RipTide Charters
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsFishing ReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Captain

Learn More

My Trips

Family-Friendly 2-Hour Fishing Trip in Wanchese

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Wanchese, NC
  • $325 - $900 price range

Summary

This 2-hour trip is perfect for families and kids who want to try fishing in the calm waters around Wanchese. You'll be going after Speckled Trout, Red Drum, Flounder, and other fish that live near the bottom. Depending on what the fish are doing, you might cast lures, drift with bait, or jig to catch them. Don't worry about gear – Riptide Charters provides everything you need. Just bring your excitement and maybe a snack. The peaceful sound waters make this an ideal first fishing trip for beginners. It's a great way to spend a late afternoon, enjoying the scenery and hopefully reeling in a few fish. With room for up to 5 people, it's a fun outing for the whole family. Whether you catch a bunch or just enjoy being on the water, you'll head home with some good stories and a taste of fishing in Wanchese.
Family-Friendly 2-Hour Fishing Trip in Wanchese

Rods, Reels, and Smiles

previous-image
Angler fishing in North Carolina

Young angler’s proud redfish catch!

6 fishing the waters of NC

Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!

2 big fishing in Wanchese

Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!

A bluefish caught in Wanchese

Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!

Two big fishing catches in North Carolina

null

4 bluefish caught on a fishing trip in Wanchese

null

Redfish caught while fishing in Wanchese

null

Group of 5 people fishing in Wanchese

Mackerel and triggerfish catch with the crew!

Great fishing in NC, with an impressive 26-inch catch

Big redfish catch with smiles!

Redfish caught in Wanchese during fishing

Nice redfish catch with happy anglers!

Angler fishing in North Carolina

Young angler’s proud redfish catch!

6 fishing the waters of NC

Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!

2 big fishing in Wanchese

Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!

A bluefish caught in Wanchese

Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!

Two big fishing catches in North Carolina

null

4 bluefish caught on a fishing trip in Wanchese

null

Redfish caught while fishing in Wanchese

null

Group of 5 people fishing in Wanchese

Mackerel and triggerfish catch with the crew!

Great fishing in NC, with an impressive 26-inch catch

Big redfish catch with smiles!

Redfish caught in Wanchese during fishing

Nice redfish catch with happy anglers!

Angler fishing in North Carolina

Young angler’s proud redfish catch!

6 fishing the waters of NC

Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!

2 big fishing in Wanchese

Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!

A bluefish caught in Wanchese

Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!

next-image

Reel in Family Fun: 2-Hour Inshore Fishing

Looking for a laid-back fishing trip that's perfect for the whole family? Our 2-hour inshore adventure in Wanchese is just the ticket. We'll cruise the calm waters of the sound, giving you and your crew a chance to wet a line without the long hours or rough seas. It's the ideal way to introduce kids to fishing or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water. With Speckled Trout, Red Drum, and Flounder on the menu, you never know what might end up on the end of your line!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard our comfy fishing boat, you'll feel right at home. We'll head out to some of our favorite inshore spots where the fish are biting. The sound is nice and sheltered, so you don't have to worry about big waves - it's smooth sailing all the way. We've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Whether you're a first-timer or an old pro, our friendly captain will show you the ropes and help you reel in some local favorites.

Fishing Techniques 101

On this trip, we keep things simple and fun. Depending on what the fish are up to, we might do some casting along the shoreline, drift with the current, or try some light jigging. Don't know a jig from a jugfish? No worries! We'll teach you everything you need to know. Kids love the hands-on action of feeling for bites and reeling in their catch. And hey, if someone in your group just wants to kick back and enjoy the scenery, that's cool too. It's all about having a good time on the water.

