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NC Flounder Fishing: Half-Day Guided Trip
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $400 - $2,500 price range
- Updated Date: October 25, 2025
Summary
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Doormat Flounder Haul
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Thrilling offshore fishing charters await.
Discover top fishing charters in North Carolina.
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Thrilling offshore fishing charters await.
Discover top fishing charters in North Carolina.
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Thrilling offshore fishing charters await.
Discover top fishing charters in North Carolina.
Doormat Flounder: NC's Hidden Treasure
Get ready for a short but sweet flounder season, folks! After years of closures, North Carolina's giving us a two-week window to chase those big, beautiful flatfish. This half-day trip with Atlantic Blue Charters is your ticket to some of the best flounder fishing the Tar Heel State has to offer. We're talking doormat-sized fish that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. So grab your gear and let's hit the inshore waters for some serious flounder action!
What's the Deal with This Trip?
Listen up, anglers - this isn't your average fishing charter. We're talking a laser-focused, half-day hunt for some of the biggest flounder you've ever laid eyes on. With the season being closed for so long, these fish have had time to grow, and boy, have they grown! We're setting out from the beautiful North Carolina coast, where the inshore waters are teeming with flatties just waiting to be caught. You and two buddies will join me, your seasoned local guide, as we use our years of experience to put you on the fish. No frills, no fuss - just pure, unadulterated flounder fishing at its finest.
How We'll Nail Those Flatties
Alright, let's talk strategy. We're not just dropping lines and hoping for the best. Nah, we're going in smart. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the flounder are in the mood for. I'll show you how to work a jig along the bottom, slow and steady, just the way these ambush predators like it. We might even break out the ol' Carolina rig if the situation calls for it. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the thump of a big flounder inhaling your bait. It's all about feeling that bite and setting the hook just right. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through every step, from casting to landing that trophy fish.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Now, let's talk about our targets. We're after three types of flounder, each with its own quirks and challenges:
Summer Flounder (Fluke): These bad boys are the most common catch in our waters. They're aggressive feeders and can grow up to 20 pounds or more. Summer flounder love to hang out near structures like wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom until they ambush their prey. The best time to target these guys is, you guessed it, summer through early fall. Anglers love 'em because they put up a good fight and taste amazing on the dinner table.
Winter Flounder: Don't let the name fool you - we can catch these year-round, but they're most active in the cooler months. Winter flounder are smaller than their summer cousins, usually topping out around 5 pounds. They prefer muddy or sandy bottoms in slightly deeper water. These fish are more of a finesse catch, with a subtle bite that'll keep you on your toes. Folks rave about their sweet, delicate flavor - it's some of the best eating fish you'll ever taste.
Southern Flounder: Now we're talking about the real trophies. Southern flounder can grow to massive sizes, with some monsters pushing 20 pounds or more. They're the kings of inshore waters, hanging out in estuaries, bays, and even venturing up into rivers. These flatfish are ambush predators, often burying themselves in the sand with just their eyes poking out. Late summer to early fall is prime time for southern flounder, as they start moving towards the ocean to spawn. Landing one of these giants is a true badge of honor for any angler.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Let me tell you, there's something special about flounder fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the challenge of outsmarting these camouflage masters. Or perhaps it's the thrill of feeling that distinctive "thump" when a big one takes your bait. Whatever it is, once you've experienced it, you're hooked for life. And with this year's short season, every trip counts. We're not just fishing - we're making the most of a rare opportunity to target some seriously big flounder that have had years to grow undisturbed. It's like a treasure hunt, and you never know when you might land that once-in-a-lifetime doormat.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase. This flounder season is gonna be short and sweet, running from September 1st to the 14th. That's just two weeks to get out there and make some memories. With only three spots available per trip, you'll want to lock in your date fast. Remember, these aren't just any old flounder - we're talking about fish that have had years to grow big and fat. It's a chance to catch the kind of doormat flounder that'll have your fishing buddies green with envy. So don't sit on the fence - grab your spot now and get ready for some of the best flounder fishing North Carolina has to offer. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this one. Let's get you on the water and put some serious flatfish in the boat!
Learn more about the animals
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are a prized catch in North Carolina waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to a whopping 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often buried in sandy or muddy bottoms. These ambush predators are masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings. They're most active during warmer months, with many adults moving offshore in winter. Anglers love targeting southern flounder for their tasty fillets and the challenge they present. To catch these lefties (most have both eyes on the left side), try still fishing or drift fishing near the bottom. Live bait like bull minnows, mullet, or shrimp works wonders. If you're using artificial lures, go for a single-hooked slip lead or free-line rig with 1/4" to 3/8" jigheads. Here's a local tip: use light-to-medium tackle with reels that can hold at least 150 yards of 10-pound line. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a moment to fully take the bait, then reel in your catch. It's a technique that takes practice, but it'll significantly up your flounder game.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder are a fascinating catch here in North Carolina. These flatfish typically range from 15-20 inches, though we occasionally land some real doormats pushing 26 pounds. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to blend with the seafloor. You'll find them in inshore waters and estuaries, usually hanging out on sandy or muddy bottoms. September to November is prime time for summer flounder fishing. They put up a good fight and make excellent table fare, which is why so many anglers target them. To improve your odds, try using live bait like minnows or mullet - flounder can't resist 'em. Hook smaller baits through the eye, bigger ones through the lips. One local trick: use a circle hook and a sensitive rod. Flounder often nibble before fully committing, so you need to feel those subtle bites. When you do hook up, be ready for some sideways action - these oddball fish bite from left to right thanks to their unique eye placement. It's a quirky challenge that keeps flounder fishing fun and rewarding.
Winter Flounder
Winter flounder, or blackbacks, are an interesting target in North Carolina waters. These right-eyed flatfish typically measure 10-12 inches, but can grow up to 25 inches and 8 pounds. You'll find them lurking in estuaries and along the continental shelf, often camouflaged among rocks or vegetation. These opportunistic feeders are most active in the morning, relying on sight to ambush prey. While they'll eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths, they have a soft spot for sea worms and clams. Bigger baits tend to attract bigger fish, so don't be afraid to size up. Winter flounder can be tricky to hook - they like to nibble before committing. Use a sensitive rod to detect those subtle bites. When rigging up, go with a 14-20 pound test line. It might seem like overkill, but you never know when you'll hook into a monster. Anglers love targeting winter flounder for their unique challenge and tasty fillets. The best time to fish for them is during cooler months when they move inshore. One local tip: look for areas with muddy or sandy bottoms near structure - that's where you'll find the keepers hiding out.
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
