Atlantic Beach Inshore Fishing: Local Knowledge

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Atlantic Beach, NC
$600 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Captain William Gillikin's 4-hour inshore fishing charter in Atlantic Beach, NC is tailored for serious anglers looking to land black sea bass, bluefish, and other local fish. You'll head out to prime fishing spots in the area, with all the gear you need provided - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures. No need to worry about licenses either, as they're included. After you reel in your catch, the captain will clean and fillet the fish for you. Drinks are on the house, but bring your own snacks, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothes. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a focused trip for those who want to make the most of Atlantic Beach's inshore waters. Captain William knows these waters inside and out, so you're in good hands for a productive day of fishing.

Atlantic Beach Inshore Fishing: Local Knowledge

Inshore Catches

Local Knowledge Charters at Atlantic Beach

Trophy redfish caught near Atlantic Beach

Spotted Weakfish caught while fishing at Atlantic Beach

Trout fishing excitement in Atlantic Beach

Big catch day on Atlantic Beach charter

Reel in the Big Ones: Inshore Fishing Atlantic Beach

Get ready to chase some serious fish in the rich waters of Atlantic Beach, NC. Captain William Gillikin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some monster redfish, black drum, and more. This 4-hour trip is tailor-made for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and fill the cooler with some tasty fillets. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Cap'n William's got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and local intel you need for a day of red-hot fishing action.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Cap'n William's boat is rigged and ready, with top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all set for the day's target species. No need to sweat the small stuff – we've got your fishing license covered, and we'll even clean and fillet your catch at the end of the day. As we cruise out of the harbor, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the wake. Once we hit our sweet spots, it's time to get down to business. Whether we're sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or jigging for black sea bass around structure, you'll be in for non-stop action. And don't worry about going thirsty – we've got ice-cold drinks on board to keep you hydrated while you battle it out with the fish.

Techniques That Put Fish in the Boat

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing techniques to put you on the fish. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might start off chunking cut bait for bluefish or throwing soft plastics for redfish. If the black drum are around, we'll switch to bottom fishing with crab or shrimp. For those sneaky flounder, we'll break out the live bait and work the drop-offs. Cap'n William's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks for speckled trout or freelining live bait for Spanish mackerel when they're running. He'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a local in no time. Just remember, sometimes the bite is hot, and sometimes you've gotta work for it – that's fishing!

Top Catches This Season

The inshore waters around Atlantic Beach have been on fire lately. We've been seeing some monster bull reds cruising the flats, with several fish over 40 inches hitting the deck. The black drum bite has been steady, with plenty of keeper-sized fish in the 5-10 pound range. Bluefish have been thick, providing non-stop action and some tasty fillets for the grill. And let's not forget about the Spanish mackerel – when they show up, it's chaos on the water with fish busting bait everywhere you look. Every trip is different, but that's what keeps us coming back for more. Who knows, you might even hook into a surprise cobia or tarpon if luck's on your side!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Also known as red drum, these fish can grow to over 50 pounds in our waters. They're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. In the summer and fall, we target them in shallow water where you can sometimes see their tails breaking the surface as they feed. There's nothing quite like the thrill of sight-casting to a big red and watching it crush your lure.

Black Drum: The redfish's cousin, black drum, are hard-fighting fish that can reach impressive sizes. They're most active in the spring and fall, hanging around structure like bridge pilings and oyster beds. These fish have a distinctive "croaking" sound they make, which has earned them the nickname "puppy drum" when they're smaller. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they sure put up a good fight and make for some fine eating.

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters show up in our waters in the warmer months, usually from late spring through early fall. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. We often find them in schools, chasing bait near the surface. When you hit a school of Spanish, it's non-stop action with fish after fish coming over the rails. They're also delicious on the grill or smoked.

Bluefish: Pound for pound, bluefish are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These toothy predators show up in big numbers, especially in the spring and fall. They'll hit just about anything that moves and put up a scrappy fight all the way to the boat. While they've got a reputation for being oily, when properly handled and cooked fresh, they make for some mighty fine eating.

Black Sea Bass: These structure-loving fish are a staple of our inshore waters. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and taste. We typically target them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms. The bigger ones, often called "knuckleheads," can put up a surprisingly good fight. They're also one of the best-eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's great for a variety of recipes.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're itching to bend a rod and feel that drag sing, this is the trip for you. Cap'n William's got the local knowledge to put you on the fish, and with all the gear provided, all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer or just want to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Atlantic Coast has to offer, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. The fish are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are bottom-dwelling brawlers that put up a great fight on light tackle. They typically run 1-3 pounds but can hit 8 or more. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms, usually in 60-120 feet of water. They're here year-round but fishing's best from late spring through fall. Anglers love sea bass for their aggressive bites and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, drop baited hooks or jigs right to the bottom. Squid, cut bait, or live minnows all work well. A local trick: when you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS. Sea bass tend to hang around the same areas, so you can come back for more action. Just remember to check regulations, as seasons and limits can change.

Bluefish

Bluefish are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These chompers average 2-5 pounds but can hit 20. You'll find them roaming the surf, inlets, and nearshore waters, often in big schools. They're here from spring through fall, with summer being prime time. Blues are famous for their aggressive feeding frenzies - they'll attack just about anything. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and willingness to hit lures. They're not bad eating when fresh, but bleed and ice them quickly. To catch blues, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs and retrieving fast. Live bait works too, but use wire leaders - those teeth are no joke. Local tip: when you see gulls diving and bait fish jumping, that's often blues on the hunt. Get in there and hang on!

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are speed demons of the Atlantic, hitting 30 pounds on average but can reach a whopping 90. These streamlined predators love warm waters and typically hang out 40 to 150 feet deep. Look for them around structures like reefs or dropoffs. Spring and fall are prime times as they migrate. Anglers prize Kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat's tasty too, with a rich, oily flavor. For the best shot at hooking one, try slow-trolling live bait like mullet or menhaden. Keep your bait near the surface and be ready for explosive strikes. Remember, Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so use a wire leader to avoid cut-offs.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are inshore favorites here in Atlantic Beach. They average 20-30 inches but can grow over 40. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near marsh edges - often in just a foot or two of water. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love reds for their strong, determined fights and their copper-red color with that distinctive tail spot. They're also great eating. To target them, try sight-fishing with light tackle and live bait like mullet or shrimp. Or throw soft plastics on a jighead. A local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast beyond them and slowly retrieve your bait past their nose - they can't resist.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of our inshore waters. These sleek fish typically run 1-2 feet long and a few pounds, but they make up for size with blazing speed. Look for them in open water near the surface, often in big schools chasing bait. They show up in spring and stick around till fall when the water's warm. Anglers love Spaniards for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps - plus they're delicious eating. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind planers to get down a few feet. Or cast metals and retrieve fast. A local tip: watch for birds diving on bait schools, that's often where you'll find the macks. Use light tackle for more sport, but watch those teeth when unhooking!

About the Reel Affair

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Captain William Gillikin's inshore fishing charter in Atlantic Beach, NC is perfect for serious anglers looking to reel in some prized catches. Over 4 hours, you'll explore prime fishing spots for black sea bass, bluefish, and other local species. The captain provides all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait and lures - so you can focus on landing the big one. With room for 3 guests, it's an ideal trip for a small group of fishing enthusiasts. Your license is covered, and the captain will even clean and fillet your catch. Remember to bring sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, and some snacks. Cold drinks are provided to keep you refreshed while you fish. Whether you're after redfish, black drum, or other inshore species, Captain William's local knowledge and experience will put you on the fish. Don't miss this chance to fish Atlantic Beach's rich waters with a pro.

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