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Top-Rated 4-6 Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Outer Banks
- $200 - $700 price range
Summary
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Inshore Catches
Reeling in redfish glory with epic deep sea action!
Reeled in a big catch of Grey Triggerfish with heavy tackle and light tackle!
Reel in the Big Ones: Private Inshore Fishing
Get ready to wet a line and feel that rush of excitement as you hook into some of the most sought-after inshore species around. This private 4 to 6-hour trip puts you right in the action, targeting speckled trout and red drum in the productive shallow waters. With your own rod in hand and a seasoned captain at the helm, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing fun that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we shove off, you'll feel the anticipation building. We're heading to some prime fishing spots where the water's less than 7 feet deep - perfect for sight casting and working those artificial reefs and oyster beds. Each angler gets their own rod, so you're in control of your own catches. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, our captain will make sure you're set up for success. And the best part? These inshore species aren't just a blast to catch - they make for some mighty fine eating too!
Tactics for Inshore Success
We'll be using a mix of tried-and-true techniques to put you on the fish. Expect to do some light tackle fishing, perfect for feeling every nibble and strike. We might start by drifting over some grass flats, working soft plastics or live bait to entice those speckled trout. When we're after redfish, we'll be scanning the shallows, looking for their telltale tails poking out of the water as they root around for crabs. Don't be surprised if we switch it up and throw some topwater lures - there's nothing quite like seeing a big red explode on a surface bait!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are a favorite among anglers for good reason. Known for their delicate flavor and willingness to bite, specks can be found year-round but really turn on in the fall. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting those oyster beds and artificial reefs. When you hook one, get ready for some acrobatics - they're known for their jumping ability!
Red Drum: Also known as redfish, these copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the inshore world. They can grow to impressive sizes, with bull reds topping 40 inches not uncommon. We'll be targeting the slot-sized reds, which offer the perfect combination of fight and table fare. Redfish are notorious for their powerful runs, so hold on tight when you hook up!
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the red drum, black drum can provide some serious pull on light tackle. These guys love to hang around structure and can grow to massive sizes. While the bigger ones can be a bit tough for eating, the smaller "puppy drums" are excellent on the plate.
Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. We'll be drifting over sandy bottoms, using light jigs tipped with strips of bait to entice them. When you feel that distinctive "thump," set the hook hard - flounder have a habit of holding onto the bait before committing.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are often called the "convict fish." They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling the bite takes a bit of practice. But once you hook up, you're in for a treat - these fish put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size and are excellent eating.
Sea Trout: Not to be confused with speckled trout, sea trout (or weakfish) are another inshore favorite. They're known for their soft mouths, so a gentle touch is needed when fighting them. Sea trout often school up, so where you catch one, there's likely to be more!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about inshore fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the variety - one cast you're fighting a hard-pulling red, the next you're finessing a speckled trout. Or perhaps it's the scenery, with calm waters and abundant wildlife all around. Whatever it is, this trip offers the perfect mix of action, relaxation, and the chance to bring home some fresh fillets for dinner. Plus, with a private charter, you've got the flexibility to fish at your own pace and focus on the species you're most excited about.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing around? Don't let this opportunity slip away like a big one breaking your line. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for a family outing, a day with your fishing buddies, or even a unique corporate event. Remember, the fish are always biting - but spots on the boat fill up fast! Give Captain Clay a call at 252-333-2279 to check availability and lock in your date. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, this private inshore trip is your ticket to an unforgettable fishing adventure. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go catch some fish!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Redfish are a blast to catch and a favorite around here. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can top 40 inches. You'll find 'em in shallow water, often just a foot or two deep, cruising flats, oyster bars, and marshy edges. They love structure, so look for them around docks, pilings, and grass lines. Fall and spring are prime seasons when the water's just right. Redfish put up a great fight and they're excellent eating too - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. To land one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or soft plastic on a jighead. Work it slow along the bottom and be ready for that telltale thump. Here's a local tip: On calm days, scan for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. It's an awesome sight that'll get your heart racing.
Redfish
Sea Trout
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats. These big, silvery-gray fish with prominent chin barbels can range from 5 pounds up to 30 or more. You'll find them in shallow bays, around oyster beds, and near pier pilings, often in water less than 6 feet deep. They're bottom feeders, so look for them rooting around in the mud. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn, but you can catch 'em year-round. Drum put up a stubborn fight, and the smaller ones are excellent eating with firm, white meat. The big ones can be tough and wormy, so we usually release those. To catch 'em, use fresh cut bait or crabs on a fish-finder rig. Here's a local secret: Listen for their distinctive grunting sound - it can lead you right to a school of hungry drum.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of the trickier fish to catch, but man, are they worth it. These striped convict-looking fish usually run 2-4 pounds, but the big ones can hit 10 pounds or more. You'll find them around structure - pilings, bridges, reefs - anywhere there's barnacles and crustaceans for them to munch on. They're around all year, but winter and early spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are prized for their sweet, white meat - some folks call 'em the poor man's lobster. They're notorious bait stealers with those chompers, so you gotta be quick on the hook set. Here's a tip: Use a small, strong hook with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. Get it right up against the structure and be ready for the lightest of bites. It takes some practice, but landing a big sheepshead is mighty satisfying.
Summer Flounder
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of inshore fishing here. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14-20 inches, though some gators can push 24 inches or more. You'll find them in grassy flats, around oyster beds, and near creek mouths, typically in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Sea trout are known for their soft, delicate meat - real tasty on the grill. Anglers love 'em because they school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to hit lures. For best results, try a popping cork rig with a soft plastic shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it with sharp jerks to mimic a fleeing baitfish. The trout can't resist!
About the Center Console Boats
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
