Premier Inshore Fishing Charters in Emerald Isle

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Emerald Isle, NC
$600 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Ready for some great fishing off Emerald Isle? Captain Travis knows where the fish are biting and will take you to the hotspots on this half-day charter. You've got a good shot at hooking Mackerel, Bluefish, Cobia, and various bottom fish. No need to bring gear - all the fishing equipment is provided on board. Just pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're reeling them in. The boat can take up to 6 people, so bring your buddies or family along. It's a laid-back trip, but for safety reasons, smoking and alcohol aren't allowed on the boat. Captain Travis runs a tight ship to make sure everyone has a fun, productive day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, you'll get plenty of action and some great stories to take home. The inshore waters around Emerald Isle are teeming with fish - time to get out there and catch 'em!

Premier Inshore Fishing Charters in Emerald Isle

Fish On!

Scenic landscape with mountains in North Carolina

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Nice day out in the waters of Emerald Isle!

Angler fishing in the serene waters of Emerald Isle

Sail with us in the waters of North Carolina!

Lots of Wahoo biting in Emerald Isle fishing!

Reel in the Big Ones: Emerald Isle Fishing

Hey there, angler! Ready for some serious rod-bending action off the Crystal Coast? Captain Travis here, and I'm itching to get you out on the water for a half-day fishing charter you won't forget. We're talking about hooking into some hard-fighting fish like King Mackerel, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life!

What to Expect on the Water

Listen up, because here's the deal: We'll cruise out of Emerald Isle, NC, bright and early to beat the crowds and hit the best spots. I've been fishing these waters for years, and I know exactly where the big boys are hiding. We'll be targeting some of the most sought-after game fish in the area, and I'll show you all the tricks to land 'em. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - I'll walk you through everything from baiting your hook to reeling in your catch. And for you seasoned anglers, get ready to test your skills against some real bruisers.

Gear Up and Cast Out

Alright, let's talk tackle. I've got all the fishing gear you'll need on board - top-notch rods, reels, and bait that these fish can't resist. We'll be using a mix of techniques, depending on what's biting. Some days we'll be trolling for Kings and Spanish Mackerel, other times we might be bottom fishing for tasty grouper or snapper. I'll show you how to work the rigs and read the fish finder, so you'll be fishing like a pro in no time. Just remember to bring your own snacks and drinks - trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there!

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These smokers are the rockstars of our local waters. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, Kings can hit 50 pounds or more. We usually target them by slow-trolling live bait or dragging spoons and plugs. The best time to catch these bad boys is from late spring through fall. When a King hits, hold on tight - it's like hooking a freight train!

Cobia: If you're looking for a real slugfest, Cobia are your fish. These bruisers can top 100 pounds and will test every bit of your fishing skills. We often sight-cast to them near the surface or around structure. Cobia season kicks off in May and runs through summer. They're not just fighters - they're excellent table fare too!

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters might be smaller than their King cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and pure excitement. We catch them trolling small spoons or casting jigs to feeding schools. Spanish Mackerel show up in spring and stick around until fall. They're perfect for anglers of all skill levels and make for some fantastic fish tacos!

Bluefish: Don't underestimate these chompers! Bluefish are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the sea. We catch them year-round, but they're especially thick in spring and fall. Casting topwater lures to a school of feeding blues is an adrenaline rush you won't forget. Just watch your fingers - those teeth are no joke!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running charters out of Emerald Isle for years, and there's a reason folks keep coming back. It's not just about the fish - though trust me, we catch plenty. It's about the whole experience. The salty breeze in your face, the anticipation of that next big strike, and the thrill of the fight. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there's something special about being out on these waters. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner. So why not make some memories and maybe even set a new personal best?

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're ready for some world-class fishing action, it's time to get your name on the calendar. We can take up to 6 anglers, so grab your buddies or bring the family. Remember, all the gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish. No smoking or alcohol on board - we keep it safe and family-friendly. Trust me, you won't need anything but the natural high of battling these fish. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and I'm ready to put you on 'em. Let's make it happen and create some fish stories you'll be telling for years to come. Book now, and let's get out there and bend some rods!

Learn more about the species

Bluefish

King mackerel are the big cousins of Spanish macks, and they're prized for their hard fights and smoking runs. Most kings we catch are in the 10-30 pound range, but they can top 50. You'll find them in deeper water, usually 30-150 feet deep around reefs, wrecks, and other structure. Kings are here from late spring through fall, following the bait schools. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden is deadly, but slow-trolling big spoons works too. When you hook one, hang on - they're known for blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is oily but great for smoking. For the best shot at a big king, try fishing the tide changes around full and new moons. A local tip: use a stinger rig to prevent short strikes, as kings often attack the tail of the bait first.

Cobia

Cobia are one of the most sought-after fish around here, and for good reason. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 20-50 pound range. Look for them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia tend to be loners, so spotting one cruising near the surface is always exciting. They show up in our waters from late spring through early fall as they migrate. Cobia put up a heck of a fight and will test your gear, making long runs and diving for structure. For bait, nothing beats a live eel or large pinfish. A local trick is to chum with cut menhaden to bring them to the boat. Sight-casting to cobia is a real thrill. Their firm, white meat is excellent on the grill or as sushi. Just remember, they can be finicky, so patience is key when targeting these brown bombers.

King Mackerel

Bluefish are hard-fighting fish that'll give you a real run for your money. These aggressive predators typically range from 3-10 pounds, though we occasionally see some topping 20. You'll find them cruising our nearshore waters from spring through fall, often in big schools that can create quite a commotion on the surface when they're in a feeding frenzy. Bluefish love to chase baitfish, so look for diving birds to locate them. They'll hit just about any lure, but I like using metal spoons or topwater poppers for some exciting strikes. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke! The meat can be a bit strong, but it's great smoked or grilled fresh. For the best action, try fishing on an incoming tide near inlets or along the beaches. Bluefish put up an impressive fight for their size and are a blast to catch when they're thick.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are speedy little fish that are a ton of fun on light tackle. They usually run 1-3 pounds, but can get up to 8 or so. You'll find them in big schools near the surface, often giving themselves away by skipping across the water as they chase bait. Look for them around inlets and along the beaches from spring through fall. They love flashy lures like small spoons or jigs retrieved quickly. Live bait like pilchards works great too. Spanish macks are lightning fast and will give you some nice runs, though watch out for their razor sharp teeth when unhooking them. The meat is tasty but doesn't keep well, so eat it fresh. For the best action, try trolling or casting around tide lines or rips where bait is congregating. A local trick is to watch for the birds - if you see them diving, there's a good chance Spanish mackerel are feeding underneath.

About the Contender (Center Console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 42

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Get ready for an awesome half-day fishing adventure off Emerald Isle with Captain Travis! We'll hit up some prime spots where you can try your luck catching mackerel, bluefish, cobia, and various bottom fish. No need to lug your own gear - we've got all the fishing equipment covered. Just bring along some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the big ones. Captain Travis knows these waters like the back of his hand and will make sure you have a great time out on the water. It's a fun trip for anglers of all skill levels, with room for up to 6 people. For everyone's comfort and safety, we don't allow smoking or alcohol on board. So grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure - some fantastic fishing awaits!

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