Get ready for an evening of rod-bending action as the sun dips below the horizon on our 3-hour inshore fishing trip in Hatteras. We'll cruise the calm waters, chasing after the day's hot bite while soaking in those golden hour views. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is perfect for making memories and maybe even landing your personal best. So grab your crew (up to 4 can join), and let's hit the water for some prime-time fishing!
As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the day's heat giving way to that perfect evening breeze. We'll motor out to some of my favorite honey holes where the fish are known to feed as the light fades. I'll get you set up with all the gear you need - we use light tackle that's a blast to fish with and gives you a real connection to every bite. We might do some drifting, anchoring, or even sight-casting depending on what the fish are doing. And don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to landing your catch. The best part? Watching your line zip off into the sunset when a big one hits!
There's something special about fishing as day turns to night. The water gets glassy, the sky puts on a light show, and the fish often go into a feeding frenzy. It's the perfect time to be on the water, whether you're here for serious angling or just want to enjoy being out on the boat with family. We keep our groups small (max 4 people) so you get plenty of personal attention and room to cast. Plus, with the variety of species we target, you never know what might end up on the end of your line - from hard-fighting reds to acrobatic blues. It's no wonder folks book this trip again and again, chasing that "golden hour" bite.
Hatteras inshore fishing is on fire right now, with some real bruisers being pulled in. We've been seeing a lot of chunky redfish (some pushing the slot limit), schools of bluefish that'll make your reel sing, and even some surprise cobia showing up to crash the party. The black drum have been thick too, especially around structure. And let's not forget about those greater amberjack - they might be a bit further out, but when we find them, hold onto your rod! Each trip is different, but that's the beauty of it. We'll target what's biting best and adjust our tactics to put you on the fish.
Bluefish: These toothy critters are the life of the party in Hatteras waters. Known for their aggressive strikes and strong runs, bluefish will test your skills and your gear. They often hunt in schools, so when you find one, you've found a bunch. Expect some acrobatics when you hook up - these guys love to jump! Best of all, they're around most of the year, with peak action in spring and fall.
Black Drum: If you're after a fish with some serious pulling power, black drum are your target. These bottom-dwellers can grow to monster sizes, though we usually catch them in the 5-30 pound range on inshore trips. They love hanging around pilings and oyster beds, so we'll focus on those areas. Black drum are suckers for crab and shrimp baits, and once hooked, they'll give you a workout. They're most active in spring and fall, but we can find them year-round.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Hatteras anglers. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail and put up a fantastic fight on light tackle. We target them in the shallows, often sight-casting to schools you can see tailing in just a foot or two of water. It's heart-pounding stuff! Redfish are around all year, but the fall run is something special.
Greater Amberjack: While we might have to venture a bit further out for these bruisers, it's worth the trip. Greater amberjack are like the linebackers of the fish world - big, strong, and ready to rumble. They hang around wrecks and reefs, and when you hook one, be ready for a battle. These fish can top 100 pounds, though we usually tangle with ones in the 20-40 pound range. They're most common in summer and early fall.
Cobia: These curious fish are the wildcards of our inshore trips. Sometimes called "crab eaters," cobia are known for following rays, turtles, and even boats. They've got a distinctive flat head and can grow to impressive sizes. When a cobia decides to eat your bait, hold on tight - they're known for powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. We see them most often from late spring through summer, and landing one is always a highlight of the trip.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Hatteras has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our evening charters are booking up fast, especially as word gets out about the killer sunset bites we've been having. Remember, we can only take 4 people per trip to keep things comfortable and make sure everyone gets plenty of fishing time. So round up your crew, pick a date, and let's make it happen. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to feel the tug of a fish as the sky turns pink, we've got you covered. Don't let another fishing season slip by - book your Hatteras inshore adventure today and get ready for some reel action!
Black drum are hefty bottom-feeders that'll test your tackle. These cousins of the redfish can grow over 50 pounds, though most are in the 5-30 pound range. You'll find them year-round in shallow bays, around oyster beds, and near pier pilings. Black drum use their strong jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so crab and clam baits work great. The spring spawning season is prime time, when big schools gather in the shallows. Anglers enjoy the hard-pulling fight of a big drum. For eating, the smaller ones under 15 pounds are best. Local secret: Listen for their distinctive croaking sound to locate schools.
Bluefish are aggressive predators that put up a great fight. These fast swimmers typically range from 3-15 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them in coastal waters from spring through fall, often in large schools churning up bait near the surface. Bluefish hit hard and aren't picky eaters - they'll go after just about any bait or lure. For the best action, look for birds diving on bait schools. Guests love targeting blues for their exciting topwater strikes and strong runs. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are sharp! Pro tip: Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs when blues are around.
Cobia are prized gamefish that offer an exciting challenge. These sleek, powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia are often mistaken for sharks as they cruise near the surface. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate up the coast. Anglers love sight-casting to cobia - it's a rush when you spot that big brown shape and get a bait in front of it. They put up a great fight and are excellent table fare too. Local tip: Always have a heavy jig ready to pitch if you see one following the boat.
Greater amberjack are hard-fighting reef dwellers that'll test your arms and your gear. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around offshore wrecks and reefs in 60-240 feet of water. AJs are aggressive predators that hit hard and fight dirty - they're known for diving back to the structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love targeting jacks for their brute strength and never-say-die attitude. They're good eating too, but watch out for ciguatera in big ones. Pro tip: Use heavy tackle and be ready to muscle them away from the wreck fast when they bite.
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets. Also called red drum, these copper-colored fish have a distinctive black spot near their tail. Most reds we catch are in the 18-27 inch range, but big bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and creek mouths. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent eating. For best results, fish the falling tide when reds are feeding in the shallows. Try a gold spoon or live shrimp under a popping cork. Local tip: Watch for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud.