Ready for a full day of fishing action in Swansboro? Our 8-hour inshore charter is the perfect way to get your line wet and experience some of the best angling North Carolina has to offer. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting drum or hoping to fill the cooler with tasty Spanish mackerel, we've got you covered. Grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to hit the water!
When you step aboard our boat, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out of Swansboro's picturesque harbor and into the rich fishing grounds that make this area a top-rated destination for anglers. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll waste no time getting to where the fish are biting. You'll have a full 8 hours to cast, reel, and hopefully land some impressive catches. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – we're here to show you the ropes and make sure you have a blast. And for you seasoned anglers, get ready to swap some fish tales and maybe even learn a new trick or two.
On our inshore trips, we use a variety of fishing methods to target different species. We might start the day bottom fishing for black drum and sheepshead around structure, using live bait or cut bait. As the sun climbs, we could switch to trolling for Spanish mackerel and bluefish, dragging lures behind the boat to mimic their favorite prey. If conditions are right, we might even try sight-casting for cobia – that's when the real excitement kicks in! We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky fishing hat.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They typically show up in our waters from late spring through fall, and they're known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps. We often target them by trolling with small spoons or jigs, and when you hook one, hold on tight – they'll give you a run for your money!
Bluefish: Pound for pound, blues are some of the hardest fighting fish in the sea. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything that moves. We catch them year-round in Swansboro, but the action really heats up in the summer. These toothy critters will test your gear and your skills, so be ready for a workout.
Black Drum: If you're after a fish that'll really pull your string, black drum are the ticket. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we typically catch them in the 5-30 pound range. They love hanging around structure and will eagerly gobble up crabs or shrimp. The bigger ones can be a real challenge to land, but man, is it satisfying when you do!
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy-looking teeth fool you – sheepshead are smart fish and notoriously tricky to catch. They're masters at stealing bait, so when you feel that telltale tap-tap, you've got to be quick on the hookset. We find them around pilings, rocks, and oyster beds. Once you get the hang of catching them, it's addictive.
Cobia: These are the prize of many inshore anglers. Cobia migrate through our waters in the late spring and early summer, and spotting one cruising near the surface is enough to get any fisherman's heart racing. They grow big – 30 to 50 pounders are common – and they fight like crazy. Landing a cobia is often the highlight of a fishing season.
Folks who fish with us tend to get hooked themselves. There's something special about spending a full day on the water, feeling the salt spray on your face, and never knowing what might grab your line next. Our 8-hour trips give you plenty of time to really get into the groove of fishing, try different spots, and hopefully land a mixed bag of species. Plus, there's nothing like the satisfaction of bringing home fresh fish for dinner. Whether you're looking to create lasting memories with family, bond with friends, or just escape the daily grind, our full-day charters deliver the goods.
If you're itching to get out on the water and see what Swansboro fishing is all about, don't wait! Our 8-hour trips are customer favorites and tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Remember, we can only take two anglers per trip, so it's perfect for a more personal experience. While we don't provide meals, feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day. And hey, don't forget – the deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to a day of fishing fun. Give us a call or book online to lock in your date. Trust me, after a full day of fishing with us, you'll be planning your next trip before you even hit the dock. See you on the water!
Black drum are hefty bottom-feeders that can reach over 80 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-30 pound range. You'll find them around oyster beds, pilings, and in channels, often in fairly shallow water. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but we catch them year-round. Drum are fun to target because of their strong pulls and unique "croaking" sound. They're also great eating, especially the smaller ones. To catch drum, use natural baits like crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Fish slowly and be patient - drum aren't known for aggressive strikes. A local tip: tap your rod on the gunwale to mimic the drum's croaking sound. This can sometimes attract them to your area.
Bluefish are aggressive predators that put up a heck of a fight. We typically see them from 3-10 pounds, though bigger ones over 20 pounds show up too. They roam in schools, often in the surf or around inlets and jetties. Summer and early fall are prime bluefish seasons here. These toothy critters will attack just about any lure or bait you throw at them. Anglers love bluefish for their hard strikes and powerful runs. They're also good eating when prepared right. To target blues, look for feeding frenzies on the surface - you'll often see gulls diving. Metal lures work great, but watch your fingers when unhooking them. A local trick is to "snag and drop" with a weighted treble hook when you see a school - the commotion often triggers a feeding frenzy.
Cobia are powerful fish that show up in our waters from late spring through summer. They can top 100 pounds, but most we catch are 20-50 pounders. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and even following large rays or sharks. Cobia fishing really heats up in May and June as they migrate through. Anglers love cobia for their hard fights and excellent meat. They're also fun to sight-cast to when you spot them near the surface. To target cobia, live eels or large jigs work well. A local tip: always have a ready rod with a bucktail jig when you're out. Cobia often appear suddenly, and you'll want to be ready to cast quickly before they disappear.
Sheepshead are quirky fish with human-like teeth, perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we sometimes see them over 10 pounds. You'll find them around any hard structure - docks, bridges, reefs. They're here year-round, but winter and early spring are best as they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting sheepshead for the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers. They're also excellent eating. To catch them, use small hooks with natural baits like fiddler crabs or barnacles. Fish right up against the structure, as sheepshead rarely stray far from cover. Here's a local trick: when you feel the lightest tap, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead often need to adjust the bait in their mouths before fully taking it.
Spanish Mackerel are fun, fast-moving fish that show up in our waters from spring to fall. They typically range from 2-4 pounds but can get up to 8 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around inlets and nearshore structures. These fish are known for their speed - they'll chase down lures and bait fish like lightning. Spring and fall are prime times to catch them as they migrate. Anglers love targeting Spanish for their acrobatic jumps and tasty meat. To improve your chances, try trolling with small, shiny spoons or jigs. Keep an eye out for diving birds, which often signal feeding mackerel below. When you hook one, be ready for some zippy runs. Their soft mouths mean you need to play them carefully to avoid losing them at the boat.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250