Pro Inshore Fishing: North Topsail Beach Hotspots

Published Date: August 25, 2025
Fishing

North Topsail Beach
$450 price range

Summary

Looking to level up your inshore fishing game? Join Captain Keith Wells for a focused 4-hour trip out of North Topsail Beach. We'll be going after Black Drum, Redfish, and Flounder using advanced techniques tailored for experienced anglers. The trip kicks off at 7 AM, giving us prime fishing time on the water. Captain Keith knows these waters like the back of his hand and will share strategies to help you dial in your approach. We'll be fishing from a 20-foot Blue Wave boat, perfect for navigating the inshore spots where the big ones hide. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks – we've got coolers to keep everything chilled. This isn't your typical relaxed fishing trip; it's designed for anglers who want to push their skills and maximize their catch. With a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention to fine-tune your technique. If you're serious about upping your inshore fishing game, this is the trip for you.

Pro Inshore Fishing: North Topsail Beach Hotspots

Inshore Fishing Action

North Topsail Beach Fishing Trips

Inshore Fishing North Topsail NC

One angler fishing at North Topsail Beach

Red Drum Action Topsail Beach

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Drum, Redfish & Flounder: North Topsail's Triple Threat

Get ready to up your inshore game with Captain Keith Wells on this half-day advanced fishing trip out of North Topsail Beach. If you're an experienced angler looking to dial in your technique and tangle with some of the coast's most sought-after species, you're in for a treat. We'll be targeting the inshore trifecta: Black Drum, Redfish, and Flounder. This isn't your average "cast and hope" fishing trip – we're talking about a laser-focused mission to put you on fish and refine your skills.

Trip Overview

We'll shove off at the crack of dawn – 7 AM sharp – aboard Captain Keith's 20-foot Blue Wave boat. This 4-hour private trip is all about quality over quantity. We're not just fishing; we're strategizing, adapting, and mastering the art of inshore angling. North Topsail's waters are teeming with fish, but it takes local know-how and finely-tuned tactics to consistently land the big ones. That's where Captain Keith's expertise comes in. He knows these waters like the back of his hand and is ready to share his hard-earned secrets with you.

What to Expect on the Water

This trip is designed for anglers who want to step up their game. We'll be employing a variety of techniques tailored to each target species. For Black Drum, we might use cut bait or crab on the bottom. Redfish often call for sight casting with artificial lures in the shallows. And for those crafty Flounder? We'll likely be working soft plastics or live bait along drop-offs and structure. Captain Keith will coach you on reading the water, understanding tides, and choosing the right presentation for each scenario. It's hands-on learning that'll stick with you long after the trip ends.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Sea Mist Adventures aren't just after a good catch – they're after knowledge. Captain Keith has a knack for breaking down complex fishing concepts into bite-sized tips that'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. Plus, with a max of 4 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of one-on-one instruction. And let's not forget the boat – that 20-foot Blue Wave is a fishing machine, perfectly suited for navigating North Topsail's inshore waters and getting you right where the fish are biting.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These powerful fish can grow to over 100 pounds, though we typically target ones in the 5-30 pound range. They're known for their strong fights and distinctive "croaking" sound. Black Drum love hanging around structure and oyster beds, and they'll test your gear and your patience. The best time to target them is typically in the spring and fall, but they can be caught year-round in North Topsail.

Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are the rock stars of inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties are prized for their hard runs and their ability to be sight-fished in shallow water. In North Topsail, we often find them tailing in the marshes or cruising along oyster bars. Fall is prime time for Redfish, but they're a viable target throughout the year. The "slot" size (18-27 inches) makes for perfect eating, while the bigger bulls will give you the fight of your life.

Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are the ninjas of the fishing world. These flat ambush predators are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. Catching them requires finesse and patience – you'll need to work your bait or lure slowly along the bottom to entice a bite. The summer months are, unsurprisingly, the best time to target Flounder in North Topsail. While they might not put up the strongest fight, their delicious white meat makes them a favorite among anglers.

Top Catches This Season

North Topsail has been on fire lately. We've been seeing some monster Redfish in the 30-40 inch range, especially around the marsh edges during high tide. The Black Drum bite has been consistent, with most fish in the 10-20 pound class. Flounder fishing has picked up too, with several doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds coming to the boat. Remember, it's not just about size – it's about the challenge and the satisfaction of outsmarting these wily fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to take your inshore fishing to the next level, this trip is calling your name. Captain Keith Wells and the Sea Mist Adventures team are standing by to give you a masterclass in targeting Drum, Redfish, and Flounder. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to hone your skills, this half-day adventure in North Topsail Beach delivers. Don't forget to pack your favorite drinks and snacks – we'll keep 'em cold while you focus on the hot bite. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons, so don't wait. Book your trip now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and muddy flats. Spring's the prime time to target them, as they school up for spawning. These bottom-feeders put up a solid fight and make for good eating when smaller (under 15 pounds). To land one, use fresh crab or clam on the bottom - they can't resist it. A local trick: listen for their distinctive croaking sound, which can give away their location. Drum are adaptable, so we might find them in shallow creeks or out to 100 feet deep. They're not picky eaters, but they do love shellfish. When you hook one, be ready for a tug-of-war. It's a satisfying catch, especially knowing they can live up to 50 years.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a favorite around here. They're easy to spot with that black tail spot, which actually helps fool predators. Most inshore reds run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much bigger offshore. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even old pier pilings. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun to catch on various lures and baits. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can find them year-round. Anglers love 'em for their strong fights and excellent table fare. To hook one, try a topwater lure early morning in the shallows - the strikes are explosive. A local secret: look for "tailing" reds in very shallow water, their tails sticking up as they root for food. It's sight-fishing at its best, and a real thrill when you connect.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish blend right into the seafloor, with both eyes on their left side. They're usually 15-20 inches long, but can grow up to 26 pounds. Look for them in inshore waters and estuaries, especially from September to November. Flounder are ambush predators, so they'll often hide in sandy or muddy bottoms near structure. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking these sneaky fish. To up your chances, use live bait like minnows or mullet, hooked through the eye for smaller fish or lips for larger ones. A local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait and move it before fully committing. It's a game of patience, but the reward is worth it.

About the 20 ft Blue Wave Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Captain Keith Wells' 20-foot Blue Wave boat is your ticket to a focused inshore fishing adventure off North Topsail Beach. This sturdy vessel comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests, providing a spacious platform for honing your angling skills. The boat's design is ideal for navigating the local waters, allowing easy access to prime fishing spots for Black Drum, Redfish, and Flounder. With ample deck space, you'll have room to cast, reel, and land your catch without feeling cramped. The boat is equipped with top-notch fishing gear and a cooler to keep your drinks and snacks chilled throughout the 4-hour trip. Its reliable engine ensures a smooth ride to and from the fishing grounds, maximizing your time on the water. Whether you're perfecting your technique or testing new strategies, this well-equipped boat serves as the perfect base for your advanced fishing expedition.

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