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Top-Rated 4-Hour Inshore Fishing in Beaufort, NC
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $400 - $900 price range
- Updated Date: September 22, 2025
Summary
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Reels and Rods
North Carolina waters call anglers back again.
Casting lines under wide Carolina blue skies.
Carolina fishing brings together friends and family.
Carolina sunrises are best with a cast.
Sunrise fishing trips shine bright in North Carolina.
Nothing beats a Carolina day spent fishing.
Carolina tides bring anglers endless outdoor memories.
Peaceful mornings start with fishing in Carolina.
Adventure begins when rods bend on Carolina waters.
Carolina fishing makes every trip worth remembering.
North Carolina waters call anglers back again.
Casting lines under wide Carolina blue skies.
Carolina fishing brings together friends and family.
Carolina sunrises are best with a cast.
Sunrise fishing trips shine bright in North Carolina.
Nothing beats a Carolina day spent fishing.
Carolina tides bring anglers endless outdoor memories.
Peaceful mornings start with fishing in Carolina.
Adventure begins when rods bend on Carolina waters.
Carolina fishing makes every trip worth remembering.
North Carolina waters call anglers back again.
Casting lines under wide Carolina blue skies.
Carolina fishing brings together friends and family.
Carolina sunrises are best with a cast.
Reel in the Action: Beaufort's Inshore Bonanza
Get ready to wet a line in some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters! Our half-day morning trip out of Beaufort is the perfect chance to tangle with hard-fighting reds, chunky trout, and a whole mess of other coastal gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we'll put you on the fish and show you why Beaufort is a top-notch inshore destination. Grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to get after 'em!
What to Expect on the Water
We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting at the dock as the sun's just peeking over the horizon. After a quick safety rundown, we'll ease out of the harbor and into the rich fishing grounds of Beaufort's backwaters. Our 4-hour trip gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots, targeting everything from grass flats to oyster bars where the fish love to hang out. You'll be using light tackle and live bait most of the time, feeling every thump and run as these inshore bruisers put up a fight. And don't worry if you're new to this - our experienced captains are there to coach you through every cast and hookset.
Tactics for Tidal Success
Inshore fishing is all about reading the water and knowing where the fish are likely to be holding. We'll use a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Some days, it's all about drifting live shrimp along grass lines for speckled trout. Other times, we might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. We've got all the gear you need on board, from spinning rods to baitcasting setups. As the tide changes, we'll adjust our approach, maybe switching to popping corks or working soft plastics. It's this variety that keeps inshore fishing exciting - you never know what the next cast might bring!
What Anglers Are Saying
"Captain Griffee was absolutely stellar! Our group included three longtime friends of varying experience, and he made our four-hour trip memorable and fun. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great day on the water!" - John
Target Species Breakdown
Bluefish: These toothy critters are the perfect warm-up act. They're aggressive, hard-fighting, and often show up in schools. When the bluefish are running, it's non-stop action that'll have your arms aching in no time. Look for them busting bait on the surface - that's when the topwater bite can be explosive.
Striped Bass: The legendary striper is a favorite among Beaufort anglers. These powerful fish can grow to impressive sizes, and hooking into one is always a thrill. We target them around structure and in deeper channels, often using live bait or diving lures. The best striper action usually happens in the cooler months, making them a great fall and winter target.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They're known for their subtle bite and acrobatic fights. We love targeting them around grass flats and oyster bars, especially on incoming tides. Sea trout are year-round residents, but the fall run is something special.
Redfish: The bronze bombers of the flats, redfish (or red drum) are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They love to cruise in shallow water, often revealing their location with their signature tailing behavior. Sight-fishing for reds is an adrenaline-pumping experience that never gets old. They're around all year, but the bull reds show up in force during the fall.
Cobia: While not as common as our other targets, hooking into a cobia is always a possibility and a real treat. These powerful fish can grow to over 100 pounds and are known for their hard runs and acrobatic jumps. We often find them around structure or following large rays. Cobia typically show up in late spring and stick around through the summer.
Time to Book Your Spot
There you have it, folks - a morning of non-stop inshore action waiting just off the Beaufort coast. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just enjoy some time on the water, this trip delivers. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and chances to land that trophy fish. The beauty of inshore fishing is that it's accessible to all skill levels, so bring the whole family along. Don't let another season slip by without getting in on this action. Book your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back year after year. The fish are biting - are you ready to join them?
Customer Review
Stellar Captain Griffee
John Monahan
May 30, 2025
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight. These powerful swimmers typically run 3-10 pounds, but can get up to 20. Look for them in coastal waters, often near structures or following bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Bluefish are known for their feeding frenzies - they'll attack anything that moves. Anglers love 'em for their hard strikes and acrobatic jumps. The meat's good eating too, with a rich, full flavor. To target bluefish, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs and retrieve fast. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that often means bluefish are pushing bait to the surface. When you hook one, be ready for some serious action. These toothy critters will slice through light line, so use a wire leader. Local tip: chunk some fresh bait to get a blitz going, then throw lures into the frenzy for non-stop action.
Cobia
Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your back. These brown torpedoes average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure, often mistaken for sharks from a distance. Late spring through summer is prime as they migrate up the coast. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often investigate anything unusual in the water. Sight-casting to cruising fish is a huge thrill. They'll take live bait, but big bucktail jigs are a favorite lure. When hooked, cobia make powerful runs and often try to wrap you in structure. The fight can last an hour or more on big fish. The meat is excellent - firm, white fillets perfect for grilling. Local tip: keep an eye out for rays - cobia often follow them to scavenge leftovers. When you spot one, cast well ahead and work your lure back. The explosive strike of a cobia is something you won't soon forget.
Redfish
Redfish, also called red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 5-15 pounds inshore, but big bulls over 40 pounds cruise the surf. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around oyster bars. They love to tail in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Spring and fall are prime, but you can catch reds year-round here. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in clear shallows is a rush. They'll crush topwater lures, but also readily take live bait like mullet or crabs. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, often making several strong runs. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. For a local trick, try fishing around low-tide oyster bars. Reds love to root around exposed shells for crabs and shrimp. When you hook one, be ready for that distinctive tail-thumping fight that gives red drum their name.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in coastal bays, estuaries, and around grass flats. They love structure - oyster bars, dock pilings, and creek mouths are prime spots. Fall through spring offers the best fishing as water temps cool. Trout are ambush predators, so work your lures near bottom structure. Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp all produce well. These fish have soft mouths, so set the hook with a smooth sweep rather than a hard jerk. Sea trout make excellent table fare with delicate, white meat. For a local tip, try fishing lighted docks at night - trout often gather in the glow to ambush bait. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, get ready for some fun on light tackle.
Striped Bass
Striped bass, or "stripers," are prized gamefish here in North Carolina. These powerful fish average 10-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them in coastal waters, estuaries, and tidal rivers. They love structure - look around jetties, bridge pilings, and rocky shorelines. Spring and fall migrations offer peak fishing as stripers move between fresh and saltwater. Anglers target them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Stripers hit a variety of lures and baits. Try live eels, bunker chunks, or soft plastic jigs. Early mornings and evenings are often best, especially on moving tides. These fish have keen eyesight, so use light leaders in clear water. A local trick is to look for working birds - that often means stripers are pushing bait to the surface. When you hook one, be ready for powerful runs and maybe even some tail-walking action. It's an experience you won't forget.
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
Captain Griffee was absolutely stellar! Our group included three longtime friends of varying experience, and he made our four-hour trip memorable and fun. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great day on the water!