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World-Class Inshore Fishing in Sunset Beach, NC
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Sunset Beach
- Updated Date: November 8, 2025
Summary
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Coastal Catches
Full Day Fishing: Sunset Beach's Hidden Gems
Ready for a laid-back day of fishing that's perfect for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike? Captain Dakota Smith's got you covered with this 12-hour trip that'll have you casting lines and reeling in some of Sunset Beach's most prized catches. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or aiming to outsmart a crafty flounder, this full-day adventure is all about having fun and honing your skills on the water. With all the gear provided and expert guidance at your fingertips, you'll be fishing like a local in no time.
What to Expect on the Water
Climb aboard Captain Dakota's well-equipped vessel for a day of inshore fishing that's as chill as it is exciting. You and up to four buddies will cruise the scenic waters around Sunset Beach, NC, hitting up prime fishing spots that only the locals know about. No need to stress if you're new to fishing – the captain's got your back with step-by-step instructions on everything from baiting hooks to landing your catch. And for those who've been around the block, there's always a new trick to learn or a personal best to beat.
Rods, Reels, and Relaxation
Leave your gear worries at the dock – this trip's got you covered with all the fishing essentials. You'll be using light tackle that's perfect for inshore fishing, allowing you to feel every nibble and fight. Captain Dakota's got a knack for matching the right setup to the fish you're after, whether it's a sturdy rig for battling redfish or a finesse approach for those sneaky flounder. Throughout the day, you'll get hands-on practice with different techniques, from bottom fishing for black drum to sight casting for speckled trout. It's all about learning by doing, and trust me, by the end of the day, you'll be casting like a pro.
Top Catches This Season
Sunset Beach's inshore waters are teeming with a variety of fish that'll keep your reel singing all day long. Let's break down some of the stars of the show you might encounter:
Southern Flounder: These flat masters of camouflage are a real treat to catch. They like to hang out near structure, often burying themselves in the sand. When targeting flounder, patience is key – their bite can be subtle, but once hooked, they put up a spirited fight. Spring and fall are prime times for flounder, with many anglers scoring their personal bests during these seasons.
Sheepshead: Don't let their funky teeth fool you – these striped beauties are as clever as they are tasty. Sheepshead are structure-loving fish that require precise casting and a delicate touch. They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling that distinctive "tap-tap" bite and setting the hook at just the right moment is an art form. Late winter to early spring is sheepshead central, with many fish moving inshore to spawn.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): These spotted speedsters are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. Sea trout are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're often found around grass flats and oyster beds, especially during the cooler months. Dawn and dusk are magic hours for trout fishing, when they're most active and willing to hit topwater lures – talk about excitement!
Redfish (Red Drum): The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish are hard-fighting, copper-colored warriors that can make your drag sing. They love shallow water and are often spotted "tailing" in grass flats during high tide. Fall is prime time for redfish, when big schools of bull reds cruise the coast. Catching one of these brutes on light tackle is an experience you won't soon forget.
Cobia: While not as common inshore, cobia are the heavyweight champs when they do show up. These curious fish are known to follow rays, turtles, and even boats. They grow big – we're talking 50+ pounds – and fight like their lives depend on it. Late spring to early summer is your best bet for hooking into one of these bruisers. Landing a cobia is often the highlight of any angler's season.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, that's a big part of it. What keeps folks coming back to Sunset Beach is the whole package. You've got the laid-back coastal vibe, the thrill of never knowing what might bite next, and the satisfaction of improving your skills with every cast. Captain Dakota's easy-going nature and wealth of local knowledge turn what could be just another fishing trip into a day full of stories you'll be telling for years to come. Whether you're bonding with family, catching up with old friends, or making new ones, there's something special about spending a day on these waters that just can't be beat.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, are you ready to see what Sunset Beach fishing is all about? Whether you're looking to score your first catch or aiming to add a new species to your list, this full-day trip with On The Line Charters is your ticket to an awesome day on the water. Captain Dakota's got the know-how, the spots, and the patience to make sure everyone on board has a great time. With all gear provided and plenty of hours to fish, you've got everything you need for a day of non-stop action. Don't let this chance slip away – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Book now and get ready to make some waves (and maybe catch dinner while you're at it)!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are the heavyweight champs of our nearshore waters. These brown torpedoes can top 100 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and even free-swimming near the surface. They show up in late spring and stick around through summer. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often investigate your boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting. They're prized for their firm, white meat that's excellent on the grill. Live eels or large jigs work well, but be ready for anything - these fish are aggressive and unpredictable. When you hook one, it's a battle royale. They make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Local secret: Chum with live bait to bring them to the surface, then pitch a large bucktail jig their way. The bite is often instant and explosive.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the bruisers of the flats. These copper-colored fighters can push 50 pounds, but most run 5-15 pounds in the shallows. Look for their tails waving above the water as they root for crabs in 1-3 feet of depth. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. Reds put up a stubborn fight, often making long runs that'll test your drag. They're also excellent eating, with a sweet, firm flesh. Live bait like mullet or cut pinfish works well, but artificial lures are just as effective. Try a gold spoon or a scented soft plastic on a jighead. Local tip: When you spot a school, cast well ahead of them and slowly drag your bait into their path. Rush the cast, and you'll spook the whole bunch.
Sea Trout
Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a staple of inshore fishing here. These silver beauties with spotted backs typically run 14-24 inches, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths, especially at dawn and dusk. They love moving water, so fish the tides. Spring and fall are prime, but you can catch 'em year-round. Trout put up a good fight on light tackle and make for some fine eating. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures like soft plastics work great too. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for them busting bait on the surface. Cast a topwater plug into the fray and hold on tight - the explosions are something else!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the oddballs of inshore fishing - and that's what makes them fun. These striped "convict fish" have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. You'll find them around docks, pilings, and oyster beds in 5-15 feet of water. Most run 1-8 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 20 pounds. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn near passes and jetties. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so bring your A-game. Use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. When you feel the telltale tap-tap, set the hook fast and hard. The fight is solid, and the white, flaky meat is excellent on the table. Pro tip: Scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. It's like ringing the dinner bell for sheepshead.
Southern Flounder
These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Southern Flounder are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as they move between inshore and offshore waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of enticing a bite. To improve your chances, use live bait like bull minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig. Let it drift slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive flounder bite. When you feel a tap, give it a moment before setting the hook - flounder often grab prey sideways before swallowing. Patience pays off with these tasty bottom-dwellers.
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
