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Riptide's Outer Banks 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Wanchese, NC
  • $325 - $900 price range
  • Updated Date: October 18, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a focused half-day of inshore fishing in the Outer Banks. We'll spend 4 hours exploring the diverse waters of the sound, inlet, flats, and nearshore reefs. Our targets are popular inshore species like speckled trout, redfish, flounder, bluefish, and sheepshead. We use a mix of techniques - jigging, drifting, and live bait fishing - to put you on the fish. This trip is great for all skill levels, so whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned angler, you'll have a blast. We provide all the gear you need, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring your polarized sunglasses, a hat, and dress for the weather. With Riptide Charters, you're in for a productive day on the water with scenic coastal views. Our boat can accommodate up to 5 guests, so bring your friends or family for a memorable day of fishing in the OBX.
Riptide's Outer Banks 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Inshore Action Shots

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Reel in the Action: Outer Banks Inshore Fishing

Get ready to wet a line in the rich waters of the Outer Banks! This 4-hour inshore fishing trip with Riptide Charters is your ticket to hooking into some of the area's most sought-after species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Randy knows just where to find the fish and how to put you on them. From the shallow flats to the bustling inlets, we'll chase everything from speckled trout to hard-fighting redfish. So grab your hat and let's hit the water – the fish are waiting!

What's Biting Today?

Our half-day inshore trips are all about variety and action. We'll cruise the pristine sounds, inlets, and nearshore reefs of the Outer Banks, targeting hotspots where fish are actively feeding. Depending on the season and conditions, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, jigging for specks around oyster beds, or drifting live bait for doormat flounder. Captain Randy's local knowledge means we're always on top of the best bite, whether that's working a topwater lure for aggressive bluefish or dropping baits near structure for chunky sheepshead. It's hands-on fishing where you'll learn new techniques and hopefully land your personal best!

Tactics and Tackle Talk

On this trip, we'll use a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing methods. You might find yourself finesse fishing with light tackle and artificial lures one minute, then switching to a stout rod for bottom fishing the next. We'll match our approach to the conditions and the fish we're after. Expect to try techniques like:

- Popping corks for specks and reds - Slow-trolling live bait along channel edges - Casting soft plastics to likely structure - Jigging around pilings for flounder

Don't worry if some of these sound new to you – Captain Randy will walk you through each technique. We provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, rigged and ready to go. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky fishing hat!

Raves from Recent Anglers

"We explained to Capt. Randy we wanted to catch fish to eat for dinner. He delivered! We had a great time tolling and taking turns catching and yes even missing a few. Capt. Randy was easy to work with and everyone caught fish. He showed us how to bring them in and remove them and to the ice chest they went. Really super fun. Not our first trip out fishing in the Ocean but the best ever. Capt. Randy is patient and laidback so kids would have a good time. Everything was in great working order, boat clean and ready to go when we arrived. We were very pleased. Thank you Captain Randy." - Pete

"This is my first time booking a charter, my son and I have recently taken to fishing and are still very much beginners lol. I went with Riptide for a midday 4 hour trip and had a blast, I definitely recommend Capt. Randy he's super knowledgeable and experienced, he's down to earth and easy to chat with. He explained the process every step of the way and answer all of my questions and there was a lot, I genuinely learned a ton, and will be booking again." - Wes

Fish on the Menu

The Outer Banks is home to a diverse inshore fishery. Here's a look at some of the top targets we'll be after:

Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. Known for their delicate bite and acrobatic fights, specks often travel in schools, so when you find one, get ready for more! They love to ambush bait around grass flats and oyster beds. Fall and spring are prime times, but we catch them year-round in the Outer Banks.

Redfish (Red Drum): The bulldogs of the flats, redfish will test your drag and your patience. In the shallows, you might spot their copper-colored backs and signature tail as they hunt for crabs and baitfish. We target smaller "puppy drum" in the sounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into a bigger bull red that'll have you hollering!

Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bottom for unsuspecting prey. When you feel that distinctive 'thump' on your line, get ready for a tasty dinner! We'll target them around structure and sandy bottoms, often using live bait or soft plastics dragged slowly along the bottom.

Bluefish: Want non-stop action? Bluefish are your ticket. These toothy predators hunt in packs, often creating frenzies on the surface as they chase bait. They hit hard and fight dirty – perfect for anglers who love a good tussle. Plus, they're excellent when smoked or grilled fresh.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive teeth, sheepshead are as fun to catch as they are to look at. We'll target them around pilings and rocky areas where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. It takes a bit of finesse to hook these bait-stealers, but the reward is a great fight and some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.

