Top-Rated 4-Hour OBX Fishing Charter | Morning Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Outer Banks
$300 - $750 price range
Updated Date: July 23, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a great day of fishing in the Outer Banks with Old North State Fishing's 4-hour private charter. You'll be heading out on a roomy 26' Mako, perfect for groups up to 5 people. This boat's got plenty of space, so everyone can fish comfortably without feeling cramped. The captain will take you to prime inshore spots where you can drop lines for local catches. It's an ideal setup for families, friends, or any group looking to spend a morning on the water. The Mako handles well in the inshore waters, giving you a smooth ride while you're searching for fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, the crew will make sure you have what you need for a successful trip. You'll get to enjoy the beautiful OBX scenery, learn some new fishing techniques, and hopefully reel in some good ones to brag about later. It's a great way to experience the local waters and make some memories out on the Atlantic.

Top-Rated 4-Hour OBX Fishing Charter | Morning Trip

Reels and Reveals

A group of 6 people in Wanchese, fishing and hunting

Outer banks family fishing best charters

A fisherman in Wanchese, North Carolina, fishing and hunting for a big catch.

Outer banks local Redfish caught by a new angler

Redfish catch by an experienced angler

Big catch, big smiles

Reel in the OBX: 4-Hour Inshore Adventure

Hey there, anglers! Ready to hit the waters of the Outer Banks for some primo inshore fishing? Our 4-hour morning charter is just the ticket. We'll be cruising on our 26' Mako, a real workhorse that's perfect for groups looking to have a blast without feeling cramped. Whether you're bringing the family or rounding up your fishing buddies, we've got room for everyone to cast a line and kick back in comfort.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're stepping aboard our spacious 26-footer as the sun's just starting to peek over the horizon. The air's got that salty snap to it, and you can feel the excitement building. We'll motor out to some of the OBX's sweetest inshore spots where the fish are biting. With five of you aboard, there's plenty of elbow room to reel in the big ones without tangling lines. No need to pack a cooler - this trip's all about the fishing, so we'll be focused on getting you on the fish from the moment we shove off until it's time to head back to the dock.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

Alright, let's talk fishing. We're rigged up for inshore success with light to medium tackle that's perfect for the species we're after. Depending on what's running, we might be bottom fishing with squid or cut bait for flounder, or maybe tossing some artificial lures for trout. If the reds are schooling, we could be sight-casting with live bait - nothing beats watching a big ol' redfish chase down your offering. Don't sweat the gear; we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.

Top Catches This Season

Folks have been pulling in some real beauties lately. The flounder bite has been hot, with several doormat-sized flatties hitting the deck. Sheepshead have been hanging around the pilings, giving anglers a run for their money with their crafty bait-stealing ways. The sea trout action has been steady, especially in the early morning hours when we're out there. And let's not forget about the redfish - we've had some epic battles with bull reds that'll make your arms ache in the best way possible.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Summer Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the seafloor. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom until they ambush their prey. Flounder fishing is all about patience and a soft touch - when you feel that subtle thump, it's time to set the hook! They're most active in the warmer months, and there's nothing like the satisfaction of landing a big doormat.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are the convicts of the sea. These guys are notorious bait stealers, with a mouth full of teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. They love structure, so we'll target them around pilings and bridges. The challenge of outsmarting a sheepshead makes landing one all the sweeter.

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when fighting them. Early mornings are prime time for trout, and there's something magical about watching a topwater lure get smashed by a hungry speck. They're most active in the fall and spring, but we can find them year-round in the right spots.

Redfish: Ah, the redfish - also called red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the crown jewel of inshore fishing. They can range from puppy drum size to over 40 inches for the big bulls. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and tenacious fights. When they're tailing in the shallows, it's sight-fishing heaven. Fall is usually the best time for big reds, but we catch them all year long in the OBX.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I'll tell you what keeps folks coming back - it's not just the fish, it's the whole package. The OBX is a special place, with its wild beauty and rich fishing heritage. On our 4-hour trips, you get a taste of that magic without burning a whole day. It's perfect for families with kids who might not have the stamina for a full day, or for those who want to squeeze in some fishing without missing out on other OBX activities. Plus, with our roomy Mako, you're not sacrificing comfort for a shorter trip. It's the best of both worlds - quality fishing time and the flexibility to enjoy the rest of what the Outer Banks has to offer.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're itching to bend a rod and feel the thrill of a fish on the line, our 4-hour morning charter is calling your name. We've got the boat, the know-how, and the hot spots to make your OBX fishing dreams a reality. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we'll make sure you have a blast. The fish are out there waiting, and the memories are ready to be made. So what do you say? Let's get you booked and on the water. Trust me, once you experience the OBX inshore fishing scene, you'll be hooked for life. Give us a shout, and let's make it happen!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target around here, known for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty meat. You'll typically find them in shallow waters, hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and pier pilings. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can top 40 inches. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn. These copper-colored bruisers put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for their signature tail spot and watch for "tailing" reds in super skinny water - that's when their backs stick out as they root for crabs. Live bait like finger mullet works well, but artificial lures can be deadly too. Try a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning. One local trick: On calm days, idle quietly along the shoreline and watch for pushes of water. That's often a red cruising the shallows. Cast well ahead of it and slowly retrieve. The strike can be explosive. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or a trophy catch-and-release, redfish offer some of the best inshore action you'll find.

Sea Trout

Sea trout are a blast to catch and make for some fine eating too. You'll find these silvery, spotted beauties in our inshore waters year-round, but fall and spring are usually best. They typically run 14-20 inches, though gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges. They love to ambush bait, so focus on areas with good current flow. Artificial lures like soft plastics on a jighead or topwater plugs at dawn can be deadly. Live shrimp under a popping cork is another local favorite. Sea trout put up a good fight with some acrobatic jumps, and their soft mouths make for an exciting challenge. They're also great eating - mild and flaky. One tip: When you find a school, work it thoroughly. Where there's one trout, there's often many more. Just remember to handle them gently if you're releasing them, as they're pretty delicate fish.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are one of our more unusual-looking fish, with those human-like teeth and black and white stripes. They're typically 2-5 pounds but can get up to 15 pounds or more. You'll find them around hard structure like pier pilings, bridge supports, and rocky areas. These guys are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. They love crustaceans, so fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp are go-to baits. Use a small, strong hook and just enough weight to hold bottom. Late winter through early spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're also excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's great fried or baked. One local trick: Scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. Just be careful of those sharp gill plates when you're handling them. These convict fish can be tricky to catch, but they're well worth the effort.

Summer Flounder

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.

About the Logan Elizabeth

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 28

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for a fun day of fishing in the Outer Banks? Our 26' Mako is perfect for groups wanting to enjoy some inshore action. This roomy boat has plenty of space for up to 5 people to spread out, cast lines, and reel in the catch of the day. The sturdy design handles the local waters with ease, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about the ride. Whether you're bringing the family, some buddies, or coworkers, everyone will have a spot to fish comfortably. There's ample deck space to move around, store gear, and relax between bites. At 26 feet, this Mako strikes a great balance - big enough for a group but still agile for inshore spots. So grab your crew and get ready for 4 hours of morning fishing fun on the OBX!

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