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NC Flounder Fishing: Half-Day Guided Trip
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $400 - $2,500 price range
Summary
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Doormat Flounder Haul
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Clear skies and deep sea adventures await in Sneads Ferry!
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Clear skies and deep sea adventures await in Sneads Ferry!
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NC's Half-Day Flounder Bonanza
Grab your gear and get ready for some serious flounder action off the North Carolina coast! Atlantic Blue Charters is offering a half-day guided trip that'll put you right on top of some monster flatfish. With the recreational season open from September 1st to 14th, we're looking at prime time to land those coveted doormats. After a few years of closures, the flounder population is bouncing back, and boy, are they hungry!
What's the Deal?
This ain't your average fishing trip. We're talking about a laser-focused, 4-hour hunt for some of the biggest flounder you've ever seen. Our seasoned captains know every nook and cranny where these bottom-dwellers like to hang out. We'll hit the inshore waters, working the flats, channels, and structure that flounder call home. With room for up to three anglers, it's the perfect setup for you and a couple of buddies to test your skills against these crafty ambush predators.
Rigs and Tricks
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of tried-and-true techniques to put flounder in the boat. Depending on conditions, we might be drifting live baits, working soft plastics, or even jigging. Our captains are always dialed into what's working best. We provide all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring along, that's cool too. Just remember, when you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second before you set the hook – flounder like to play with their food before they commit!
Flatfish Fanatics
North Carolina's inshore waters are a flounder fisherman's paradise. We're targeting three main species here: Summer Flounder (also known as Fluke), Winter Flounder, and the big daddy of them all, Southern Flounder. Each one's got its own quirks and challenges, but they all share one thing in common – they're delicious!
Meet the Flatties
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are aggressive feeders that'll chase down a bait fish or lure. They're known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked, which is always a thrill. These guys can grow up to 20 pounds, though most keepers are in the 2-5 pound range. They're most active in the warmer months, making them a perfect target for our September trips.
Winter Flounder might not get as big as their summer cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. These fish prefer cooler waters and are often found in deeper channels. They're a bit more finicky eaters, so finesse fishing is key. A well-presented bait on the bottom is your best bet for hooking into these tasty flatfish.
Southern Flounder are the giants of the inshore flats. These are the "doormats" that every angler dreams about. They can grow up to 30 inches and weigh over 20 pounds! Southern Flounder are ambush predators, often burying themselves in the sand to wait for an unsuspecting meal to swim by. When you hook into one of these bruisers, hold on tight – they've got some serious pulling power!
Why Flounder Are Fan Favorites
Flounder fishing isn't just about the fight (though that's pretty awesome). These fish are prized for their mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh. There's nothing quite like bringing home a couple of fresh flounder fillets for dinner. Plus, the challenge of outsmarting these masters of camouflage adds an extra layer of satisfaction to every catch. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, landing a big flounder is always a rush.
Time to Get Hooked
Listen, the flounder season is short and sweet this year, so you don't want to miss out. With Atlantic Blue Charters, you're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting local knowledge, top-notch gear, and a shot at some of the best flounder fishing North Carolina has to offer. Our half-day trips are perfect for fitting in a morning or afternoon of fishing, even if you're on a tight schedule. And with only three spots per trip, you know you're getting personalized attention from the captain.
So what are you waiting for? The flounder are out there, and they're getting bigger by the day. Book your spot now, and let's go stick some flatties! Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to experience the thrill of battling a big doormat, we've got you covered. Don't let this season pass you by – it's time to make some flounder memories!
Learn more about the animals
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are the big bruisers of the flounder family around here. These lefty flatfish can grow up to 33 inches long, with most in the 15-18 inch range. They're ambush predators, burying themselves in sand or mud to surprise passing prey. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, especially around structure like oyster beds or pier pilings. Fall's the prime time to catch them as they fatten up for their offshore winter migration. They put up a solid fight when hooked, using their flat bodies to resist being reeled in. Anglers love targeting them not just for the challenge, but also for their excellent table fare. To boost your chances, try drifting with live bait like mullet or bull minnows. My favorite local tip? Fish the outgoing tide around creek mouths - that's when flounder set up to ambush baitfish being swept out with the current.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. These lefty flatfish blend right into sandy or muddy bottoms, lying in wait to ambush prey. They're active hunters, chasing down smaller fish and crustaceans. Most run 15-20 inches, but trophy "doormats" over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in coastal waters and estuaries, especially from spring through fall as they move inshore to feed. They're a blast to catch - when hooked, they'll dart and dive, using that flat body to their advantage. Fall is prime time, as they fatten up before migrating offshore for winter. To land one, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like minnows or squid strips. My go-to trick? Bounce a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid along the bottom. That extra scent and action can trigger strikes from even the most stubborn flounder.
Winter Flounder
Winter flounder, or blackbacks, are the odd ones out in the flounder world. Unlike their cousins, these guys have eyes on the right side. They're smaller than summer flounder, usually 10-12 inches, but can hit 25 inches in prime conditions. You'll find them hugging the bottom in estuaries and along the coast, often in water less than 20 feet deep. They're not picky eaters, but worms and small crustaceans are their favorite snacks. Winter's actually the best time to target them, as they move into shallower waters. They're not known for putting up a big fight, but they make up for it with some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever try. Light tackle's the way to go - you'll need to feel those subtle bites. Here's a local trick: use a small hook with a piece of seaworm and fish it right on the bottom. A slow, gentle retrieve often does the trick.
About the Mako Pro Skift
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
