Inshore waters waters can roughly be defined as those being within sight of our beaches.

Popular target species for inshore fishing trips include Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Speckled trout, Black sea bass, Bluefish, and False Albacore. Fishing these waters may involve trolling, bottom fishing or even drift fishing. These are great trips for the first time saltwater angler or for those with interest in specific inshore fishes.

Ready For An Inshore Fishing Excursion?

Offshore fishing generally takes place out of sight of the land.

Targeted species include Mahi-Mahi ( Dolphin ), King Mackerel, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, and various Billfish such as Blue Marlin and White Marlin. When a fish is on excitement runs high for the deep sea fisherman. Heavy tackle, fighting chairs and long, hard fought battles are common. Full-day offshore trips provide a great adventure for the hard-core saltwater angler.

Ready For An Offshore Fishing Excursion?

Primetime Fishing for False Albacore Run: November

The local waters near and around the Cape Lookout National Seashore have become well known for light tackle and fly fishing opportunities. False Albacore, Red Drum, Speckled trout and Bluefish are all highly sought light tackle prizes. Join Captain Billy Brewer aboard his 24′ Sea Hunt boat as he guides you to an enjoyable day fishing the inshore waters of North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks.

Redfish, Red Drum, Puppy Drum

North Carolina’s state fish, the Red Drum provides exciting year round fishing opportunities in local marshes, creeks and sounds. They may be caught with topwater plugs, jigs, live bait or flies, sight fishing in water less than 3 feet deep is a popular approach for these fish. State law allows taking one fish per day, 18″ to 27″ in length making this mostly catch and release fishing. Book your trip in August or September if you’re looking for the big 30, 40, 50 pound fish!

Speckled Trout, Grey Trout, Weakfish

These popular fish can be caught year round, but Spring and Fall present the best trout fishing opportunities. The rock jetties at Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks and Radio Island as well as bridge pilings may provide excellent trout fishing. Spinning reel tactics include jigs, mirror lures and live bait such as shrimp. Fly fishermen may find a clouser or deceiver to be excellent choices.

Flounder

Flounder are a popular target for N.C. fishermen, Spring through Fall. It isn’t unheard of for a “flat fish” to surprise a fly fishermam while casting shallow waters, though they are best caught using live bait. Drift fishing the inlet or behind Shackleford banks can result in a boat load of these yummy fish. Bluefish Spring and Fall brings the best action for these feisty little fish, with the fall likely producing the hottest fishery. Sight fishing with poppers for blues in the inlet is popular with both Spinning and fly fishermen.

False Albacore

In the late Fall and early Winter thousands of fly and light tackle fishermen flock to the Crystal coast in search of “Fat Alberts.” Notorious for stripping hundreds of yards of lines on a single run, these are an exciting fish to hook up.

Striped Bass

During the early and mid-Winter months striped bass can be found only a short distance out the inlet. These big hearty fish can provide a great deal of excitement for light tackle anglers.