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Expert NC Inshore Fishing | Wicked East Charters
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $405 - $850 price range
Summary
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Coastal Catches
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Carolina Waters, Big Fish
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Catch of the Day – NC Coast
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Calm Waters, Big Rewards
Casting Lines in the Sound
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Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Carolina Waters, Big Fish
Speckled Trout by Sunrise
Catch of the Day – NC Coast
null
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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
NC's Best Inshore Fishing: 4-Hour Redfish Adventure
Ready to wet a line in some of Eastern North Carolina's most productive inshore waters? Wicked East Charters has you covered with this customizable 4-hour trip that puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're chasing speckled trout in the grass flats or sight-casting to tailing redfish, our seasoned guides know exactly where to find the action. With your choice of departure location, we're bringing the hot spots to you!
Trip Overview
This ain't your average fishing charter. We're talking about a tailor-made experience that caters to what you want to catch and where you want to fish. Our 4-hour inshore trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to tangle with some of North Carolina's most sought-after gamefish. We'll cruise the scenic waterways, from hidden creeks to wide-open bays, in search of redfish, speckled trout, and the elusive flounder. Our local guides have been fishing these waters for years, and they know how to put you on the fish, no matter the season.
What to Expect on the Water
Once we push off from your chosen launch spot, we'll get right to the good stuff. Depending on the tide and conditions, we might start by tossing soft plastics along oyster beds for redfish or working topwater lures for speckled trout busting bait on the surface. Our boats are rigged with top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one. We'll show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing, and if you're an old salt, we might even learn a trick or two from you. Either way, we're in for a morning or afternoon of non-stop action and plenty of fish tales to take home.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. Our clients rave about the personalized experience and the chance to fish waters that many locals don't even know about. You're not just a number here; we take the time to understand what you're after and tailor the trip to your goals. Want to learn how to throw a cast net for live bait? We've got you covered. Looking to perfect your popping cork technique? We'll dial you in. It's this attention to detail and our passion for putting clients on fish that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or lurking around structure in deeper water. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the thump of a redfish inhaling your bait!
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. We target them around grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths, often using live shrimp or artificial lures. The bigger "gator" trout are most active in cooler months, but we find consistent action throughout the year.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bottom. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they put up a stubborn fight and make for some of the best eating around. We often find them near drop-offs, around docks, and in deeper holes. Late summer and early fall are peak seasons, but don't be surprised if we hook into a doormat any time of year.
Striped Bass: These hard-fighting fish are a bonus catch on our inshore trips. Also known as rockfish, they're most active in cooler months when they move into the rivers and creeks. Stripers hit hard and make blistering runs, often putting your drag to the test. We target them around structure and in areas with strong current, using both live bait and artificial lures.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work, sheepshead are a unique target species. These structure-loving fish are notorious bait stealers, making them a true test of an angler's skill. We find them around pilings, bridges, and oyster beds, where they feed on crustaceans. Spring and fall are prime times, but savvy anglers can catch them year-round.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, we could go on all day about the fish you might catch or the stories you'll take home, but the truth is, nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This 4-hour inshore trip with Wicked East Charters is your ticket to some of the best fishing Eastern North Carolina has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or a first-timer wanting to see what all the fuss is about, we've got the knowledge, the gear, and the spots to make it happen. The fish are out there waiting – all that's missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let's go catch some memories. Book your trip now and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Southern flounder are the chameleons of our inshore waters. These flat fish usually run 14-20 inches but can reach 30+ inches. You'll find them lying camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near drop-offs or creek mouths. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper water to spawn. Flounder are prized for their mild, delicate meat and the challenge of hooking them. To catch more, try slow-trolling live mullet or bouncing a bucktail jig along bottom contours. Patience is key - let them take the bait before setting the hook. A local trick is to look for depressions or "potholes" in shallow flats. That's where big flounder like to ambush prey. Once hooked, keep steady pressure to avoid losing them at the boat!
Sea Trout
Striped bass, or rockfish, are hard-fighting gamefish that migrate through our waters. Adult fish typically run 18-30 inches but can reach 50+ inches. You'll find them around inlets, bridges, and deeper channels, especially in fall and spring as they move between fresh and saltwater. Anglers love targeting stripers for their powerful runs and excellent eating quality. To hook up, try live-lining menhaden or working a bucktail jig in current seams. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. A local secret is to look for working birds - that often means stripers are pushing bait to the surface. Once hooked, use steady pressure to turn their head away from structure. These fish will use every trick to shake free!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the toothy bandits of our inshore waters. These striped fish usually run 2-5 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around pilings, jetties, and oyster beds where they use those human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter and early spring are prime times as the fish move inshore to spawn. Anglers pursue sheepshead for the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers. Plus, the firm white meat is delicious. To land one, use a small, strong hook with fiddler crabs or oysters. Fish straight down along structure and set the hook at the slightest tap. A local trick is to scrape barnacles off pilings to chum them up. Just watch those teeth when unhooking!
Southern Flounder
Redfish are a favorite target for anglers in Eastern North Carolina. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 20-30 inches and put up an awesome fight. You'll find them cruising the shallows, often in just 1-4 feet of water around oyster beds, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to feed before winter. Redfish are prized for their powerful runs and delicious white meat. To hook one, try working a gold spoon or live shrimp along drop-offs and creek mouths. Keep an eye out for their tell-tale tail wakes in super skinny water - that's where the big bulls like to hunt. A local trick is to chum with cut mullet to get them fired up. Once hooked, hang on tight – even smaller reds will test your drag!
Striped Bass
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. These silver-sided beauties average 14-20 inches but can reach 24+ inches. You'll find them prowling grass flats, creek mouths, and deeper holes, especially around dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the fish school up. Trout are known for their soft, delicate bite and acrobatic fights. Anglers love targeting them for their abundance and excellent table fare. To catch more trout, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork or working a soft plastic jig slowly along bottom contours. One local secret is to fish the last of the falling tide when bait gets flushed out of the marshes. The trout will be stacked up waiting to ambush an easy meal.
About the Wicked East
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
