Get ready to wet a line and fill the cooler on this action-packed 6-hour inshore fishing trip with Atlantic Blue Charters. We'll be cruising the rich waters around Jacksonville, North Carolina, targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish in the area. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect blend of relaxation and heart-pumping excitement. We've got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the hottest spots to put you on fish all day long.
Our 6-hour inshore adventure kicks off bright and early at the docks. We'll load up the boat with everything we need for a full day of fishing - rods, reels, bait, and ice for your catch. As we push off, you'll feel the anticipation building. The beauty of this longer trip is we've got time to really explore and chase the bite. We might start off working the grassflats for redfish, then cruise up to some bridge pilings to tempt sheepshead, and finish off sight-casting to trout in the shallows. It's all about reading the water, adjusting to conditions, and giving you the best shot at a memorable catch. And don't worry if you're new to this - I'll be right there to help with techniques, gear, and even the best way to handle your fish for a quick photo before release.
On these trips, we're all about versatility. Depending on what's biting and where, we'll switch up our approach to maximize our chances. For redfish, we might use popping corks with live shrimp in the grass or work soft plastics along oyster bars. When we're after flounder, slow-rolling a mullet or mud minnow along the bottom is often the ticket. Sheepshead require a bit of finesse - we'll use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs right up against structure. For trout, nothing beats the excitement of working a topwater lure at first light or during the evening feed. I always bring a mix of live and artificial baits, so we can adapt on the fly. And here's a local tip: keep an eye out for diving birds or bait getting pushed to the surface - that often means predators are feeding, and we want to be right in the middle of that action!
Red Drum (Redfish): These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing around here. They can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds topping 40 inches. Redfish love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, using their downturned mouths to root out crabs and small fish. The best part? They put up a fantastic fight, often making long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. Fall is prime time for big schools of reds, but we catch them year-round.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but always fun to catch, black drum are the redfish's cousins. They've got a more subtle coloration but share that hard-fighting spirit. These fish can grow to impressive sizes, with some old-timers pushing 80 pounds or more. We typically find them around oyster beds and bridge pilings. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, and when you hook one, get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but don't be surprised if we run into them any time of year.
Sheepshead: If you're looking for a challenge, sheepshead are your fish. These striped battlers are notorious bait-stealers, with teeth that look like they belong in a dentist's office. They hang tight to structure - pilings, rocks, and sunken timber are their favorite haunts. Catching them requires patience, a sensitive touch, and quick reflexes. But when you hook up, you're in for a treat. They fight hard and taste even better. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons when they gather to spawn.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): For many anglers, there's nothing quite like the visual thrill of a trout smashing a topwater lure. These spotted beauties are ambush predators, often found around grass edges, creek mouths, and dropoffs. They're not the biggest fish we'll catch, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and pure fun. A light rod, some soft plastics or live shrimp, and you're in for non-stop action. Fall and spring are fantastic for trout, but we catch them year-round in our waters.
Southern Flounder: Last but certainly not least, we've got the flatfish favorite - the southern flounder. These masters of camouflage lie in wait on sandy or muddy bottoms, ready to ambush passing baitfish. Flounder fishing is all about slow and steady retrieves, feeling for that distinctive 'thump' when they grab the bait. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of setting the hook on a big doormat flounder. They're most active in the warmer months, with fall being the peak as they start their offshore migration.
Folks who fish with us rave about the variety of species we target and the personalized attention they receive. I've had seasoned anglers tell me they learned new tricks, and first-timers grinning ear to ear after landing their first redfish. One of the best parts of this 6-hour trip is we've got time to really dial in on what's biting and adjust our strategy throughout the day. Whether it's sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water or dropping baits next to a bridge piling for sheepshead, every trip is unique. And let's not forget the views - from quiet backwaters to wide-open flats, the scenery around Jacksonville is something special.
If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that tug on the line, our 6-hour inshore trip is calling your name. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and access to some of the best fishing spots in Jacksonville. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler for dinner or just want the thrill of catch-and-release, we've got you covered. Remember, we can take up to 3 anglers, so grab your fishing buddies and let's hit the water. The fish are out there waiting - all we need is you. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the incredible inshore action Jacksonville has to offer. Book your trip with Atlantic Blue Charters today, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds and other structures. These fish are known for their powerful jaws, capable of crushing shellfish. They make a distinctive drumming sound, which is pretty cool to hear underwater. Spring is prime time for Black Drum fishing, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The bigger ones can be tough and not as tasty. Here's a local tip: use fresh, peeled shrimp or crab for bait. Fish it on the bottom with just enough weight to hold in the current. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. Black Drum have tough mouths, so a solid hookset is key.
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a prized catch in our waters. They typically range from 20 to 35 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in just a foot or two of water on grass flats or around oyster beds. These fish are easily identified by their copper color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They're known for their powerful runs and ability to strip line from your reel. Fall is prime time for Redfish, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fight and excellent table fare. They're also fun to sight fish, watching them tail in shallow water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Here's a local tip: try using a gold spoon or a soft plastic jerk bait in natural colors. Work it slowly along the bottom, mimicking a fleeing baitfish or crab. When you see a Redfish following your lure, don't speed up - keep a steady retrieve and be ready for a sudden, powerful strike.
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among local anglers. They typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, shallow waters, and around structure in our inshore waters. These fish are known for their silver color and distinctive spots. They're ambush predators, so they love to hang around areas with good current and bait movement. Fall and spring are great seasons for Sea Trout fishing, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild-flavored meat. They're also known for their delicate mouths, which can make for an exciting fight on light tackle. Here's a local tip: try using soft plastic lures like jigs or swim baits in natural colors. Work them slowly along the bottom or use a popping cork to mimic fleeing bait. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook quickly but not too hard to avoid tearing their soft mouths.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly into sandy or muddy bottoms. They're typically 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for prey, making them a fun challenge to catch. Fall is prime flounder season here, as they move to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild-flavored meat. They put up a good fight too, especially the bigger ones. To land a flounder, try drifting or still-fishing near structure with live bait like mullet or shrimp. My local tip: use a Carolina rig with a circle hook to reduce gut-hooking. When you feel that telltale "thump," give it a second before setting the hook. Flounder like to grab bait and hold it, so patience pays off.
Sheepshead, aka "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a real treat to catch. They typically run 1-8 pounds, but can reach up to 20 pounds. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs, especially those covered in barnacles. These fish are known for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. They're sneaky bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Spring is prime time for Sheepshead fishing as they move in to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild-flavored meat. They're also a fun challenge to catch, requiring finesse and patience. Here's a local tip: use fiddler crabs or small pieces of shrimp on a small, sharp hook. Fish as close to the structure as you can without getting snagged. When you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook hard - Sheepshead have tough mouths.
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