NC Charter Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore charter targets multiple species including King Mackerel and CobiaExtended trip duration allows deeper water fishing beyond typical inshore limitsProfessional captain maximizes fishing success with expert local knowledge
Looking for a serious day of angling off the North Carolina coast? Our 6-hour inshore charter with X-Spearmint Sportfishing puts you right in the action where the fish are biting. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about extended time on the water that gives us the chance to really dial in on productive spots and put you on multiple species. Captain's been running these waters for years, and this 6-hour window is his sweet spot for consistently delivering quality catches. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without feeling crowded.
We launch early and make the most of every minute on the water. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is that we're not rushed – if the bite's hot at one spot, we can stay put and capitalize. If it's slow, we've got time to move around and find where they're feeding. The North Carolina inshore waters are absolutely loaded with structure and baitfish, which means predators are always nearby. You'll be fishing productive waters from the moment we leave the dock, targeting everything from schooling Spanish mackerel to hard-fighting cobia cruising the nearshore reefs. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels, plus we've got live bait wells and all the terminal tackle you'll need. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and get ready to put some fish in the box.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Trolling is a big part of our game plan – we'll pull spoons, diving plugs, and rigged baits to cover water and locate active schools. When we mark fish on the sonar, we'll stop and work them with live bait rigs, jigs, and cut baits. The inshore waters here have incredible structure – artificial reefs, natural ledges, and wrecks that hold fish year-round. We fish everything from 15 feet of water right out to the nearshore reefs in 60-80 feet. Live bait is king for the bigger fish, so we keep the wells stocked with menhaden, mullet, and whatever else the fish are keyed in on. You'll be working circle hooks on knocker rigs, throwing jigs at busting fish, and maybe even sight-fishing when conditions are right. The variety keeps things interesting, and there's always something pulling drag.
Bluefish are one of our most reliable targets and absolute blast on light tackle. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to cut bait, and their razor-sharp teeth and hard runs make every hookup a fight. Best fishing is typically spring through fall, with the larger "chopper" blues showing up when the water cools. What makes them special is their willingness to eat – when blues are around, everyone on the boat gets in on the action.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish over 40 pounds common in these waters. They're bottom dwellers that cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shellfish, making them perfect targets for our inshore trips. Peak season runs from late winter through spring when they're spawning, but we catch them consistently through summer too. These fish are pure power – once hooked, they'll make long, steady runs that'll test your drag and your patience. The fight is all about endurance, and landing a big drum is something you'll remember forever.
King mackerel are the speed demons of our target list and one of the most sought-after species in North Carolina waters. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and are known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. We target them from late spring through fall when they're following bait schools along the coast. Trolling is the most productive method, using live menhaden, cigar minnows, and spoons. When a king hits, you'll know it – the reel screams and the fight is on. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take home dinner.
Grey triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they're scrappy fighters with excellent eating qualities. These reef dwellers are common around our nearshore structures and they'll test your patience with their bait-stealing abilities. They've got small mouths but big attitudes, and once hooked, they'll use their flat body shape to create maximum resistance. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action and a fish fry at the end of the day.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and North Carolina's population is world-class. These copper-colored bruisers can be found from the surf zone to the nearshore reefs, and they're known for their bulldogging fights and beautiful coloration. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up in massive numbers. They'll eat live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. What makes reds special is their fighting style – they don't jump like kings, but they'll make powerful runs and use their broad tail to create incredible pulling power. Plus, they're absolutely beautiful fish with distinctive black spots and bronze sides.
This 6-hour trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything North Carolina inshore fishing has to offer. You're getting quality time on proven waters with a captain who knows where the fish live and how to catch them. The variety of species means there's always something biting, and the extended time on the water lets us really capitalize when the bite's hot. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, this trip delivers consistent action and the chance to tangle with some serious fish. Don't wait – the best dates fill
Our 30' Custom Carolina is built for serious fishing off the North Carolina coast. This performance fishing machine was custom-built in 2012 and completely restored in 2021, powered by twin 300HP Yamaha 4-strokes that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 40 knots. The boat handles beautifully in coastal waters and gives you the stability you need when battling King Mackerel, Cobia, and Amberjack. She's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard head means comfort during those longer runs. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work multiple lines and land some serious fish. This Carolina-built boat knows these waters and will put you on the species that make North Carolina fishing legendary.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 10-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50-plus. These bottom-dwellers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and around bridge pilings in 5-40 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're powerful fighters that use their bulk and the bottom to their advantage. Fresh crab is the go-to bait since it stays on the hook and drum can't resist it. The smaller fish under 15 pounds are great eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use enough weight to keep your bait on bottom and be patient - drum are notorious for mouthing bait before committing, so let them take it before setting the hook.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in NC waters from spring through fall, usually running 3-20 pounds with occasional larger ones. These blue-green backed fighters travel in schools and are famous for their feeding frenzies - when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They hit hard and fight dirty with sharp teeth, so bring a wire leader. You'll find them around baitfish schools in 20-80 feet of water, especially near structure or temperature breaks. The smaller "cocktail blues" under 5 pounds are excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Larger fish have stronger flavor but still good smoked. Pro tip: when the water starts churning and birds are diving, get your lures in fast - that's a bluefish blitz and the action won't last long.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggers are tough little scrappiers that average 12-17 inches but fight way above their weight class. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-180 feet, where they use their powerful jaws to crunch crabs and sea urchins. Summer through early fall is best when they move into shallower water. What makes them fun is their attitude - they're aggressive biters but also bait stealers with those sharp teeth. The meat is excellent, firm and white with a mild flavor. Squid chunks work great since they stay on the hook better than softer baits. Here's the trick: when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it, then reel fast and steady - triggers will use their flat bodies to fight you all the way to the surface.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are pure speed demons, usually running 10-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50-plus. These sleek predators cruise the 40-150 foot range along ledges, reefs, and temperature breaks. Summer and early fall are peak season when they follow baitfish up from the south. What makes them special is that blazing first run - they'll peel line off like few fish can. Most anglers troll with live bait or spoons, but they also hit well on vertical jigs. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for the grill. Wire leaders are mandatory with those razor-sharp teeth. Local tip: rig your live bait with a hook in the nose and a stinger hook near the tail - kings often hit baits from behind and that back hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water, typically running 18-30 inches and known for that distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find them in 1-6 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and marshy shorelines where they feed on crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time when they school up, but they bite year-round in our waters. What guests love is watching them "tail" in skinny water and that bulldogging fight when hooked. The slot-size fish are outstanding table fare - firm, mild, and sweet. Live shrimp or cut crab work great, but topwater plugs in the shallows create explosive strikes. Pro tip: look for nervous water or birds working - that usually means reds are pushing bait. Cast past the school and work your lure back through the edges to avoid spooking them.
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