Jacksonville Inshore Fishing: 4hr AM Trip

Half Day Fishing Bonanza: NC's Inshore Hotspots

Get ready to reel in some of North Carolina's most sought-after inshore species on this action-packed half-day fishing trip with Atlantic Blue Charters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of inshore fishing in the diverse waters of the Tar Heel State.

Trip Overview

Hop aboard our well-equipped charter boat for a 4-hour fishing adventure that'll have you hooked from the start. We'll cruise through the scenic waterways of North Carolina, targeting prime fishing spots where the redfish, flounder, and other inshore favorites love to hang out. Our local knowledge means we know just where to find the fish, whether it's in the shallow creeks, grassy flats, or around the bridges of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). With a max of three guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and hands-on fishing time.

What to Expect on the Water

We're all about flexibility on this trip, tailoring our approach to what's biting and what you're keen to catch. Depending on the day, we might be tossing live bait to tempt hungry redfish or working artificial lures for those crafty flounder. Our captains are pros at reading the water and conditions, so we'll adjust our tactics to give you the best shot at landing some quality fish. We typically focus on one or two target species during the half-day trip, really dialing in our approach to maximize your chances of success.

Top Catches This Season

North Carolina's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish, and we've got our sights set on some real beauties. Red drum (redfish) are always a crowd-pleaser, known for their hard-fighting spirit and distinctive spot on the tail. Black drum, their cousins, offer a similar thrill and make for great eating. Sheepshead, with their human-like teeth, are a unique catch that'll test your skills. Speckled trout (sea trout) are another favorite, especially for light tackle enthusiasts. And when flounder are in season, we'll be on the hunt for these tasty flatfish that are masters of camouflage.

Techniques and Terrain

Our fishing grounds are as varied as the species we target. One minute we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, the next we could be working deep holes near bridge pilings for monster drum. We'll use a mix of techniques, from bottom fishing with live bait to working soft plastics along grass lines. If the bite is on, we might even break out the fly rods for some extra excitement. Our captains are always happy to share their local knowledge, so don't be shy about asking for tips on perfecting your cast or reading the water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about inshore fishing in North Carolina that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a big red in shallow water, or the satisfaction of outsmarting a wary flounder. Or perhaps it's just the peaceful feeling of being out on the water, surrounded by the natural beauty of the coast. Whatever it is, our half-day trips offer a perfect taste of what makes NC fishing so addictive. And with our experienced guides at the helm, even newcomers to the sport can expect to have a blast and hopefully land some impressive catches.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Drum (Redfish): These copper-colored beauties are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and ability to strip line from your reel, redfish can be found year-round in NC waters. They love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, often revealing their location with a tell-tale tail sticking out of the water. Fall is prime time for big "bull" reds, but we catch quality fish throughout the year.

Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their redfish cousins, black drum are a worthy target in their own right. These hard-fighting fish can grow to impressive sizes and are known for their distinctive chin barbels. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, making them a great species for both novice and experienced anglers. Look for them around oyster beds and bridge pilings.

Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bottom. Catching them requires finesse and patience, but the reward is a delicious fish dinner. Summer is peak season for flounder fishing in NC, with fish often congregating near inlets and along channel edges. The thump of a flounder strike is unmistakable and always gets the heart racing.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are one of the more unique species we target. These structure-loving fish are experts at stealing bait, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. They're typically found around bridges, docks, and other hard structures. Timing your hook-set just right is key to landing these crafty fish.

Speckled Trout (Sea Trout): Light tackle enthusiasts love targeting these spotted predators. Known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, speckled trout offer a test of an angler's skill. They're most active in cooler months, often found in deeper holes and around grass beds. The excitement of a trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn is hard to beat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new fishing techniques, or just enjoy a morning on the water, our half-day inshore fishing trip has got you covered. With Atlantic Blue Charters, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're signing up for a chance to create lasting memories and maybe even catch the fish of a lifetime. Our experienced captains, top-notch gear, and intimate knowledge of North Carolina's inshore waters give you the best shot at a successful day on the water. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure, and let's go fishing! Book your trip now and get ready to experience some of the best inshore action North Carolina has to offer.