Nags Head Inshore Fishing: Black Drum & Bluefish

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

North Carolina
$300 - $1,650 price range
Updated Date: October 31, 2025

Summary

Hop aboard for a laid-back 2-hour fishing trip in the calm waters around Nags Head. This charter is perfect if you're new to fishing or just want a chill day on the water with family. We'll cruise the sound, dropping lines for black drum, bluefish, and whatever else is biting that day. Don't worry about gear – we've got you covered. Just bring some snacks and drinks, and we'll handle the rest. As we fish, keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves. The views of the Outer Banks coastline are pretty sweet too. We can work around your schedule, so it's easy to fit this trip into your vacation plans. Whether you're 8 or 80, you'll have a good time casting, reeling, and soaking up the coastal vibes. It's a great way to get a taste of local fishing without any fuss or pressure. Who knows, you might even catch dinner!

Nags Head Inshore Fishing: Black Drum & Bluefish

Outer Banks Fishing Action

OBX pier catches are the best.

North Carolina Flounder angling in the OBX.

Longfin Yellowtail fish caught while fishing in Kitty Hawk

NC fishing getaway at Kitty Hawk.

Two sea bass caught while fishing in Kitty Hawk

Day well spent fishing Sea bass Kitty Hawk.

Reel in the Fun: Nags Head Inshore Fishing

Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! Ready to wet a line in the rich waters of Nags Head? This 2-hour inshore trip with In Debt Charters is perfect for families, newbies, and laid-back anglers looking for a chill day on the water. We'll cruise the sound, casting for black drum, bluefish, and whatever else is biting. It's not just about the fish, though – keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and soak in those postcard-worthy views of the Outer Banks coastline. Best part? We've got all the gear covered, so you can focus on the important stuff – like reeling in your next big catch and making memories.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're out on the calm sound waters, rod in hand, with the backdrop of Nags Head's famous dunes. Our 2-hour trip is designed to give you a taste of inshore fishing without overwhelming you. We'll hit up some local hotspots where the fish love to hang out. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew's got your back with tips and tricks to up your game. And hey, if the fish aren't biting, the scenery alone is worth the trip. Bring along some snacks and drinks, and we'll take care of the rest. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, whether you're looking to entertain the kids or just escape the beach crowds for a bit.

Fishing 101: Nags Head Style

Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be using light tackle setups – perfect for the inshore species we're after. You might be bottom fishing with cut bait for black drum, or maybe tossing lures for bluefish. The sound's shallow waters mean we can get up close to the action, often sight-casting to fish we spot. Don't know what that means? No sweat – we'll show you the ropes. We might drift with the current, anchor up near a promising spot, or even do some wade fishing if conditions are right. The beauty of inshore fishing is its flexibility – we can change tactics on the fly to match what the fish are doing that day.

Top Catches This Season

Let's chat about what's swimming around out there. Bluefish are like the party animals of the sound – they're fast, aggressive, and put up a great fight on light tackle. These guys love to chase lures, so get ready for some exciting topwater action. Black drum, on the other hand, are the gentle giants. They're bottom feeders with a soft spot for crab and shrimp baits. When you hook one, it's like reeling in a truck – slow and steady wins the race. Depending on the season, we might also run into some striped bass, redfish, or even the mighty cobia. Each species has its own personality, and trust me, landing any of these bad boys will put a smile on your face.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bluefish: These toothy critters are the speedsters of the sound. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Bluefish are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps – perfect for anglers who love a good fight. They're most active in the warmer months, from spring through fall. Fun fact: bluefish have been known to chase bait fish right up onto the beach!

Black Drum: Don't let their slow-moving nature fool you – black drum can grow to monster sizes. These bottom-dwellers use their chin barbels to feel for food in the sand and mud. They're around all year, but spring and fall are prime time. The smaller ones (under 5 pounds) are great eating, while the big ones (some over 50 pounds!) are catch-and-release trophies. When a big drum takes your bait, hang on tight – it's like trying to reel in a cinder block!

Striped Bass: Also known as rockfish, these guys are the rock stars of the inshore scene. They're smart, strong, and put up an epic battle. Stripers love structure, so we often find them around bridges, jetties, and drop-offs. The fall and winter months are best for striped bass in our area. Landing a keeper striper is a badge of honor for any angler – and they taste pretty darn good too!

Redfish: With their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish (or red drum) are a favorite among local anglers. These copper-colored beauties can be found in the shallows, often tailing as they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is the prime time for big reds, but we catch them year-round. Sight-casting to a school of redfish is about as exciting as it gets in inshore fishing.

