some regulars in the 40+ pound range. These fish are catch-and-release only due to their size and breeding importance, but the memories of fighting one of these monsters under the stars will stick with you forever.
This world-class night fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak red drum season from September through December. With only three spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish properly. The 6-hour duration gives you real time to work different areas and adapt to changing conditions – not just a quick sunset trip. Wicked East Charters has built their reputation on consistently putting clients on fish in these waters, and their night trips are becoming a customer favorite for good reason. The combination of productive fishing grounds, experienced guides, and the unique atmosphere of night fishing creates something you just can't get anywhere else. Whether you're a local angler looking to try something different or visiting from out of state, this trip offers the best chance to connect with a true North Carolina trophy red drum. Book early, bring your camera, and get ready for some serious drag-screaming action when the sun goes down.
Meet the 22' Chawk, your ticket to some serious nighttime redfish action across Eastern North Carolina's legendary waters. This 2020 fishing machine packs a reliable 150 Suzuki that'll cruise you at 40 knots to the hottest spots on Pamlico Sound and the Neuse, Pamlico, and Pungo Rivers. Built for up to 3 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for productive night fishing - GPS to navigate those dark waters, VHF radio for safety, and a quality fish finder to locate those bull reds lurking in the depths. The Chawk handles these inland waters beautifully, giving you a stable platform for working cut bait around structure while you wait for those powerful drum to hammer your line. Perfect for anglers who appreciate the peace of fishing under the stars while still having the technology and speed to maximize your time on productive water.
North Carolina