Top Catches This Season

Our inshore waters are teeming with fish, and you never know what might decide to nibble on your hook. Speckled Trout are always a favorite - these spotted beauties put up a good fight and taste great too. Red Drum, also known as Redfish, are another local star. They love hanging out near structures and can give you a real tussle. And let's not forget about Flounder - these flat fish might not win any beauty contests, but they're a blast to catch and make for some mighty fine eating.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the inshore waters around Wanchese. Maybe it's the way the sun sparkles on the sound as you cast your line. Or the thrill of watching a young angler's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line. Our guests tell us time and time again how much they love the laid-back vibe of this trip. It's not about hauling in monster fish or spending all day on the water. It's about making memories, learning something new, and just enjoying some quality time with family and friends.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Speckled Trout are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These silver-sided fish with their distinctive spots are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They're known for their light, flaky meat that's perfect for frying up or throwing on the grill. Specks, as we call 'em, like to hang out around grass beds and oyster bars. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.

Red Drum, or Redfish, are another local favorite. These copper-colored beauties can range from just a few pounds up to monster sizes, though on our inshore trips we usually target the smaller "puppy drum." They got their name from the drumming sound they make during spawning season. Reds are known for their strong fights and their versatility in the kitchen. Fall is prime time for Redfish, but you can hook into them pretty much any time of year.

Flounder might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but don't let their flat, bug-eyed appearance fool you. These ambush predators are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom until an unsuspecting baitfish swims by. Catching a Flounder is all about feeling the bite - they tend to grab the bait and run with it before swallowing. Summer and early fall are your best bets for landing one of these tasty flatfish.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to make some waves and create some lasting memories? Our 2-hour inshore fishing trip is calling your name. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Wanchese, whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of our local waters. With all gear provided and a knowledgeable captain at the helm, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm (and maybe a camera to capture those "first fish" moments). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book your trip. Give us a call or hop online to reserve your spot today. The fish are waiting - are you ready to reel 'em in?

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a local favorite. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but some real monsters over 10 pounds show up now and then. You'll find them in the grassy shallows and around structure in the sound. They're here year-round, but fall and spring are best as they move into shallower waters. Trout are fun to catch - they hit hard and make some acrobatic jumps. Plus, they're delicious on the table. Their light, flaky meat is hard to beat. To target trout, try drifting live shrimp or casting soft plastics around grass edges early in the morning. Work your lure with a slow, twitching retrieve. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert. One local trick: on calm days, look for groups of feeding birds to find schools of trout underneath. Just remember to handle them gently if you're releasing - their mouths are soft and can tear easily.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a prized catch around here. They typically run 20-30 inches, but can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them in shallow waters - sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers go crazy for redfish because they put up a great fight and taste delicious. That distinctive black tail spot isn't just for looks - it fools predators into attacking the wrong end. To land one, try working a topwater lure or shrimp imitation slowly across shallow flats early in the morning. Watch for their tails breaking the surface as they feed. When you hook up, hang on tight - even smaller reds will give you a run for your money! Just remember to check regulations, as there are size and bag limits to help protect the population.

Sea Trout

About the 25' Mako

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some fishing fun in Wanchese? This 2-hour trip is perfect for families, especially those with younger kids who want to try their hand at catching fish. You'll be cruising the calm sound waters, where you might reel in Speckled Trout, Red Drum, Flounder, and other local species. The captain will show you different fishing techniques like casting, drifting, or jigging, depending on what's biting that day. Don't worry about gear - all the equipment is provided, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. It's a great way for beginners to get a taste of fishing without committing to a longer trip. The peaceful setting and shorter duration make it ideal for little ones with shorter attention spans. Soak in the pretty views, bond with your family, and maybe catch your first fish! Whether you're a local or visiting, this afternoon outing is a fun way to make some special memories on the water in Wanchese.
RipTide Charters

Follow Us

FacebookInstagram

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Fishing Reports

Target Species

Meet the Captain

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Things To Do

Fishing In NC

Cobia Quest

Inshore Fun

Inshore Quickie

Reel Time

Nearshore Reel

Inshore Catch

Nearshore Thrills

Premier Wanchese Fishing Charters!

Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best fishing in Wanchese, NC with RipTide Charters—whether you're after red drum, flounder, or trophy offshore species, we've got the perfect trip for you. Book your adventure today and create lasting memories on the water with Captain Randy Thornton!

More about RipTide Charters

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap