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Riptide's 8-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Wanchese, NC
- $325 - $900 price range
Summary
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Reels and Catches
Young angler’s proud redfish catch!
Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!
Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!
Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!
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Mackerel and triggerfish catch with the crew!
Big redfish catch with smiles!
Nice redfish catch with happy anglers!
Young angler’s proud redfish catch!
Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!
Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!
Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!
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Mackerel and triggerfish catch with the crew!
Big redfish catch with smiles!
Nice redfish catch with happy anglers!
Young angler’s proud redfish catch!
Fresh mackerel catch with the crew!
Strong catch of mackerel and redfish!
Big bluefish catch with a proud angler!
8-Hour Adventure: The Ultimate Fishing Trip
Get ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action with Riptide Charters! Our 8-hour private trip is perfect for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and try out different techniques. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and expert guidance. This isn't your average fishing trip - we're talking about a serious chance to load up that cooler and maybe even land a trophy catch.
What to Expect on the Water
Eight hours gives us plenty of time to mix things up and chase after a variety of fish. We'll start the day by checking conditions and deciding on the best spots to hit. You might find yourself trolling for Spanish Mackerel in the morning, then switching gears to bottom fishing for some tasty grouper by lunch. As the day progresses, we could be sight casting for Cobia or jigging for Amberjack. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility - we go where the fish are biting and use whatever technique is working best that day.
Fishing Techniques & Gear
On this trip, you'll get to try out a bunch of different fishing methods. We'll likely do some trolling, which is great for covering water and finding active fish. When we spot some surface action, we might switch to sight casting with light tackle - always a blast when you can see the fish before you catch it. Live baiting is another favorite, especially for bigger predators like Cobia. And don't forget about jigging - it's a killer technique for Amberjack and other hard-fighting bottom dwellers. We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two).
Top Catches This Season
Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are like the linebackers of the ocean. They hang out near reefs and wrecks, and when you hook one, get ready for a serious workout. Amberjack can grow over 100 pounds, and even the smaller ones will test your arms and your drag. Best time to target them is usually late spring through fall, and they're absolute dynamite on jigging gear.
Cobia: Also known as ling or lemonfish, Cobia are one of the most sought-after game fish in our area. They're curious creatures and often swim right up to the boat, giving us a chance for some exciting sight fishing. Cobia are strong fighters and great eating too. We typically see them from spring through fall, with the peak season being in the warmer months.
Bluefish: Don't let their size fool you - bluefish are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They travel in schools and when they're feeding, it's a frenzy. Bluefish are great fun on light tackle and can be caught year-round, but the action really heats up in the warmer months. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Black Sea Bass: These tasty bottom dwellers are a staple for many anglers. They're not the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and flavor. Black Sea Bass hang around structure like reefs and wrecks, and they're suckers for a well-presented bait. You can catch them year-round, but the bigger ones tend to move offshore in the summer.
Black Drum: With their distinctive chin barbels and powerful shoulders, Black Drum are a favorite target for many coastal anglers. They can grow to over 100 pounds, but even the smaller ones put up a great fight. Black Drum are often found near oyster beds and other structure, and they love crabs and shrimp. You can catch them year-round, but spring is usually prime time when they gather to spawn.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our 8-hour trip is a customer favorite for good reason. It gives you the time to really explore different spots and techniques, increasing your chances of a diverse and successful catch. Plus, with a max of 5 guests, everyone gets plenty of personal attention from the captain. Whether you're looking to stock up on fillets for the freezer or just enjoy a full day of fishing with friends and family, this trip delivers. And hey, there's always the chance of hooking into that fish of a lifetime - the kind of catch that'll have you reliving the moment for years to come.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water for a full day of fishing action, don't wait to book this trip. Our 8-hour charters tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Remember, with Riptide Charters, you're not just paying for a fishing trip - you're investing in an experience led by local experts who know these waters like the back of their hand. So grab your hat, sunscreen, and fishing license, and let's make some memories out on the water. The fish are waiting, and the cooler's empty - let's change that together!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the gentle giants of the inshore waters. These cousins of the redfish can grow huge - we're talking 50 pounds or more. You'll find them in brackish areas, around oyster beds, and in coastal creeks. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. The big ones make a deep, croaking sound you can sometimes hear from the boat. For bait, nothing beats a fresh crab or chunk of clam. These fish have strong pharyngeal teeth for crushing shellfish, so use sturdy hooks. Black drum put up a stubborn, bulldogging fight. The smaller ones, under 10 pounds, are great eating. Bigger fish can be tough and wormy, so it's best to release those gently. Here's a tip: when you're fishing oyster beds, listen for that croaking sound. It's a dead giveaway that drum are nearby. Just be patient - these fish can be finnicky, but when they decide to bite, it's game on.
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are bottom-dwelling bruisers that pack a punch for their size. Most run 1 to 3 pounds, but big ones can top 8. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 60 to 120 feet of water. These fish are structure-oriented, so once you find them, you're in for some fast action. Spring through fall is prime time, with bigger fish moving offshore in winter. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about any bait or lure you drop down there. Squid strips are a top choice. Sea bass put up a good scrap, especially on light tackle. They're also excellent eating - white, flaky, and mild. Here's a local trick: when you find a good spot, mark it and come back later. These fish often return to the same structures. Just remember, the biggest males, called "knot-heads", tend to hang in the deepest water. So if you're after a trophy, you might need to go a bit deeper.
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bullies of the coast - aggressive, toothy, and always hungry. These migrants show up in our waters from June to October, usually in big schools that can turn the water to a frenzy when they're feeding. Most run 3 to 5 pounds, but the real choppers can hit 20. Look for them busting bait on the surface near inlets, jetties, and along the beaches. They'll hit just about anything that moves - lures, cut bait, you name it. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them. Bluefish put up a great fight for their size, often jumping and making strong runs. They're not everybody's favorite for eating, but smaller ones are pretty tasty if you bleed them out right away. Here's a tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast. Toss a metal lure into the fray and hold on tight. It's some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience.
Cobia
Cobia are like the prize fighters of the ocean - sleek, powerful, and always ready to throw down. These solitary swimmers can top 100 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. Look for them around buoys, pilings, and other structures in coastal waters, especially during their spring and summer spawning runs. Cobia have a reputation for being curious, so sight fishing can be a blast. They'll often swim right up to the boat to check things out. Live bait like eels or crabs work great, but big jigs and swimbaits score too. Here's a pro tip: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. Land your bait a few feet away and let the cobia come investigate. These fish are prized for their firm, white meat, making them popular for both sport and table fare. Just be ready for anything when you hook into one - cobia are known for their wild, unpredictable fights.
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack are real bruisers, often reaching 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and offshore structures in waters 30 to 300 feet deep. These powerful fish put up an epic fight, making them a favorite target for anglers looking for a challenge. Spring and early summer are prime times to hook into big AJs as they gather to spawn. They're not picky eaters, so live bait or hefty jigs will do the trick. Just be ready for a workout - these fish don't give up easily. When you're jigging, let it flutter down and then rip it up fast. That erratic action drives amberjack crazy. The meat is good eating too, especially from smaller fish. Just watch out for those teeth when you're handling them boat-side. If you want to test your angling skills against a true powerhouse, amberjack are hard to beat.
About the 25' Mako
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
