%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F3460%2Fimages%2Fimg_2391.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
8HR Inshore Fishing | Eastern NC | Wicked East
- Published Date: July 23, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $405 - $850 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fa633ede9-ea37-4648-8b68-a35ac558931e%2Fratecard%2F0.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Coastal Catches
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Carolina Waters, Big Fish
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Catch of the Day – NC Coast
null
null
Calm Waters, Big Rewards
Casting Lines in the Sound
null
null
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Carolina Waters, Big Fish
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Catch of the Day – NC Coast
null
null
Calm Waters, Big Rewards
Casting Lines in the Sound
null
null
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Carolina Waters, Big Fish
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Catch of the Day – NC Coast
8-Hour Beach Fishing Bonanza in Eastern NC
Get ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action along the stunning Eastern North Carolina coast. This 8-hour beach trip with Wicked East Charters is your ticket to targeting some of the area's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our experienced guides will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. From Spanish mackerel to false albacore, this extended trip gives you plenty of time to chase down your dream catch and soak in the coastal vibes.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll kick things off bright and early, loading up the boat with all the gear you'll need for a full day of fishing. As we cruise out from the dock, you'll get to soak in the gorgeous Eastern NC scenery - think golden beaches, rolling dunes, and the vast Atlantic stretching out before you. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll waste no time getting to the primo fishing spots. You'll have a solid 8 hours to work different techniques, try various spots, and really dial in your approach. We're talking multiple shots at hooking into Spanish mackerel, bonito, bluefish, and more. The longer trip means more casts, more catches, and more time to perfect your technique with tips from our pros.
Rods, Reels, and Tactics
On this trip, we'll be using light to medium tackle that's perfect for inshore action. Expect to work with spinning setups spooled with 10-20 lb test line - ideal for battling these hard-fighting coastal species. We'll show you how to work lures like Gotcha plugs, spoons, and jigs to entice strikes. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might do some trolling, casting at breaking fish, or even some bottom fishing for drum. The beauty of this longer trip is that we can mix it up and try different approaches throughout the day. You'll get hands-on experience with various techniques, from reading the water to working your lure just right. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid grasp on inshore tactics that you can use on future trips.
Top Catches This Season
Eastern North Carolina's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish, and this 8-hour trip gives you a shot at some real beauties. Spanish mackerel have been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in stringers full of these tasty, hard-fighting fish. False albacore (we call 'em "albies") have been making strong showings too, providing some of the most exciting light tackle action you can find inshore. Bluefish are always around, ready to chomp down on just about any lure you throw. And for those looking to mix it up, we've been finding some nice black drum hanging around structure. The longer trip means more chances to target different species and really rack up a diverse catch.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Little Tunny (False Albacore): These rockets of the sea, also known as "albies," are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They typically show up in good numbers from late summer through fall. Albies are known for their blistering runs - when one hits your line, hold on tight! They average 5-10 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Anglers love targeting albies for their explosive strikes and drag-screaming runs.
Spanish Mackerel: A favorite among local anglers, Spanish mackerel are fast, acrobatic, and delicious. They typically start showing up in late spring and stick around through fall. These silver torpedoes love to chase down fast-moving lures, often skyrocketing out of the water to attack. Most Spanish run 1-3 pounds, but larger ones pushing 5+ pounds aren't uncommon. Their willingness to hit lures and fantastic table fare make them a top target on our trips.
Bluefish: The bullies of the coast, bluefish are aggressive predators that are always fun to catch. They're around most of the year but really shine in the warmer months. Blues will hit just about anything that moves and fight hard all the way to the boat. They range from 1-5 pounds typically, with some gator blues pushing 10+ pounds. Their savage strikes and strong runs make for exciting light tackle action.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish offer a change of pace from the speedier pelagics. Black drum hang around structure and put up a stubborn, powerful fight. They're available year-round but are especially active in spring and fall. Most inshore drum run 3-10 pounds, but bigger ones are always a possibility. Anglers love their strong pulls and the satisfying thump when they take a bait.
