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Best 4hr NC Coast Inshore Fishing Charter
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Swansboro
- $250 - $750 price range
- Updated Date: November 23, 2025
Summary
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Coastal Catches
Trout Time! - Swansboro, NC.
Trout Time! - Swansboro, NC.
Reel in the Excitement: NC Coast Half-Day Trip
Hey there, anglers! Ready for an afternoon of non-stop fishing action along North Carolina's stunning coastline? Our 4-hour trip is perfect for both seasoned pros and newcomers looking to wet a line. We'll cruise to some of the hottest fishing spots around Sneads Ferry, Hubert, Swansboro, and beyond. With our expert guides leading the way, you're in for a real treat as we target redfish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, and more. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!
What to Expect on the Water
Once we push off, we'll zip over to where the fish are biting. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll waste no time getting to the good stuff. You might find yourself casting near oyster beds for redfish, drifting for flounder, or trolling for Spanish mackerel – it all depends on what's running. We provide all the gear, so no worries if you're new to this. Just be ready to feel that first tug on the line and the rush of reeling in your catch!
Fishing Tactics & Hot Spots
We mix it up depending on what's biting, but here's a taste of what you might experience: For redfish, we often use light tackle with live bait or artificial lures, working the shallow flats and creek mouths. When we're after Spanish mackerel, get ready for some fast-paced trolling or casting spoons. Flounder fishing? We'll slow things down, using a bottom-bouncing technique that these flatfish can't resist. Our local knowledge means we hit the right spots at the right times, whether that's the bustling waters near Morehead City or the quieter stretches of the Neuse River.
Top Catches This Season
Anglers have been lighting it up lately! The redfish bite has been on fire, with several customers landing bull reds over 40 inches. Spanish mackerel have been schooling up nicely, providing fast action and tasty fillets. We've also seen some monster flounder coming aboard – perfect for a post-trip fish fry. Remember, while we can't guarantee what you'll catch, we guarantee you'll have a blast trying!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among our guests. They put up a heck of a fight and can grow to impressive sizes. In the fall, we often target the big bulls that cruise in schools along the coast. Redfish love to hang around structure, so we'll hit spots with oyster beds, grass flats, and marsh edges. The "tap-tap" of a redfish strike is something you won't forget!
Spanish Mackerel: If you're looking for fast action, Spanish mackerel are your ticket. These speedsters travel in schools and when they're biting, it's non-stop excitement. We often find them chasing bait near inlets or along the beachfront. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Plus, they make for some mighty fine eating if you want to take a few home for the grill.
Southern Flounder: Flatfish fanatics, listen up! Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bottom. We target them in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, often near drop-offs or channel edges. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert! When you hook one, it's like reeling in a dinner plate – but don't let their odd shape fool you, they can put up a surprisingly good fight.
Bluefish: These toothy critters are all about aggression. Bluefish often show up in big schools, churning up the water as they chase bait. We might encounter them while trolling for Spanish mackerel or casting near inlets. They hit hard and fight dirty, making for an exciting catch. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum are another bottom-dwelling species we love to target. They can grow to massive sizes, with some real monsters lurking in deeper holes. We often find them around bridge pilings, jetties, and oyster bars. Black drum are known for their strong, steady fights and distinctive "drumming" sound. They're a blast to catch and make for some good eating, especially the smaller ones.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks, it's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it! Our half-day trips are perfect for fitting some quality fishing into a busy schedule. You get all the excitement of being out on the water without taking up your whole day. Plus, our experienced guides are always happy to share tips and tricks, so you'll leave a better angler than when you arrived. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want to unwind after a long week, these afternoon trips hit the spot.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's get you on the water! Our half-day afternoon trips are customer favorites, and spots fill up fast. Remember, we keep our groups small – just two anglers per trip – to ensure you get plenty of personal attention and fishing time. We provide all the gear, licenses, and know-how, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Don't forget, deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and commit to some quality time on the water. Ready to make some fishing memories? Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button. The fish are waiting, and so are we!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often tipping the scales at 30-50 pounds. These big bruisers hang out in estuaries and near shore waters, usually over oyster beds or other structure. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers target them for their powerful fights and unique "croaking" sounds. While the smaller ones are good eating, we usually release the big ones. To catch a drum, try a chunk of blue crab on a fish-finder rig. Local secret: on incoming tides, look for "pushes" of water near pilings or jetties - that's often a big drum rooting for crabs. When you hook one, be ready for a long, dogged battle. It's a real North Carolina fishing experience!
Bluefish
Bluefish are the brawlers of our coastal waters. These toothy predators usually run 2-5 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them anywhere from the surf zone to several miles offshore, often in big, marauding schools. Summer and early fall are prime seasons when they chase bait near the surface. Anglers love blues for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting spirit. They're not bad eating when prepared fresh, too. To catch 'em, try casting metal lures or topwater poppers into feeding frenzies. Pro tip: bring wire leaders, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When the blues are running, it's non-stop action that'll wear your arms out!
Redfish
Redfish are a real crowd-pleaser here on the North Carolina coast. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two near oyster beds and grass flats. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers love targeting redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To hook one, try working a gold spoon or soft plastic along the bottom - they can't resist it. One local trick: look for "nervous water" where reds are stirring up bait fish. Cast beyond that commotion and slowly retrieve your lure through it. With any luck, you'll feel that telltale thump of a redfish strike.
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending right into sandy or muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches long. You'll find them in estuaries, bays, and near shore waters, often tucked up against structure. Fall is the best time as they move toward the inlets to spawn. Flounder fishing takes some patience, but anglers love the challenge and the delicious fillets. To entice a bite, try slowly dragging a live mud minnow or finger mullet along the bottom. Here's a local tip: when you feel a flounder tap your bait, don't set the hook right away. Give it a few seconds to get the bait in its mouth, then reel down and lift steadily. That's the ticket to landing more of these tasty flatfish.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are one of our fastest swimmers, zipping through coastal waters at speeds up to 12 mph. These sleek predators usually run 15-20 inches long. You'll spot them in large schools near the surface, often around inlets and just off the beaches. Late summer is prime time as they chase bait fish close to shore. Anglers get a kick out of their hard strikes and acrobatic jumps. The meat's pretty tasty too, especially when grilled fresh. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind a planer board. My go-to trick is to look for diving birds - that usually means Spanish are feeding below. Cast a Got-Cha plug into the frenzy and hang on tight!
About the Hewes Redfisher (Flats boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
