Full Day Hatteras Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple species with Captain MikeExpert guidance for Redfish, Sheepshead, Cobia, Flounder and Spanish MackerelSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
Captain Mike Hauck knows these Hatteras waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish for a solid 8-hour day of inshore action. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a proper fishing trip where you'll have time to work multiple spots, dial in different techniques, and really get into the rhythm of what makes Hatteras inshore fishing so special. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to check some new species off your list, this full-day charter gives you the time and flexibility to make it happen.
Your day starts early with Captain Mike, who'll have the boat rigged and ready before you even finish your coffee. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is that you're not watching the clock – instead, you're following the fish and the conditions. We'll hit different structure throughout the day, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper ledges where cobia hang out. The captain reads the water, wind, and tide like a book, so you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times. Groups up to 4 people work perfectly on this setup, giving everyone plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up. Don't worry about bringing lunch – most folks pack sandwiches and snacks, and there's always time for a quick break when the bite slows down. The relaxed pace means beginners get hands-on instruction without feeling rushed, while experienced anglers can focus on perfecting their technique or trying new approaches.
Captain Mike runs a well-equipped boat with quality rods and reels suited for everything from finicky sheepshead to hard-fighting cobia. You'll work with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear most of the day, perfect for the variety of species we're targeting. Live bait is often the name of the game here – fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, and finger mullet that'll get the attention of whatever's swimming below. For the sheepshead around structure, we're talking about precise presentations with small hooks and just enough weight to get down. Spanish mackerel love fast-moving spoons and small jigs, so expect some arm-burning action when we find a school. The captain knows when to switch from bottom fishing to casting artificial lures, and he'll have you adjusting your approach based on what the fish are telling us. Circle hooks are standard for most setups, making catch and release cleaner while still giving you solid hooksets on keepers.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, showing up in big numbers during their seasonal runs. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds but what they lack in size, they make up for in pure fight. Spring through fall finds them schooling up over structure and chasing baitfish in open water. When you hook into a school, it's game on – they hit hard, run fast, and keep you busy. The best part? They're fantastic table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps things interesting, especially around Hatteras' abundant structure. These black-and-white striped beauties are notorious bait thieves, but once you figure out their game, they're addictive to target. Winter months bring some of the best sheepshead action, when they stack up around pilings, wrecks, and rocky bottom. A 3-5 pound sheepshead is a solid fish, but 8-10 pounders swim these waters and will test your skills. They're excellent eating too, with some of the best white meat you'll find in the ocean.
Sea Trout cruise the grass flats and deeper channels, providing consistent action throughout much of the year. These spotted beauties range from schoolie size up to gator trout pushing 6-8 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures with equal enthusiasm. Spring and fall offer some of the most reliable trout fishing, when they're feeding heavily and easier to pattern. The fight isn't as flashy as other species, but their willingness to bite and excellent table quality make them a favorite among local anglers.
Redfish are the bronze bulldozers that make every angler's heart race when they show up. Hatteras reds range from schooling puppy drum to oversized bulls that'll drag you around the boat. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water structure, oyster bars, and grass edges where they root for crabs and shrimp. A 20-30 inch red drum is prime eating size, while the bigger fish provide pure sporting thrills before going back to fight another day. They're year-round residents with peak action in spring and fall when they're most active in the shallows.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn a good day into a legendary one. These brown sharks look-alikes cruise structure and open water, often following rays or just appearing out of nowhere. A cobia in the 20-40 pound range will give you a workout you won't forget, combining raw power with surprising endurance. Summer months bring the best cobia opportunities, though they can show up almost anytime conditions are right. They're curious fish that often respond to sight fishing techniques, making for some of the most visual and exciting fishing you'll experience in these waters.
This full-day inshore trip with Captain Mike delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality time on productive water with a guide who knows how to put you on fish. Eight hours gives you the chance to experience the full range of what Hatteras inshore fishing offers, from technical sheepshead fishing to high-energy mackerel action. The variety keeps things fresh, the scenery is world-class, an
Step aboard the Carolina Yacht, a well-equipped 2019 center console that's built for serious inshore fishing around Hatteras. This reliable boat runs on a 200HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise comfortably at 30 knots, getting you to the productive fishing spots without burning up your whole day traveling. The elevated flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting structure and baitfish, while the fish finder helps locate where the sheepshead and mackerel are holding. Captain Mike keeps the onboard icebox stocked so your drinks stay cold and your catch stays fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you work the shallows quietly when targeting spooky redfish and flounder. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to fish comfortably without bumping into each other when the action heats up. The GPS navigation ensures smooth runs between different fishing areas, maximizing your time with lines in the water rather than searching around.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the inshore world, usually found solo cruising near structure or following rays. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and 3-5 feet, making them serious tackle-testers. They hang around wrecks, reefs, buoys, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June offers the best shot at finding them, especially during spawning season. What draws anglers is the challenge - they're not schooling fish, so each one is earned. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. The secret is sight fishing. We cruise likely areas looking for that dark shadow just under the surface. When you spot one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. They're curious fish and will often investigate the boat, so be ready with a rod.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. They average 20-35 inches around here, with slot fish running 18-27 inches being perfect for the table. These fish love super shallow water - 1-4 feet - around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings schools of bull reds that'll test your tackle. What makes them special is they're aggressive feeders and strong fighters that make long runs. Plus, slot-size reds are outstanding eating with mild, sweet meat. The key is sight fishing the flats on calm days. Look for tailing fish or nervous water, then make quiet approaches. A gold spoon or topwater plug worked slowly near structure will usually draw a strike. Keep your drag loose - they'll make powerful runs toward cover.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. They've got that distinctive spotted pattern and prefer grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk. Night fishing can be outstanding when they move shallow to feed. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though summer evenings produce great topwater strikes. What keeps anglers coming back is their willingness to hit lures and their excellent table fare - delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. Just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. The trick with specks is working the grass flats methodically. I like soft plastics on light jig heads, bouncing them through the grass. When it's calm, topwater plugs at first light will get your heart pumping with explosive surface strikes.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth. Most run 2-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally land 15+ pounders. They live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings, reefs - feeding on barnacles, crabs, and oysters. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they gather in big numbers. What makes them challenging is they're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and pick at your offering before committing. The reward is some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort to clean. Here's the key: use small hooks, get tight to structure, and when you feel that light tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard and fast. They've got powerful jaws, so don't hesitate.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silvery fish with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. Most run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, but we see some pushing 5-6 pounds during peak season. They travel in schools near the surface, making them fun to spot and target. Spring through fall is prime time here in Hatteras - they follow the baitfish north in warmer months. You'll find them around structure, nearshore reefs, and sometimes right in the surf when water temps climb. Guests love these fish because they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. My go-to tip: when you hook into a school, work fast. Keep your lures moving and don't waste time - they'll move on quickly, but you can often grab 3-4 fish before they scatter.
Hatteras