Atlantic Bonito: Often confused with small tuna, bonito are rocket-fast members of the mackerel family. They typically show up in spring as they migrate north, providing some early season action. Bonito average 2-5 pounds and are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Targeting these speed demons on light tackle is a blast, and they make for some excellent eating too.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our 8-hour beach trip isn't just about filling the cooler (though we usually do that too). It's about soaking in a full day on the water, honing your skills, and experiencing the best of what Eastern North Carolina's inshore fishing has to offer. You'll get to work with our experienced guides who live and breathe these waters. They'll share local knowledge, help you dial in your technique, and make sure you're having a great time whether the fish are biting or not. The longer trip means more chances to experiment, more time to enjoy those picture-perfect coastal views, and more opportunities to create lasting memories. Whether you're a serious angler looking to target specific species or a family wanting a fun day on the water, this trip delivers.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching for a full day of inshore action, our 8-hour beach trip is calling your name. With Wicked East Charters, you're not just getting a fishing trip - you're getting a front-row seat to some of the best light tackle action on the East Coast. Our experienced captains, top-notch gear, and intimate knowledge of these waters mean you're in for a day you won't soon forget. Whether you're dreaming of battling false albacore, filling the cooler with Spanish mackerel, or just want to spend a day soaking up the coastal vibes, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for an epic day of Eastern North Carolina inshore fishing!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Bonito
Atlantic Bonito are like mini torpedoes - small but lightning fast. These relatives of tuna typically run 2-6 pounds, though they can hit 10 or more. We see them in our coastal waters mainly in spring and fall as they migrate. Look for schools of Bonito chasing bait near the surface, often giving themselves away with splashing and bird activity. Anglers love Bonito for their blistering speed - they can hit 40 mph and will smoke your reel on their first run. They're great sport on light tackle. Try fast-trolling small spoons or casting metal jigs into feeding schools. Here's a local trick: when you spot them, idle towards the school and cut the engine. Then cast beyond them and retrieve quickly - they can't resist a fleeing bait fish. While not prized for eating around here, Bonito put up an awesome fight for their size. Just be ready for some serious action when you hook one.
Black Drum
Black Drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters. These bottom-feeders can grow huge, with some topping 80 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in brackish creeks and estuaries. They're here year-round but really active in spring during spawning season. Black Drum are fun to target because they put up a stubborn, powerful fight - especially the big ones. They're not speedsters, but they'll test your arms and your gear. Fresh crab or clams are top baits, fished right on the bottom. Here's a tip: listen for their distinctive croaking sound, especially on calm evenings. That can clue you in to where they're feeding. The smaller "puppy drum" under 15 pounds are great eating, with sweet, firm meat. The big ones? They're fun to catch, but better released to keep growing and breeding.
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the sea - aggressive, strong, and always ready for a fight. These choppers typically run 3-10 pounds inshore, but can get much bigger offshore. Look for them in our bays, inlets, and along the beaches from spring through fall. They often travel in large schools, creating frenzied "blitzes" as they chase bait to the surface. Bluefish are pure fun on light tackle, hitting lures and bait with savage strikes and making powerful runs. They're not picky eaters - try metal lures, topwater plugs, or live bait like mullet. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving and bait fish jumping, get ready for action. Cast into the frenzy and hold on tight. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them - they're razor sharp. While some folks aren't fans of eating big bluefish, the smaller ones are tasty when prepared right. Bleed them immediately and get them on ice for the best flavor.
Little Tunny
Little Tunny, also known as false albacore or bonita, are small but mighty fighters. These torpedo-shaped fish typically weigh 10-12 pounds but can hit 20 or more. You'll find them in warm, nearshore waters, often hanging around points, inlets, and sandbars. They're fast swimmers that travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love targeting Little Tunny for their explosive runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your gear and skills. To land one, try trolling with feathered jigs or casting light tackle into feeding frenzies. Live bait like pinfish works well too. Here's a local tip: listen for the sound of fish smacking the surface. That's often a sign Little Tunny are corralling bait fish, and it's your cue to cast. Just remember, they're better for catch-and-release than the dinner table.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are speedy, silver beauties with dark green backs and yellow spots. Adults usually run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them in our warm coastal waters from spring through fall, often in large schools near the surface. They love to chase bait fish, so look for diving birds to spot them. Spanish Macks are popular targets because they're fun to catch and great to eat. They hit lures hard and make blistering runs - light tackle makes for an exciting fight. Try trolling small spoons or casting jigs into feeding schools. Live bait like finger mullet works wonders too. Here's a tip: when you see them skipping across the surface, cast just beyond the school and retrieve quickly. These fish are fast, so be ready for action as soon as your lure hits the water. Fresh Spanish Mackerel makes for some mighty fine eating, whether grilled, fried, or smoked.