Cobia: While not as common as our other targets, cobia are the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing. These curious fish often follow rays, turtles, or even our boat. They show up in late spring and stick around through summer. Cobia fight like crazy and can grow over 100 pounds. Hooking one of these bruisers on inshore gear is the stuff fishing dreams are made of!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been fishing these waters for years, and I still get a kick out of every trip. There's something special about Nags Head fishing that keeps folks coming back. Maybe it's the variety – one day you're battling bluefish, the next you're finessing black drum. Or maybe it's the laid-back vibe – no need for dramamine here, just easy fishing in protected waters. For families, it's a chance to disconnect from screens and connect with each other (and maybe some fish). And for the more experienced anglers, well, there's always a new challenge waiting. Plus, let's be honest – that view of the Outer Banks shoreline never gets old. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, our inshore trips deliver the goods.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 2-hour inshore charters are perfect for squeezing in some fishing between beach days or introducing the kids to the sport. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks). Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, there's nothing quite like the thrill of feeling that first tug on the line. So what are you waiting for? Give us a shout, and let's get you out there on the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on the action. See you on the boat!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are hefty bottom-feeders that can reach over 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-30 pound range. They hang out in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds, pier pilings, and mudflats. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Black drum use their strong jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so fresh crab or clams make great bait. They're not the fastest swimmers, but bigger ones put up a stubborn fight. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are best for eating - the meat is sweet and flaky. For a fun challenge, try sight-fishing for tailing drum in super shallow water. Local tip: a piece of fresh shrimp on a circle hook is hard to beat when the drum are feeding on the bottom.

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight. These toothy fish average 3-5 pounds but can get up to 20. Look for them in the surf, inlets, and nearshore waters from spring through fall. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. Bluefish love to chase bait, so keep an eye out for birds diving or bait getting pushed to the surface. They'll hit just about any lure, but metal spoons and swimming plugs work great. For a real thrill, try topwater lures at dawn or dusk. Bluefish make good eating when prepared fresh, but bleed them out quickly for the best flavor. Local tip: bring wire leaders, as their sharp teeth can slice through mono in a heartbeat.

Cobia

Cobia are one of our most sought-after summer species. These powerful fish average 20-50 pounds but can top 100. They show up in our waters from late spring through early fall, often hanging around buoys, wrecks, and other structure. Cobia are curious fish and will investigate just about anything in the water - including your boat! Live eels or big jigs are top baits. They're not the fastest swimmers, but boy do they pull hard. The fight is more like a tug-of-war than a race. Cobia make excellent table fare too, with firm, white meat. For a real challenge, try sight-casting to them when they're cruising just under the surface. Local tip: always have a ready rod with a big bucktail jig - you never know when a cobia might swim right up to the boat.

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite inshore species here. Most are in the 3-10 pound range, but big bulls over 40 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and marsh edges. Redfish will eat just about anything, but live shrimp, crabs, or cut mullet are hard to beat. For artificials, gold spoons and soft plastics work great. These fish put up a stubborn fight, often making strong runs and head shakes. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an exciting challenge. Local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats slowly and look for their copper-colored backs or tails sticking out of the water.

Striped Bass

Striped bass, or "stripers," are one of our most popular gamefish. These hard-fighting fish average 10-30 pounds but can top 50. They migrate along the coast, showing up in our waters from spring through fall. Look for stripers around structure like jetties, bridge pilings, and rip currents. They feed aggressively on baitfish, so live eels or chunked menhaden are top baits. Artificials like swimming plugs and soft plastics work great too. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Stripers give an awesome fight on light tackle and are excellent eating when prepared fresh. For a real thrill, try topwater lures at first light. Local tip: find the bait, and you'll find the stripers - look for birds diving or bait dimpling the surface.

About the Bulls Bay (Center console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 28

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Looking for a laid-back fishing trip in Nags Head? Hop aboard our comfy boat for a 2-hour cruise through the calm sound waters. We'll take you to prime spots where black drum, bluefish, and other local fish are biting. Don't worry about gear - we've got you covered with rods, reels, and bait. This trip is perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants a relaxing day on the water. You might even spot some playful dolphins or enjoy the pretty coastal scenery as we fish. We can work around your schedule to find a good time. Just bring some snacks, drinks, and a chill attitude. It's an easy, fun outing suitable for all ages and skill levels. Come make some memories and maybe catch dinner while you're at it!

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