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World-Class Inshore Fishing in Sunset Beach, NC
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Sunset Beach
- $410 - $720 price range
Summary
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Inshore 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!
Full-Day Fishing Adventure in Sunset Beach
Ready to wet a line in some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters? On The Line Charters has you covered with this 12-hour private fishing trip that's perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. You'll be cruising the scenic waterways around Sunset Beach, targeting a mix of hard-fighting fish that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or hoping to improve your flounder gigging skills, Captain Dakota Smith's got the know-how to make it happen.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your average fishing charter - it's a full-day immersion into the world of inshore angling. You'll spend 12 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to hit multiple fishing spots and really dial in your technique. Captain Dakota provides all the gear you'll need, from light tackle rods suited for inshore fishing to fresh bait that'll tempt even the wariest fish. The boat can comfortably fit up to five guests, so bring your buddies or the whole family for a day of fishing and fun.
Don't worry if you're new to fishing - this trip is designed with beginners in mind. Captain Dakota will walk you through everything step-by-step, from how to cast your line to the best ways to reel in a big one. You'll learn how to read the water, spot fish activity, and present your bait in a way that's irresistible to the local species. By the end of the day, you'll have picked up skills that'll serve you well on future fishing trips.
Techniques & Terrain
Inshore fishing around Sunset Beach is all about versatility. You might start the day throwing soft plastics for redfish in the shallow flats, then switch to bottom fishing for flounder as the tide changes. Captain Dakota's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks for speckled trout or sight-casting to tailing reds in the grass. The light tackle setup means you'll feel every bite and have a blast fighting fish, even if they're on the smaller side.
The waters around Sunset Beach offer a mix of environments that are home to different fish species. You could be casting around oyster beds one minute and drifting over deeper channels the next. The boat is equipped with a trolling motor for sneaking up on fish in skinny water, and there's plenty of deck space for everyone to cast comfortably. As you move between spots, keep an eye out for dolphins, ospreys, and other coastal wildlife that call this area home.
Top Catches This Season
Sunset Beach's inshore waters are teeming with a variety of game fish that'll keep your rod bent all day long. Here's a rundown of the main players you'll be targeting:
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They love to hang around structure and can often be spotted with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Redfish put up a great fight, often making strong runs and head-shakes that'll test your drag. The "slot" size (18-27 inches) makes for great eating, but the big bulls over 40 inches are catch-and-release only and provide an epic battle.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bottom to ambush their prey. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're prized for their delicious, flaky white meat. Captain Dakota might introduce you to flounder gigging if conditions are right - it's a unique nighttime fishing method that's a blast to try.
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake the hook. They're often found around grass beds and creek mouths, especially during cooler months. Specks are fun to catch on light tackle and make for some fine table fare.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are a hoot to catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one requires finesse and patience. You'll often find them around pilings and other structure, where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans.
Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes. The smaller ones (under 20 pounds) are excellent eating, while the big ones provide a tough fight and a great photo op before release. They love crabs and shrimp, making them a fun target for bottom fishing.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing with On The Line Charters isn't just about catching fish - it's about the whole experience. Captain Dakota's laid-back attitude and wealth of local knowledge make for a fun, educational day on the water. You'll learn about the area's ecology, pick up new fishing skills, and maybe even hear a few salty sea stories along the way.
The full-day format gives you the best shot at not just catching fish, but really getting a feel for inshore fishing. As the day progresses, you'll notice your casting improving, your hooksets becoming more solid, and your ability to read the water getting sharper. It's this kind of improvement that hooks many first-timers and keeps experienced anglers coming back for more.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the inshore world. They can change color to match their surroundings, making them nearly invisible on the bottom. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision - you'll need to work your bait slowly along the bottom to entice a bite. The best time to target flounder is during their fall migration, when big ones move towards the inlets. A 5-pounder is considered a nice catch, but they can grow much larger.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like they belong in a dentist's office, sheepshead are a unique target. They're notorious bait stealers, often able to strip a hook clean without getting caught. The best time to fish for them is in the cooler months when they congregate around structure. A 10-pound sheepshead is a trophy, and they're excellent eating if you can get past all those bones!
