Expert Guided Inshore Fishing Adventures in North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing trip stays close to shoreTarget flounder, trout, drum, bluefish and Spanish mackerelBeginnerfriendly charter accommodates up to 6 guests
Look, if you're looking for a fishing trip that won't leave you green around the gills or wondering what the heck you're doing out there, this half-day inshore charter is exactly what you need. We're talking about staying close to shore where the water's calmer, the fish are plentiful, and you actually get to enjoy yourself instead of fighting seasickness. Perfect for families with kids, first-time anglers, or anyone who wants to catch fish without the drama of deep-sea fishing. North Carolina's inshore waters are some of the most productive on the East Coast, and we'll put you right in the middle of the action.
This isn't your typical "let's head 20 miles offshore and hope for the best" kind of trip. We keep it smart and stay where the fish are biting - in the shallows, around structure, and along the beaches where North Carolina's inshore species love to hang out. You'll get your hands on multiple fishing techniques during this half-day adventure, which means you're not just learning one way to fish, you're picking up skills you can use anywhere. We start early to beat the crowds and catch fish when they're most active. The boat holds up to 6 people, so it's intimate enough that everyone gets personal attention but big enough to bring the whole crew. Whether you're 8 or 80, we'll set you up for success and make sure you're comfortable the entire time.
Here's where it gets fun - we're not just doing one thing out there. Bottom fishing for flounder means dropping your bait down to where these flatfish are waiting to ambush their next meal. It's methodical, relaxing, and when that rod tip starts bouncing, you know you've got something good. Then we switch it up with some shallow water casting for trout and drum. This is active fishing - you're working lures, feeling every bump and tap, and when a redfish or speckled trout crushes your bait in two feet of water, your heart's going to jump. Finally, we'll do some trolling along the beach for bluefish and Spanish mackerel. This is where we cover water, let the boat do the work, and wait for that reel to start screaming. Three completely different approaches, all proven fish-catchers in these waters. We provide all the gear, bait, and tackle - you just bring yourself and get ready to learn.
Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore world, and North Carolina's waters are loaded with them from late spring through early fall. These fish hit hard and fast, usually running 1-3 pounds with the occasional 4-pounder to keep things interesting. They love shiny spoons and small jigs, and when you hook one, it's going to make several blistering runs before you get it to the boat. What makes them special is their fight-to-size ratio - pound for pound, few fish pull harder than a Spanish mackerel.
Bluefish are the bullies of the bunch, traveling in schools and absolutely destroying anything that looks like food. These toothy predators range from 2-8 pounds in our waters, with the larger "chopper blues" showing up in fall and winter. They're aggressive, they fight dirty, and they'll give you a workout. Blues are perfect for beginners because they're not picky eaters, but they'll test your drag and your resolve once hooked.
Black drum are the gentle giants of the flats, often weighing 20-40 pounds but fighting like fish twice their size. These bottom-dwellers love crabs and shrimp, and when you hook one, it's going to make long, powerful runs that'll have you wondering if you've hooked the bottom. They're most active in cooler months and provide that "big fish" experience without having to venture into deep water.
Sea trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are probably the most beautiful fish we catch regularly. Their spotted sides and delicate mouths make them a favorite among anglers, and they're excellent table fare. Running 1-5 pounds typically, they love grass flats and creek mouths, especially on moving tides. Specks can be picky eaters, which makes catching them that much more rewarding.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and North Carolina's waters hold some beauties. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water, structure, and putting up a serious fight. From schoolie reds around 18-27 inches to the occasional bull red over 40 inches, these fish will test your equipment and your skills. They're smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful - the perfect inshore gamefish.
This half-day inshore trip gives you everything you want from a fishing charter without any of the stuff you don't. No long boat rides, no rough seas, no complicated techniques you can't master in one trip. Just good fishing, patient instruction, and the chance to catch some of North Carolina's best inshore species. We're talking about a trip that works for everyone - the kids will love the action, beginners will gain confidence, and even experienced anglers will appreciate the variety and productivity of these waters. The calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around thinking about it. Book now and get ready to see why North Carolina's inshore fishing scene keeps anglers coming back year after year. Trust me, once you experience how good the fishing can be when you stay close to shore, you'll wonder why anyone bothers with the deep water drama.
Meet our 30-foot Custom Carolina, a beautifully restored 2012 performance fishing machine that's perfect for North Carolina's inshore waters. Twin 300HP Yamaha 4-strokes push this boat to a smooth 40 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping seasickness at bay with quick runs between spots. The fish finder will help locate schools of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation in coastal conditions. Whether you're bottom fishing for Flounder in deeper channels or casting shallow flats for Speckled Trout and Red Drum, this boat handles it all with ease. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the head provides comfort during longer trips. Built for up to 6 anglers, it's spacious enough for families and beginners to learn different techniques without feeling cramped. From trolling the beachfront to working structure for bottom species, this Carolina boat delivers the perfect platform for exploring North Carolina's productive inshore fishery.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 10-30 pounds in our waters, though they can get much bigger. These dark, powerful fish love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and around dock pilings where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater, which is pretty cool to experience. They're known for their bulldogging fights, using their weight and power rather than speed. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are good eating, but the big ones are tough. The key to landing drum is fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. When they pick up your bait, don't set the hook immediately - let them run with it a bit first.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that pack serious attitude in a 2-8 pound package. Around here, they show up in late spring and stick around through fall, often found in schools along the surf and near inlets. These blue-green fighters have razor-sharp teeth and aren't shy about using them - they'll attack schools of baitfish even when they're already full. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature and strong fight for their size. They hit lures hard and make good runs. The smaller ones under 5 pounds are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat, though the bigger ones can be a bit strong. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - their teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat, and always be careful handling them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, running 18-35 inches and built like copper-colored tanks. You'll spot them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're year-round residents but really turn on during fall when they school up. What makes reds special is that classic black spot near their tail and the way they bulldoze through shallow water when hooked. They're strong fighters that use their broad sides against you. Slot-size fish (under 27 inches) are fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The secret is sight fishing - look for their copper backs or tails waving in shallow water, then make a quiet cast ahead of where they're heading. Gold spoons and live shrimp are hard to beat.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, running 12-20 inches and 1-3 pounds on average. These silvery fish with black spots love grass flats, shallow bays, and around oyster bars where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What guests love about trout fishing is how willing they are to bite artificials - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp all work great. They make decent runs and have a soft mouth, so you've got to play them carefully. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. Here's the trick: fish them slow and low during cold fronts when they drop into deeper holes, and use a popping cork with live shrimp when the water's moving on the flats.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, sleek fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh around 2-4 pounds here in North Carolina waters. You'll find them schooling near the surface from spring through fall, especially when we're trolling along the beach or around structure. They're silver with distinctive yellow spots and swim in large schools that can stretch for miles. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit hard and make screaming runs, which makes them perfect for beginners and kids. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and great on the grill. My tip: when you see birds diving, head that way fast. Spanish Mackerel follow baitfish to the surface, and where there's bird action, there's usually a feeding frenzy happening underneath.
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