Ready to reel in some serious action on the North Carolina coast? Look no further than Local Knowledge Charters for a day of rod-bending excitement you won't forget. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll have you hooked from the moment you step aboard. With room for you and two of your closest fishing buddies, this is the perfect way to spend a day on the water chasing after some of the Atlantic's most prized catches.
Picture this: You're cruising out of a picturesque North Carolina harbor as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. The salty air fills your lungs, and you can almost taste the adventure ahead. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We'll be targeting a mixed bag of fish that'll keep you on your toes all day long. From the lightning-fast Spanish Mackerel to the crafty Summer Flounder, every cast could bring a new surprise. And the best part? You don't need to be a pro to have a blast – our crew's got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to land the big one.
Get ready to dive into some serious fishing action. We'll be using a variety of techniques to maximize our chances of success. For those speedy Spanish Mackerel, we might do some trolling with small spoons or jigs – it's like a buffet line for these hungry fish. When we're after Summer Flounder, also known as Fluke, we'll switch gears and try some bottom fishing. You'll learn the finesse of working a bait along the seafloor to entice these flatfish into biting. And if we're lucky enough to spot some King Mackerel, hold onto your hats! We'll break out the heavy gear and maybe even try some live bait fishing to tempt these toothy predators. Throughout the day, your captain will be sharing local knowledge that'll make you feel like a seasoned pro in no time.
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish you'll be chasing on this trip. First up, Spanish Mackerel. These silver torpedoes are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They typically show up in the warmer months and are a blast to catch on light tackle. You'll find them schooling near the surface, often giving themselves away with their distinctive chops on the water.
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are the ninjas of the sea floor. With both eyes on one side of their head, they're masters of camouflage. These flatfish can grow to impressive sizes, and the bigger ones are often called "doormats" for good reason. They're most active in the summer months, hence the name, and put up a great fight on the way to the boat.
King Mackerel, often called "Kings," are the heavyweight champs of the mackerel family. These toothy predators can top 50 pounds and are known for their smoking runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're typically around from late spring through fall, and hooking into one of these bad boys is an experience you won't soon forget.
Atlantic Bonito might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. These little powerhouses are related to tuna and have the muscle to prove it. They usually show up in the spring and fall, providing anglers with some of the best pound-for-pound action you can find.
Last but not least, Sea Trout, also known as Spotted Seatrout or Specks, are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. These speckled beauties are known for their delicate bite and spirited fights. They're around most of the year but really shine in the fall when they school up in preparation for spawning. The "gator" trout – the big ones – are the stuff of local legend.
There's something special about fishing the waters off North Carolina that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the waves as you're reeling in your catch. Or perhaps it's the thrill of not knowing what's going to hit your line next. Whatever it is, one thing's for sure – once you've experienced the fishing here, you'll be counting down the days until your next trip. Our guests often tell us it's not just about the fish, but the whole package – the stunning coastline, the wealth of marine life, and the chance to create lasting memories with friends and family.
Every season brings its own highlights, but this year has been something else. We've been seeing some monster King Mackerel showing up earlier than usual, giving anglers a run for their money. The Spanish Mackerel have been thick, providing non-stop action on light tackle. And let's not forget about the Flounder – we've had more than a few "doormats" come over the rails, with some pushing the 10-pound mark. It's been a banner year for Sea Trout too, with plenty of fish in the 4-5 pound range being caught. The Atlantic Bonito have been showing up in good numbers during their spring run, offering some of the best light tackle action you can imagine.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing North Carolina has to offer, now's the time to lock in your date. With Local Knowledge Charters, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're signing up for a day of adventure, learning, and hopefully, some serious fish stories to take home. Our trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered. Bring your sense of adventure, and we'll take care of the rest. So what are you waiting for? The fish are calling, and it's time to answer. Book your charter today and get ready for a fishing experience that'll have you hooked on North Carolina waters for life!
Atlantic Bonito are a blast to catch off North Carolina. These torpedo-shaped speedsters usually run 5-10 pounds and love to school up near the surface. Look for them in coastal waters, especially in spring as they migrate north. Bonito are lightning fast, capable of hitting 40 mph when chasing bait. They put up an awesome fight on light tackle, making blistering runs when hooked. While not prized for eating, many anglers love targeting them for pure sport. Casting metal jigs or small spoons into feeding schools is a great way to hook up. One local tip: watch for birds diving - that often means bonito are pushing bait to the surface. These fish can be finicky, so match your lure size to the baitfish they're chasing. When you find a school of bonito blitzing on the surface, it's non-stop action you won't soon forget.
King Mackerel are one of the hardest-fighting fish in these waters. These speedsters can top 30 pounds and will test your gear and skills. You'll find them offshore in 40-150 feet of water, often near structures or dropoffs. Kings love warm water, so summer and early fall are prime time. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden is the go-to method. These fish are famous for their blistering runs - when a big King hits, hold on tight! Anglers love targeting them for the thrill of the fight and their tasty meat. One local tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings often short-strike baits, so that trailing hook makes a big difference. Keep your drag set light and be ready for some serious action when a King Mackerel decides to play.
Sea Trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target here. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and love hanging around grass flats and shallow waters. Fall and winter are prime seasons when big schools gather in deeper channels. Sea trout put up a great fight on light tackle and taste excellent on the plate. Anglers enjoy targeting them because they'll hit a variety of lures - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live bait all work well. One local tip: fish early mornings or evenings when trout are most active. Try working a popping cork with a shrimp imitation underneath - that splashing sound drives trout crazy. Keep your retrieve slow and steady. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook and hold on tight! Sea trout fishing is addictive once you get into them.
Spanish Mackerel are a blast to catch off North Carolina. These speedy fish usually run 15-20 inches long and love to school up near the surface. Look for them around structures in open water, especially as it warms up in summer. They'll hit just about anything shiny - spoons, jigs, and live bait all work great. Spanish Macks put up an awesome fight for their size, screaming off line when hooked. The meat's pretty tasty too, with a mild flavor that's not too fishy. Early mornings tend to be prime time, so get out there at first light if you can. One tip: use a light wire leader since their teeth are razor sharp. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a dead giveaway Spanish are feeding below. Whether you're trolling or casting from shore, hooking into a school of Spanish Mackerel is guaranteed to get your blood pumping.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are a favorite target here in North Carolina. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches long and blend right into the sandy bottom. You'll find them in estuaries and inshore waters, often hanging around structure. Fall is prime time, with September to November being the peak season. Flounder are ambush predators, so they'll wait for bait to come to them. That's why drifting or slow-trolling works so well. Anglers love targeting flounder because they put up a good fight and taste great on the table. For best results, use a fish finder rig with live bait like mullet or minnows. Here's a local trick - when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth. Count to 3 or 4, then reel down and lift. You'll hook way more fish that way.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115