Get ready to wet a line and feel some drag on Morehead City's inshore waters! This 5-hour trip with Flippin Out Guide Service puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with the family or show off your casting skills, Captain Jason knows just where to find the hot spots. We'll be chasing speckled trout and redfish, with a good chance of hooking into some other inshore favorites too. Grab your hat and let's hit the water!
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Captain Jason's got his finger on the pulse of these waters, and he'll have us on fish before you know it. We're talking light tackle action that'll keep you on your toes. Most days, we're slinging artificial lures – it's a blast watching a trout crush a topwater or seeing a redfish wake as it chases down your bait. But if you're more of a live bait angler, no worries! We can set you up with some frisky mullet or shrimp that the fish can't resist. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, you'll be hooked up and reeling 'em in like a champ.
Leave your tackle box at home – we've got you covered with top-notch gear that's perfect for inshore fishing. We're talking light to medium action rods paired with smooth-casting reels that'll have you flipping lures into those tight spots where the big ones hide. Our artificial selection is dialed in for what's working right now, from soft plastics that mimic baitfish to noisy topwaters for those early morning blowups. If you're new to artificial lures, don't sweat it. Captain Jason will show you the ropes, and you'll be working that bait like a pro in no time. And remember, if live bait's more your speed, just give us a heads up and we'll make sure to have a livewell full of the good stuff.
Bluefish are like the bulldogs of the inshore waters – they're aggressive, hard-fighting, and always up for a scrap. These toothy critters will hit just about anything that moves, making them a blast for anglers of all skill levels. They typically show up in spring and stick around through fall, often in schools that'll have your rod bent double. Bluefish might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighters you'll tangle with.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call 'em, are the ninjas of the inshore scene. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom until they ambush their prey. Catching flounder is all about finesse – you've got to work your bait slow and steady along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard! Flounder fishing heats up in late spring and stays good through summer. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of outsmarting one of these bottom-dwelling tricksters.
White weakfish, also known as sea trout, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These silver beauties are known for their soft mouths and spectacular fights. They're most active during the cooler months, from fall through spring. Weakfish are suckers for soft plastics and live bait, and they often hang out near structure or in deeper holes. When you hook into a big one, get ready for some acrobatics – they're known for their surface-skipping runs that'll have your heart racing.
Spotted sea trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These speckled beauties are around all year, but the bite really heats up in fall and spring. They're suckers for topwater lures at dawn and dusk – there's nothing like seeing a big trout explode on your lure in low light. Specks are also great eating, so if you're looking to bring home dinner, these are your target.
Redfish, also called red drum, are the heavyweight champs of our inshore waters. These copper-colored bruisers can grow to over 40 inches, and when they're tailing in the shallows, it's a sight that'll get any angler's blood pumping. Reds are here year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up. Whether you're sight-casting to them in skinny water or battling a big one in the channel, hooking into a redfish is an experience you won't forget.
Folks, let me tell you – there's a reason why our regulars can't stay away from these waters. It's not just about the fish (though trust me, there are plenty). It's about that feeling you get when you're out here. The sun coming up over the water, the anticipation as you make that first cast, the rush when a big red slams your lure. It's about trading stories and laughs between bites, and maybe learning a new trick or two from Captain Jason. Whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this trip delivers. And hey, if you manage to outfish the captain, bragging rights are on the house!
Alright, anglers – you've heard the pitch, now it's time to make it happen. Whether you're looking to put some meat in the cooler or just want to feel the thrill of the catch, this 5-hour inshore trip is your ticket to a great day on the water. Captain Jason's got the knowledge, we've got the gear, and the fish are waiting. All we need now is you. So grab your sunscreen, pack a snack, and let's go show those fish who's boss. Book your spot now – the bite's on, and you don't want to miss it!
Bluefish are hard-fighting predators that make for exciting fishing. They average 7-10 pounds but can reach up to 40 pounds. Look for them from mid-June through October in our local waters. Bluefish travel in schools, often churning up the surface in feeding frenzies. They'll hit just about any lure or bait aggressively. Their sharp teeth can slice through lines, so wire leaders are a must. Bluefish put up an impressive fight and are fun to catch, though their oily meat isn't everyone's favorite for eating. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before migrating south. A local tip: when you see birds diving, there's likely a school of blues underneath. Throw a popper or metal lure into the fray and hold on tight - the strikes are explosive. Just be careful handling them, as those teeth are no joke.
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They average 5-10 pounds in the shallows, but big bulls over 40 pounds roam nearshore waters. Look for them tailing in grass flats or cruising shorelines, often in just inches of water. They feed year-round but are especially active in fall. Anglers love sight-fishing for reds - nothing beats watching one track down your lure. They put up a strong, dogged fight and make excellent table fare. Redfish will take a variety of baits, but a gold spoon is a local standby. Here's a pro tip: on hot summer days, target oyster bars on a falling tide. Reds stack up there to ambush prey being swept off the flats. Cast upstream and work your lure with the current for best results.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. They typically range from 1-3 pounds but can reach over 10 pounds. You'll find them in shallow grass flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Fall through spring offers the best action. Anglers love specks for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. When the water's cool, slow down your retrieve - they get sluggish. A local secret: after a cold front, look for trout stacked up in deep holes. A slow-rolled jig can produce some big ones. Just remember to release the big breeders carefully to keep our fishery healthy for years to come.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are a favorite inshore target here. They typically run 15-20 inches but can reach over 20 pounds. These masters of camouflage blend into sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and along the coast. Look for them in depths from 20-60 feet, especially around structure. Fluke fishing heats up in late spring and peaks in summer. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. A popular method is drifting with bait or jigs bounced along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap, set the hook hard - fluke have tough mouths. Here's a local trick: add a strip of squid or fish to your jig for extra scent and flavor. It often triggers more bites from these opportunistic predators.
White weakfish, also called sea trout, are a fun inshore species to target. They average 2-4 pounds but can reach over 15 pounds. Look for them around inlets, jetties, and in the surf, especially early mornings or evenings. They prefer depths of 10-30 feet and like structure. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate. Anglers enjoy their hard strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent eating, with delicate white flesh. Light tackle adds to the excitement - they have soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Weakfish hit a variety of lures, but soft plastics and jigs tipped with squid are local favorites. Here's an insider tip: on calm nights, look for weakfish feeding on the surface. Toss a topwater plug and get ready for some heart-pounding action as they explode on it.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150