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Expert-Guided 3-Hour Inshore Fishing in Beaufort NC
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $400 - $900 price range
- Updated Date: September 22, 2025
Summary
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Catches of the Day
Reeling in the catch of the day!
Reeling in the catch of the day.
A great day on the water with the crew, reeling in some good catches.
A day on the water, with a few good catches to show for it.
Relaxing day on the water with a catch.
Reeling in the catch of the day!
Reeling in the catch of the day.
A great day on the water with the crew, reeling in some good catches.
A day on the water, with a few good catches to show for it.
Relaxing day on the water with a catch.
Reeling in the catch of the day!
Reeling in the catch of the day.
A great day on the water with the crew, reeling in some good catches.
A day on the water, with a few good catches to show for it.
Reel in the Action: Beaufort's Quick Cast Trip
Trip Overview
Get ready to wet a line on this 3-hour inshore fishing adventure in Beaufort, North Carolina. We're talking prime backwater action where the fish are always biting. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be hitting all the local hotspots. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's perfect for sharpening your skills and landing some impressive catches. Drum, flounder, and trout are just a few of the local favorites you might find on the end of your line. It's a quick trip packed with non-stop action – just the way we like it here in Beaufort.
What to Expect on the Water
Once we push off from the dock, it's all about finding where the fish are hiding. We'll cruise through Beaufort's scenic backwaters, keeping an eye out for telltale signs of activity. Our captain's got a sixth sense for spotting the best fishing holes, so get ready to cast your line where it counts. We'll be using light tackle and live bait – perfect for enticing those inshore species. You'll learn the art of reading the water, how to present your bait just right, and the satisfaction of feeling that first tug on the line. It's hands-on fishing at its finest, and you'll be reeling 'em in before you know it.
Top Catches This Season
Beaufort's waters are teeming with a variety of gamefish, and our quick cast trips are hitting the jackpot lately. Spanish mackerel have been running hot, putting up a great fight on light tackle. Bluefish are always a blast – these toothy critters will test your skills and make for some exciting catches. Striped bass are another local favorite, known for their power and size. Sea trout are abundant and make for excellent eating if you're looking to take home dinner. And let's not forget about redfish – these copper-colored beauties are a prized catch in our parts. No matter what's biting, you're in for a real treat on Beaufort's inshore grounds.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a summertime favorite in Beaufort. Known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps, Spanish mackerel will give you a run for your money. They typically range from 2-4 pounds but can get bigger. Look for them around bait schools near the surface – when they're feeding, it's non-stop action. Best time to target them is from late spring through early fall when the water warms up.
Bluefish: Pound for pound, bluefish are some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They're aggressive feeders with a mouthful of sharp teeth, so watch those fingers when you're unhooking them! Bluefish can range from 2-20 pounds, with the bigger ones known as "choppers" among local anglers. They're most active in the warmer months and love to chase lures or live bait. The thrill of a bluefish blitz is something every angler should experience.
Striped Bass: Also known as rockfish, these are the heavyweight champs of Beaufort's inshore waters. Stripers can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 40 pounds or more. They're known for their powerful runs and ability to break tackle if you're not careful. We target them year-round, but the fall and spring runs are particularly exciting. Stripers love structure, so we'll be hitting jetties, bridge pilings, and deep holes where these brutes like to hang out.
