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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing at Sunset Beach, NC
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Sunset Beach
- Updated Date: November 8, 2025
Summary
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Inshore Catches
Half Day Fishing: Redfish & Trout Bonanza
Ready to wet a line in the pristine waters of Sunset Beach, NC? On The Line Charters has you covered with a top-rated morning fishing trip that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Captain Dakota Smith knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some of the best inshore action around. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this 6-hour trip is tailored to give you a shot at landing some of the area's most sought-after species. From the thrill of battling a bull redfish to the finesse needed for speckled trout, you're in for a real treat.
What to Expect on the Water
Climb aboard and get ready for a morning of non-stop fishing action. Captain Dakota's got the boat rigged and ready, with all the gear you'll need to target a variety of inshore species. You'll be using light tackle, which means even the smaller fish put up a good fight. The captain's got a keen eye for finding the honey holes where fish are stacked up, whether it's around oyster beds, grass flats, or deeper channels. Don't worry if you're new to this - the captain's patient teaching style will have you casting like a pro in no time. And with room for up to five guests, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies.
Techniques That Land Fish
On this trip, you'll get to try out a variety of fishing techniques tailored to the species we're after. For redfish, we might be sight-casting to tailing fish in the shallows or working soft plastics along the edges of oyster bars. When we're targeting trout, you'll learn the art of working a popping cork or finessing a jig in deeper holes. Flounder fishing requires a different touch altogether, with slow retrieves and bottom-bouncing techniques that'll test your patience but pay off big time. The captain's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so be ready to learn some local secrets that'll up your fishing game.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish (Red Drum) are the crown jewels of Sunset Beach inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers can grow to over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll have your arms aching. They love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, often revealing their presence with a telltale tail sticking out of the water. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch slot-sized reds year-round.
Speckled Trout are another fan favorite, known for their beautiful spotted pattern and delicate bite. These wily fish require finesse and can be downright choosy about what they'll hit. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times to target specks, especially around grass beds and drop-offs. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall and winter prime trout time.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. These hard-pulling fish can grow to massive sizes, though we usually target the smaller "puppy drum" that are perfect for the dinner table. Look for them around pilings, bridges, and in deeper holes, where they use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp.
Flounder are the masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. But don't let their flat appearance fool you – they can put up a surprisingly good fight. Summer and early fall are peak seasons for flounder, with many anglers hoping to land a doormat-sized fish. The key is a slow, steady retrieve that mimics an injured baitfish.
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, are a unique target that challenge even experienced anglers. These structure-loving fish are experts at stealing bait, so a quick hookset is crucial. Spring and fall are prime times to target sheepshead around pilings, jetties, and oyster beds.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of Sunset Beach that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water, or the satisfaction of outsmarting a wary trout. Or perhaps it's the peaceful moments between catches, when you can soak in the natural beauty of the coast, spot dolphins playing in the distance, or watch ospreys diving for their own catch. Whatever it is, Captain Dakota's got a knack for making sure every trip is memorable, whether you're filling the cooler or just enjoying a day on the water with good company.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Sunset Beach has to offer, don't wait to book your trip with On The Line Charters. Captain Dakota's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler for a fresh dinner or just want to enjoy a morning of bent rods and screaming reels, this half-day trip is the perfect way to do it. Remember, all the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky hat. Give the captain a call today and get ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Tight lines and see you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, with adults typically 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in brackish waters. They use their strong teeth to crush shellfish, so fresh crab or clam makes great bait. Spring's the hot time as they school up to spawn. Anglers dig Black Drum for their powerful fights and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. Big ones can be tough and less tasty. To land one, use a heavy bottom rig with circle hooks. When you feel the distinctive drum-like thumps, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Let them take it and turn - that circle hook will do the work for you. It's a fun challenge that'll test your patience and gear.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. You'll spot 'em by their copper color and trademark black spot near the tail. Most inshore reds run 3-10 pounds, but they can grow over 40 pounds offshore. Look for them tailing in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall's prime time as they school up before heading offshore. Anglers prize redfish for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, try gold spoons, soft plastics, or live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local trick: On calm mornings, cruise the flats and look for pushing water or tails breaking the surface. A well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike and a drag-screaming run. It's sight-fishing at its best and pure adrenaline on light tackle.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target. These silver-sided beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster beds, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics on a jighead. Work your lure with subtle twitches - trout often hit on the pause. Here's a tip: On calm mornings, look for subtle V-wakes on the surface. That's often a trout pushing bait, and a well-placed cast can lead to an explosive topwater strike. It's sight-fishing at its finest and a blast on light tackle.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. These flat fish typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To catch 'em, use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Drift slowly over likely spots, feeling for that telltale thump. When you feel weight, give it a second before setting the hook - flounder often grab bait sideways before turning it to swallow. Patience pays off with these sneaky bottom-dwellers.
Spadefish
Spadefish are odd-looking customers with their disc-shaped bodies and black stripes. Most run 3-10 pounds and about 18 inches long. You'll spot them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and even beaches. They school up, sometimes 500 strong. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they move inshore. Anglers get a kick out of Spadefish for their unique appearance and scrappy fights on light tackle. To hook one, try small pieces of clam on a tiny circle hook. Here's a local trick: Chum with jellyball pieces to get them fired up, then float your bait in the chum slick. When you see those black stripes flashing, you know you're in for some fun. Just be ready for some acrobatics once they're hooked!
About the Triton
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
