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Premier 6hr Inshore Fishing | Swansboro, NC
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Swansboro
- $250 - $750 price range
- Updated Date: November 23, 2025
Summary
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Reels, Rods and Results
Trout Time! - Swansboro, NC.
Trout Time! - Swansboro, NC.
Extended Half-Day Fishing: NC Inshore Adventure
Looking to scratch that fishing itch without burning a whole day? Our extended half-day trip is the sweet spot. We'll spend 6 hours on North Carolina's rich inshore waters, giving you plenty of time to tangle with some of the area's most sought-after species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll hit prime spots for redfish, sheepshead, and more, using techniques tailored to what's biting. Get ready to feel that rod bend and reel scream – it's time to make some memories on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Our 6-hour trip kicks off bright and early, so we can make the most of the morning bite. We'll cruise out from the dock, keeping an eye out for bird activity and bait movements that can clue us in on where the fish are feeding. Depending on the season and conditions, we might start by working some grass flats for redfish, then move to structure for sheepshead as the day heats up. Your guide's got years of experience reading these waters, so trust that we'll put you on the fish. We provide all the gear and know-how – you just need to bring your game face and be ready to reel 'em in.
Tactics and Techniques
On this trip, we'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures to target our inshore species. For redfish, we might be sight-casting with soft plastics in shallow water or soaking cut bait near oyster beds. When we're after sheepshead, get ready for some precision fishing – these bait-stealers require a delicate touch and perfect timing. We'll show you how to detect those subtle bites and set the hook just right. As for sea trout, we might be working topwater lures early in the morning or jigging soft plastics under a popping cork. Whatever the target, we'll make sure you're dialed in on the right technique for success.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and pack a delicious punch. We typically find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. Flounder fishing requires finesse – a slow retrieve and subtle jigging motion often does the trick. The "doormat" sized ones (5+ lbs) are what every angler dreams of, and fall is prime time to target these tasty bottom-dwellers.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – sheepshead are no pushovers. These striped brawlers are structure-loving fish that'll test your skills. We often find them around pilings, bridges, and oyster beds. Timing is everything with sheepshead; their quick, light bites can be tricky to detect. But once you hook one, get ready for a stubborn fight. They're most active in cooler months, making them a great winter target.
Sea Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these inshore favorites are known for their speckled bodies and canine teeth. They're aggressive feeders, often found in grass flats and around structure. The "gator" trout (over 5 lbs) are trophy catches that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Dawn and dusk are prime times for trout, and their topwater strikes are nothing short of explosive.
Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats, redfish (or red drum) are prized for their powerful runs and copper color. We target them year-round, but fall brings "bull reds" – oversized monsters that can top 40 inches. Sight-casting to tailing reds in shallow water is an adrenaline rush like no other. These fish will test your drag and your stamina, making them a favorite among anglers of all levels.
Cobia: While not as common inshore, we sometimes encounter these bruisers during warmer months. Cobia are curious fish, often following rays or hanging around structure. They grow big – 30-50 pounders aren't uncommon – and fight like freight trains. Landing a cobia is a true accomplishment, combining skill, strength, and a bit of luck.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our extended half-day trip hits the sweet spot for many anglers. It's long enough to really get into the action, but doesn't eat up your entire day. Families love it because kids (and adults) don't get fidgety like on longer trips. The variety of species we target keeps things interesting – one minute you might be finessing a sheepshead, the next you're battling a bull red. Plus, our local knowledge means we can adapt to conditions and put you on the fish, even when they're playing hard to get. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day on beautiful North Carolina waters, this trip delivers.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to get out there and tangle with some of North Carolina's finest inshore species? Our extended half-day trip is calling your name. With 6 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to hook into some quality fish and make lasting memories. Remember, we provide all the gear and expertise – you just need to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
These powerful brown fish often get mistaken for sharks cruising near the surface. Cobia typically run 20-50 pounds but can top 100 pounds. They're loners, usually found around structure like buoys, wrecks, and floating debris. Cobia show up in our waters from spring through fall, with the peak run in May and June as they migrate north. Anglers love cobia for their hard fights, acrobatic jumps, and excellent table fare. To catch them, keep your eyes peeled for that distinctive profile near the surface. They're curious fish, so sometimes just leaving a bait in the water will draw them in. Live eels or large jigs work well. One local trick: Cobia love to follow big animals like sea turtles or rays, so always check around those for a bonus cobia.
Redfish
Also known as red drum, these copper-colored brutes are a staple of our inshore fishery. They're easily identified by that black spot near the tail. Most redfish we catch run 3-10 pounds, but they can grow over 50 pounds offshore. You'll find reds in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water - around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. They feed by rooting along the bottom, often leaving visible mud trails. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures are moderate. Anglers love sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water and the powerful runs they make when hooked. For best results, quietly work the shallows with gold spoons or scented soft plastics. One local tip: On hot summer days, look for reds hanging in deeper holes or channels to cool off.
Sea Trout
These silvery, spotted fish are a favorite target in our inshore waters. Also called speckled trout, they typically run 1-5 pounds but can reach over 10 pounds. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Sea trout are most active in spring and fall as water temperatures are moderate. They're known for their willingness to strike lures, making them fun for all skill levels. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and tasty white fillets. For best results, try slow-retrieving soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work the edges of grass beds or current rips where trout ambush bait. One local trick: On calm mornings, look for subtle v-wakes on the surface – that's often a cruising trout you can cast to.
Sheepshead
Look for these striped "convict fish" around any barnacle-covered structure - docks, bridges, jetties. Sheepshead typically run 1-8 pounds, but can top 20 pounds. They use those weird human-like teeth to crush barnacles, crabs, and other crustaceans. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn near passes and offshore reefs. Anglers love the challenge of detecting their nibbling bites and the fight they put up on light tackle. Plus, that firm white meat is delicious. To catch sheepshead, you've got to think like a crab. Use light tackle, small strong hooks, and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. Get your bait right up against pilings or rocks where they feed. When you feel that telltale nibble, give it a second before setting the hook hard - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers.
Southern Flounder
These flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. Most are "left-handed" with both eyes on the left side. Southern Flounder typically range from 15-18 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can reach over 30 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Spring and fall are prime seasons as flounder move between inshore and offshore waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. For best results, use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics along drop-offs and structure. When you feel that telltale "tap," give it a moment before setting the hook - flounder often grab prey sideways before turning it to swallow.
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
