Ready to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? Captain Will's got you covered with this beginner-friendly trip right here in Emerald Isle. No need to stress if you've never held a rod before - we're all about keeping things easy and fun. Over five hours, you'll get the hang of casting, learn what makes the fish bite, and hopefully reel in some beauties like redfish, sea trout, and flounder. It's the perfect way to get hooked on fishing without getting in over your head.
Picture this: You're cruising the calm inshore waters around Emerald Isle, rod in hand, with Captain Will showing you the ropes. He'll break down the basics - from baiting your hook to reading the water - in a way that's easy to grasp. No complicated jargon here, just straight-up fishing know-how. You'll hit some of the local hotspots where redfish, flounder, and sea trout like to hang out. And don't worry about bringing gear; we've got you covered with quality rods and reels that are perfect for beginners. The boat's comfortable, the pace is relaxed, and there's plenty of time to practice your cast and enjoy the scenery. By the end of the day, you might just land your first big catch - and trust me, that feeling never gets old.
Alright, let's talk about how we'll get those fish biting. Inshore fishing is all about finesse and reading the signs. Captain Will's going to show you how to work a soft plastic lure - it's like a little dance to tempt the fish. You'll learn to feel for that telltale tap on your line that means a fish is checking out your bait. We might do some drift fishing, letting the current do the work while we present our lures, or try some sight casting if we spot some tailing reds in the shallows. The key is patience and staying alert. And here's a pro tip: when you feel that bite, don't jerk the rod too hard. A smooth, steady pull is all it takes to set the hook. Before you know it, you'll be reeling in your catch like a seasoned pro.
Let's talk about the stars of the show - the fish you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, we've got the redfish. These copper-colored beauties are a favorite around here. They're strong fighters, so when you hook one, get ready for a fun battle. Redfish love to hang out near oyster beds and grass flats, and they can't resist a well-presented soft plastic lure. The best part? They're active year-round, so there's always a chance to land one.
Next, we've got the sea trout, also known as speckled trout. These guys are the tricksters of the inshore world. They're known for their light bite - sometimes you'll barely feel it when they take your lure. But once you set the hook, they put on quite a show with their acrobatic jumps. Sea trout are most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. They love to hang around structures like docks and bridge pilings.
Last but not least, there's the southern flounder. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Don't let their odd looks fool you - they're delicious eating and fun to catch. Flounder like to ambush their prey, so we'll target them by slowly dragging baits along the bottom. The best time for flounder is usually late summer through fall when they start moving towards the inlets for their annual migration.
Folks who've been out with Captain Will can't stop talking about how much they learned. It's not just about catching fish - though that's a big part of it. It's about gaining confidence on the water, understanding the local ecosystem, and maybe even picking up a new hobby. Families love this trip because it's a chance to bond and create memories together. There's something special about watching a kid's face light up when they reel in their first fish. And for adults, it's a great way to unwind and reconnect with nature. Plus, let's be honest - nothing beats the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner. Many guests leave already planning their next trip, eager to build on what they've learned and catch even more fish.
So, are you ready to give inshore fishing a shot? This beginner-friendly trip with Captain Will is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking, of course). Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a unique date idea, or just want to try something new, you can't go wrong with a day on the water in Emerald Isle. You'll come away with new skills, great memories, and maybe even a fish tale or two to share. Don't let this chance slip away - the fish are biting, and your adventure is waiting. Book your spot now and get ready to discover why so many people fall in love with inshore fishing right here in Emerald Isle. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on your line, you'll be hooked for life!
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets here in Emerald Isle. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches, though trophy "bull reds" can top 40 inches. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs. Anglers love sight-casting to them in clear shallows - it's a rush when you see that red spot on the tail. For bait, live shrimp or mullet are hard to beat. If you're using artificials, try gold spoons or scented soft plastics. One local tip: on calm days, look for their wakes or tails breaking the surface. Cast well ahead of them and slowly drag your bait into their path. The meat's great too - firm, white, and mild.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a blast to catch in Emerald Isle. These silvery fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase shrimp and small baitfish, so lures that mimic these work well. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temps are in the sweet spot. Anglers enjoy targeting sea trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild-flavored meat. One local trick: try a slow retrieve with a soft plastic jig, bouncing it along the bottom. That often triggers bites when they're being picky. Just remember not to overcook them - the meat can get mushy fast. Whether you're after the thrill of the catch or a delicious dinner, sea trout deliver on both counts.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators in our waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish blend in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, but they can grow over 30 inches and 20 pounds. Look for them around inlets, creek mouths, and along channel edges. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper water to spawn. Flounder fishing takes patience, but it's rewarding. They're not known for long fights, but the challenge is in the presentation and detecting subtle bites. Anglers love targeting them for their unique hunting style and excellent table fare. Live bait like finger mullet or mud minnows works best. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait and swallow it. Count to three, then reel down and sweep the rod to set. Delicious eating too - some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150