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Expert 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in North Carolina
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- New Bern, NC
- $450 - $600 price range
Summary
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Big Catches of the Day
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6-Hour Inshore Fishing: NC's Hidden Gems
Ready to spend a day reeling in some of North Carolina's finest inshore fish? Our 6-hour adventure takes you to the sweet spots where the big ones are biting. We're talking speckled trout, red drum, old drum, flounder, and stripers – the works! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and get ready for some serious rod-bending action.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising through the pristine waters of the Neuse, Pamlico, Pungo, and Trent Rivers, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale tug. Our expert guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We'll hit up all the local honey holes – those hidden spots where the fish are practically jumping into the boat. And with six full hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. It's not just about catching fish (though there's plenty of that); it's about soaking in the beauty of North Carolina's coastal waterways and maybe picking up a few new tricks along the way.
Techniques & Gear Rundown
On this trip, we're all about versatility. Depending on what's biting and where, we might be casting soft plastics around structure for specks and reds, or maybe slow-trolling live bait for those trophy stripers. We've got top-notch gear – light and medium action rods paired with smooth-as-butter reels that'll make fighting those fish a breeze. And forget about bringing your own tackle box – we've got all the lures, jigs, and live bait you could need. Our guides are always happy to show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing, or swap advanced techniques if you're looking to up your game. From reading the water to perfecting your cast, you'll walk away with skills that'll serve you well on future fishing trips.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's talk fish – the stars of our inshore show. First up, the Southern Flounder. These flat beauties are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around structure and drop-offs. The bite can be subtle, but when you hook one, get ready for some delicious fillets.
Next, we've got the Black Drum. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually catch them in the 5-30 pound range. They love crustaceans, so we might use crab or shrimp to entice them. When they're on, the action can be non-stop, and they put up a great fight on light tackle.
Striped Bass, or "stripers" as we call 'em, are a favorite among local anglers. These powerful fish can be found in both salt and freshwater, and they're known for explosive strikes and long runs. Spring and fall are prime time for stripers, but we can find them year-round in the right spots.
Last but not least, the Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout. These speckled beauties are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. The "gator" trout (the big ones) are prized catches, and they're at their peak in the fall when the water cools down.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks come back to Fish TALES Charters for good reason. It's not just about the fish – though we catch plenty. It's about the experience. Our guides aren't just skilled anglers; they're storytellers, local historians, and wildlife experts all rolled into one. They'll keep you entertained with tales of monster catches and local lore while putting you on fish after fish. And let's not forget the scenery – from osprey diving for their dinner to dolphins playing in the wake, there's always something to see. Plus, with six hours on the water, you've got time to really settle in, try different spots, and maybe even land that personal best you've been after.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're itching for a day on the water that'll have you grinning from ear to ear, this is it. Our 6-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure is the real deal – top-notch gear, expert guides, and some of the best fishing spots North Carolina has to offer. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day casting lines, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Grab a buddy (or come solo – we don't judge), and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you've felt the thrill of a big red drum on the line or watched the sun set over the Pamlico with a stringer full of fish, you'll be hooked. So what are you waiting for? Let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Book your trip now, and get ready for a day of non-stop inshore action!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Striped bass, or stripers, are one of our most exciting inshore targets. These powerful fish have distinctive dark stripes running down their sides and can grow over 5 feet long and 70 pounds. Most catches are in the 20-40 pound range though. You'll find stripers in moving waters near structures along the shore. They're opportunistic predators, so look for them around bridges, piers, and drop-offs where bait fish gather. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times when they come up to cooler surface waters. Spring and fall migrations offer fantastic fishing as huge schools move through. These fish fight hard and taste great - sweet, flaky meat that's packed with healthy omega-3s. For best results, use live bait like herring, menhaden, or eels. The livelier, the better. My go-to trick is to use a sliding sinker rig with a live eel. Let it swim naturally with the current, and hold on tight when a big striper slams it!
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target here. These silvery fish usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they come up to feed. They're aggressive predators, so artificial lures work great - try jerk baits, topwater plugs, or soft plastics. Sea trout put up a spirited fight on light tackle and taste delicious too. The meat is mild and flaky, but don't overcook it or it'll get mushy. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures are ideal. During winter, they school up in deeper channels and rivers. For the best shot at a trophy, fish the outgoing tide near creek mouths or deep holes. My local tip: On calm evenings, troll slowly along grass lines. You can often see trout silhouettes in the fading light before they explode on your lure. It's an awesome sight and makes for exciting fishing!
Southern Flounder
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a blast to catch around here. These silvery fish usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some real monsters can top 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang out near structure and ambush prey. Sea trout put up a great fight and taste delicious too - mild, flaky white meat that's tender when cooked right. Just don't overcook it or it'll get mushy. For the best shot at hooking one, try artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, or plastic shrimp. These fish are aggressive feeders, so a lively presentation often triggers strikes. During winter, they school up in deeper waters up to 150 feet. My top tip: Troll slowly along grass lines on calm evenings. The trout come up to feed, and you can often see their silhouettes in the fading light. It's an awesome sight when they explode on your lure.
Striped Bass
Black drum are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These powerful members of the croaker family can top 90 pounds, though 5-30 pounders are more common. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and inlets where they use those strong jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. You can actually hear them making grunting sounds underwater - it's pretty wild. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they put up a stubborn, dogged fight. For eating, stick to smaller drum under 15 pounds. The big ones get tough and lose flavor. But a fresh small drum is delicious - firm white meat with a sweet flavor. To target them, use heavy tackle and natural baits like crabs, clams, or shrimp. My local trick is to use a piece of fresh blue crab on a fish-finder rig. The scent drives drum crazy. Just be patient - they're not the most aggressive biters, but the wait is worth it when that rod doubles over!
About the Fish TALES Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
