Ready for a morning of rods, reels, and family bonding? Captain Keith Wells has got you covered with this 4-hour private fishing trip off North Topsail Beach. Kicking off at 7 AM, it's the perfect way to start your day with a splash of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is tailored for all skill levels and ages. You'll be chasing after some of the area's most sought-after inshore species: Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum. With room for up to 4 guests, it's an ideal setup for a family outing or a small group of friends looking to make some waves (and memories).
As you climb aboard Captain Keith's boat, you'll feel right at home. He's got a knack for making everyone feel comfortable, from the littlest anglers to the most experienced fishermen. The waters around North Topsail Beach are teeming with fish, and Keith knows just where to find them. You'll spend the morning cruising the inshore waters, dropping lines in hotspots where the fish are biting. Don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Keith will show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to reeling in your catch. And hey, if you want to bring along some snacks or drinks, there's an ice chest on board to keep everything cool. Just remember, the real treat here is the quality time spent with your crew, surrounded by the beauty of the North Carolina coast.
On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with some classic inshore fishing techniques. Depending on what's biting, you might try bottom fishing for Flounder, sight casting for tailing Redfish, or using live bait to entice a hungry Black Drum. Captain Keith provides all the gear you'll need - quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for the day's conditions and target species. He'll show you how to work the gear effectively, whether it's finessing a soft plastic lure or feeling for that telltale nibble on your line. The shallow waters around North Topsail Beach offer a mix of sandy bottoms, oyster beds, and grass flats - each habitat holding different species and requiring slightly different approaches. It's a great chance to learn about the local ecosystem while honing your angling skills.
While every fishing trip is a new adventure, Captain Keith's recent outings have been producing some real beauties. Anglers have been hauling in chunky Redfish, some pushing the upper slot limit. Flounder fishing has been hot too, with several doormat-sized flatties making it to the boat. And let's not forget about the Black Drum - these bruisers have been putting up great fights, especially around structure. Remember, it's not just about size - the thrill of the catch and the stories you'll share afterward are what make these trips special. Plus, with Captain Keith's local knowledge, you're in for some insider tips on reading the water and predicting where the fish are holding.
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing around here. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their hard-fighting nature. In the waters off North Topsail Beach, you can find them cruising the flats or hanging around structure. They're active year-round but really heat up in the fall. When a Redfish takes your bait, hold on tight - they're known for making powerful runs that'll test your drag and your skills.
Flounder might look funny with both eyes on one side, but don't let that fool you - they're masters of camouflage and ambush predation. These flatfish blend in perfectly with the sandy bottom, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Summer is prime time for Flounder fishing in these parts. There's a special technique to hooking these guys - you've got to feel for the subtle take and then give them a moment before setting the hook. It's a finesse game that's super satisfying when you get it right.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These stocky fish are related to Redfish but can grow to much larger sizes. They've got a face full of whiskers (barbels) that they use to root around the bottom for crabs and shellfish. Black Drum are most active in the spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. When you hook into a big one, it's like trying to pull a tree stump out of the water - get ready for some serious rod-bending action!
It's not just about the fish - although that's a big part of it. Folks keep booking trips with Captain Keith because he knows how to show families a good time on the water. He's patient with kids and beginners, always ready with a joke or a fishing story to keep spirits high. The scenery around North Topsail Beach is something else too - from the golden marshes to the possibility of spotting dolphins or sea turtles. And let's be real, there's something special about being out on the water with your loved ones, away from screens and distractions, just focusing on the simple joy of fishing. It's the kind of experience that turns into family legends, told and retold at gatherings for years to come.
If you're looking for a way to create lasting memories with your family or friends, this half-day fishing trip in North Topsail Beach is hard to beat. Captain Keith Wells has the local knowledge, the right gear, and the perfect attitude to ensure everyone has a blast, whether you're reeling in your first fish or your hundredth. With the mix of species on offer and the beauty of the North Carolina coast as your backdrop, it's a recipe for an awesome day out. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Grab your crew, pack some snacks, and get ready for a morning of laughs, learning, and hopefully some epic catches. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet them?
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, tipping the scales from 5 to 30 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 90. You'll find these guys hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats, often in pretty shallow water. They're bottom feeders with a sweet tooth for crabs and shellfish. Spring's your best bet for targeting them, as they school up to spawn. After that, they scatter and get trickier to catch. These fish put up a solid fight and make for good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and less tasty. When you're after Black Drum, try using live or cut crab on the bottom. A local trick: listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it can give away their location, especially during spawning season.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a favorite here in North Topsail Beach. These copper-colored beauties, with their tell-tale black spot near the tail, typically run 28-33 inches when full-grown. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing above the surface. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and old piers in 1-4 feet of water. Redfish put up a great fight and are delicious on the plate, with a mild, sweet flavor. They'll hit just about anything when they're hungry, from topwater lures to live shrimp. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to them in clear shallows. Pro tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root around for crabs in the mud. That's your cue to make a quiet, accurate cast and hold on tight!
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish blend right into the sandy bottom, with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-20 inches, but they can grow up to 26 pounds. You'll find them in estuaries and offshore waters, often near structure. They're ambush predators, so they'll wait for smaller fish to swim by before pouncing. Fall's prime time for flounder fishing, especially September through November. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. To up your chances, try drifting with live minnows or mullet. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait – they often grab it sideways before turning it to swallow.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150