Ready to tangle with some of North Carolina's feistiest fish? Hop aboard our Wanchese charter for a 4-hour fishing fiesta that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Whether you're an old salt or a first-timer, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish. From March to December, these waters are teeming with stripers, reds, flounder, and more. Grab your crew (up to 4 folks) and let's hit the skinny water for some rod-bending action!
Picture this: you're cruising the pristine inshore waters of Wanchese, rod in hand, as the sun peeks over the horizon. Our seasoned captains know every nook and cranny where the big ones hide. We'll motor up to some prime fishing spots, toss out lines, and before you know it, you'll be feeling that telltale tug. Whether you're after the powerful pull of a red drum or the acrobatics of a speckled trout, we've got you covered. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes, from baiting hooks to landing your catch. It's hands-on fun for the whole family, and trust us, there's nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in your own dinner!
On our Wanchese charters, we're all about matching the hatch and using the right gear for the job. Depending on what's biting, we might be tossing soft plastics for trout, working topwater lures for reds, or dropping live bait for flounder. We provide all the top-notch equipment you'll need – from light tackle spinning rods to heavier setups for those bull reds. Our go-to techniques include sight casting in the shallows, drifting along channels, and working structure like oyster beds and docks. And here's a pro tip: when the tide's moving, that's when the bite really heats up. We'll show you how to read the water and spot those tell-tale signs of fish activity. By the end of the trip, you'll be jigging and popping like a local!
Bluefish: These toothy terrors are the bulldogs of the inshore scene. Known for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting spirit, bluefish can turn a calm day into an adrenaline-packed adventure in seconds. They usually show up in spring and stick around through fall, often running in schools that can turn the water into a churning frenzy. When a bluefish hits your lure, hold on tight – these guys don't know the meaning of "give up."
Black Drum: The gentle giants of Wanchese waters, black drum are like underwater vacuum cleaners with fins. These bottom-feeders can grow to impressive sizes, with some old-timers tipping the scales at over 100 pounds! We typically target them around structure using crab or shrimp bait. The best part? Their powerful, slow-paced fights are perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Plus, the smaller ones make for some mighty fine eating.
Sheepshead: If you're up for a challenge, sheepshead are your fish. These striped convicts are notorious bait stealers with a mouth full of teeth that look eerily human. We find them hanging around pilings and bridges, where they munch on barnacles and crustaceans. Catching them requires finesse and patience – it's all about feeling that subtle bite and setting the hook at just the right moment. Master the art of sheepshead fishing, and you've earned some serious bragging rights.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a staple of Wanchese inshore fishing. They're most active in the cooler months, and there's nothing quite like the visual thrill of watching a trout smash a topwater lure at dawn. We often find them in deeper holes or around grass flats. Light tackle and artificial lures are the name of the game here, making for some sporty and exciting fishing.
Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (also called red drum) are the fish that dreams are made of. These copper-colored brutes can be found tailing in shallow flats or cruising along the marsh edges. In the fall, big schools of bull reds move into the area, offering the chance at some truly epic battles. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing fish or working a popping cork, hooking into a red is an experience you won't soon forget.
Folks who fish with us in Wanchese tend to get hooked themselves. It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's the whole package. The misty mornings as we head out, the excitement of that first cast, the camaraderie of sharing fish stories (both true and, well, slightly exaggerated). Our captains aren't just guides; they're local legends with a lifetime of knowledge to share. You'll learn new techniques, discover hidden honey holes, and maybe even pick up a secret family recipe for fish tacos. And let's not forget the bragging rights – nothing beats showing off your catch of the day to friends back home. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, our Wanchese charters deliver the goods time and time again.
Alright, anglers – it's time to stop dreaming and start fishing! Our Wanchese charter trips are the real deal, offering you a shot at some of the best inshore action on the East Coast. With our experienced guides, top-notch equipment, and local know-how, you're in for a fishing adventure that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're aiming to bend a rod with the family, show your buddies who's boss, or just escape the grind for a few hours, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat's gassed up, and we're ready to show you why Wanchese is a angler's paradise. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let's make some memories on the water. Book your trip now – the big one's waiting!
Black drum are bottom-feeders you'll find around oyster beds, pier pilings, and muddy flats. They range from 5-30 pounds typically, but the big ones can top 80 pounds. Look for them in depths of 3-30 feet. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Drum put up a good fight and make tasty table fare when smaller. The big ones can be tough and wormy, so we usually release those. They use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shellfish. To catch them, use fresh shrimp, crab, or clam on a circle hook. Keep your bait on the bottom and be patient - their bite is subtle. When you feel a slight tap, reel down and lift to set the hook. The drumming sound they make with their air bladder is pretty unique too.
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight. They usually run 3-10 pounds but can get up to 20. Look for them in open water, often chasing bait schools near the surface. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Bluefish are fun to catch because they hit hard and don't give up easily. Their sharp teeth can slice through line, so wire leaders are a must. For the best action, try trolling with spoons or casting topwater lures into feeding frenzies. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke. Bluefish make good eating when prepared right, with a rich, full flavor. Smaller ones under 5 pounds tend to taste best. When you see birds diving, that's often a sign bluefish are pushing bait to the surface. Get ready for some fast-paced fishing!
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 5-15 pounds but can top 40 in the surf. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising along oyster bars. Fall is prime time as they school up before spawning. Reds are fun to target because they pull hard and often tail in inches of water, making for exciting sight fishing. They have a distinctive black spot near the tail. For bait, live mullet or cut pinfish work great. When using lures, gold spoons or weedless soft plastics are top producers. The meat is mild and flaky - excellent on the grill. My best tip: on calm days, pole along grass edges looking for their copper-colored backs or swirling tails breaking the surface.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target. They usually run 1-5 pounds but can reach 10+. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 3-6 feet of water. Fall and spring are prime seasons as they feed heavily. Trout are fun to catch because they hit lures aggressively and put on an acrobatic fight. They have soft mouths, so a light touch on hooksets helps land more fish. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificials like soft plastics and topwater lures work great too. At night, trout move into very shallow water to feed - that's when you can have non-stop action. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for frying. Pro tip: focus on depth changes and areas with good water flow for best results.
Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles. They usually run 2-8 pounds but can get up to 15. Spring is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Sheepshead are fun to catch because they're crafty and put up a good scrap. Their human-like teeth crush barnacles and crabs, so use small hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. You've got to feel for the light bite and set the hook fast. Getting close to pilings is key, so accurate casting helps. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating around. Just watch out for those sharp dorsal spines when handling them. My top tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up before fishing a spot.