Expert-Guided Wilmington Inshore Fishing | Carolina

Wilmington Inshore Fishing | 4 HR Private Trip

Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that won't break the bank? This 4-hour private inshore trip with Carolina Charters puts you right in the heart of Wilmington's best fishing spots for just $400. Captain Victor knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting guests on fish while keeping things fun and relaxed. Whether you're bringing the kids or planning a guys' trip, this charter delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps people coming back season after season.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts bright and early at 7:00 AM – prime time when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Captain Victor will be waiting at the boat ramp with everything prepped and ready to roll, including a live well packed with fresh bait he's caught himself. No waiting around or last-minute scrambling here. Within minutes of stepping aboard, you'll be cruising toward the flats and dock areas where Wilmington's best inshore action happens. The boat's equipped with quality tackle and gear, so all you need to bring is your fishing license and maybe some snacks. This trip runs Fridays through Sundays from mid-April to New Year's Eve, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan around your schedule. With space for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention without the crowd.

Flats Fishing & Dock Hopping

Inshore fishing around Wilmington means working the shallow flats, grass beds, and structure-rich dock lines where fish love to hang out. Captain Victor uses live bait whenever possible – usually shrimp, finger mullet, or whatever he's netted fresh that morning. You'll be using light to medium tackle that's perfectly matched to the species you're targeting. The technique here is all about reading the water and knowing where fish like to feed. Around docks, you're looking for shade lines and current breaks. On the flats, it's all about finding the right depth and structure. The captain handles boat positioning and will bait your hooks, but he's also happy to teach you the ropes if you want to learn. Kids especially love watching him work the cast net and seeing all the different bait species that come up.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"My son and I went for a four hour fishing trip with Captain Victor Trejo and Carolina Charters. We had a blast!! When we got to the boat ramp the Captain was already waiting for us and ready to go with a live well full of live bait that he caught with a cast net. Captain took us to multiple good fishing spots and we caught multiple red drum in the 19 to 20 inch size range. These were the first red drum for both of us. My son was very excited when he caught his first red drum. .This fishing trip is very kid friendly. Captain Trejo spent a lot of time showing my son different techniques to help him catch more fish. That was greatly appreciated. We caught ray also. A beautiful and fun day on the water. We will definitely be back!" - Jeffrey. "Capt Victor put us on the fish! We went to catch red drum and caught our limit! It's clear he has been fishing these waters for a long time. Day started off with out a hitch, he was ready for us when we pulled into the boat ramp. Boat, tackle and bait were ready to go and we were fishing within 10 minutes of boarding. At every spot Victor took us he baited the lines and put rods in our hands right away, he'd even throw one out for my 7 yr old and put the rod in his hand or the holder depending on what my son wanted. Caught a ton of fish throughout the morning. 5 reds, multiple flounder, and a few other species that were fun to fight. Victor was super professional and extremely helpful to all of us but was a great captain to have for my kid. He was super patient and attentive. I've been on a bunch of local inshore charters and this was one of the best, by far! Would recommend 10/10 and will definitely be back!" - Davis.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll find in these waters, and Wilmington's got plenty of them. These bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and dock pilings where they cruise for crabs and shellfish. You'll know when you've hooked one – they pull like a freight train and don't give up easy. Spring and fall are prime time for black drum, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to real trophies. What makes them so fun is that steady, powerful fight that tests your drag and your patience.

Redfish are the crown jewel of Carolina inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties are aggressive feeders and put up a fight that's hard to beat. They're most active during the warmer months and love shallow water where they can tail feed in the grass. When a red hits your bait, you'll feel that classic headshake followed by a blistering run. Most of what you'll catch will be in that 18-24 inch sweet spot – perfect eating size and legal to keep. The sight of that bronze back and spotted tail coming to the boat never gets old.

Flounder might look flat and lazy, but don't let that fool you. These masters of camouflage are ambush predators that can put up a surprisingly good scrap. They're bottom dwellers that love sandy areas near structure, and the key to catching them is keeping your bait moving slowly along the bottom. Summer through early fall is peak season, and a cooler full of flounder means some of the best eating you'll find in saltwater. Plus, watching a big flounder come up from the depths looking like a dinner plate with fins always gets a reaction.

Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the inshore world – they