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Top-Rated 8hr 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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Swansboro Fishing Moments
Trout Time! - Swansboro, NC.
Trout Time! - Swansboro, NC.
Full Day Fishing Bonanza: Swansboro's Best Catches
Ready for a day on the water you won't forget? Our 8-hour fishing trip in Swansboro, North Carolina is the real deal. We're talking serious rod-bending action, folks. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're itching to share our local hotspots with you. From the first cast to the last, we'll be chasing after some of the most sought-after inshore species around. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see what Swansboro fishing is all about!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising out as the sun's coming up, coffee in hand, and the anticipation building. Our 24-foot center console is decked out with all the gear you need for a full day of fishing. We'll hit up a mix of spots – from the calm backwaters to the nearshore reefs. You might be throwing lures for Spanish mackerel one minute, then bottom fishing for black drum the next. Our captain's always got an eye on the fish finder and knows just where to position the boat for the best chance at a strike. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes, from baiting hooks to landing your catch. Just be ready for some serious action when those rods start bending!
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
We've got a whole bag of tricks to put you on fish. For those Spanish mackerel and bluefish, we might do some trolling with Clark spoons or live bait. When we're after black drum or sheepshead, it's all about precision bottom fishing. We'll anchor up near structure and use fresh cut bait or fiddler crabs to entice those bottom-dwellers. And if we're lucky enough to spot some cobia, get ready for some sight casting action that'll get your heart racing. We've got light tackle setups for a sporty fight, but don't worry – we also pack the heavy gear for when that big one decides to bite. Our crew's always happy to show you the local techniques that work best, so you'll be fishing like a pro in no time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. We usually find them in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for non-stop action. They're most active in the warmer months, and nothing beats watching a mackerel sky out of the water as it tries to throw your hook. Plus, they make for some mighty fine eating if you're looking to take some fillets home.
Bluefish: Talk about a fighter! Bluefish are like the bulldogs of the sea. They hit hard and don't give up easily. We often find them churning up the water's surface, chasing bait fish. When they're in a feeding frenzy, the action is non-stop. They're around most of the year, but peak season is spring and fall. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them – they're not called "choppers" for nothing!
Black Drum: These bruisers are the gentle giants of our inshore waters. They might not look pretty, but boy, can they pull! We target them around oyster beds and bridge pilings. The bigger ones can top 50 pounds, so make sure you've got your fighting belt on. They're here year-round, but the fishing really heats up in the spring. And if you've never had blackened black drum, you're in for a treat.
Sheepshead: If you want a challenge, sheepshead are your fish. These striped convicts are notorious bait stealers with a mouth full of human-like teeth. We find them hanging around structure, picking at barnacles and crustaceans. It takes a delicate touch to hook them, but when you do, it's game on. They're most active in the cooler months, and trust me, they're worth the effort – some of the best-tasting fish in these waters.
Cobia: Now we're talking about every angler's dream catch. Cobia are like the prize fighters of Swansboro waters. They're not always around, but when they show up, it's go time. We usually spot them near the surface or around buoys and channel markers. They can grow over 100 pounds, and even the smaller ones will give you a run for your money. Peak season is late spring to early summer, and landing one of these bad boys will give you bragging rights for years.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks, it's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. It's about the whole experience. The way the sun glints off the water as we're heading out. The rush when a fish slams your bait. The camaraderie of sharing fish stories (and maybe a cold one) at the end of the day. Our guests tell us time and time again that it's these moments that keep them coming back. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, we've got you covered. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the taste of fish you caught yourself for dinner that night.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks – a full day of top-notch fishing in one of North Carolina's best-kept secrets. From the adrenaline rush of hooking a big one to the peaceful moments watching the coastline, this trip's got it all. We provide everything you need, from rods and reels to bait and ice. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a lunch). Remember, good days are made, but great days are booked. So why wait? Grab your spot on the 'Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II' and let's make some waves. The fish are biting, and we've got a cooler with your name on it. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are hefty bottom-feeders you'll find around oyster beds, pilings, and other structure in our inshore waters. They range from 5-30 pounds typically, but monsters over 80 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them in depths of 5-30 feet, especially during their spring spawning run. Black drum put up a strong, steady fight and make excellent table fare when under 15 pounds. Larger ones get tough and wormy. Use fresh crab, shrimp, or clams on a fish-finder rig. A local trick is to chum with crushed oysters to get them fired up. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound - that's how they got the nickname "sea puppy." Anglers love targeting black drum for their hard-pulling fight and tasty meat. Just be patient - they're not the fastest biters, but well worth the wait.
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a run for your money. They average 3-5 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them in our coastal waters from spring through fall, often in schools busting bait on the surface. Look for diving birds to locate feeding frenzies. Bluefish will hit just about any lure, but metal spoons and topwater poppers work great. Use wire leaders though - their teeth are razor sharp. These fish put up a strong fight and often go airborne. The best time to target them is during their spring and fall migrations. Bluefish make good eating when prepared properly, but larger ones can be oily. Here's a tip: bleed them immediately and ice them down for the best flavor. Overall, bluefish are a blast to catch - just watch those teeth when unhooking!
Cobia
Cobia are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills and tackle. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water, especially during their spring migration. Cobia often swim near the surface, so keep your eyes peeled. They're curious fish and will sometimes follow boats. Use live eels, crabs, or large jigs to entice a strike. A local tip: always have a ready rod with a bucktail jig to cast if you spot one. Cobia put up an epic battle, often making long runs and acrobatic jumps. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful fight and excellent table fare. Just be ready for a workout - these fish don't give up easily. Overall, landing a big cobia is a memorable experience that'll have you coming back for more.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are unique-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 1-8 pounds and hang around structure like docks, bridges, and reefs. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs, oysters, or barnacles. A local trick is to scrape barnacles off pilings to chum them up. These fish put up a good fight on light tackle. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for the challenge - it takes finesse to hook them consistently. They're also excellent eating, with sweet white meat. Just be careful of those sharp gill plates and spines when handling them. Overall, sheepshead fishing is a fun, rewarding experience for those willing to put in the effort.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are fast-swimming, streamlined fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around inlets and along beaches. They're most active here from late spring through fall when water temps warm up. Mackerel put up an exciting fight on light tackle and make tasty table fare. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Troll small, flashy spoons or cast jigs into the frenzy. A local trick is to use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Anglers love targeting Spanish mackerel for their hard-hitting strikes and acrobatic jumps. Just be careful handling them; those teeth are no joke. Overall, they're a blast to catch and a great species for both novice and experienced fishermen.
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
