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Riptide's Premier 4-Hour Outer Banks Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Wanchese, NC
- $325 - $900 price range
Summary
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Rods Bent, Reels Screaming
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!
Reel in the Action: 4-Hour Nearshore Fishing
Hey there, anglers! Ready to get your lines wet without venturing too far from shore? Our 4-hour nearshore fishing trip is just the ticket. We'll cruise out to some prime spots where the fish are biting, and you'll have a chance to tangle with some of the Outer Banks' most exciting catches. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs, this trip offers plenty of action for everyone on board.
What's Biting Nearshore
Once we push off from the dock, we'll head to the sweet spots where the fish have been hanging out. We're talking about areas just a few miles offshore where the water's still that gorgeous Outer Banks blue, but the action is heating up. You'll be dropping lines for a mix of species like redfish, Spanish mackerel, triggerfish, bluefish, cobia, and maybe even some ribbonfish if we're lucky. It's like a seafood sampler, but you're the one doing the catching!
Fishing Know-How
On this trip, we'll mix it up with different fishing techniques to see what's working best on the day. We might start off trolling, dragging some lures behind the boat to entice those speedy Spanish mackerel or bluefish. If that's not doing the trick, we'll switch gears and try some jigging – that's where you drop your line and give it some action to mimic a injured baitfish. And don't worry, we'll definitely do some good old-fashioned bottom fishing too. That's how we'll target those tasty triggerfish and maybe even a hefty cobia if they're around. We've got all the gear on board, so you just need to bring your excitement and maybe a snack or two.
Why Anglers Love This Trip
Let me tell you, there's something special about nearshore fishing here in the Outer Banks. You get all the thrill of hooking into some hard-fighting fish, but you're never too far from land. That means less time traveling and more time with lines in the water. Plus, the variety of fish we can catch keeps things interesting – one minute you might be reeling in a scrappy bluefish, and the next you're battling a bruiser of a redfish. And let's not forget the views – on a clear day, you can see the beautiful Outer Banks coastline while you're waiting for that next bite. It's the perfect mix of scenic and sporty.
Fish You'll Want to Hook
Bluefish are like the punks of the sea – they're aggressive, fight hard, and travel in schools. These guys are known for their sharp teeth and their habit of chomping through lines, so landing one is always a thrill. They typically range from 2 to 20 pounds, and they're at their best in the spring and fall. Anglers love 'em because they're abundant and put up a great fight for their size.
Black Sea Bass might not look like much, but don't let their grumpy faces fool you – these fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They hang out near structure on the bottom, so when you're reeling one up, you never know how big it might be until you see it. The bigger ones, called "knot heads" by locals, can put up a serious fight. They're around most of the year, but the biggest ones show up in cooler months.
Sheepshead are the oddballs of the nearshore world, with their human-like teeth and zebra stripes. These guys are masters of stealing bait, so hooking one is a real accomplishment. They love hanging around pilings and wrecks, and they can grow up to 10-15 pounds. Catching sheepshead is all about finesse and timing – it's like a chess match with a fish.
Grey Triggerfish are the tough guys of the reef. They've got teeth strong enough to crunch through shellfish, and they're not afraid to use 'em. These fish are a real treat to catch because they fight hard all the way up from the bottom. They're most active in the warmer months and can get up to 5-10 pounds. Plus, they're delicious – some folks say they taste better than grouper.
Redfish, also known as red drum, are the rockstars of inshore and nearshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties can grow over 50 pounds, and even the smaller ones put up a fight that'll make your arms burn. They're around all year, but fall is prime time when the big boys, called "bull reds," come in close to shore. Hooking into one of these is like trying to stop a freight train – it's an experience you won't forget.
Time to Get Your Fish On
Alright, folks, if you're itching to bend a rod and feel that tug on the line, our 4-hour nearshore trip is calling your name. We've got the hotspots dialed in, a variety of fish just waiting to be caught, and all the gear you need to make it happen. Whether you're looking to score some tasty fillets for dinner or just want to enjoy a few hours on the water with friends and family, this trip delivers. The fish are out there, and they're not going to catch themselves – so what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back for more. Book now, and we'll see you at the dock!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are stubborn fighters that hang around structure. Most are 1-3 pounds, but they can reach 8+ pounds offshore. You'll find them near wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 60-120 feet of water. Spring and fall are great times to target them as they migrate. These fish put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're also excellent eating - mild, flaky white meat that's a local favorite. Sea bass are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. I like to use a fish-finder rig with squid or cut bait. A cool thing about sea bass is they start life as females and later change to males. The bigger ones with the blue hump on their head are the dominant males. For best results, drop your bait right next to the structure and be ready for that telltale tap-tap-tap bite.
Bluefish
Bluefish are hard-fighting predators that'll give you a real battle. They usually run 3-10 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them in the surf, inlets, and nearshore waters from spring through fall. Bluefish are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies - they'll chase bait right up onto the beach. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so watch your fingers! These fish put up an exciting fight and taste great fresh off the grill. To catch blues, try trolling or casting lures that mimic baitfish. Topwater plugs work well when they're blitzing on the surface. My go-to trick is to use wire leaders since blues will slice through regular line. The fall run is prime time, when big schools migrate south along the coast. It's a blast to see them churning up the water as they chase bait. Just be ready for some serious action when you hook into one of these aggressive fighters.
Grey Triggerfish
Grey triggerfish are odd-looking but tasty fish that hang around reefs and wrecks. They usually run 2-5 pounds but can reach 10+. You'll find them in 60-300 feet of water, often mixed in with snappers and groupers. Summer and fall are prime seasons when the water's warmest. These fish have small mouths but put up a surprising fight for their size. They're also excellent eating - firm, white meat with a sweet flavor. Triggerfish can be finicky biters, so you need to detect those light pecks. I like using small hooks with squid or cut bait. Here's a tip: when you feel that nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Let them get it in their mouth good. And watch out for their teeth and dorsal spines when handling them. It's a cool bonus catch when you're bottom fishing the reefs.
Redfish
Redfish are hard-fighting bruisers that love the shallows. Most "slot" reds are 18-27 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches in the surf. You'll find them tailing in grassy flats, around oyster bars, and in the marsh creeks. Fall is prime time when big schools push into the shallows. These bronze beauties put up an awesome fight, often with drag-screaming runs. They're also great eating when slot-sized. Reds have a distinctive black spot on their tail, sometimes several. I love sight-casting to tailing fish in skinny water - it's like hunting. Try gold spoons, soft plastics, or cut mullet. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their copper-colored backs just breaking the surface. Then make a quiet cast ahead of them. There's nothing like watching a red chase down your lure in clear water.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are masters of structure, with human-like teeth for crunching barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-5 pounds but can reach 15+. You'll find them around pilings, jetties, and reefs in 5-50 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures change. These convict-striped fish are tricky to hook but put up a great fight. They're also delicious - sweet, white meat that's a real treat. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you need a sensitive touch to detect their subtle bites. I like using fiddler crabs or sand fleas on a small, sharp hook. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. Then drop your bait right in the mix. It takes patience and finesse, but landing a big sheepshead is super rewarding. Just watch out for those chompers when you're unhooking them!
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
