Get ready to hit the rich waters of Beaufort, North Carolina for a half-day of inshore fishing that'll have you hooked! Our 4-hour private morning trip is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality time on the water without burning a whole day. We're talking prime fishing grounds where the reds are running, the trout are biting, and the flounder are just waiting to be found. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get out there!
Picture this: You're cruising out as the sun's just peeking over the horizon, the smell of saltwater in the air, and the promise of a great catch ahead. We'll be targeting some of the area's most sought-after inshore species - Red Drum, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some serious action. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time to perfect your technique or learn some new tricks. And hey, no worries if you're new to this - we're here to make sure you're reeling 'em in like a pro by the end of the trip.
On this inshore adventure, we're all about light tackle and big results. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's hot that day. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, working a popping cork for specks, or finessing a jig for those crafty flounder. Our boats are set up with top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your own lucky rod if you've got one. We'll hit up some prime spots - from grass flats to oyster beds and channel edges. It's all about reading the water and knowing where the fish are hiding. And don't worry, we'll show you the ropes on how to work each spot for maximum success.
Beaufort's inshore waters have been on fire lately! Anglers have been pulling in some impressive catches, with red drum dominating the scene. We've seen some real bruisers in the 30-inch range, putting up fights that'll have your arms aching (in the best way). The speckled trout bite has been steady, especially around structure and drop-offs. And let's not forget about those doormats - we've had guests land some hefty flounder that'd make any angler proud. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just looking to bend a rod, these waters have been delivering the goods day in and day out.
Bluefish: These toothy critters are like the bulldogs of the sea - all muscle and attitude. They're known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Bluefish typically show up in Beaufort waters from spring through fall, with peak action in the summer months. They're often found in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for more! Anglers love targeting blues for their hard-fighting nature and the pure excitement they bring to the boat.
Striped Bass: Also known as rockfish, these legendary gamefish are prized catches in Beaufort. They're smart, strong, and can grow to impressive sizes. Stripers tend to hang around structure and can be caught year-round, but the fall and spring runs are particularly epic. When you hook into a big striper, be prepared for a battle royale - these fish know how to use current to their advantage and will test your skills to the max.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're known for their beautiful spotted patterns and delicate mouth, which makes for an exciting and finesse-focused fight. Sea trout are most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. They love to hang around grass flats and oyster bars, often striking lures with explosive topwater hits that'll get your heart racing.
Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what bring many anglers to Beaufort. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their incredible strength. Reds can be caught year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools of bull reds come inshore to spawn. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an experience every angler should have - it's like hunting and fishing rolled into one!
Cobia: While technically not an inshore species, we sometimes get lucky and spot cobia cruising in the shallows, especially in late spring and early summer. These powerful fish are often mistaken for sharks at first glance due to their size and shape. Cobia are curious by nature and known to follow boats or even sharks. When hooked, they put up a spectacular fight with long runs and acrobatic jumps. Landing a cobia is always a highlight of any fishing trip.
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase - this 4-hour inshore trip is the real deal. You've got the chance to target some of Beaufort's most popular gamefish, learn from seasoned pros, and maybe even land that catch of a lifetime. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, show off your skills to friends, or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip fits the bill. Remember, we're talking about a private charter here, so it's all about you and your group. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and we're itching to get out there. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back for more. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be glad you did. See you on the water!
Cobia are hard-fighting fish that can grow up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll often spot them near reefs, wrecks, or buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime times as they migrate and spawn inshore. Anglers love targeting cobia for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. Look for them cruising just below the surface, especially around structure. They'll hit a variety of lures, but a bucktail jig in the 4-8 oz range is tough to beat. Don't be afraid to go with bigger offerings - these aggressive predators aren't picky eaters. My local tip: keep an eye out for rays, as cobia often follow them looking for an easy meal. When you hook one, be ready for an epic battle. Their strong runs and endurance make them one of the most exciting inshore gamefish to catch.
Striped bass, or stripers, are hard-fighting fish that can top 50 pounds. Here in North Carolina, we get good runs of ocean-run stripers in spring and fall. Look for them around inlets, bridges, and rocky shorelines. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live bait like menhaden or eels. Stripers often feed in low light, so dawn and dusk are prime times. They put up an awesome fight, with powerful runs and head shakes. The meat is mild and flaky, great for grilling or baking. One local trick: fish the rip lines formed where currents collide - stripers love to ambush bait in these spots. When you hook into a big one, hang on tight. These fish will test your gear and your arms with their bulldog strength.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. Most run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches are possible. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, typically in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout fishing heats up in spring and fall as water temperatures are mild. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor on the table. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics and topwater lures also produce. My go-to trick is working a suspending twitch bait slowly along channel edges. The key is a subtle presentation - trout have keen eyesight and can be spooky. When you find one, there's usually more nearby.
Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite inshore target here. Most run 20-30 inches, but trophy "bull reds" over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them in shallow flats, oyster bars, and around docks in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent eating. They have a distinctive black spot near the tail - sometimes more than one. Sight fishing for tailing reds in the shallows is a blast. Try gold spoons, soft plastics, or live bait like shrimp or mullet. A local trick is to fish the edges of grass flats on a falling tide, when reds move out to feed. Listen for them crushing bait - that popping sound is a dead giveaway. Once hooked, be ready for some drag-screaming runs.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250