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Top-Rated Wilmington Inshore Fishing | Carolina Charters

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Wilmington
  • $300 - $550 price range

Summary

Ready for a relaxing evening on the water? This 2-hour inshore fishing trip in Wilmington, NC is perfect for winding down your day. From April to December, you can join us Monday through Friday at 5:30 PM for a chance to catch Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout. It's an ideal outing for small groups – bring up to three friends along for the ride. As the sun starts to set, you'll be out on the water, rod in hand, soaking in the coastal vibes. Our experienced guides know just where to find the fish, so you'll have a great shot at reeling in something impressive. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this laid-back trip offers a taste of local inshore action. And with free cancellation up to a day before, it's an easy add to your Wilmington plans. Don't forget your camera – the sunset views are part of the package!
Top-Rated Wilmington Inshore Fishing | Carolina Charters

Sunset Catch Highlights

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Reeling in a keeper redfish with light tackle on a clear day!

Reeling in a keeper redfish with light tackle on a clear day!

Big redfish bagged while deep sea trolling on a clear day!

Big redfish bagged while deep sea trolling on a clear day!

Clear skies and deep sea trolling: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

Clear skies and deep sea trolling: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

Reeling in the adventure with a clear day on the water!

Reeling in the adventure with a clear day on the water!

Reeling in the sheepshead with some deep sea action off Wilmington!

Reeling in the sheepshead with some deep sea action off Wilmington!

Reeling in the redfish with light tackle in cloudy Wilmington waters!

Reeling in the redfish with light tackle in cloudy Wilmington waters!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea trolling off Wilmington's coast!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea trolling off Wilmington's coast!

Clear skies and light tackle make for an epic deep sea adventure!

Clear skies and light tackle make for an epic deep sea adventure!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea trolling off Wilmington's coast!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea trolling off Wilmington's coast!

Light tackle triumphs: Reeling in a redfish on a clear day!

Light tackle triumphs: Reeling in a redfish on a clear day!

Reeling in a keeper redfish with light tackle on a clear day!

Reeling in a keeper redfish with light tackle on a clear day!

Big redfish bagged while deep sea trolling on a clear day!

Big redfish bagged while deep sea trolling on a clear day!

Clear skies and deep sea trolling: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

Clear skies and deep sea trolling: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

Reeling in the adventure with a clear day on the water!

Reeling in the adventure with a clear day on the water!

Reeling in the sheepshead with some deep sea action off Wilmington!

Reeling in the sheepshead with some deep sea action off Wilmington!

Reeling in the redfish with light tackle in cloudy Wilmington waters!

Reeling in the redfish with light tackle in cloudy Wilmington waters!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea trolling off Wilmington's coast!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea trolling off Wilmington's coast!

Clear skies and light tackle make for an epic deep sea adventure!

Clear skies and light tackle make for an epic deep sea adventure!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea trolling off Wilmington's coast!

Reeling in a redfish while deep sea trolling off Wilmington's coast!

Light tackle triumphs: Reeling in a redfish on a clear day!

Light tackle triumphs: Reeling in a redfish on a clear day!

Reeling in a keeper redfish with light tackle on a clear day!

Reeling in a keeper redfish with light tackle on a clear day!

Big redfish bagged while deep sea trolling on a clear day!

Big redfish bagged while deep sea trolling on a clear day!

Clear skies and deep sea trolling: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

Clear skies and deep sea trolling: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

Reeling in the adventure with a clear day on the water!

Reeling in the adventure with a clear day on the water!

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Sunset Inshore Fishing: Wilmington's Hidden Gem

Ready to wrap up your day with some rod-bending action? Our 2-hour sunset inshore trip is the perfect way to unwind and maybe land dinner while you're at it. We'll cruise the calm waters around Wilmington, NC, targeting some of the tastiest fish in these parts. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to wet a line, this trip's got something for everyone. And with room for up to 4 folks, it's a great chance to make some memories with family or friends.

What's the Deal?

Here's the scoop: We run these trips from April 15th to December 31st, Monday through Friday. We push off at 5:30 PM, just in time to catch that golden hour light. For $250, you and up to 3 buddies can join us for some prime-time fishing. We're talking Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout - some of the best eating fish around these parts. And hey, if plans change, no sweat. You can cancel up to a day before with no penalty. It's a sweet deal for a chance to reel in some big ones and soak up a Carolina sunset.

