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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Swansboro, NC
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Swansboro
- $150 - $750 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Trolling for treasure in Cedar Point's crystal-clear waters!
Reeling in the reds with some deep sea action in Cedar Point!
Reeling in a 13-inch redfish on a clear day in Cedar Point!
Double trouble: Redfish and Sharpnose Shark hooked in Cedar Point!
Trolling for treasure: Redfish on the line in Cedar Point!
Trolling for treasure: A redfish adventure off Cedar Point!
Reeling in the best catches with Deep Sea Jigging off Cedar Point!
Reeling in a Bonnethead Shark on a crystal clear day in Cedar Point!
Big Bonnethead Shark reeled in during an epic deep sea adventure!
Trolling for treasure in Cedar Point's crystal-clear waters!
Reeling in the reds with some deep sea action in Cedar Point!
Reeling in a 13-inch redfish on a clear day in Cedar Point!
Double trouble: Redfish and Sharpnose Shark hooked in Cedar Point!
Trolling for treasure: Redfish on the line in Cedar Point!
Trolling for treasure: A redfish adventure off Cedar Point!
Reeling in the best catches with Deep Sea Jigging off Cedar Point!
Reeling in a Bonnethead Shark on a crystal clear day in Cedar Point!
Big Bonnethead Shark reeled in during an epic deep sea adventure!
Trolling for treasure in Cedar Point's crystal-clear waters!
Reeling in the reds with some deep sea action in Cedar Point!
Reeling in a 13-inch redfish on a clear day in Cedar Point!
Reel in the Action: 4-Hour Inshore Fishing in Swansboro
Get ready to cast your line and experience some of the best inshore fishing North Carolina has to offer. Our 4-hour charter takes you right into the heart of Swansboro's productive waters, where the fish are biting and the scenery is stunning. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. Let's hit the water and see what's biting!
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we shove off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. We'll cruise through the calm inshore waters, hitting up some local hotspots known for their abundance of fish. Your experienced guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be in prime position to land some impressive catches. We'll visit areas around Sneads Ferry, Hubert, and even venture towards Morehead City if the bite is on. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting for tailing redfish in the shallows, the next you could be battling a feisty bluefish near the jetties.
Techniques That Land Fish
On this trip, we'll use a mix of tried-and-true inshore techniques to put you on the fish. Expect to do some light tackle casting with artificial lures – it's a blast when a redfish slams your topwater plug! We'll also set up some live bait rigs when targeting flounder or black drum. Your guide will show you the ropes, from how to work a jig to the best way to present a live shrimp. Don't worry if you're new to this; we'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. And for the experienced anglers, feel free to bring your favorite rod – we're always up for trying new tactics!
Customer Stories
"My first redfish, and it was over the length limit so we had to release it....but that's a good thing! And, Ryan put me on them fairly quickly in the trip. He knew where to find them and at what times/following the tide. Hooked!" - Eric
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among inshore anglers. Also known as red drum, they're known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail. In Swansboro, we often find them tailing in shallow grass flats or hanging around oyster beds. The thrill of watching a redfish chase down your lure in clear water is hard to beat!
Spanish Mackerel: Fast and furious, Spanish mackerel are the speedsters of inshore waters. These silvery fish with golden spots are often found in schools, making for some exciting action when you find them. They're excellent fighters and even better on the dinner table. We typically target them by trolling small spoons or casting jigs into feeding frenzies.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ninjas of the inshore world. These flat fish bury themselves in the sand, waiting to ambush prey. Catching them requires finesse and patience, but the reward is a delicious fish that's prized by local chefs. We'll show you how to slowly work a jig or live bait along the bottom to entice these tasty flatfish.
Bluefish: When bluefish are around, hold onto your rod! These aggressive predators are known for their sharp teeth and willingness to hit just about any lure. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found many. Bluefish provide non-stop action and are a blast on light tackle.
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the redfish, black drum are hard-fighting and can grow to impressive sizes. They love to hang out near structure and will readily take live or cut bait. Their distinctive chin barbels help them root out crabs and shellfish from the bottom. Landing a big black drum is always a highlight of any inshore trip.
Time to Book Your Spot
Our 4-hour inshore fishing trip in Swansboro is the perfect way to experience the rich coastal waters of North Carolina. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, we've got you covered. With a variety of species to target and beautiful scenery all around, it's no wonder our trips are a customer favorite. Remember, we keep the groups small with a max of 2 guests, ensuring you get personalized attention and plenty of fishing time. Don't miss out on the chance to create some lasting memories and maybe even catch your personal best. The fish are biting, and we're ready to get you on them – book your trip today and let's make some waves!
Customer Review
Catch Release Thrill
Eric Halle
June 22, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often growing over 50 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and other shellfish-rich areas. They make a distinctive croaking sound, which is cool to hear underwater. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers target them for their powerful fights, though smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are better eating. To catch a black drum, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. One local trick: if you're having trouble finding them, listen for that croaking sound - it can give away their location, especially on calm days. Just be patient - these big boys can be stubborn, but when they decide to bite, you're in for a real tug-of-war.
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive predators, often found in schools churning up the water's surface. They typically run 3 to 5 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for them in coastal waters, inlets, and bays, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Blues are famous for their ferocious strikes and powerful fights. Anglers love them for the non-stop action they provide, though their strong taste isn't for everyone. To catch blues, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into feeding frenzies. A local tip: use wire leaders - bluefish have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through monofilament in a heartbeat. When they're really fired up, you can even catch them on bare hooks. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke!
Redfish
Redfish are a popular catch around here, usually ranging from 20 to 30 inches. You'll find them in shallow waters, often just 1 to 4 feet deep, hanging out near oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. They love to patrol the shallows, sometimes with their backs sticking out of the water. Fall is prime time for reds as they school up before heading offshore. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fight and great taste. To hook one, try using a gold spoon or live bait like mullet or shrimp. Work it slowly along the bottom, and be ready - when a redfish hits, you'll know it. One local trick: look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they feed in super shallow areas. It's a dead giveaway and makes for an exciting sight-fishing opportunity.
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically run 15 to 20 inches, lying flat and waiting to ambush prey. You'll find them in estuaries, bays, and along beaches, especially near structure like docks or oyster beds. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Anglers love flounder for their unique fighting style and delicious, flaky meat. To catch one, try slow-dragging a live mullet or soft plastic along the bottom. One 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, then reel down and sweep the rod to the side. It takes some practice, but it'll drastically improve your hookup ratio on these flat fighters.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are speed demons, clocking in at over 12 mph. They typically run 15 to 25 inches long and put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for them near the surface in open water, often chasing bait schools. Late summer and early fall are ideal, when they migrate through our waters. Anglers love targeting Spanish macks for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent eating, especially when grilled fresh. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local tip: watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish mackerel are pushing bait to the surface. When you see that, cast a small, flashy lure into the frenzy and hold on tight. These fish hit hard and run fast, so be ready for some reel-screaming action.
About the Hewes Redfisher (Flats boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
My first redfish, and it was over the length limit so we had to release it....but that's a good thing! And, Ryan put me on them fairly quickly in the trip. He knew where to find them and at what times/following the tide. Hooked!