Get ready to hit the water for some serious fishing action! Our 4 to 6-hour nearshore trip is packed with opportunities to land some of the most exciting fish swimming just off the coast. We're talking wreck fishing that'll have you pulling up one surprise after another, plus trolling for speedy mackerel and ribbonfish that'll test your skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, our crew's got your back with all the gear and know-how you need. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to make some fishing memories!
Here's the scoop on our nearshore fishing trip: we'll cruise out just far enough to hit the sweet spots where the fish are biting, but not so far that we're gone all day. This is perfect if you want a solid few hours of fishing without committing to a full-day offshore excursion. We've got room for up to 4 people, so bring your buddies or the family. Just a heads up – we don't provide meals on this one, so pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the big ones.
We've got two main strategies on this trip: wreck fishing and trolling. When we're wreck fishing, we'll drop lines near sunken structures where fish love to hang out. It's like a underwater buffet for them, and that means non-stop action for us. For trolling, we'll drag lines behind the boat as we cruise, mimicking baitfish to attract predators like mackerel. It's a blast when a fish hits – your reel will start screaming, and you'll be in for a fight! We provide all the gear, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your game face and maybe some lucky fishing hat.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch. They're known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps. Spring through fall is prime time for Spanish mackerel, and they usually weigh in around 2-4 pounds. When you hook one, hold on tight – they'll give you a run for your money!
Bluefish: Pound for pound, bluefish are some of the hardest fighting fish in the sea. They've got a mouth full of sharp teeth and an attitude to match. We typically catch them from spring to fall, with some real bruisers showing up in the cooler months. Expect to catch bluefish in the 2-5 pound range, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 10-pounder!
Black Drum: These guys are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. Black drum can be caught year-round, but spring and fall are usually best. They range from a few pounds up to 50 or more, and when you hook a big one, you'll know it – they pull like a truck!
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these are the bigger cousins of Spanish mackerel. Kings are prized for their smoking runs and aerial displays. We usually target them from late spring through fall. Most kings we catch are in the 10-20 pound range, but 30-40 pounders aren't uncommon. Landing a big king is often the highlight of a trip!
Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers. They're known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their powerful, determined fights. Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall is often the best time. We catch them from small "rat reds" up to bull reds over 40 inches. When a big red takes your bait, hang on – it's going to be a battle!
Alright, folks – if you're itching to feel that tug on your line and the salt spray on your face, it's time to lock in your trip. Our nearshore fishing adventure is perfect for anyone looking to score some quality fish without venturing too far from the coast. Remember, we've only got room for 4 on the boat, so don't wait too long to book. Give Captain Clay a ring at 252-333-2279 to check availability and get your name on the list. Trust me, there's nothing like the feeling of reeling in your own dinner – and the stories you'll have to tell afterward are priceless. So what are you waiting for? Let's go fishing!
Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders that'll give your arms a workout. These silvery-black fish with whisker-like barbels can grow over 50 pounds. You'll find 'em in our shallow bays and estuaries, often around oyster beds and other structure. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers enjoy black drum for their strong pulling power and good table fare when smaller. To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. My local tip: Listen for their distinctive croaking sound - that can clue you in to a school nearby. The bigger ones put up quite a fight, so make sure your drag is set right!
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll test your skills. These blue-green torpedoes average 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find 'em in our nearshore waters, often in schools churning up the surface as they feed. Bluefish really turn on in summer and fall when water temps warm up. Anglers love 'em for their hard strikes and powerful fights. To catch blues, try casting topwater lures or trolling with spoons. My local tip: Look for diving birds or baitfish jumping - that usually means bluefish are feeding nearby. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking one! Smaller blues make good eating too, with a rich, full flavor.
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll make your reel sing. These sleek, silver missiles average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. We find 'em in our deeper nearshore waters, often around reefs and wrecks. Kings show up in spring and stick around through fall. Anglers prize them for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. To target kings, try slow-trolling live bait or fast-trolling with spoons. My local tip: Use wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. When a king hits, hold on tight! These fish are known for powerful first runs that can really test your gear.
Redfish are copper-colored bruisers that'll test your light tackle skills. These spotted beauties average 5-15 pounds in the shallows, with bigger bulls offshore. You'll find 'em tailing in our marshes and flats, often in just a foot or two of water. Fall is prime time as they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard pulls and delicious white meat. To hook one, try sight-casting with soft plastics or live bait. My local tip: Look for their distinctive tail wakes in calm water - that's your cue to make a precise cast. When a red takes off, be ready for some drag-screaming action!
Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers that'll give you a run for your money. These silvery fish with yellowish spots usually run 1-2 feet long and hang out in schools near the surface. We find 'em in coastal waters, often around structures like reefs. They're most active in warmer months when they migrate to our area. Anglers love Spanish Mackerel for their fast-paced action and tasty meat. To catch 'em, try trolling with small, shiny spoons or live bait like sardines. My local tip: Keep an eye out for bird activity - that often means there's a school of mackerel feeding below. These fish hit hard and fight strong, so be ready for some excitement when one takes your line.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150