Ready to spend a solid chunk of your day on the water, chasing some of the Outer Banks' most prized catches? Our 6-hour morning charter is the sweet spot for anglers who want more than a quick trip but aren't quite ready for a full day. We'll cruise the rich inshore waters, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and really dial in your technique. Whether you're aiming to fill the cooler or just soak up the coastal vibes, this trip hits the mark.
We'll meet up bright and early at the dock, load up the boat, and hit the water as the sun's coming up. That's when the fish are often most active, and the Outer Banks shoreline looks its best bathed in that golden morning light. Over the next 6 hours, we'll target multiple fishing spots, adjusting our strategy based on what's biting. You might be dropping lines near oyster beds one minute and drifting along grass flats the next. It's all about maximizing your chances and keeping things interesting. And don't worry if you're new to this - your guide will be there every step of the way, from baiting hooks to giving you pointers on your cast.
On this trip, we typically use light to medium tackle, perfect for the inshore species we're after. We'll likely do a mix of bottom fishing and some light trolling, depending on where the fish are hanging out that day. You might find yourself jigging for flounder, tossing live bait for redfish, or working a popping cork for trout. We provide all the gear you'll need - quality rods, reels, and a variety of bait and lures. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and maybe a light jacket for the morning chill. Oh, and don't forget your camera - the Outer Banks sunrise is worth capturing, not to mention those trophy fish shots!
"This was our (my wife , 16 and 18 yr old sons)second year in a row with Captain Andy. He is a fantastic. We all caught fish, learned a lot, and laughed the whole time. Definitely our families favorite fishing trip." - mark
"Even though the fish weren't biting much today we really had a great time and Captain Andy pulled out all the stops to make this a great experience! We will be back for another charter soon." - Sara
Bluefish: These feisty fighters are a blast to catch and abundant in the Outer Banks. Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, bluefish can range from 2 to 20 pounds. They're most active in the warmer months, from spring through fall. Anglers love targeting blues because of their hard-fighting nature and the fun, fast-paced action they provide.
Summer Flounder (Fluke): Masters of camouflage, these flatfish are a prized catch in the Outer Banks. They're known for their delicate, white meat and the challenge they present to anglers. Flounder typically hang out near the bottom in sandy or muddy areas. The thrill of hooking a flounder comes from the subtle bite and the skill required to set the hook just right. Peak season is usually from late spring through early fall.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are a unique target. They're notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. These fish love structure, so we'll often target them around pilings, jetties, or oyster beds. The satisfaction of outsmarting a sheepshead and the excellent table fare they provide make them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): These speckled beauties are a staple of Outer Banks inshore fishing. Known for their spotted pattern and delicate flavor, sea trout are active year-round but really shine in the fall. They're often found in grass flats, channels, and around oyster bars. Anglers love targeting trout for their willingness to hit artificial lures and the exciting topwater action they can provide.
Redfish (Red Drum): The crown jewel of Outer Banks inshore fishing, redfish are sought after for their powerful runs and golden-red coloration. These fish can range from small "puppy drum" to bull reds over 40 inches. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools cruise the flats. Hooking into a redfish, especially a big one, is an experience you won't soon forget - their initial run can peel line off your reel like nobody's business!
Look, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 6-hour charter is the perfect way to experience the best of Outer Banks fishing. You've got the time to really settle in, try different techniques, and increase your chances of landing that fish of a lifetime. Plus, with a max of 4 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention from your guide. So why wait? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Book now and get ready for a morning of laughs, learning, and hopefully, a cooler full of fresh fish. Just remember to factor in a tip for your guide - trust me, after a day of untangling lines and netting your catches, they'll have earned it!
August 2, 2024
Even though the fish weren't biting much today we really had a great time and Captain Andy pulled out all the stops to make this a great experience! We will be back for another charter soon.
April 10, 2024
Bluefish are a real thrill to catch out here. These aggressive predators typically range from 3-15 pounds and put up an awesome fight. We find them in open water, often chasing bait schools near the surface. Summer and early fall are prime bluefish seasons when the water warms up. Anglers love targeting blues for their fierce strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat has a strong flavor, but it's delicious when prepared right. To increase your chances, try using metal lures or cut bait and retrieve quickly - blues can't resist a fast-moving target. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These copper-colored beauties usually run 3-12 pounds inshore, with some bull reds over 40 pounds in the surf. Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or hanging around oyster bars and docks. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a stubborn, powerful fight and they're excellent table fare too. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water - it's like hunting and fishing combined. For best results, try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic worked slowly along the bottom. Keep an eye out for that characteristic tail waving above the surface!
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 1-3 pounds, with some gators pushing 5 pounds or more. You'll find them in grassy flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars, especially in fall as they fatten up for winter. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Anglers prize them for their spotted beauty and for the delicate, sweet meat they provide. To up your chances, try live shrimp under a popping cork, or soft plastic lures with a slow, twitching retrieve. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times when sea trout really turn on.
Sheepshead are an odd-looking fish with a mouthful of human-like teeth, but don't let that fool you - they're crafty and put up a great fight. These striped fish hang around structures like docks, bridges and reefs, usually in the 2-8 pound range. Spring and fall are your best bet for catching them. Sheepshead are notoriously good at stealing bait, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. Anglers love the challenge, plus they're excellent eating. For best results, use small hooks with live bait like fiddler crabs or clams. Get your bait right up against the pilings where sheepshead like to hide out.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are a staple here on the Outer Banks. These flatfish usually run 15-20 inches and hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and along the coast. We catch them year-round, but late summer through fall is prime time. Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with the seafloor as they lie in wait for prey. Anglers enjoy the challenge of enticing a bite and the fight they put up once hooked. Plus, their sweet white meat is some of the best eating around. My top tip: Use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, bouncing it right along the bottom where flounder are hiding.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 175
This was our (my wife , 16 and 18 yr old sons)second year in a row with Captain Andy. He is a fantastic. We all caught fish, learned a lot, and laughed the whole time. Definitely our families favorite fishing trip.