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NC's Premier 8-Hour Inshore Slam | Wicked East
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $405 - $850 price range
Summary
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Inshore Slam 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
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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
NC's Hottest Inshore Slam: Pick Your Spot!
Hey there, anglers! Ready to chase some of North Carolina's most sought-after inshore species? You're in for a treat with this customizable 8-hour charter. Whether you're itching to battle redfish in the marshes, outsmart some speckled trout, or land a doormat flounder, we've got you covered. Our local pros know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're pumped to put you on the fish. So grab your favorite hat, slather on that sunscreen, and let's hit the water for a day you won't forget!
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're out on the water as the sun's coming up, sipping your morning coffee and feeling that salty breeze. Your guide's already got a game plan, based on the latest intel and your fishing wishlist. We'll cruise to the hotspots - maybe some grass flats for reds, rocky areas for sheepshead, or deeper channels for stripers. With a full 8 hours, we've got time to mix it up and try different techniques. Expect to toss some artificial lures, soak some live bait, and maybe even do a little sight fishing if conditions are right. And the best part? It's your day - so if you want to focus on one species or mix it up, just let your guide know. We're here to make sure you have a blast and hopefully put some fish in the cooler!
Rods, Reels, and Tactics
Alright, let's talk shop. We're rigged up with top-notch gear - light to medium action rods paired with smooth-as-butter reels. Depending on what we're after, we might be slinging soft plastics, working topwater lures, or presenting live bait. For redfish, we love sight-casting with gold spoons or tossing popping corks along grass lines. Trout? Nothing beats a slow-rolled jig or a live shrimp under a float. And for those bruiser flounder, we'll often drag soft plastics or live mullet along the bottom. Your guide will show you the ropes, so don't sweat it if you're new to these techniques. By the end of the day, you'll be working those lures like a pro!
Target Species Breakdown
Let's dive into the stars of the show - the fish you'll be chasing on this epic day out:
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are the bulldogs of the inshore world. They love to cruise the shallows, often giving themselves away with their signature tail out of the water. In NC, you can find them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up. Nothing beats the thrill of watching a red track down your lure in gin-clear water. They'll test your drag and your patience, often making blistering runs when hooked. The "slot" size (18-27 inches) makes for great eating, while the big boys over 40 inches will give you the fight of your life.
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout): These guys are the finesse fighters of the bunch. With their spotted patterns and delicate mouths, specks require a bit more touch. They're most active in cooler months, especially around dawn and dusk. We love targeting them around oyster bars, grass edges, and deeper holes. The 'gator' trout (over 5 pounds) are legendary for their size and wariness. Their soft bite and head-shaking jumps make for an exciting catch, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Southern Flounder: If you're after a fish that's both a challenge to catch and a delicacy to eat, look no further. These masters of camouflage lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing their prey. We typically target them in deeper holes, around structure, or near drop-offs. The bigger ones (dubbed 'doormats') can top 10 pounds and put up a surprisingly strong fight. Fall is the prime time as they move towards the inlets to spawn. There's nothing quite like the 'thump' when a big flounder inhales your bait!
Striped Bass: Also known as 'rockfish' in these parts, stripers are hard-fighting, schools fish that can really get your heart racing. In NC, we get both resident fish in the rivers and migratory ocean-run stripers. They love structure and current, so we often target them around bridges, jetties, and river mouths. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons. When a school of stripers blitzes on bait, it's pure chaos - and pure fun for anglers!
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy teeth fool you - these striped convicts are some of the wiliest fish in the inshore game. They love structure, especially docks, pilings, and oyster beds. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, requiring a delicate touch and perfect timing to hook. But man, are they worth it! Not only do they fight hard for their size, but they're also some of the best-eating fish in the sea. We typically target them year-round, but spring through fall is prime time.
Why Folks Keep Coming Back
Listen, I could go on all day about why this trip is a keeper, but let me break it down for you. First off, the flexibility is huge. Want to focus on reds? We'll make it happen. Hoping to fill the cooler with a mixed bag? No problem. Our guides live and breathe these waters, so they know exactly where to go based on tides, weather, and what's biting.
Then there's the variety. In a single day, you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, jigging for trout in deeper channels, and then bouncing baits off the bottom for flounder. It's like a grand tour of inshore fishing techniques!
And let's not forget the setting. Whether we're gliding through misty marshes at dawn or watching the sunset over the sound, the scenery alone is worth the trip. Add in the chance to hook into some serious fish, and you've got a day that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Time to Wet a Line!
Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on the water by now, check your pulse! This 8-hour inshore slam is the real deal - a chance to experience the best of North Carolina's inshore fishing scene with guides who eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a newbie hoping to bend a rod, we've got you covered.
Remember, with only 3 spots per trip, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait - grab your fishing buddies, pick your date, and let's make some memories on the water. The fish are waiting, the boat's gassed up, and your guide's ready to put you on the action. What are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready for a day of world-class inshore fishing in the beautiful waters of North Carolina!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are hard-fighting inshore favorites. These copper-colored beauties with a distinctive black tail spot typically run 28-33 inches when mature, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often tailing in less than 2 feet of water. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, try live bait like mullet or crabs, or artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is a real thrill. Here's a local tip: when you spot a school of reds, cast well beyond them and slowly drag your bait into the school. These fish can be spooky, so a stealthy approach is key.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically run 14-24 inches long. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often around grass flats or near structure. They're most active during cooler months, especially at dawn and dusk. Anglers love sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like soft plastics or topwater plugs. Work your bait with a slow, twitching retrieve to mimic injured prey. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for "slicks" on the water surface – these oily patches are often signs of feeding trout. Cast your lure just beyond the slick and work it back through the area. Hold on tight – these fish are known for their acrobatic jumps and head-shaking fights!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are crafty fighters that'll keep you on your toes. These toothy critters typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20 pounds. You'll find them around structure like docks, bridges, and reefs, where they feast on barnacles and crustaceans. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these bait stealers. Use small hooks with natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Position your bait right next to pilings or structure – sheepshead won't stray far from cover. Here's a local tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead have a knack for stealing bait, so give them time to get the hook in their mouth.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are sneaky bottom-dwellers that'll test your skills. These flat fish average 15-18 inches but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, especially around sandy or muddy bottoms. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with their surroundings. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild-flavored meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. To catch 'em, use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Work it slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive flounder bite. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab their prey sideways before swallowing it whole.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass, or "stripers," are hard-fighting fish that'll give you a run for your money. These silver beauties with dark horizontal stripes can grow up to 5 feet long, though most catches are in the 20-40 pound range. You'll find them in coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries, often around structure like reefs or bridges. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Anglers love stripers for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. To hook one, try live bait like eels or bunker, or use artificial lures like bucktails or topwater plugs. Cast near structure or look for birds diving on bait schools. Here's a local trick: when you spot stripers busting bait on the surface, cast just beyond the school and retrieve quickly through the frenzy. Hold on tight – these fish hit hard and don't give up easily!
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
