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Top-Rated Morehead City Inshore Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Morehead City
- $450 - $1,000 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Mastering the art of fishing with diverse techniques in Morehead City!
Reel in the Big Ones: Morehead City Half-Day
Ready to get your line wet without burning a whole day? Our Morehead City half-day fishing charter is the perfect way to scratch that angling itch. Hop aboard with Captain Jeffrey Gaskill, a local pro who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're looking to pull in some hefty redfish or outsmart a wily speckled trout, this trip's got you covered. With room for up to four guests, it's ideal for a family outing or a small group of buddies itching to get on the water.
What's the Catch?
Picture this: You're cruising the inshore waters of Morehead City, rod in hand, with the salty breeze in your face. Captain Jeffrey's at the helm, pointing out prime spots where the fish are biting. You might be targeting redfish in the shallows one minute, then switching gears to go after flounder the next. It's all about adapting to what the water gives you, and trust me, these waters are generous. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – the captain's got plenty of tips and tricks up his sleeve to help you land that trophy catch.
Bait, Cast, Reel, Repeat
On this trip, we're all about versatility. Depending on what's running, we might start with some light tackle jigging for speckled trout. If the redfish are schooling, we'll switch to sight fishing in the flats – there's nothing quite like watching a big red tail in shallow water. For the bottom dwellers like flounder, we'll use live bait and slowly drift over their favorite hangouts. And if we're lucky enough to spot some cobia, get ready for a real fight! Captain Jeffrey provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.
Fish Tales from the Deck
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The Local Lineup
Black Drum: These bruisers are the drummers of the sea, known for their distinctive chin barbels and the croaking sound they make. They can grow to over 100 pounds, but the ones we typically catch are in the 5-30 pound range. Black drum are bottom feeders, so we'll use techniques like bottom fishing with crab or shrimp to entice them. They're most active in the spring and fall, and anglers love them for their strong fights and tasty fillets.
Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. They lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing their prey with lightning-fast strikes. We target flounder year-round, but summer is prime time. The challenge of hooking these sneaky fish is part of the fun – you've got to have a keen eye and quick reflexes. When you feel that distinctive 'thump' on your line, it's game on!
Sea Trout: Speckled trout, or specks as we call them, are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. These spotted beauties are most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. We'll often use artificial lures or live shrimp to target them around grass flats and oyster beds. The thrill of a speck hitting a topwater lure at dawn is hard to beat, and their delicate white meat makes for some mighty fine eating.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored fighters are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They can be found year-round, but fall is when they really shine. We'll sight fish for them in the shallows, looking for their distinctive tails sticking up as they root for crabs. Redfish put up a spectacular fight, often making long runs that'll have your drag singing. Landing a big 'bull red' is a bucket list item for many anglers.
Cobia: These curious creatures are the wildcards of our inshore trips. Cobia typically show up in late spring and stick around through summer. They're often found near structures or following large rays. When we spot one, it's all hands on deck – cobia are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. They can grow to over 100 pounds, so hooking into one is like hitting the jackpot for many anglers.
Cast Off with Us
Look, I could go on all day about the fish you might catch, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Our Morehead City half-day trip is perfect for folks who want to squeeze in some quality fishing without committing to a full day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Jeffrey's got you covered. The beauty of inshore fishing is that the action is often fast and furious – you're not spending hours waiting for a bite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your favorite snacks, and let's get out on the water. The fish are calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this call. Book your spot now and get ready for some reel fun!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Cobia are powerful fish that'll give you a real fight. They're dark brown with a lighter belly and can reach up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll often find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in waters 30 to 70 feet deep. Spring's the best time to target them during their spawning migration. These solitary predators are prized for their firm, tasty meat. Anglers love 'em because they're strong, aggressive, and put up a heck of a battle. We usually spot them just below the surface, so keep your eyes peeled. For tackle, bucktail jigs are a top choice. I like to use 4 to 8 oz jigs, but don't be afraid to go lighter if the conditions are right. Crankbaits and eel imitations work well too. Here's a local tip: look for rip lines or current breaks near structure - that's where cobia like to hang out. When you hook one, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
Cobia
Black drum are the powerhouses of our inshore waters. They can range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters topping 90 pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in brackish estuaries. These cousins of the redfish are known for their powerful jaws and the drumming sound they make. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Black drum put up a stubborn fight and the smaller ones are great eating. For bait, fresh crab or clams are hard to beat. If you're using lures, slow-moving jigs work well. Here's a tip from a local: when fishing for big drum, use heavy tackle and be patient. These fish often take their time with the bait, so wait for the rod to really load up before setting the hook. And remember, the bigger ones can be tough eating, so consider releasing those trophy-sized fish.
Redfish
Summer flounder, or fluke, are a unique target that'll test your skills. They're typically 15 to 20 inches long but can grow much larger. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like wrecks or reefs. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, changing color to blend with the bottom. They're most active in warmer months, especially from spring through fall. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision, but the reward is some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever eat. For bait, live minnows or strips of squid work great. If you're using artificial lures, try bouncing a bucktail jig slowly along the bottom. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift. It's a finesse game, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked!
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target for many anglers here. They're typically 14 to 24 inches long and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. These fish are known for their spotted bodies and delicate flavor. They're most active in spring and fall, but winter can be great too when they school up in deeper holes. Trout put up a good fight on light tackle and are excellent table fare. For lures, I like to use soft plastics, topwater plugs, and jigs. Live shrimp or small baitfish work well too. Here's a tip: try trolling slowly along grass edges if you're having trouble locating them. And remember, in winter, look for them in deeper channels where the water's a bit warmer.
Summer Flounder
Redfish, or red drum, are a blast to catch in our shallow waters. They typically range from 28 to 33 inches when mature, but can grow much bigger. Look for them in water as shallow as 1 to 4 feet deep, especially around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud bottoms. These fish are known for their distinctive black tail spot, which helps confuse predators. They're most active in spring and fall, but you can find them year-round in our area. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. For lures, I've had success with topwater plugs, jerkbaits, and shrimp imitations. Fly anglers, try a 3-inch weedless pattern. Here's a local secret: when the water's really shallow, sometimes you can spot their backs breaking the surface. Sight fishing for tailing reds is some of the most exciting action you'll find inshore.
About the Swan Point Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
