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Top-Rated 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in Wanchese

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Wanchese, NC
  • $325 - $900 price range

Summary

Looking for a solid day of fishing without the rough seas? This 6-hour inshore trip with Riptide Charters in Wanchese is just the ticket. You'll spend your time in the protected waters inside the inlet, where the action stays steady and the ride stays smooth. There's a mix of fish to target here - from trout and redfish to sheepshead and sea mullet. Whether you're an experienced angler or bringing the family out for some fun, Captain John knows where to find the bites. You might be casting near grassy marshes one minute and dropping bait by structure the next. With room for up to 5 guests, it's a great way to spend a day on the water with friends or family. The calm conditions make it easy to focus on fishing, not fighting waves. By the end of your 6 hours, you'll have worked a variety of spots and techniques, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish to take home.
Top-Rated 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in Wanchese

Inshore Action Shots

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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

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4 bluefish caught on a fishing trip in Wanchese

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Redfish caught while fishing in Wanchese

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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

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4 bluefish caught on a fishing trip in Wanchese

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Redfish caught while fishing in Wanchese

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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!

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Reel in the Action: 6-Hour Inshore Fishing

Hey there, anglers! Ready to spend a day on the water without battling the big swells? Our 6-hour inshore trip is just the ticket. We'll cruise the protected waters around Wanchese, hitting all the honey holes where the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and let's go catch some fish!

What's the Scoop?

Picture this: you're out on calm waters, rod in hand, with a whole day ahead of you to reel in some beauties. That's what you're in for with our 6-hour inshore trip. We'll poke around the marshes, cruise by some structure, and hit all the sweet spots where the fish are hanging out. You might land a feisty redfish one minute and a tasty trout the next. And the best part? The water's smooth, so you can focus on fishing, not on keeping your sea legs. It's perfect for families looking for a fun day out or serious anglers aiming to fill the cooler.

How We Fish These Waters

Inshore fishing is all about variety, folks. We might start off casting some soft plastics near the grass lines for those redfish, then switch it up and drop some live bait near the pilings for sheepshead. Got kids on board? We'll set them up with some simple bottom rigs to catch sea mullet - they'll be grinning ear to ear when they feel that tug on the line. We've got all the gear you need, from light tackle rods to fish finders that'll help us spot the schools. And don't worry if you're new to this - we'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time.

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've had folks pulling in bull reds that'll make your arms sore, and enough speckled trout to keep the frying pan busy for days. Just last week, we had a group land a monster sheepshead - that ugly mug was grinning at us all the way to the boat! And you should've seen the look on little Timmy's face when he reeled in his first flounder. These waters are full of surprises, and that's what keeps our guests coming back year after year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Alright, let's talk fish. First up, we've got the redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite around here. They love to hang out near the grass flats and oyster beds, and when they hit, hold on tight! They'll give you a run for your money, especially in the fall when the big bulls come in close.

Then there's the speckled trout. These guys are sneaky - you've got to work for 'em, but man, are they worth it. They've got a soft mouth, so you need a gentle touch when you're reeling them in. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, and there's nothing better than a fresh trout on the grill.

Don't forget about the sheepshead. These striped convicts are tough to catch, but they're a blast once you figure them out. They love structure, so we'll target them around the pilings and bridges. And let me tell you, they're delicious - some of the best eating fish in these waters.

Last but not least, we've got the sea mullet. These little guys might not be the biggest, but they're perfect for the kiddos or if you just want some steady action. They're around most of the year, and they're great for a fish fry.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - a day of inshore fishing that'll leave you with a cooler full of fish and memories to last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to fishing or you're an old salt looking for some steady action, our 6-hour trip has got you covered. The fish are biting, the water's fine, and we're ready to show you the best spots Wanchese has to offer. Don't let this chance slip away - grab your spot on the boat and let's make some fishing stories you'll be telling for years to come. Give us a call, and we'll get you set up for a day on the water you won't forget. Tight lines, and we'll see you at the dock!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are a staple of our inshore waters. They're easy to spot with that distinctive black tail spot. Most inshore reds run 28-33 inches, but they can grow much larger offshore. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster reefs, seagrass, and muddy bottoms. Fall is fantastic for redfish as they school up. Anglers love their powerful runs and how they'll hit just about any lure or bait. The meat has a light, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Here's a pro tip: look for "tailing" reds in very shallow water during high tide. Use a weedless jig or fly to avoid spooking them. Whether you're after a trophy catch or a great meal, redfish are always a solid choice.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with some monsters hitting 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temps are ideal. Anglers enjoy their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. The meat is mild and tender, but be careful not to overcook it. For best results, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. A local secret: troll slowly along grass edges if you're having trouble finding them. Sea trout offer consistent action for all skill levels, making them a great target on our inshore trips.

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a real treat to catch around Wanchese. These striped beauties, often called "convict fish," typically run 1-8 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them near structure - docks, bridges, reefs - where they feast on barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time as they form big spawning groups offshore. Sheepshead put up a good fight and have a reputation as bait stealers, so you've gotta be quick on the hookset. Their human-like teeth make for a unique catch, and the meat is delicious if you can get past those tough scales. Here's a local tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up, but check regulations first. Whether you're after a fun challenge or a tasty dinner, sheepshead are worth targeting on your trip.

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

Ready for a fun day of fishing in Wanchese? Hop aboard for a 6-hour inshore trip that'll have you casting lines in the calm waters just inside the inlet. We'll be targeting all sorts of fish - from trout and redfish to sheepshead and sea mullet. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, this trip offers plenty of action for everyone. The protected waters make for a smooth ride, so it's great for families too. We'll hit up different spots throughout the day, from marshy areas to structure-filled zones where the fish like to hang out. With room for up to 5 guests, you can bring along friends or family to share in the fun. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for a productive day reeling in some of Wanchese's best inshore catches!
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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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