Sea Trout: Speckled sea trout, or specks as we call them, are a local delicacy and a joy to catch. They're known for their beautiful spotted pattern and delicate bite. Sea trout typically range from 1-5 pounds, but gator trout (the big ones) can push 10 pounds or more. We catch them year-round, but the fall is prime time when they school up in the creeks and marshes. Light tackle and a soft touch are key to landing these finicky fighters.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of Beaufort inshore fishing. They're famous for their distinctive spot near the tail and their hard-pulling fights. Redfish can range from small "puppy drums" to bull reds over 40 inches long. We target them in the shallows, often sight-casting to tailing fish – it's a heart-pounding experience when you see that big red cruise by your bait. They're around all year, but fall is the peak season when the big ones move into the shallows.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with us in Beaufort tend to make it a regular thing, and it's easy to see why. Our quick cast trips are the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without taking up your whole day. You're not just catching fish – you're soaking in the natural beauty of the North Carolina coast. The salt air, the call of seabirds, and the thrill of not knowing what's on the end of your line – it's addictive in the best way possible. Plus, our captains are always happy to share their local knowledge, so you'll pick up new tips and tricks every time you come out. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer or just enjoy some quality time on the water, our Beaufort inshore trips deliver the goods time and time again.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Beaufort's finest inshore species, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 3-hour quick cast adventure is the perfect balance of action-packed fishing and relaxed coastal vibes. Remember, we're limited to 3 guests per trip, so it's an intimate experience where you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention from the captain. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of North Carolina's inshore fishing, this trip's got you covered. Don't let another season slip by without wetting a line in Beaufort's legendary waters. Grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let's go fishing – the bite's on, and the fish are waiting!
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the sea - aggressive, strong, and always ready for a fight. These choppers typically run 3-10 pounds around here, with some topping 20. You'll find them roaming the surf, inlets, and nearshore waters, often in big schools. They're most active in summer and fall when water temps are up. Bluefish are voracious predators, slashing through bait balls with their razor-sharp teeth. That feeding frenzy makes for some exciting topwater action. Anglers love 'em for their hard strikes and powerful runs. To catch blues, try casting metal lures or poppers into feeding schools. Live bait like mullet or menhaden works great too. Just watch those teeth when unhooking - they'll cut you quick. A local tip: when you see gulls diving and bait fish jumping, get ready for some bluefish mayhem. These bruisers put up a mean fight and make for some good eating too if you bleed them right away.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 3-10 pounds here, with some bulls topping 40. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in the marsh creeks. They're active year-round but really fire up in fall. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and ability to strip drag. Anglers love sight-casting to them in skinny water - watching that big tail wave as they root for crabs is a rush. To catch reds, try working soft plastics or cut bait along drop-offs and structure. A local trick is to look for them pushing water in super shallow areas on high tide. When you hook up, be ready for some serious pulling - these fish will test your drag system. Redfish make great table fare too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target here. These spotted beauties usually run 1-3 pounds, with some gators hitting 5+. You'll find them in grass flats, oyster bars, and around structure in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are mild. Sea Trout are ambush predators, using their spotted camouflage to blend in and strike unsuspecting prey. Anglers love 'em for their subtle strikes and acrobatic jumps. To catch trout, try working soft plastics or live shrimp slowly along bottom structure. A local tip: fish the first few hours of an incoming tide for best results. When the water's clear, go with lighter tackle and more natural presentations. Sea Trout make for some fine eating too, with delicate white meat that's great on the grill. Just remember to release the bigger ones to keep the population healthy.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are a blast to catch around here. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish usually run 2-3 feet long and put up a great fight. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often chasing bait fish. They like warmer water, so late spring through fall is prime time. Look for them around structures like reefs or wrecks in 20-40 feet of water. Spanish Mackerel are known for their speed - they can hit 40 mph in short bursts. That makes for some exciting strikes when they attack your lure. Folks love targeting them for the fast action and tasty fillets. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local trick is to use a wire leader since their teeth are razor sharp. When you see birds diving, that's a good sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. Get ready for some high-speed fun when you hook into these speedsters.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass, or "stripers", are the crown jewel for many anglers here. These powerful fish can grow over 50 pounds, though 20-30 pounders are more common. You'll find them in the surf, inlets, and around structure in the bay. Stripers like cooler water, so spring and fall are prime seasons. They're structure-oriented, so look for them around jetties, bridges, and drop-offs. Stripers are known for their hard strikes and long, powerful runs. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and their excellent table fare. To catch stripers, try live-lining bunker or eels, or casting plugs and soft plastics. A local trick is to fish the outgoing tide at night with dark-colored lures. The bass will often stage in deeper holes, waiting to ambush bait as it flushes out. When you hook into a big striper, hold on tight - these fish will test your gear and your arms.
About the Pathfinder
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