On the Water

Once we shove off, we'll head to some of my favorite spots where the fish have been biting. We'll be using light tackle, perfect for the inshore waters we'll be fishing. I'll show you how to work soft plastics, jigs, and live bait to entice those fish. We might do some drift fishing over oyster beds for Sheepshead, or work the grassy edges for Redfish. If the Specks are running, we might throw some topwater lures at dusk - there's nothing like seeing a trout explode on your bait as the sun sets. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing these waters as day turns to night. The way the light hits the water, the sound of fish breaking the surface - it's downright magical. And it's not just about the fishing. It's about that moment when you're reeling in a fighter, your friends are cheering you on, and you realize this is what making memories is all about. Plus, there's a good chance you'll be taking home some fresh fillets for dinner. Can't beat that!

Fish You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the inshore world. They love hanging around structure and can put up one heck of a fight. We typically see them in the 5-15 pound range, but they can grow much bigger. Black Drum are known for their distinctive "croaking" sound and those weird little whiskers on their chins. They're great eating when they're smaller, with a sweet, firm flesh that's perfect for grilling.

Sheepshead: Now here's a fish with a face only a mother could love - but boy, are they fun to catch. These striped convicts have a mouth full of human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. That means they're tricky to hook, but land one and you're in for a treat. Sheepshead are fantastic eating, with a delicate, almost sweet flavor that's hard to beat. We usually find them around pilings and oyster beds.

Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers. They've got that distinctive spot on their tail, and when they're "tailing" in shallow water, it's a sight to behold. Reds can range from "puppy drum" size up to bull reds over 40 inches. They're strong fighters and great eating when they're in the slot size. We often find them cruising the flats or hanging around structure.

Speckled Trout: These guys are the sprinters of our inshore waters. Known for their beautiful spotted pattern and delicate mouth, Specks are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're most active at dawn and dusk, making them perfect for our evening trips. When the water cools down in fall, the bigger ones come out to play. Speckled Trout are excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor that's great for a variety of recipes.

Time to Get Your Lines Wet

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want to impress a date with your angling skills, or just need to decompress after a long day, this trip's got you covered. At $250 for up to 4 people, it's a steal for 2 hours of guided fishing and memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are biting, the sunsets are stunning, and we've got cold drinks in the cooler. All that's missing is you. So what do you say? Ready to join us for some sunset inshore action in Wilmington? Book your spot now and let's make some fishing stories worth bragging about!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Redfish are a local favorite, with their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spot near the tail. They typically run 20-30 inches long in our waters, but can grow much bigger offshore. You'll find them in shallow flats and around oyster beds, often with their backs breaking the surface as they hunt for crabs and small fish. Fall is prime time as they school up, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their strong fights and excellent table fare. To hook one, try working a gold spoon or scented soft plastic slowly along the bottom - redfish can't resist an easy meal. Just be ready when they hit - these guys pull hard!

Black Drum

Redfish

Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often topping 30 pounds in our waters. They're dark gray or black with a down-turned mouth perfect for rooting out crabs and oysters. You'll find them in the same shallow, muddy areas as reds, especially around oyster beds. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the powerful fight of a big drum, though the smaller ones under 15 pounds taste best. These guys make a distinctive croaking sound, so listen for them! To land one, use a piece of fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient - when that rod doubles over, you're in for a battle!

Redfish

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are unmistakable with their black and white stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." Most weigh 1-8 pounds, but the big ones can top 20. Look for them around docks, bridge pilings, and other structures where they feed on barnacles and crabs. Spring is spawning season when they really stack up. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching sheepshead - they're notorious bait stealers with their human-like teeth. The meat is sweet and delicious too. For best results, use a small, strong hook with fresh fiddler crab or oyster and fish as close to the structure as you can. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard!

Sheepshead

About the Carolina Charters

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Our inshore fishing trip in Wilmington, NC is the perfect way to cap off your day. For two hours, you'll cruise the local waters as the sun sets, trying your luck at catching Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout. This laid-back evening adventure runs seasonally from mid-April through December, Monday to Friday. With space for up to four people, it's a great option for small groups or families looking to unwind and enjoy some quality time on the water. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the necessary equipment. Whether you're an experienced angler or a first-timer, our knowledgeable captain will help you make the most of your time on board. As an added bonus, you can cancel with just one day's notice if your plans change. So grab your friends or family, and join us for a relaxing evening of fishing and beautiful coastal views.
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