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Top-Rated Sunset Beach Inshore Fishing Charter
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Sunset Beach
- $410 - $720 price range
Summary
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Sunset Beach Catches
Fun inshore haul — energetic!
Smiling spadefish — cheerful!
Youthful speckled trout — impressive!
Confident speckled trout — stellar!
Impressive flounder haul at sunset — solid catch!
Chunky Cobia — epic offshore catch!
Family-friendly flounder — unforgettable!
Confident flounder catch — well-earned!
Proud flounder moment — flawless!
Massive barracuda — fierce!
Fun inshore haul — energetic!
Smiling spadefish — cheerful!
Youthful speckled trout — impressive!
Confident speckled trout — stellar!
Impressive flounder haul at sunset — solid catch!
Chunky Cobia — epic offshore catch!
Family-friendly flounder — unforgettable!
Confident flounder catch — well-earned!
Proud flounder moment — flawless!
Massive barracuda — fierce!
Fun inshore haul — energetic!
Smiling spadefish — cheerful!
Youthful speckled trout — impressive!
Confident speckled trout — stellar!
Reel in the Afternoon: Sunset Beach Fishing
Get ready to soak up the sun and wet a line on this laid-back 6-hour fishing trip with On The Line Charters. We're talking prime-time inshore action right here in Sunset Beach, NC. Captain Dakota Smith knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on some fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this private charter is tailored just for you and your crew (up to 5 folks). We'll be targeting the local favorites - redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and more. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't your average afternoon on the water. Captain Dakota's got all the gear ready to go - rods, reels, tackle, and bait. He'll show you the ropes if you're new, or swap fishing stories if you've been around the block. We'll cruise the inshore waters, hitting up the best spots for whatever's biting. Might be working a grass flat for redfish, or drifting for flounder near the jetties. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility - we go where the fish are and adjust our tactics to match. And hey, even if the fish aren't jumping in the boat, you can't beat the views of the Carolina coast.
Techniques & Tackle Talk
We're all about light tackle fishing on this trip. It's the perfect setup for our inshore species and makes for some heart-pounding action when you hook up. Depending on what we're after, we might be using live bait, soft plastics, or even fly fishing gear if that's your jam. Captain Dakota's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like sight-casting to tailing reds or working structure for sheepshead. He'll walk you through each technique, from how to work a popping cork for trout to the subtle art of feeling a flounder bite. By the end of the day, you'll be casting like a pro and maybe even giving the captain a run for his money!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish (Red Drum) are the rockstars of Sunset Beach's inshore scene. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their bulldogging fights. They love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster beds. In the fall, you might even tangle with a big bull red that'll test your drag and your biceps. Redfish are a blast on light tackle and make for some fine eating if you're into that.
Southern Flounder are the ninjas of the fish world. These flat ambush predators are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. They're most active in the warmer months and love to hang around structure like docks and bridge pilings. The bite can be subtle, but when you set the hook, it's game on. Flounder put up a surprisingly good fight for a flatfish, and they're considered top-notch table fare.
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout) are the finesse fighters of the bunch. These silver beauties with their speckled backs and delicate mouths require a gentle touch. They're most active in the cooler months and love to hit topwater lures at first light. Specks are known for their acrobatic jumps and head-shaking runs. They're also a favorite for light tackle and fly anglers.
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are the challenge seekers' dream. These crafty fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. They love to hang around pilings and rock structures, making them tricky to target. But when you figure out their bite (which can feel like a light tap), the fight is on. Pound for pound, sheepshead are some of the strongest fish in these waters.
Spadefish might not be the first fish that comes to mind, but they're a fun surprise when they show up. These disc-shaped oddities often school up around structure and can put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're most common in the warmer months and can be a real treat if you're looking for something different.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks love fishing with On The Line Charters because it's all about having a good time on the water. Captain Dakota's easygoing nature makes everyone feel at home, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler. He's got a knack for reading the water and putting you on fish, but he's also happy to share his local knowledge and fishing tips. It's not just about filling the cooler (though that's always nice) - it's about soaking in the coastal vibes, learning new skills, and maybe telling a few fish tales along the way. Plus, with all the gear provided, you can just show up and focus on the fun part - catching fish!
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're looking for a top-notch afternoon of fishing in Sunset Beach, this is your ticket. Captain Dakota's got the know-how, the spots, and the gear to make it happen. Whether you're aiming to bend a rod with some hard-fighting reds, outsmart a crafty flounder, or just enjoy a day on the water with your crew, this trip's got you covered. The inshore waters around Sunset Beach are teeming with fish, and there's no better way to get in on the action than with a local pro. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, rally your fishing buddies, and let's get on the water. The fish are calling, and On The Line Charters is ready to answer. Book your spot now and get ready for some reel fun in the Carolina sun!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a staple in our local waters. These copper-colored beauties, known for the distinctive black spot near their tail, typically range from 20-30 inches inshore. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges, often with their backs out of the water as they feed. Fall is prime time for redfish as they school up for spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of baits, from live shrimp to topwater lures. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast ahead of them and slowly retrieve your bait – when they see it, hold on tight!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among local anglers. These silvery, spotted fish typically range from 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in our shallow coastal waters, especially around grass flats and oyster beds. They're most active during cooler months, often schooling up in deeper channels when water temperatures drop. Anglers love targeting sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They're suckers for live shrimp, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work well too. Here's a tip: try fishing at night around lighted docks or bridges – sea trout often feed actively in these illuminated areas. When you hook one, be ready for some acrobatic jumps and quick runs.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, sporting distinct black and white stripes. These tough fighters typically weigh 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. You'll find them year-round, but they're especially active in cooler months. Sheepshead are prized for their sweet, white meat, but they're notoriously tricky to catch. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles, which also makes them expert bait stealers. When targeting sheepshead, use small hooks and crustacean baits like fiddler crabs or barnacles. Here's a local secret: try scraping barnacles off pilings to chum the water and attract them. Remember, when you feel a nibble, set the hook fast and hard – these guys are masters at stealing bait without getting caught.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match their surroundings. You'll find these flat fish in shallow, coastal waters, often buried in sand or mud waiting to ambush prey. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. Fall is prime time for catching flounder as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild-flavored meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. When fishing for flounder, use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, and pay attention to slight taps or weight on your line. A local trick: try drifting with the current, dragging your bait along the bottom to entice these bottom-dwellers to strike.
Spadefish
Spadefish are unique-looking, disk-shaped fish that'll give you a real fight on light tackle. They usually hang out near structures like reefs, wrecks, and pilings in schools of up to 500. Most weigh between 3-10 pounds and grow to about 18 inches, though some can reach 3 feet. You'll find them in our warmer, coastal waters, especially during summer months. Anglers love targeting spadefish for their strong, darting runs and their tasty, mild-flavored meat. They're picky eaters, so using small hooks with bits of clam or jellyfish is your best bet. Here's a pro tip: once you spot a school, cast past them and slowly drag your bait through the group. Be ready for a quick, hard strike when they decide to bite.
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
