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Expert-Guided 3-Hour Inshore Fishing in Beaufort NC
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $350 - $900 price range
Summary
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Reels and Catches
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: 3-Hour Inshore Fishing in Beaufort
Ready to wet a line in some of North Carolina's most productive waters? Join us for a 3-hour afternoon fishing trip that'll have you casting for the Tar Heel State's most sought-after inshore species. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll make you forget about your day job and have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off from Beaufort, you'll feel the salty breeze and see why this slice of North Carolina is a fisherman's paradise. We'll cruise through the backwaters, hitting prime spots where the fish are known to hang out. You might be dropping lines near oyster beds, grass flats, or channel edges - wherever the bite is hot. Our 3-hour window is the sweet spot for getting in some serious fishing without taking up your whole day. And with a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain to fine-tune your technique.
Rigging Up for Success
We've got all the gear you need to land the big one. We're talking light to medium tackle that's perfect for inshore fishing. You'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. The captain might have you trying some popping cork action for trout, or maybe bouncing a jig off the bottom for flounder. And don't worry if you're new to this - our crew is always happy to show you the ropes, from tying knots to setting the hook just right.
Top Catches This Season
Beaufort's waters are teeming with game fish that'll put your skills to the test. Here's what's been biting:
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch and even better on the grill. They're typically in the 2-4 pound range but fight like they're twice that size. Look for them to start showing up in late spring, with the action heating up through summer. When they're running, it's non-stop excitement as they hit lures with lightning-fast strikes.
Bluefish: Pound for pound, blues are some of the hardest fighting fish in the sea. They've got a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. We usually find them in the 1-5 pound range, but even the smaller ones will give your drag a workout. They're around most of the year, but fall is prime time when they school up and chase bait near the surface.
Striped Bass: Also known as rockfish, these bruisers are the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing. They can top 30 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. Spring and fall are your best bets for hooking into a trophy striper. There's nothing quite like the thump of a big striper hitting a topwater lure at dawn.
Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout, or specks as we call 'em, are a local favorite. They're wily, hard-fighting, and taste great on the dinner table. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't unheard of. They're around all year, but the fall bite is especially good. Watching a trout blow up on a topwater plug is pure fishing magic.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the crown jewel of inshore fishing. They pull like a freight train and can reach over 40 inches long. We catch them year-round, but fall is trophy time when the big bulls move in close to shore. Sight-casting to tailing reds in shallow water is about as good as fishing gets.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Beaufort's got that perfect mix of laid-back coastal charm and world-class fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. It's not just about what ends up in the cooler - it's the whole package. The way the marsh grass glows golden in the afternoon light. The splash of a mullet skipping across the water. The screaming run of a big red as it peels line off your reel. These are the moments that stick with you long after you've hung up your rod for the day.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, the fish are out there waiting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy reds or a first-timer just wanting to feel the tug on the end of your line, this 3-hour trip is the perfect way to experience the best of Beaufort's inshore fishing. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get out on the water. The tide's right, the fish are biting, and adventure's calling. Book your trip now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime!
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore waters. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14-20 inches, though trophy specimens over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, often in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout are popular for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicate, mild-flavored meat. Spring and fall are peak seasons as water temperatures are ideal. For best results, try a slow retrieve with a soft plastic jig or suspended twitch bait. Listen for that telltale 'pop' as they attack bait on the surface - it's a dead giveaway they're feeding.
Redfish
Spanish mackerel are speedy little rockets that show up in our waters during the warmer months. Most run 2-4 pounds and hang out in schools near the surface, often giving themselves away with jumping bait fish. Look for them around inlets, pier ends, and just off the beaches. They're lightning-fast and will strike just about any shiny lure you throw. Anglers love targeting Spanish for their quick, acrobatic fights and tasty, oily flesh that's great for smoking. Prime time is usually July through September. To boost your odds, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind a planer board. Keep an eye out for diving birds - that's often a dead giveaway Spanish are feeding nearby.
Sea Trout
Bluefish are the bullies of the bay - aggressive, toothy, and always ready for a fight. These sleek predators usually run 3-5 pounds inshore, but can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them chasing bait schools in open water, often creating surface commotion locals call "bluefish blitzes." They're most active in summer and early fall. Blues are fun to catch because they hit hard and fight dirty, often jumping and thrashing at the surface. While not everyone's favorite for the table, they're great smoked or grilled fresh. Metal lures work well, but watch those teeth when unhooking! Pro tip: always use a wire leader, or you'll lose a lot of lures to those razor-sharp chompers.
Spanish Mackerel
Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite target in our local waters. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and hang out in shallow flats, oyster beds, and grass edges. Look for their distinctive black tail spot as they cruise the shallows, often tailing in water just a foot or two deep. Fall is prime time as reds school up to feed before winter. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting spirit - when hooked, they'll strip line and make powerful runs. Their light, flaky meat is also prized for the dinner table. To up your chances, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom, and hold on when that line goes tight!
Striped Bass
Striped bass are hard-fighting fish that can reach impressive sizes in our waters. Most run 20-40 inches, but 50+ pounders aren't unheard of. They prefer cooler water and structure, so look for them around bridge pilings, jetties, and deep channels, especially in spring and fall. Stripers are famous for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Anglers prize them for both the challenge and their firm, flaky white meat. Live bait like eels or bunker works well, but nothing beats the thrill of a topwater strike on a calm morning. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working bait schools, there's a good chance stripers are feeding below. Get a lure in there quick!
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
