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NC Family Redfish & Tarpon Charter | Pamlico Pirate
- Published Date: September 14, 2025
- Fishing
- North Carolina
- $475 - $900 price range
- Updated Date: September 30, 2025
Summary
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Reeling Them In
Family Fishing Fun on NC's Inshore Hotspots
Ready for a day of fishing the whole family will love? Hop aboard with Pamlico Pirate Fishing Charters for an action-packed inshore adventure in North Carolina's fish-rich waters. From October through July, we'll hit prime spots for redfish, trout, flounder and more. Whether you're teaching the kids to cast or looking to bend a rod yourself, this trip delivers non-stop action in a kid-friendly setting. With all gear provided and expert guidance from Captain Dave, you're in for a day of memory-making on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Our family-friendly charters are all about having fun while reeling in some of North Carolina's most popular inshore species. We'll cruise through a mix of shallow flats, winding marsh creeks, and structure-filled areas where fish love to hang out. Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll hit several productive spots to maximize your chances of hooking up. Kids and newbies will get plenty of hands-on instruction, while more experienced anglers can test their skills on some bigger game. With a 3-person max, there's plenty of elbow room and personal attention for everyone on board.
Fishing Techniques & Spots
We use a variety of light tackle techniques to target inshore species. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might toss soft plastics for trout, soak cut bait for drum, or work topwater lures for bluefish. Captain Dave will show you the ropes on everything from rigging to proper casting and retrieving. We'll hit a mix of spots throughout the day, including grass lines where redfish cruise, deep holes holding flounder, and bridge pilings where stripers hang out. The variety keeps things interesting and ups your chances of a diverse catch.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a favorite target year-round. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their distinctive tailing behavior. Reds put up a great fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but you can find them any time of year in NC.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout are abundant in our inshore waters and are known for their delicate flavor. These spotted beauties have soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when fighting them. We often find them around grass beds and oyster bars. The cooler months from fall through spring offer the best action.
Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. We target them around structure and drop-offs using both live bait and artificial lures. Flounder fishing heats up in late spring and summer, offering great action and tasty fillets.
Bluefish: When the blues are running, hold on tight! These toothy predators are pure muscle and attitude. They're often found in schools, creating exciting topwater action. Blues are most abundant from spring through fall and are a blast for anglers of all skill levels.
Striped Bass: Stripers are prized for their hard-fighting nature and size potential. We target them around bridge pilings, creek mouths, and other structure. The colder months from late fall through early spring offer the best action for these powerful gamefish.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can reach impressive sizes and put up a stubborn fight. We find them around oyster beds and deeper holes, often using natural baits. They're available year-round but are especially active in spring and fall.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our family-friendly charters are designed to create lasting memories while putting you on fish. Kids love the excitement of reeling in their own catches, while parents appreciate the safe, educational environment. The variety of species we target means there's always something biting, keeping rods bent and smiles wide. Plus, with our all-inclusive setup (we provide licenses, gear, and know-how), all you need to do is show up ready for fun. Many families make this an annual tradition, returning year after year to see what's biting in NC's productive inshore waters.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to make some fishing memories with the family? Our North Carolina inshore charters offer the perfect mix of action, education, and good old-fashioned fun on the water. With limited spots available each season, it's smart to book early, especially for prime dates. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want a day of non-stop action, we've got you covered. Give Captain Dave a call today and let's get your crew hooked up with some of NC's finest inshore fishing. The fish are waiting – are you ready to reel 'em in?
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavy hitters of our inshore waters. These beefy bottom-feeders can top 50 pounds, though most run 5-30. You'll find them year-round in shallow bays, around oyster beds, and near dock pilings. Black Drum use their chin barbels to root out crabs and shellfish, so fishing near structure is key. They're not the prettiest fish, but man can they pull! Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too - mild, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Here's a local tip: use fresh cut blue crab for bait and you'll be in business. Black Drum aren't known for speed, but their sheer power and determined fights make them a blast for anglers of all skill levels.
Bluefish
Bluefish are hard-fighting speedsters that'll give you a run for your money. These toothy predators typically range from 3-10 pounds but can get up to 20. Look for them around inlets, jetties, and near-shore reefs from spring through fall. They love to chase bait, so keep an eye out for diving birds or surface commotion. Bluefish hit lures and cut bait with reckless abandon, making for exciting topwater action. Their aggressive nature means even novice anglers can get in on the fun. While they can be a bit oily, smaller blues make good eating when prepared right. One local trick: try using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. Bluefish may not be the biggest fish in the sea, but pound-for-pound, they're one of the scrappiest fighters you'll hook into on our inshore trips.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These copper-colored brutes typically run 5-15 pounds, but bulls over 40 are possible. You'll find them year-round in shallow flats, creeks, and around oyster bars. Redfish love to root around for crabs and baitfish, often tailing in just inches of water. Their powerful runs and dogged fights make them a blast on light tackle. Smaller "rat reds" are excellent eating, with sweet, firm meat. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them any season. Here's a local tip: look for "nervous water" or swirls near the banks - that's often redfish feeding. Whether sight-casting to tailing fish or blind-casting creek mouths, hooking into a big red is always a thrill.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple of our inshore fishing. These spotted beauties usually run 1-5 pounds, with some gators pushing 10+. You'll find them year-round in grass flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars. Sea Trout are ambush predators, so fishing near structure is key. They're not huge fighters, but their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets make them a favorite target. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are mild. One local trick: try a popping cork rig with live shrimp - it's deadly effective. Sea Trout are great for beginners since they're plentiful and willing biters. Plus, their delicate white meat is perfect for a fish fry. Whether you're after numbers or targeting bigger specks, Sea Trout provide consistent action on light tackle.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass, or "stripers," are one of our most popular gamefish. These hard-fighting predators typically run 5-30 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll find them around structure like jetties, bridge pilings, and rocky shorelines. Stripers are here year-round but really fire up in spring and fall as they chase bait schools. They'll hit a variety of lures and live baits, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels. The meat is excellent eating too - firm, white, and mild-flavored. Stripers put up a great fight, often making powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. Here's a local tip: try fishing topwater lures at dawn and dusk for explosive strikes. Whether you're after a trophy or just want consistent action, striped bass deliver on both counts.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the high-flying acrobats of our inshore waters. These silver kings can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other fish. We typically see them from late spring through early fall, cruising the flats and inlets. Tarpon aren't the easiest to hook, but once you do, hang on tight! Their bone-hard mouths and spectacular leaps make landing one a real challenge. Most folks practice catch and release, since they're not great eating. But the thrill of battling a tarpon is unforgettable. One local trick: when you see a rolling tarpon, cast well ahead of it and let your bait or lure sink. These fish have keen eyesight, so stealth is key. Landing a tarpon is a bucket list item for many anglers, and for good reason.
About the Parker
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
