Hey there, heroes! Ready to trade in your badge for a fishing rod? We've got a sweet deal just for you first responders and military folks. Wicked East Charters is serving up some primo fishing action right here in Eastern North Carolina, and we're giving you a discount to boot. We're talking 4 hours of pure fishing bliss on some of the prettiest waters you'll ever lay eyes on. From the winding Tar River to the wide-open Pamlico, we've got 10 different spots where we can drop a line. And trust me, these waters are chock-full of the good stuff – Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder – you name it, we'll help you catch it.
Alright, let's break it down for you. This ain't your average fishing trip. We're talking a 4-hour private charter, just you and up to two buddies. No crowded party boats here. You pick the spot – we've got launch points all over Eastern NC. Maybe you want to try your luck on the Tar River, or perhaps you're feeling the Pamlico today. Heck, we've got eight other spots if those don't float your boat. The best part? It's all at a discounted rate for our hometown heroes. Just flash that ID when you show up, and we'll take care of the rest. It's our way of saying thanks for keeping us safe.
Now, don't you worry if you're not exactly Bill Dance out there. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand. We'll set you up with all the gear you need and show you the ropes. We're talking light tackle inshore fishing here – nothing too crazy. We'll have you casting like a pro in no time. Maybe we'll do some drift fishing over some oyster beds for those tasty Flounder, or we might hit some grass flats for Redfish. Heck, if the Specks are running, we might even do a little topwater action. Point is, we'll adjust our technique to whatever's biting that day.
Look, I could sit here and tell you how great this trip is all day long. But why don't we let some of our past guests do the talking? Thing is, we don't have any specific reviews to share just yet. But let me tell you, the smiles we see at the end of these trips speak volumes. There's nothing quite like watching a tough-as-nails firefighter light up like a kid on Christmas when they land their first big Red. Or seeing a veteran forget about everything else for a few hours as they focus on nothing but the tug on their line. Those are the moments that make this job worth it.
Alright, let's talk about what's swimming around out there. We've got some real beauties in these parts.
First up, the Southern Flounder. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending right into the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, so we'll be targeting them around structure like oyster beds or drop-offs. They put up a decent fight for their size, and let me tell you, they're some of the best eating fish out there. Flounder gigging is a local tradition, but we'll be using rod and reel to give you a real thrill when you set the hook.
Next, we've got Striped Bass, or as we call 'em around here, Rock Fish. These guys are the powerhouses of our rivers. They can grow up to 50 pounds or more, though most of what we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. Stripers love to hang out in current, so we'll be targeting them around river bends or near structure. They hit hard and fight even harder – landing one of these bad boys will give you a story to tell back at the station.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we like to call 'em, are another local favorite. These guys are known for their spotted bodies and their willingness to hit topwater lures. There's nothing quite like seeing a Speck blow up on a topwater at dawn. They're most active in the cooler months, so fall and spring are prime time for these fellas. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they more than make up for it in numbers and fight.
Last but certainly not least, we've got Redfish. Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are probably the most sought-after inshore fish in NC. They can range from little "puppy drums" up to massive bull reds over 40 inches. We target them in the shallows, often sight-fishing when conditions are right. Watching a big Red cruise by in knee-deep water, dropping your lure in front of it, and seeing that tail come up as it pounces – man, that's what fishing is all about.
So, what do you say? Ready to trade in that uniform for some board shorts and a fishing shirt? This ain't just a fishing trip – it's a chance to decompress, to remember why you do what you do. It's about making memories, swapping stories, and yeah, hopefully catching a few fish along the way. We've made it easy for you – just pick your spot, grab a couple buddies, and we'll handle the rest. The fish are biting, the water's fine, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. So come on, book your trip with Wicked East Charters today. Let's go make some waves and catch some fish!
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in our waters. Most keepers run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms near structure like docks, jetties, and creek mouths. They love to bury themselves and ambush passing bait. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper water to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting flounder for their unique fight and excellent table fare. For best results, try slow-trolling or drifting with live bait like finger mullet or mud minnows. A local tip: when you feel the bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait - they often grab it sideways first before swallowing it head-first.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a favorite inshore species. Most run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches will really get your heart pumping. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially on moving tides. They like to ambush bait in 2-6 feet of water. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons as the water temperatures are ideal. Anglers love specks for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To improve your odds, try working a popping cork with a shrimp imitation lure. A local secret is to fish the lights at night - trout can't resist gathering baitfish. Just remember to work your lure slowly - these fish often short-strike fast-moving baits.
Redfish are a blast to catch in our shallow coastal waters. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. Look for them cruising the flats, oyster beds, and grass lines in 1-4 feet of water. They love to hang around structure and will often give themselves away with their tails sticking up as they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time as they school up to feed before winter. Anglers love targeting redfish for their hard pulls and delicious, mild-flavored meat. To up your odds, try sight-casting with soft plastics or topwater lures early in the morning. A local trick is to look for diving birds - they'll often lead you right to a school of feeding reds. Just remember to approach quietly so you don't spook these wary fish.
Striped bass are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear and skills. Around here, we typically catch schoolies in the 18-28 inch range, but trophy fish over 40 inches aren't unheard of. Look for stripers around underwater structure, rip lines, and bait schools. They move inshore in spring and fall, so those are prime seasons. Stripers are opportunistic predators - they'll hit topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and tasty white meat. For best results, fish moving water during low light periods. A favorite local technique is to drift live eels along channel edges at night. Just be ready when they hit - stripers are known for their powerful initial runs!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150