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AM Speckled Trout Fishing Wanchese Sea Jay
What you will be catching:
Bluefish
Cobia
Redfish
Sea Trout
Spanish Mackerel
- Half-day inshore charter targeting red drum and speckled trout
- Early 7 AM departure maximizes fishing activity in productive waters
- Private boat accommodates up to 6 people with gear included
Trip Pricing and Availabilities :
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Wanchese NC Morning Inshore Fishing Adventure
Picture this: sunrise over the Outer Banks, calm waters stretching toward Roanoke Sound, and your line hitting some of the most productive inshore fishing grounds on the East Coast. This 4-hour morning charter from Wanchese puts you right in the heart of North Carolina's legendary fishing territory, where red drum patrol the shallows and speckled trout stack up in the grass beds. We're talking about a half-day trip that starts at 7 AM and gives you the whole boat for up to 6 people – perfect for families, buddy trips, or anyone looking to get on the water without burning a full day.
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard at 7 AM, you're getting the prime time slot. Morning fishing around Wanchese means cooler temps, calmer conditions, and fish that are actively feeding after the night. We'll cruise out to the productive flats and channels that surround the Outer Banks islands – areas where the brackish water creates perfect habitat for our target species. The beauty of this trip is that it's built for everyone, whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're trying to figure out which end of the rod to hold. We keep it light tackle, which means more fight in the fish and more fun for you. All your bait and tackle comes with the trip, plus we handle the fishing licenses, so you can focus on what matters: catching fish and having a good time.
Light Tackle Techniques
We're running light spinning gear on this trip, which is the sweet spot for inshore fishing around here. Think 15-20 pound test line, medium action rods, and lures that let you feel every bump and bite. Depending on conditions and what we're seeing, we might be throwing soft plastics over grass beds, working topwater plugs along drop-offs, or drifting live bait near structure. The key around Wanchese is reading the water – finding those transition zones where deeper channels meet shallow flats, or working the edges of grass beds where predators like to ambush their prey. When the tide's moving right and the fish are cooperating, we might also throw some cut bait for the bigger red drum that cruise these waters. The technique changes based on what we're seeing out there, but the goal stays the same: putting you on fish and making sure you walk away with some stories.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here, and for good reason. These speckled beauties love the grass flats and channel edges that surround Wanchese. They're most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes specks so much fun is their willingness to hit artificial lures – a well-placed soft plastic or topwater plug can trigger some explosive strikes. They typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 24 inches or more.
Redfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina inshore fishing. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn attitude once hooked. Around the Outer Banks, you'll find them in schools cruising the shallow flats, especially during spring and fall when they're staging for their seasonal movements. A slot-sized red drum (18-27 inches) on light tackle will test your drag system and your patience. The really special moments happen when you spot them tailing in skinny water – that's sight fishing at its finest.
Cobia show up when conditions align, typically during the warmer months when they're following rays and cruising the deeper channels. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are opportunistic feeders and incredible fighters. Landing a 30-40 pound cobia on spinning gear is something you'll remember for years. They're not always around, but when they are, they can turn a good day into a legendary one.
Spanish mackerel bring the fast action when they're in town. These speed demons travel in schools and hit lures with reckless abandon. During late summer and early fall, you might find yourself hooked up on every cast when a school moves through. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they're aggressive biters, but don't underestimate their fight – a 2-pound Spanish on light tackle is pure fun.
Bluefish are the cleanup crew of the inshore waters. When they're feeding, you'll know it – the water boils with activity as they slash through bait schools. Blues are aggressive predators that will hit just about anything you throw at them. They're excellent table fare when handled properly and provide consistent action when other species might be finicky.
Time to Book Your Spot
This morning half-day trip hits the sweet spot for a lot of people – you get quality fishing time without giving up your whole day, and the early start means you're working with the fish instead of fighting the afternoon heat and boat traffic. With the entire boat reserved for your group and all gear included, it's a hassle-free way to experience some of the best inshore fishing the East Coast has to offer. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just get out on the water with friends, this Wanchese charter delivers the goods. The Outer Banks didn't earn their reputation by accident – these waters have been producing fish for generations, and they're not slowing down anytime soon.
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of our waters and perfect for anglers who want non-stop action. These blue-green fighters with razor-sharp teeth typically run 2-10 pounds and will attack anything that moves. You'll find schools of them around bait balls, breaking water, and near structure from spring through fall. They're voracious feeders that'll hit spoons, jigs, and cut bait with abandon. What guests love is the steady action - when you find a school, everyone on the boat gets bent. They fight hard and taste great when prepared fresh. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids and beginners. My advice: bring wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon because those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. Also, watch your fingers when unhooking them - they bite even out of water.
Cobia
Cobia are the bonus fish that can make your whole trip. These brown, shark-looking fish are loners that cruise near the surface around structure, and when you spot one, it's game on. They average 20-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds, making them serious tackle-testing fish. We find them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris from late spring through early fall when water temps climb. What's great about cobia is they're curious - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that's perfect grilled. Here's the deal: when you see one, get a bucktail jig or live bait in front of it fast. They don't stick around long, but they'll usually eat if you don't spook them.
Redfish
Red drum are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here on the Outer Banks. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-40 inches in our waters. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in just 1-4 feet of water where their backs sometimes break the surface. They're year-round residents but really fire up in spring and fall when they school up. What guests love is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll peel drag like nobody's business. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. My local trick: look for nervous water or slight wakes in skinny areas, especially on incoming tides when they're pushing onto the flats to feed on crabs and shrimp.
Sea Trout
Around here, we call them speckled trout, and they're one of our most consistent catches. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and fight harder than their size suggests. You'll find them in our grass flats and shallow waters, especially around structure like oyster bars and drop-offs. They love to feed on shrimp and small baitfish, making them perfect targets for light tackle. Spring through fall are prime times, with early morning and evening producing the best action. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's fantastic on the table. My tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are soft and you'll pull the hook right out. Let them run with it a second, then lift steady.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and keep the action hot. These silver torpedoes with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. You'll find schools of them near the surface around structure, bait balls, and current breaks from late spring through early fall. They're perfect for light tackle and absolutely love small spoons and jigs trolled or cast fast. Guests enjoy them because they hit hard, jump, and there's usually plenty of them when you find a school. They're also great eating with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: keep your lures moving fast - these fish chase down prey at high speed, so slow presentations won't cut it. When you hook one, get it in quick before the rest of the school disappears.
About the Privateer
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 24
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
