Family Fishing Fun in Wanchese | Sounds Good

Half Day Family Fishing Trip in Wanchese

Looking for the perfect way to get the whole family out on the water? Captain Mike Midgett's got you covered with this top-rated 4-hour morning fishing trip that launches right from Wanchese Marina at 7:30 AM. This isn't your typical hardcore fishing charter – it's designed specifically for families who want to share some quality time together while learning the ropes of inshore fishing. Whether you've got seasoned anglers or first-timers in your crew, Captain Mike knows how to keep everyone engaged and comfortable on the calm waters around the Outer Banks. You'll be targeting some of the area's most popular species including redfish, sea trout, black drum, bluefish, and sheepshead, all while enjoying a relaxed pace that works for mixed experience levels.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Mike runs a family-friendly operation that prioritizes safety and fun over everything else. Your morning starts early at Wanchese Marina, one of the most convenient launch points for accessing the productive inshore waters of the Outer Banks. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to hit multiple spots without wearing out the kids or less experienced anglers in your group. You'll fish the protected waters where the conditions stay manageable, making it perfect for families who might be nervous about their first charter experience. Captain Mike has a knack for reading his guests – he'll adjust the pace based on what your group needs, whether that's more instruction for beginners or moving to different spots to keep the action going. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably, so you won't feel crowded while everyone's learning to cast and reel.

Gear and Techniques

All your fishing gear is provided, so you don't need to worry about bringing rods, reels, or tackle. Captain Mike sets everyone up with appropriate equipment based on their size and experience level – lighter tackle for the kids and beginners, while more experienced anglers can use heavier setups if they want. The techniques you'll use depend on what's biting that day, but expect a mix of bottom fishing for drum and sheepshead, as well as working the grass flats and structure for redfish and sea trout. Live bait is the name of the game here – shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are local favorites that consistently produce results. Captain Mike will teach everyone the basics of reading the water, understanding tides, and recognizing good fishing spots. Don't forget to bring your North Carolina fishing license – it's required for anyone 16 and older. Pack some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen since meals aren't included, and bring a cooler if you want to take your catch home.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18 to 27 inches in the waters around Wanchese, with the occasional oversized "bull red" making an appearance. They're most active during moving tides and love to cruise the shallow grass flats and around structure. What makes redfish so exciting for families is their willingness to eat and their strong, steady fight that doesn't overwhelm younger anglers. You'll find them year-round here, but they're particularly cooperative during the warmer months when they're actively feeding in the shallows.

Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are another customer favorite that consistently shows up on these family trips. These spotted beauties typically run 12 to 20 inches and are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They prefer the deeper grass beds and drop-offs, especially during the early morning hours when you'll be fishing. Sea trout are most abundant from spring through fall, and they're perfect for teaching kids how to feel the subtle bites and work their drag properly. Their willingness to hit artificial lures also makes them great for families who want to try different techniques.

Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute favorites among families for their dependable nature and strong fights. These bottom-dwellers range from small "puppy drum" perfect for kids to catch, all the way up to hefty 20-pounders that will test everyone's skills. They hang around structure like bridge pilings, oyster bars, and channel edges, making them relatively easy to locate. Black drum are excellent for beginners because they bite consistently and fight hard without jumping around too much. They're also great table fare when kept within the slot limits.

Summer flounder add an element of technique to your family trip, as these flatfish require a bit more finesse to catch consistently. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Flounder fishing teaches patience and proper bait presentation, making it educational for younger anglers. When you hook into a nice "doormat" flounder, the fight is surprisingly strong for a flatfish. They're most active during the warmer months and are considered some of the best eating fish in these waters.

Sheepshead round out your target species list and are known as the "convict fish" for their distinctive black and white stripes. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles, crabs, and shellfish around pilings and rocks. They're notorious for their light bites and ability to steal bait, which makes them both challenging and rewarding to catch. Sheepshead are most active during the cooler months and provide excellent sport for families who enjoy the puzzle of outsmarting a finicky fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

This family-friendly morning trip with Captain Mike Midgett offers the perfect introduction to Outer Banks inshore fishing without the pressure or intensity of a full-day charter. The early start time means you'll be back at the dock before the afternoon heat sets in, leaving plenty of time for other family activities. With a maximum of 4 guests, you'll get personalized attention and instruction that larger boats simply can't provide. The combination of productive fishing waters, diverse target species, and Captain Mike's family-focused approach makes this a world-class experience that creates lasting memories for anglers of all ages. Don't wait – these morning slots fill up quickly, especially during peak season when families are looking for that perfect balance of adventure and relaxation on the water.