Ready to wet a line in the legendary waters of the Outer Banks? Our 3-hour mid-day charter is the perfect way to experience some of the best inshore fishing North Carolina has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Salty Charters has got you covered for an action-packed few hours on the water.
Picture this: You and up to five of your buddies cruising the pristine inshore waters of the OBX, rods in hand, ready to tangle with some of the area's most sought-after gamefish. We're talking redfish, striped bass, black drum, and more. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish. Morning person? Night owl? No worries – we've got both AM and PM trips to fit your schedule. And the best part? We handle all the nitty-gritty details. Fishing licenses? Covered. Gear? We've got top-notch equipment ready and waiting. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cold drink or two.
So what can you expect once we push off from the dock? We'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species. For redfish and black drum, we might set up a drift and work the bottom with cut bait or jigs. If the stripers are running, we could end up trolling or casting lures around structure. The beauty of inshore fishing is its versatility – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, the next you're battling a chunky striper near a bridge piling. Our captains are always adapting to the conditions and fish behavior to maximize your chances of success. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to fighting fish like a pro.
"Fish weren't cooperating but Captain tried his best to get us some" - Scott
Black Drum: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the inshore world. Known for their distinctive "croaking" sound and powerful fights, black drum can reach sizes over 50 pounds in the OBX. They love hanging around structure and oyster beds, making them a favorite target for bottom fishing. Spring and fall are prime times to tangle with these hard-fighting fish, and their strong pulls will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Striped Bass: Also known as rockfish, these iconic gamefish are prized for both their sporty nature and excellent table fare. In the Outer Banks, we get excited for the fall and winter striper runs when big schools move into the inshore waters. Stripers are ambush predators, so we often target them around drop-offs, channel edges, and bridge pilings. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big striper smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Redfish: Ask any OBX angler about their favorite inshore species, and there's a good chance redfish (also called red drum) will top the list. These copper-colored beauties are known for their hard fights and tendency to "tail" in shallow water, making them a blast to sight fish. We target reds year-round in the Outer Banks, but fall is particularly special when big schools of bull reds move into the sounds. Whether you're throwing artificial lures or soaking cut bait, hooking into a big red is an experience you won't soon forget.
Look, we could go on all day about the ins and outs of OBX inshore fishing, but the truth is, nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Our 3-hour mid-day charter is the perfect taste of what makes fishing these waters so special. It's long enough to get a real feel for the action, but short enough that you won't be wiped out for the rest of your vacation. Plus, with all gear and licenses included, it's a hassle-free way to add some serious excitement to your Outer Banks trip. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give us a call or book online – let's make some memories on the water!
June 5, 2025
Black drum are hefty fighters that'll give you a real workout. These cousins of redfish can grow over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them around oyster beds and muddy flats in 1-5 feet of water. They love feeding on crabs and shellfish, so fresh crab or clam chunks work great as bait. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Black drum put up a stubborn fight and make excellent table fare when under 15 pounds. For the best shot at landing one, fish slowly on the bottom with a Carolina rig and circle hook. The bigger ones can be tough to eat, but the smaller ones are delicious grilled or blackened.
Redfish are a blast to catch in our shallow coastal waters. They're easy to spot with that copper-red color and black tail spot. Most run 5-10 pounds, but you can find bulls over 40 pounds in deeper water. Look for them tailing in grass flats or cruising oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. They love to hang around structure and ambush prey. Redfish put up a great fight, often making long runs and tail-walking across the surface. They're also excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. For the best action, try sight-fishing with light tackle and small jigs or live bait under a popping cork. Pay attention to the tides - an incoming tide often brings hungry reds into the shallows to feed.
Striped bass are one of our most popular targets here in the OBX. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can reach over 70. You'll find them cruising near structure like bridges, inlets, and rocky shorelines. They're most active at dawn and dusk when the water's cooler. Stripers hit hard and fight like crazy - it's a real rush when one slams your lure. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Live bait like eels or bunker works well, but they'll also attack topwater plugs and jigs. Here's a local tip: look for diving birds to find schools of stripers feeding on bait near the surface. Cast into the frenzy and hang on tight!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Fish weren’t cooperating but Captain tried his best to get us some