Hey there, anglers and adventure-seekers! If you're itching to wet a line in the beautiful waters of Nags Head, North Carolina, you're in for a treat. Our 2 to 4-hour fishing trips with In Debt Charters are the perfect way to experience the rich marine life of the Outer Banks. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with gear, know-how, and some of the best fishing spots around.
Picture this: you're out on the sound, the sun's warming your face, and there's a tug on your line. That's the kind of excitement you can expect on our trips. For the quick 2-hour jaunt, we'll zip around the sound, giving you a taste of everything - from fishing and dolphin spotting to exploring hidden gems. It's perfect if you're looking to squeeze in some action between other vacation plans. Now, if you're after the full experience, our 4-hour trip is where it's at. We'll hit up some prime wreck fishing spots and do some trolling, giving you the best shot at landing a variety of fish. And hey, if you're lucky, you might just catch your dinner!
Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing - we've got all the gear and know-how to get you started. We'll show you the ropes on casting, reeling, and the best techniques for the fish we're after. For the more experienced anglers, we've got some tricks up our sleeves too. We use a mix of live bait and lures, depending on what's biting. When we're wreck fishing, we'll drop lines near structure where fish love to hang out. For trolling, we'll cruise along, dragging baited lines behind the boat - it's a great way to cover more water and target those bigger fish.
The waters around Nags Head are teeming with fish, and each species brings its own challenge and excitement. Let's talk about what you might reel in:
Bluefish are the speedsters of the sound. These guys are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. They're a blast to catch, especially on light tackle. You'll find them chomping at the bit from spring through fall, with the biggest ones showing up in the cooler months. Bluefish are great fighters and even better eating if you like a stronger-flavored fish.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of our waters. These bottom-feeders can grow to impressive sizes, and the fight they put up is something else. They've got a distinctive "drumming" sound they make, which is pretty cool to hear. Spring and fall are prime times for Black Drum, and they're a favorite among locals for their sweet, firm meat.
Striped Bass, or "stripers" as we call 'em, are the rock stars of the Outer Banks. These guys are known for their size and the challenge they present. They're most active in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. Landing a big striper is a real accomplishment, and they make for some fantastic eating too.
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are the all-stars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail. They're here year-round, but fall is when they really shine. Redfish put up a great fight, especially when they're tailing in shallow water. It's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing.
Cobia are the heavyweights of our summer season. These big, powerful fish show up when the water warms up, usually from May to September. They're curious by nature and often follow the boat, which makes for some exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Cobia are prized for both their fight and their excellent table fare.
Alright, folks, here's the deal - whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, wanting to impress your buddies with a big catch, or just need a few hours of peace on the water, we've got you covered. Our trips are flexible, so we can work around your schedule. All you need to bring is some snacks, drinks, and a good attitude. We'll handle the rest. So what do you say? Ready to make some memories out on the water? Give us a shout and let's get you booked. The fish are waiting, and trust me, there's nothing quite like the feeling of that first big catch of the day. See you on the boat!
Black drum are big, powerful fish that'll test your gear. Adults average 20-40 pounds but can top 80. Look for them in shallow bays and around structures like oyster beds. Spring is spawning time when they gather in large schools. Black drum put up a stubborn fight, using their weight to bulldog you. They make a distinctive croaking sound you can sometimes hear underwater. The meat is good eating, especially from smaller fish under 15 pounds. For bait, it's hard to beat a live blue crab - just make sure to peel off the shell first.
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight. They typically run 3-10 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them in the sound and along the coast, often in schools chasing bait fish. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they migrate through. Bluefish hit hard and fast - they're a blast on light tackle. Their razor-sharp teeth can slice through lines, so wire leaders are a must. Fresh bluefish makes great eating if you bleed and ice them quickly. Pro tip: Look for diving birds to find feeding schools. Toss a shiny metal lure into the frenzy and hang on tight!
Cobia are big, powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your arms. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure, often near the surface. May through July is prime time as they migrate up the coast. Cobia put up an epic battle - long runs, jumps, and dirty tricks near the boat. Their firm white meat is considered a delicacy. Live eels are the top bait, but big jigs work too. Here's a local secret: when you see rays, look for cobia swimming with them. Sight-cast a live eel in front of the ray and hang on!
Redfish, or red drum, are a year-round favorite here. Most are in the 5-10 pound range, but bulls over 40 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love to hang around oyster beds and grass flats. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a great fight with strong runs and head shakes. Their meat is excellent eating too. For lures, I like gold spoons or jigs with soft plastics. But here's an insider tip: on calm days, sight-cast to tailing reds with a weedless gold spoon for some heart-pounding action.
Striped bass are one of our most popular gamefish. They range from 5-30 pounds typically, with trophy fish over 40. Stripers hang around structure in the sound and along the coast. Spring and fall runs are prime time as they migrate. These fish fight hard with powerful runs - it's a real thrill on light tackle. Stripers are great eating too, with firm white meat. Live bait like eels or bunker works well, but they'll also hit lures and flies. Here's a local trick: fish the inlets on an outgoing tide at night for big stripers feeding on bait getting swept out.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 28
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200