Top-Rated Wanchese Inshore Fishing | Afternoon Trip

Half Day Afternoon Fishing in Wanchese

There's something special about getting out on the water in the afternoon when the sun's warming up the shallows and the fish are starting to move. Captain Mike Midgett knows these Wanchese waters like the back of his hand, and his 4-hour afternoon trips are perfect for anyone looking to get into some solid inshore action without burning a whole day. Whether you're a first-timer who's never held a rod or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new water, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps folks coming back to the Outer Banks. You'll launch from Wanchese Marina at 12:30 PM and spend the afternoon targeting the bread-and-butter species that make North Carolina's inshore fishing world-class.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Mike runs a tight ship that comfortably handles up to four anglers, making it ideal for families or small groups who want personalized attention. The afternoon timing is no accident - it's when the water temperature starts climbing and baitfish become more active in the shallows. You'll be fishing the productive waters around Wanchese, where grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths create the perfect habitat for redfish, sea trout, and black drum. The boat's set up with everything you need for a successful trip, and Captain Mike's hands-on approach means you'll learn something new whether it's your first time or your hundredth. The relaxed pace lets you really enjoy being out there, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery between hookups.

Techniques and Tackle

Inshore fishing in Wanchese is all about reading the water and adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Captain Mike keeps things simple but effective, using light tackle that lets you feel every bite and fight. You'll likely be throwing soft plastics around structure, working live bait near grass edges, or casting topwater plugs when conditions are right. The shallow water fishing here means you can sight-cast to tailing redfish or work a popping cork over a productive flat. Captain Mike provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, plus he's got the local knowledge to put you on fish when others are struggling. The techniques you'll use depend on the season, tide, and what's biting, but you can count on learning proven methods that work in these waters year-round.

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the crown jewel of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and creek mouths around Wanchese, especially during the warmer months. You'll find them tailing in inches of water or cruising the grass beds looking for crabs and small baitfish. A good redfish will peel drag and give you a fight you won't forget, plus they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Fall brings the best action when schools of reds move through the area, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.

Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are another customer favorite that provides consistent action throughout the trip. These spotted beauties love to hang around grass beds and drop-offs, where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers who want to try different techniques. Spring and fall offer the best trout fishing, with fish averaging 14-18 inches and the occasional doormat pushing over 20 inches. Their delicate mouths mean you need to play them carefully, but that just adds to the excitement.

Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your tackle and your patience. These bottom-feeders love to cruise the oyster bars and shell beds around Wanchese, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and oysters. When you hook into a good black drum, you'll know it - they pull hard and steady, often heading straight for the nearest structure. They're most active in the cooler months, and fish over 30 inches are common in these waters. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, plus they're excellent table fare when prepared right.

Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world, famous for stealing bait with surgical precision. These black-and-white striped fish hang around pilings, docks, and oyster bars where they feed on barnacles and small crustaceans. Catching them requires patience and skill - you need to feel the subtle bite and set the hook quickly before they spit the bait. Their human-like teeth and crafty nature make them a fun challenge, and they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Summer brings the best sheepshead action when they move into the shallows to spawn.

Summer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of the inshore waters, perfectly camouflaged against the sandy bottom where they wait to ambush passing prey. These flatfish can be tricky to locate, but Captain Mike knows the productive spots where they congregate. They hit moving baits aggressively, often following a lure for several feet before striking. The bigger "doormat" flounder are prized catches that can exceed 20 inches, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in these waters. Late spring through early fall offers the most consistent flounder action.

Time to Book Your Spot

This afternoon fishing trip with Captain Mike hits all the right notes - expert local knowledge, productive waters, and the kind of personalized service that makes for a memorable day on the water. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of time to get into fish without feeling rushed, and the afternoon timing means you can sleep in or explore Wanchese before heading out. With five different target species and Captain Mike's proven track record, you're looking at solid action and maybe the fish story you'll be telling for years. Don't forget to bring your North Carolina fishing license and any personal items you'll need for the afternoon. Book now and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Outer Banks has to offer.