Nearshore Fishing Charters
in Ocean Isle Beach

Our Nearshore Fishing Methods

Nearshore fishing gives us several different ways to target fish throughout the year. The method we use depends on the season, water conditions, bait activity and what’s biting. Some days that means bottom fishing reefs and wrecks, while other trips may have us vertical jigging, trolling for mackerel or casting to fish feeding near the surface.

Nearshore Bottom Fishing

We bottom fish throughout the year on artificial reefs, wrecks, ledges and other nearshore structure off Ocean Isle Beach. Most of these trips are fished with two-hook chicken rigs and 4 to 6 ounces of lead, using natural baits such as squid and cut bait.

Winter is especially productive for Black Sea Bass on nearshore artificial reefs and other structure. Throughout the year, bottom fishing can also produce Triggerfish, Grouper, Red Snapper and other species when seasons, regulations and fishing conditions allow. That mix of species is part of what makes nearshore bottom fishing productive throughout the year.

Vertical Jigging and Slow-Pitch Jigging

We also use vertical jigging and slow-pitch jigging around nearshore reefs, wrecks and other structure. Instead of fishing natural bait on the bottom, we work metal jigs vertically through the water column to target fish holding around structure or suspended above it.

The jigging style we use depends on the depth, current and how the fish are feeding. Faster vertical jigging can trigger aggressive fish, while slow-pitch jigging uses a more deliberate presentation that lets the jig flutter and fall through the strike zone. It’s an active, hands-on way to fish and can be effective for Black Sea Bass, Grouper, Triggerfish and other nearshore species.

Nearshore Trolling

Trolling becomes a major part of our nearshore fishing from spring through fall as baitfish and migratory species move into the waters off Ocean Isle Beach. King Mackerel are a primary target from roughly April through November, with Spanish Mackerel also providing fast-paced action during the warmer months.

Where we troll depends on current conditions and where the bait and fish are concentrated. That may include areas along the beach, around nearshore reefs and other productive waters within our fishing range.

Casting and Sight Fishing Nearshore

Not every nearshore fish is caught on the bottom or behind the boat. When conditions and fish activity line up, we may cast to fish we can see or to fish actively feeding near the surface. Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Spadefish and Barracuda can all provide opportunities for this style of fishing during different times of the year.

Sometimes that means spotting a Cobia and putting a bait or lure in front of it. Other times we may cast to schools of Spanish Mackerel, target Spadefish around nearshore structure, or sight fish for Barracuda. These opportunities are seasonal and can change quickly, so we adjust our approach based on what we’re seeing on the water that day.