Ready for some laid-back afternoon fishing in the Outer Banks? Our 4-hour PM charter is perfect for anglers looking to unwind and catch some of Manteo's best inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we'll put you on the fish and show you a good time on the water.
We'll meet up at the marina in Manteo and head out to the rich coastal waters nearby. This isn't your average booze cruise – we're here to fish! But don't worry, the vibe is relaxed and fun. You'll be using light tackle to target some of our local favorites like redfish, sea trout, and striped bass. It's an ideal trip for families, groups of friends, or even solo anglers looking to join others. The afternoon light on the water is something special, and you might even catch a killer sunset if the timing's right.
We'll be doing a mix of drift fishing and anchoring up on some prime spots. Light tackle is the name of the game here – it keeps things sporty and fun, even with smaller fish. We'll show you how to work soft plastics, throw topwater lures, and maybe even do some live bait fishing if that's what's working. The beauty of inshore fishing is how varied it can be. One minute you might be casting to structure for reds, the next we could be chasing birds working over a school of trout. It's always an adventure, and that's what keeps folks coming back.
Manteo's inshore waters have been on fire lately. We've been putting clients on some chunky redfish in the 24-30 inch range, and the sea trout fishing has been lights out. When the stripers are running, it's not uncommon to boat a dozen or more in a trip. But remember, it's fishing – not catching. Some days are slower than others, but that's all part of the game. We'll work hard to put you on fish, and at the very least, you'll come back with some new skills and local knowledge.
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Outer Banks anglers. They put up a great fight on light tackle, often making screaming runs and bulldogging near the boat. In the fall, we target big bull reds that can top 40 inches! Redfish love to hang around structure and oyster beds, so we'll be working those areas hard.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): Don't let their size fool you – sea trout are a blast to catch. They're known for their soft mouths, so finesse is key. These guys love to hit topwater lures, which makes for some exciting visual strikes. The best part? They're delicious if you want to keep a few for dinner.
Striped Bass (Rockfish): When the stripers are in town, it's game on. These hard-fighting fish can range from schoolies in the 18-24 inch range all the way up to 40+ inch monsters. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures and baits. The fall and spring runs can be epic, with days where it seems like every cast produces a fish.
There's something special about fishing the waters around Manteo. Maybe it's the way the light hits the marsh grass in the late afternoon, or the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water. Our trips are more than just catching fish – they're about connecting with nature, learning new skills, and making memories with friends and family. Plus, let's be honest, bragging rights are always on the table when you're pulling in quality fish like we have here.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing the Outer Banks has to offer, don't wait. Our 4-hour PM charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a serious angler looking to add some new species to your list or a family wanting to try something fun and different, we've got you covered. Grab your hat, sunscreen, and sense of adventure – the fish are waiting! Give us a call or book online to secure your afternoon on the water with Salty Charters. Trust me, after one trip, you'll be hooked on Manteo fishing.
Redfish are one of our most popular targets here in Manteo. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 5-15 pounds in the shallows, but can get much bigger offshore. Look for them in water as shallow as 1-4 feet, especially around oyster beds and grass flats. They love a mud bottom. Fall is prime time as they feed heavily before winter. Anglers go nuts for their powerful runs and light, sweet-tasting fillets. To up your odds, try working a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp along the edges of grass beds during a falling tide. And keep an eye out for their distinctive tail "wakes" in skinny water - that's the ticket to finding the big boys.
Sea trout are a blast to catch on light tackle. These silvery beauties usually run 1-5 pounds and love to hit artificial lures. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. Fall and winter are great times as they school up in deeper channels. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, tender meat. Here's a local trick - try slow-trolling with a jig tipped with shrimp along grass edges. The sea trout can't resist it. Just remember not to overcook 'em or they'll get mushy. Whether you're after a fun fight or a delicious dinner, sea trout deliver.
Striped bass are real crowd-pleasers around here. These powerful fish typically run 20-40 pounds but can get up to 70. You'll find them near structures along the shore, especially in moving waters. They're most active at dawn and dusk when the water's cooler. Fall and spring are prime seasons as they migrate. Stripers put up an exciting fight and make excellent table fare with their sweet, meaty fillets. To boost your chances, try live bait like herring or menhaden - the movement really gets their attention. And don't forget to check those bridges and piers - stripers love to hang out there. Just be ready for a battle when you hook one!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250