Time to Get Hooked Up!

Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just enjoy a morning on the water, our Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Charter delivers. With a max of 5 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and chances to land the big one. Captain Randy's laid-back style and deep local knowledge ensure a trip that's as fun as it is productive.

Don't forget to bring: - Polarized sunglasses (helps you spot fish and cut glare) - Hat and sunscreen (the Carolina sun can be intense!) - Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are your friend) - Camera for those trophy shots - Cooler for your catch (if you plan to keep fish)

We'll handle the rest – from licenses to ice for the fish box. So what are you waiting for? The tide's right, the fish are biting, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Book your Outer Banks inshore adventure with Riptide Charters today and get ready to make some fishing memories!

Customer Reviews

Fish Feast Fun

quotes

We explained to Capt. Randy we wanted to catch fish to eat for dinner. He delivered! We had a great time tolling and taking turns catching and yes even missing a few. Capt. Randy was easy to work with and everyone caught fish. He showed us how to bring them in and remove them and to the ice chest they went. Really super fun. Not our first trip out fishing in the Ocean but the best ever. Capt. Randy is patient and laidback so kids would have a good time. Everything was in great working order, boat clean and ready to go when we arrived. We were very pleased. Thank you Captain Randy.

Read More
PK
Pete K

June 16, 2025

Beginners Bonanza

quotes

This is my first time booking a charter, my son and I have recently taken to fishing and are still very much beginners lol. I went with Riptide for a midday 4 hour trip and had a blast, I definitely recommend Capt. Randy he's super knowledgeable and experienced, he's down to earth and easy to chat with. He explained the process every step of the way and answer all of my questions and there was a lot, I genuinely learned a ton, and will be booking again.

Read More
WM
Wes M

August 28, 2025

Learn more about the animals

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive predators that put up a great fight. They typically range from 1-8 pounds but can get up to 20 pounds. Look for them in the surf, inlets, and nearshore waters from spring through fall. They're voracious feeders, often attacking bait in frenzied blitzes that churn the water's surface. Bluefish hit hard and fast on both live bait and artificial lures. Their sharp teeth can slice through line, so wire leaders are a must. For a fun topwater bite, try casting metal lures or poppers into feeding schools. Bluefish make good table fare when eaten fresh, with a rich, oily flavor. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke! One local tip: when you see birds diving, there's a good chance bluefish are pushing bait to the surface. Get ready for some fast action.

Bluefish

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They range from 3-pound "puppy drum" up to 40-pound bruisers. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and tailing in spartina grass. They feed year-round but are especially active in fall. Redfish have a distinctive black spot near their tail and put up a strong, determined fight. They'll hit live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is a real thrill. Their copper-red color makes them stand out. Redfish are prized for both their fight and their eating quality. The meat is mild and versatile for cooking. Here's a local tip: when fishing shallow flats, look for "pushes" of water. That's often a redfish moving and feeding, even if you can't see the fish itself.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, often feeding in very shallow water. Sea trout hit both live bait and artificial lures, with topwater plugs providing exciting strikes. They've got soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Anglers love sea trout for their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for a fish fry. One local tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances. That could be trout sipping small bait fish right at the top. Cast a small topwater lure and hold on!

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are quirky fish that'll test your skills. They average 1-8 pounds but can reach 20 pounds. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move inshore to spawn. Sheepshead are famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush crustaceans. They're tricky to hook - you've got to finesse your bait right in front of their noses. Once hooked though, they put up a stubborn fight. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for the challenge and their excellent table fare. The white, flaky meat is delicious. Here's a local secret: use a small, sharp hook and fiddler crabs for bait. When you feel the slightest tap, set the hook hard. These bait-stealers are masters at cleaning your hook without getting caught.

Sheepshead

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

Get ready for a fun-filled half-day of inshore fishing in the beautiful Outer Banks! Our 4-hour charter takes you to prime spots in the sound, inlet, flats, and nearshore reefs. We'll be targeting popular species like speckled trout, redfish, flounder, bluefish, and sheepshead using various effective techniques. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, our knowledgeable guide will ensure you have a great time on the water. We provide all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring your sunglasses, hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. With room for up to 5 guests, it's perfect for a family outing or small group of friends. Come join us for a productive day of fishing while taking in the stunning coastal scenery of the Outer Banks!
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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!

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