Wanchese Inshore Red Drum Charter Sea Jay Fishing

Wanchese NC Inshore Red Drum and Speckled Trout

Ready for a proper inshore adventure? This 6-hour charter puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best fishing grounds. Departing at 7 AM from historic Wanchese Harbor, you'll have plenty of time to work the flats, channels, and structure where the fish actually live. We're talking about waters that have been producing quality catches for generations – places where the old-timers learned to fish and where today's top captains still come to put clients on fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives your crew the space to spread out and work different techniques without bumping elbows.

What to Expect on the Water

Six hours means we're not rushed. We can hit multiple spots, adjust to conditions, and really dial in what's working on any given day. The early start gets us out before the boat traffic picks up and while the fish are still actively feeding. Wanchese sits perfectly positioned to access both the shallow grass flats where reds love to cruise and the deeper channels that hold winter trout. Depending on season and conditions, we might start working oyster bars for drum, then move to creek mouths for specks, or spend time around structure targeting spanish mackerel and blues. The beauty of this extended trip is flexibility – if one area isn't producing, we've got time to relocate and find the bite. Light tackle keeps things fun regardless of what shows up, and beginners get the same shot at success as seasoned anglers since we're using gear that anyone can handle effectively.

Techniques and Tackle

We keep it simple but effective out here. Light spinning gear loaded with 15-20 pound braid gives you the sensitivity to feel subtle bites while having enough backbone for bigger fish. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be working soft plastics along grass edges, bouncing jigs through deeper water, or casting topwater plugs over shallow flats during prime feeding times. The key is reading the water and matching your approach to conditions. When reds are tailing in skinny water, we'll pole quietly into position and make precise casts. For trout holding in channels, we might drift with the current and work different depths until we locate schools. Spanish mackerel often require faster retrieves with flashy spoons or small jigs, while bluefish will hit just about anything when they're feeding aggressively. All bait, tackle, and lures are included, so you don't need to worry about rigging or what to bring – just show up ready to fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red drum are the crown jewel of North Carolina inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters can range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers to hefty 40-pound bulls that'll test your drag and your patience. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish moving onto shallow flats to feed during incoming tides. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat in shallow water where you can actually see them – there's nothing quite like watching a big drum inhale your bait in two feet of water. They're also incredibly strong fighters that use their broad sides to leverage against you, making even smaller fish feel much bigger than they are.

Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. These beautiful spotted fish typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional specimens pushing 24 inches or better. They're most active during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels and around structure. Specks have relatively soft mouths, so they require a gentle touch, but they make up for it with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a favorite among anglers looking to take home dinner. The key to consistent trout fishing is finding the right depth and temperature – they're sensitive to both and will move frequently as conditions change.

Spanish mackerel bring pure speed and excitement to any trip. These sleek predators typically show up in warmer months, often in large schools that create feeding frenzies near the surface. They're relatively small – usually 12-16 inches – but what they lack in size they make up for in sheer energy. Mackerel have razor-sharp teeth and hit lures at full speed, often jumping multiple times during the fight. They're fantastic light-tackle fish that provide non-stop action when you find a school, and kids especially love the constant bites and aerial displays.

Bluefish are the opportunists of the inshore world, showing up whenever there's an easy meal to be had. They can range from small "snappers" perfect for beginners to hefty 5-8 pound "choppers" that'll give you a real workout. Blues are known for their aggressive nature and willingness to hit almost any lure or bait. They're excellent fighters with a tendency to make powerful runs, and they're not picky about technique – whether you're trolling, casting, or bottom fishing, blues will usually cooperate. Their abundance during peak seasons makes them perfect confidence builders for newer anglers.

Cobia are the wild cards that can turn a good day into a great one. These brown sharks lookalikes are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight-casting to individual fish. They're powerful fighters that combine the strength of a red drum with the endurance of a tarpon, often making multiple runs before coming to the boat. Cobia are seasonal visitors, typically showing up in late spring and summer, but when conditions are right, the Outer Banks can produce some truly memorable encounters with these 30-50 pound bruisers.

Time to Book Your Spot

This top-rated 6-hour adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing what makes Wanchese inshore fishing so special. With extended time on the water, expert local knowledge, and all gear provided, you're set up for success from the moment you