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): These spotted predators are a favorite among light tackle anglers. They're known for their soft mouths and tendency to throw hooks, making landing one a real accomplishment. Sea trout are most active in the cooler months, often found around grass flats and creek mouths. A 20-inch "gator" trout is a prize catch, but even the smaller ones put up a great fight on light gear.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the poster child of inshore fishing. They can be caught year-round but are especially active in the fall when they school up in large numbers. Redfish in the "slot" size (18-27 inches in NC) are perfect for the table, while the big bulls over 40 inches provide an unforgettable catch-and-release experience. Nothing beats the sight of a tailing redfish in shallow water!
Cobia: While not as common inshore as the other species, cobia do make appearances, especially in the warmer months. These powerful fish can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their hard fights and acrobatic jumps. Cobia often hang around structure or follow large rays, so keep your eyes peeled. Landing a cobia is a true trophy and a story you'll be telling for years.
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, now's the time to lock in your date with On The Line Charters. Whether you're a first-timer looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler aiming to put some fish in the cooler, this full-day trip has something for everyone. Captain Dakota's knowledge of the local waters and patient teaching style make this more than just a fishing trip - it's a chance to gain skills and memories that'll last a lifetime. So grab your sunscreen, round up your fishing buddies, and get ready for a day of rod-bending action on the inshore waters of Sunset Beach. The fish are waiting - are you ready to get on the line?
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are the bruisers of nearshore waters, often mistaken for sharks with their broad, flat heads. These solitary hunters average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate north. Anglers prize cobia for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. Sight fishing for cruising cobia is a real thrill. They're curious fish, so have a heavy jig or live eel ready to pitch when you spot one. A local trick: if you see a cobia, but it's not interested in your offering, try splashing the water with your rod tip. This often triggers their predatory instinct, turning a looker into a biter. Just be ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easily!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored bruisers average 5-10 pounds inshore, but "bull reds" over 40 inches and 30 pounds prowl deeper waters. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising oyster bars, especially on high tides. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and delicious flesh. Sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is a real rush. To fool a wary red, try a weedless gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom, mimicking a crab or baitfish. When you see that tell-tale wake or copper flash, make a precise cast ahead of the fish and hang on tight!
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target here. These silver-sided beauties usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but monsters over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels depending on the season. Fall and spring are prime as they follow bait movements. Anglers love sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, white flesh. They're not the strongest fighters, but make up for it with their willingness to hit lures. For best results, try working a soft plastic jerk bait or topwater plug around grass edges early morning or evening. A popping cork rig with live shrimp is deadly too. Just remember, sea trout have soft mouths, so go easy on the hook set or you might tear the hook free.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convict fish of the coast, with their distinctive black and white stripes. These tough customers typically run 1-8 pounds, but can reach 20 pounds in rare cases. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - pilings, jetties, and reefs are prime spots. They're most active in spring and fall as water temperatures change. Anglers prize sheepshead for their fight and delicious, white meat. But they're notoriously tricky to hook with their small, human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans. Here's a local tip: use a small, strong hook and thread a fiddler crab or piece of shrimp on carefully. When you feel the lightest tap, set the hook immediately. These bait stealers will strip your hook clean if you hesitate. Catching sheepshead takes patience and finesse, but the reward is well worth it.
Southern Flounder
These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. Typically 15-18 inches long, Southern Flounder can grow up to 33 inches and weigh over 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're notorious bait stealers, so patience is key. When you feel that telltale tap, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Let the flounder take the bait and turn it in its mouth. Once you feel weight on the line, that's your cue to set the hook hard. Drifting with live bait or working a jig slowly along the bottom are go-to techniques for fooling these flat fighters.
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
