Wanchese Multi Species Inshore Charter Sea Jay

Wanchese NC Full Day Inshore Fishing Charter

If you're looking for the real deal when it comes to Outer Banks inshore fishing, this 8-hour adventure out of Wanchese is exactly what you need. Starting at 7 AM, we've got the whole day to work the best spots and put you on fish. This isn't some rushed half-day trip where you're barely getting warmed up before heading back - we're talking about a proper fishing day where we can hit multiple locations and adapt to whatever the fish are doing. Whether you've never held a rod or you've been fishing these waters for years, this charter is designed to get everyone hooked up with some quality fish.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard at Wanchese Harbor, you're getting the entire boat for your group of up to 6 people. No sharing with strangers, no waiting your turn - just you and your crew having the kind of fishing day that keeps people coming back to the Outer Banks year after year. We've got all the light tackle sorted, plus bait and lures that work in these waters. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility. If the trout are biting hot on the flats, we can stay and work them. If the drum are showing up on the structure later in the day, we've got time to make that move. The only things you need to bring are lunch, drinks, and some non-spray sunscreen. We handle the fishing licenses, so you're covered there.

Tackle and Techniques

We fish light tackle because that's what makes inshore fishing so addictive. You feel every run, every head shake, every fight these fish put up. Depending on what we're targeting, we might be working live bait around grass beds for trout, throwing lures at drum cruising the shallows, or running and gunning for spanish mackerel when they're schooled up. The gear we provide is top-notch stuff that can handle anything from a feisty 12-inch trout to a bull red that wants to drag you into the next county. These aren't deep-sea monsters, but pound-for-pound, these inshore species will give you a workout. We adjust our approach based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us. Some days they want live shrimp bounced on the bottom, other days they're smashing topwater plugs at first light.

Target Species You'll Want to Hook

Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Outer Banks inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties hang around grass beds and drop-offs, and when they're feeding, you can catch them all day long. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action usually happening around moving water. They fight harder than their size suggests and make excellent table fare. What makes trout fishing so rewarding is the variety - you might catch a dozen keeper-sized fish, then hook into a gator trout that goes 24 inches and reminds you why these fish have such a loyal following.

Redfish, or Red Drum as we call them locally, are absolute bulldogs that will test your drag and your patience. These copper-colored fighters range from schoolie reds in the 18-27 inch slot up to oversized drum that can push 40+ inches. Summer and fall are peak season, especially when they're running the beaches in massive schools. The slot-sized reds are perfect for dinner, while the big boys are all about the fight and the photo before we let them go to make more reds. There's nothing quite like watching a red drum's back come out of the water in two feet of skinny water.

Cobia are the wild cards of the inshore world. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, show up when the water warms and can turn a good day into an epic one. They're curious fish that will often follow rays and other cobia, making for some sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart pumping. A 30-pound cobia on light tackle is something every angler should experience at least once. They're also fantastic eating, which makes them a customer favorite when they cooperate.

Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and aggression that keeps things exciting throughout the day. When they're schooled up in summer and early fall, it's fast-paced action with fish hitting everything from small jigs to spoons. They're not huge fish, but they make up for it with attitude and excellent table quality. Kids especially love spanish mackerel because they bite aggressively and fight all the way to the boat.

Bluefish are the cleanup crew of the inshore world, and when they're around, you know it. These toothy predators travel in schools and attack bait with a vengeance that's both exciting and slightly terrifying. They're available most of the year, with some of the best action happening when they're corralling baitfish in the sounds. Blues fight hard, jump occasionally, and while they're not everyone's first choice for dinner, they're absolutely addictive to catch when they're feeding.

Time to Book Your Spot

This full-day inshore charter represents everything that makes Outer Banks fishing special. You get a full day to work different spots, target multiple species, and really get into the rhythm of inshore fishing without feeling rushed. The versatility of an 8-hour trip means we can adapt to conditions and fish behavior, maximizing your chances of having one of those days you'll be talking about for years. With all tackle, bait, and licenses included, plus the entire boat for your group, it's a world-class fishing experience that delivers on the promise of what Outer Banks fishing should be. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance at some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast.