6-Hour Topsail Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing charter targets multiple game fish speciesExpert captain provides guidance with professionalgrade fishing equipment includedSmall group experience accommodates up to six guests maximum
Looking for some solid inshore action? This 6-hour charter out of Topsail puts you right in the heart of North Carolina's most productive coastal waters. We're talking about miles of pristine marsh creeks, grass flats, and nearshore structure where redfish cruise year-round and spotted sea trout stack up like cordwood during peak season. Our local captain knows every oyster bar, creek mouth, and grass bed from here to Surf City, and he's not shy about sharing the hotspots that keep regulars coming back trip after trip.
You'll start your day at the dock with tackle rigged and ready - we're talking live bait, artificial lures, and whatever's working that week. The boat holds up to 6 anglers comfortably, so bring the crew or book with another group looking to split costs. No need to pack lunch since this is a half-day trip, but definitely bring drinks and snacks to keep your energy up between fish. The captain runs top-shelf gear, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. Expect to cover a lot of water - we're not the type to sit in one spot hoping fish show up. If the bite's slow in the creeks, we'll run out to the nearshore structure or hit the grass flats until we find active fish.
Inshore fishing around Topsail is all about reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want that day. We'll start with live shrimp under popping corks in the shallow grass beds - this setup is deadly for spotted sea trout and smaller redfish. When we're targeting bigger drum, we'll switch to cut bait on Carolina rigs, fishing structure and drop-offs where these bruisers like to hang. The captain's got a few secret weapons too, including soft plastics on jig heads for working dock pilings and oyster bars. Atlantic bonito show up seasonally and when they're around, we'll break out the small spoons and casting jigs for some serious arm-burning action. The key is staying mobile and adapting - morning might start slow with bottom fishing, then turn into a topwater frenzy as baitfish move shallow.
Black drum are the heavyweights of Topsail's inshore scene, with fish ranging from 20-pound schoolies up to true giants pushing 50 pounds or more. These fish love structure - think pier pilings, rock piles, and deep creek bends where current brings food right to them. Spring and fall are prime time, when water temperatures hit that sweet spot and drum move shallow to feed. What makes them special? Pure pulling power. A big black drum will test your drag and your patience, bulldogging toward the bottom with runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked a submarine. They're not fancy fighters, but they're honest - just raw power that separates the good gear from the junk.
Atlantic bonito bring the speed game to Topsail waters, showing up in late summer and early fall when baitfish schools are thick. These fish are built like torpedoes and fight like they're late for something important. Most run 3-8 pounds, but don't let the size fool you - bonito pull harder than fish twice their weight. They're sight feeders that hunt in packs, slashing through bait schools with the kind of chaos that gets anglers' hearts pumping. When you find them, the action is fast and furious, with multiple hookups common as the school works under the boat. The challenge is reading the water signs - diving birds, surface disturbance, and scattered bait all point to bonito action.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Carolina inshore fishing, and Topsail's marsh system grows some beauties. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are most common, bronze-backed fighters that'll test your drag in the shallow grass. These fish are year-round residents, though fall brings the best action as reds fatten up before winter. What makes them special is their attitude - redfish are aggressive feeders that'll crush topwater lures, slam cut bait, and destroy live shrimp presentations. Plus, they fight smart, using current and structure to their advantage. Bull reds (over-slot fish) show up too, especially in deeper water near inlets and channel edges.
Spotted weakfish, or sea trout as most locals call them, are the glamour species of the grass flats. These beautiful fish have purple and gold highlights that really pop in the sunlight, plus they're some of the best eating you'll find inshore. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when trout stack up over submerged grass beds and creek mouths. They're finicky feeders that require stealth and finesse - loud boats and heavy presentations will shut them down fast. But when you dial in the bite, few fish are more willing. A good trout bite can produce 20-30 fish in a morning, with keeper-size specimens running 14-20 inches and fighting with surprising strength for their size.
Six hours gives you enough time to really explore Topsail's inshore waters without feeling rushed. You'll hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and have plenty of opportunities to put fish in the cooler. The captain's local knowledge makes all the difference - he's out here regularly, tracking seasonal patterns and adjusting to changing conditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Carolina species to your list or a beginner wanting to learn proper inshore techniques, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait around - peak season dates fill up fast, and the best fishing won't wait for your schedule to clear up.
Our 22-foot Jones Brothers brings you right into Topsail's best fishing grounds with room for up to 6 anglers. This solid Carolina-built boat cuts through coastal waters smoothly while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for redfish and sea trout. The fish finder helps locate schools and bottom structure where black drum and flounder hang out, while GPS navigation gets you to the productive spots efficiently. VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fishing reports. The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to get in on the action. With expert local knowledge of where Atlantic bonito run and winter flounder hold, you'll spend your 6 hours fishing instead of searching. All tackle and equipment provided - just bring your fishing license and get ready to put some North Carolina gamefish in the cooler.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 40 mph when chasing baitfish. These silver rockets with dark stripes typically run 3-8 pounds and look like small tuna with their sleek build. You'll find schools of them feeding aggressively on the surface, often jumping clear out of the water chasing menhaden and sardines. Watch for diving birds - that's your best sign they're feeding nearby. Fall months bring the best action when they migrate through our area. While they're not great table fare, they put up an amazing scrap on light tackle with screaming runs. Pro tip: once you find a feeding school, cast anything shiny and retrieve it fast - they're not picky when they're fired up.
Pogonias CromisThese bruisers are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. You'll recognize them by their dark coloring and the drumming sounds they make underwater. Black drum love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in the shallows. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: use fresh blue crab or peeler crab on the bottom - it stays on the hook better than shrimp and drives them crazy. These fish pull hard and steady, making for a great fight on medium tackle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots run 18-35 inches around here and love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they're most active in the shallows. They eat great with mild, sweet meat and fight like bulldogs with strong, steady runs. The sight-fishing is addictive - watching them tail in skinny water gets your heart pumping. Local secret: throw a gold spoon past a tailing fish and work it slowly back - the flash drives them nuts.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish, or sea trout as most folks call them, are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These silver fish with scattered dark spots typically run 12-16 inches and have soft mouths that require a gentle touch. They hang around grass beds, sandy bottoms, and creek mouths in 3-15 feet of water. Summer evenings are magic time when they move shallow to feed. They're excellent table fare with delicate, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The tricky part is their soft mouths - hooks pull out easily if you horse them. Here's the key: keep steady pressure but don't jerk the rod. A slow retrieve with a soft plastic or live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly effective.
Wilmington