Expert-Guided 5-Hour Inshore Fishing in Wanchese

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Wanchese
$650 - $2,400 price range

Summary

Ready for a family-friendly fishing trip in Wanchese, North Carolina? Join us for a 5-hour morning charter that's perfect for anglers of all levels. We'll head out at 6 AM, trolling close to the beaches for a variety of fish like Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum. No need to worry about gear – we've got you covered with rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and a cooler for your catch. Our experienced crew will help you reel in some great memories, and maybe even dinner! With room for up to 6 guests, it's a great way to spend quality time on the water with family or friends. Remember to bring some cash for the mate's tip (20% is customary). Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, you'll have a blast on this laid-back coastal adventure. Don't forget your camera – you'll want to capture those big smiles and even bigger fish!

Expert-Guided 5-Hour Inshore Fishing in Wanchese

Reels and Catches

Wanchese waters, where fish thrive - Marlin

Catch of the day, Wanchese style

Wanchese fishing: Reel, relax, repeat

Wanchese fishing adventures await

Reel in Family Fun on Wanchese Waters

Ready for some serious fish-catching action with the whole crew? Our 5-hour morning trip out of Wanchese is just the ticket. We'll have you on the water as the sun's coming up, chasing after some of the Outer Banks' most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our experienced crew will make sure you're in on the action. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the water!

What's the Deal?

We'll kick things off bright and early at 6 AM, giving us prime time on the water before the midday heat. Our 5-hour trip means plenty of time to find the fish, but we'll have you back on dry land by 11 AM – perfect for grabbing lunch in town or hitting the beach. We'll be trolling close to shore, which means less travel time and more fishing. Plus, it's a great intro for anyone who might get a little queasy in deeper waters. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and ice. Just bring along some snacks, drinks, and a cooler for your catch. Oh, and don't forget to toss in some cash to tip your hardworking mate – 20% is standard and not included in the trip price.

Trolling 101

If you've never been trolling before, you're in for a treat. It's a super effective way to cover water and find fish, especially for species like Spanish mackerel and bluefish that are always on the move. We'll set up multiple lines behind the boat, each with a different lure or bait. As we cruise along, these baits dance through the water, mimicking injured baitfish and triggering the predatory instinct in our target species. When a fish strikes, it's all hands on deck! We'll show you how to fight and land your catch like a pro. It's an exciting, active way to fish that keeps everyone engaged – perfect for fidgety kids (or adults)!

Top Catches This Season

Our waters have been on fire lately! Anglers have been hauling in some impressive catches, from hard-fighting red drum to tasty Spanish mackerel. The cobia have been making appearances too, giving lucky anglers the fight of their lives. And let's not forget about the ever-reliable bluefish – they might not be the biggest, but they sure know how to put up a scrappy fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Outer Banks anglers. Known for their distinctive black spot near the tail, redfish can grow to impressive sizes. In the fall, big schools of bull reds cruise our waters, offering the chance at a real trophy catch. Even the smaller "puppy drum" put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. Redfish love to hang around structures like jetties and oyster beds, so keep your eyes peeled!

Spanish Mackerel: Fast, sleek, and delicious – Spanish mackerel are the perfect summer target. These speedsters travel in schools, so when you find one, you've often found many. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Trolling with small, flashy lures is the ticket for these guys. The best part? They're excellent on the grill, so be sure to keep a few for dinner.

Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these feisty little fighters punch well above their weight class. Black sea bass love structure, so we'll often find them hanging around wrecks or reefs. They're curious fish and will often follow a hooked buddy right up to the boat. While they might not be the biggest fish in the sea, their firm, white flesh makes them a favorite for the dinner table. Plus, they're a blast to catch on light tackle!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Wanchese might not be as well-known as some other Outer Banks spots, but that's part of its charm. You get all the incredible fishing without the crowds. Our local knowledge means we know exactly where the fish are biting, and our laid-back approach ensures everyone on board has a great time. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a morning on the water with the family, we've got you covered. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the look on a kid's face when they reel in their first fish. Those are the moments that keep folks coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what are you waiting for? Our 5-hour morning trip is the perfect way to experience the best of Wanchese fishing without eating up your whole day. With all gear provided and a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand, all you need to do is show up ready for action. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't miss out on your chance to create some unforgettable family memories. Give us a call or book online today – the fish are waiting!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular targets here in Wanchese. They typically run 28-33 inches when full grown, but can get much bigger - the state record is over 90 pounds! You'll find them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and manmade structures like old piers. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish put up a great fight, with powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're also beautiful fish, with that distinctive spot near the tail. For tackle, I recommend a 7-foot medium action rod with 20-pound braid. Try topwater lures early in the morning for some exciting strikes. One local trick: look for "tailing" redfish in very shallow water - you'll see their tails sticking up as they feed on the bottom. Just approach quietly so you don't spook them.

Redfish

Black sea bass are scrappy little fighters that'll give you a fun tussle. Most we catch are 2-4 pounds, but they can get up to 8 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging around structures like wrecks, rocky bottoms, and old pilings in waters up to 120 feet deep. Late spring to summer is prime time, when they move closer to shore. These fish put up a good scrap until they break the surface. Use a medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line and try live bait like squid or cut fish. One cool thing about black sea bass - they're all born female and some change to male later. The bigger ones tend to be in deeper water, so if you're after a trophy, that's where to look. They're great eating too, with firm white meat. Just remember, the season runs February 1-28 and May 15 through December here in North Carolina.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are speed demons of the sea. They're usually 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds, but boy can they move - up to 5.5 meters per second! We find them in schools near the surface, often around structures in open water. They love warm weather, so summer's your best bet. These fish will test your skills with their quick runs and acrobatic jumps. Light to medium tackle works well - I like a 7-8 foot rod with 12-20 pound braid. Shiny spoons or live bait like sardines are solid choices. Here's a local tip: if you see birds diving, there's a good chance mackerel are feeding below. They're not just fun to catch, but tasty too - great on the grill or smoked. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!

About the Sportfishing Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Cummins

Maximum Cruising Speed: 18

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 450

Get ready for a family-friendly fishing adventure on the waters of Wanchese, North Carolina! Our 5-hour charter trip is the perfect way to introduce kids and adults alike to the joys of inshore fishing. Setting out at 6 AM, you'll spend the morning trolling near the beautiful beaches, targeting a variety of fish including Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum. We've got you covered with all the essentials - rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, and fishing licenses are included. Just bring along your favorite drinks, snacks, and a cooler to store your catch. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a great opportunity for quality time with family or friends. Remember to factor in a 20% tip for the mate who'll be helping you reel in those fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, this trip promises a fun-filled morning on the water. Book now and create lasting memories with your loved ones!

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