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Full Day Inshore Fishing in Manteo | Salty Charters
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Manteo, NC
- $375 - $1,800 price range
Summary
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Reels and Rods in Action
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Reeling in the elusive Spotted Weakfish off Manteo's stormy coast!
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Reeling in the elusive Spotted Weakfish off Manteo's stormy coast!
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Full Day Fishing: Manteo's Coastal Bounty
Ready to wet a line in some of North Carolina's most productive waters? Our full day charter out of Manteo puts you right where the action is. From sunrise to mid-afternoon, you'll be cruising the nearshore grounds with Captain John, targeting everything from scrappy redfish to bull cobia. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first big catch, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!
What's the Day Look Like?
We'll meet you at the dock bright and early at 6 AM. After a quick safety rundown, we'll motor out to where the fish are biting. Expect to spend a solid 8 hours on the water, giving us plenty of time to find the hot spots. We'll be targeting a mix of species, so be ready to switch up tactics as we go. Capt. John's got years of experience reading these waters, so trust me, you're in good hands. By the time we head back in, your arms'll be tired and you'll have plenty of fish stories to tell.
Rods, Reels, and Rigging
We'll be using a mix of techniques throughout the day, depending on what's biting and where. Expect to do some bottom fishing for those tasty sea bass and sheepshead. When the reds are running, we might switch to sight casting or drifting live bait. For the bigger game like cobia, we'll break out the heavy tackle and maybe even do some chumming. Don't worry if you're new to any of this - Capt. John's always happy to show you the ropes. We provide all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring along, that's cool too.
Straight from the Anglers
"Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year's trip." - Tonya
"Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year's trip." - Tonya
"Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year's trip." - Tonya
Fish on the Menu
Bluefish: These toothy battlers are a blast to catch and put up a great fight on light tackle. We typically see them in the 2-5 pound range, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. They're aggressive feeders and often hunt in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Spring and fall are prime time for blues, but we catch 'em year-round.
Black Sea Bass: If you're after some of the tastiest fish in the sea, look no further. These bottom-dwellers are structure-loving fish, so we'll be targeting wrecks and reefs. They might not be the biggest fish out there, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavor. The bigger ones (called "knot-heads" by the locals) can put up a decent fight too.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are one of the oddballs of the ocean. They've got teeth that look almost human, which they use to crush crabs and barnacles. Fishing for these guys takes some finesse - they're notorious bait stealers. But once you get the hang of it, it's addictive. Plus, they're delicious on the dinner table.
Sea Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout or speckled trout, these fish are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when fighting them. We'll often find them around grass flats or oyster beds. The "gator" trout (the big ones) are prized catches and make for great photos.
Redfish: Also called red drum or just "reds," these copper-colored beauties are one of our star attractions. The smaller ones (often called "puppy drum") are fun on light tackle, while the big bulls can give you the fight of your life. We catch them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up. There's nothing quite like seeing a school of reds tailing in shallow water - it'll get your heart racing every time.
Ready to Book Your Spot?
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in Manteo, but there's no substitute for experiencing it yourself. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some good eating fish or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, this full day trip's got you covered. We've only got room for 4 on the boat, so don't wait too long to lock in your date. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you fish these waters, you'll be hooked for life!
Customer Reviews
Hooked on Fun
Tonya House
June 25, 2024
Reel Good Times
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year’s trip.
Tonya House
June 25, 2024
Catch You Next Year
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year’s trip.
Tonya House
June 25, 2024
Fishing Friendship
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year’s trip.
Tonya House
June 25, 2024
Angling Adventures
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year’s trip.
Tonya House
June 25, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are tough little battlers that hang around structure. Most run 1-4 pounds, but trophy fish over 8 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them near wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 60-120 feet of water. These fish really turn on in late spring and summer as water temps warm up. They're fun to catch on light tackle and put up a scrappy fight all the way to the boat. Anglers love targeting them for their mild, flaky white meat - it's excellent table fare. To land a nice sea bass, drop your bait or jig right next to structure and be ready for a quick bite. They often school up, so when you find one, you've likely found a bunch. My go-to rig is a two-hook bottom setup with squid strips. Bouncing it off the bottom triggers their predatory instinct.
Bluefish
Bluefish are feisty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These toothy predators average 7-20 pounds but can reach 40 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them chasing bait schools from spring through fall, often in shallow waters near shore. They're famous for their aggressive feeding frenzies, churning up the surface as they attack. Bluefish put up a great fight and make for some tasty eating too. Their oily meat has a strong flavor that's delicious grilled or smoked. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when you're unhooking them! For the best action, look for birds diving on bait balls - that's a sure sign bluefish are feeding below. Try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into the fray. My local trick is to use wire leaders, since bluefish will slice through regular line in a heartbeat. When they're biting, it's non-stop excitement reeling them in one after another.
Redfish
Redfish, also called red drum, are a hard-fighting inshore species. Most "slot" fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, but bull reds over 40 inches are possible. You'll find them in shallow bays, creeks, and grass flats, often tailing in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. These fish are most active year-round but really turn on in fall as they school up. Anglers love targeting reds for their powerful runs and copper-colored scales with a distinctive black spot near the tail. They also make for some excellent eating when prepared fresh. To catch redfish, try sight-fishing the shallows or working a gold spoon along oyster bars. My local tip is to look for pushing water or mud boils - that's often a sign of feeding reds. When hooked, they'll make strong runs, so be ready to chase them down. It's an exciting fight from start to finish.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species. Most run 1-5 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 10 pounds. You'll find them in grassy flats, channels, and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. These fish are most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. They're known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, making them a fun challenge. Anglers love targeting sea trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild fillets. To catch sea trout, try working a soft plastic jig or topwater plug slowly over grass flats. My local trick is to look for slicks on the water - that's often a sign of feeding trout. When you find a school, you can catch them one after another. Just remember to set the hook gently to avoid tearing their soft mouths.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are unique-looking fish with human-like teeth and dark stripes on their sides. Most run 1-8 pounds, but trophy fish over 20 pounds are possible. You'll find them around pilings, bridges, and other barnacle-covered structures. These fish are masters at stealing bait, so a sensitive touch is key. They're most active in spring and fall as water temps change. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for the challenge - it takes skill to hook them consistently. Their sweet, white meat is also prized for the dinner table. To catch sheepshead, get your bait as close to structure as possible. I like using fiddler crabs on a small, sharp hook. When you feel the telltale nibble, set the hook hard - their bony mouths make them tough to hook. Patience and persistence pay off with these wily fish.
About the Sportsmen (Center console)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Just want to say we had a wonderful time fishing with captJohn and mate Kay We always have so much fun with you guys. And look forward to next year’s trip.