Wilmington Fishing Charters

Easily find a Wilmington fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters Near Wilmington, Nc

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Mixed Bag

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $106 / person

Inshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Kids' Fishing Trip

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $60 / person

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special

100% (2)
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $133 / person

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

NC Sportfish Adventure

100% (1)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $113 / person

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Crushing The Coastline

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21 ft 1 - 3 People From $153 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Full Day Offshore - 26' Maycraft

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $250 / person

Most Popular Types of Trips in Wilmington

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Choose your trip by skill level

Fishing Charters Near Wilmington, Nc

On this trip, you'll hit the nearshore waters around Wrightsville Beach, NC, fishing anywhere from 2-10 miles out! There are numerous inlets, jetties, reefs, wrecks, and more to explore, and a ton of species on the menu. You'll have the opportunity to catch a wide variety of popular gamefish species, including Kingfish, Cobia, Amberjacks, Bull Redfish, Albacore, Mahi Mahi, Sharks, and even more! The techniques are up to you; choose between sight fishing and casting artificial lures, to fishing live and cut bait, bottom fishing jetties and docks, or trolling near the beaches. Captain G will be your guide on this fishing trip, and he has years of experience fishing in these waters. He operates a 23' Sea Chaser center console, which is specifically designed for inshore fishing. The boat is equipped with all the necessary fishing gear and equipment, including fishing rods, bait, and tackle, to ensure that you have a successful trip. Your vessel for the day will be Captain G's 23’ Sea Chaser center console. It is one of the newest vessels in the area and is loaded with all the bells and whistles. Multiple live bait wells and fish tanks, along with comfortable seating, hidden rod storage, Bluetooth radio, deck lighting and much more mean that you'll be fishing comfortably all day! Captain G will provide you with expert guidance and tips on how to hook fish and land 'em, and he'll work hard to make sure that you have an enjoyable and productive day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, Captain G's inshore charter is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of fishing in Wrightsville Beach! So why wait? Book your inshore charter with Captain G today and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Nearshore Trolling And Bottomfishing

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $138 / person

Based out of the Oak Island, Southport aera Oak Island Sport Fishing Charters is your ticket to a memorable time on the water. Come on aboard with Capt. Capt. Parks, whose main priority is to get you on some fish. He specializes in light tackle, and fly fishing, depending on the species you’re targeting. Speaking of which, you have the option of 4 to 8-hour trips, where you’ll be fishing for the likes of Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Tarpon, or Bonito, depending on the specific season and the day’s weather. Your adventure begins on board a 22’ Simmons Custom boat that can fit a maximum of 4 anglers. The boat is fitted with a wireless trolling motor and power poles . When it comes to rods, reels, and terminal tackle, everything you need is included in the price. I have a blanket fishing licenses to cover everyone onboard. You will not need a fishing license. You’ll be able to keep any legal species caught during the trip. All Children are welcome aboard and fish for free under the age of 13. I look forward to helping get the young ones started early. Book your trip now and hit the water with Oak Island Sport Fishing Charters. Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Southport

Inshore Backwater Trips

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22 ft 1 - 4 People From $100 / person

Get ready to explore the offshore and nearshore waters off of Wrightsville Beach, NC with Captain Jason! This trip is perfect for those looking to tackle classic North Carolina sportfish such as Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Snappers. This trip is a perfect opportunity to practice your cast and retrieve with a variety of different lures and baits. You'll get off the dock aboard your guide's 26' Seahunt center console—the ideal type of vessel for fishing . It's powered by twin Yamaha engines, so you'll be on the fish in no time at all. Captain Jason will come prepared with everything you need for a great day, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He's an expert in these waters and will do everything he can to get you hooked up on a personal best! Bring along proper clothing, sunscreen, and a pair of polarized sunglasses to maximize your time on the water. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Nearshore/Offshore NC Special

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26 ft 1 - 8 People From $150 / person

If you're looking for some exciting offshore fishing, complete with screaming reels and giant fish, you've come to the right place. The Gulfstream is a major trans-Atlantic current that lures giant fish with the promise of a feeding frenzy. If you've never fished this unique and challenging underwater environment, there's no better opportunity for avid anglers looking to hook up on prizewinning sportfish, including species such as Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, and Sailfish. You'll employ a range of techniques and plenty of gear to catch these fish, and when one takes the bait—get ready for the fight of a lifetime! Captain Clint has been fishing these waters for decades, so you can trust that you'll be in experienced and professional hands. On the morning of the trip, you'll head out aboard his 31' Contender center console, an ideal offshore fishing boat built for speed, performance, and comfort. You won't have to cruise for more than a couple of hours before you reach the prime fishing grounds and start haulin' 'em in. On the way, cross your fingers for a Dorado! Captain Clint will come prepared with everything you need for a great day, including top-of-the-line rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He's an expert in these waters and will do everything he can to get you hooked up on a personal best! Bring along proper clothing, sunscreen, and a pair of polarized sunglasses to maximize your time on the water. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Carolina Beach

NC Gulfstream Special

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31 ft 1 - 6 People From $416 / person

Get the kids hooked on fishing with this special inshore trip, guided by Captain Jason—a highly experienced angler who'll love to show them the ropes! You'll check out a range of inshore spots, looking for Redfish, Speckled Seatrout, Sheepshead, and anything else that will take the bait. Let Captain Jason direct you to his best areas and "honey holes" for these fun and exciting inshore species, but be prepared to have the kids begging you to take them out again as soon as you're back on the dock! On the morning of the trip, you'll head out aboard his 26' Seahunt center console—a versatile, comfortable boat perfect for this types of fishing. It's equipped with a twin Yamaha engines to get you on the fish smoothly and quickly. Captain Jason will bring everything necessary for a blue-ribbon fishing experience, including rods, reels, tackle, bait, and most importantly, his expertise for catching prizewinners—whether that's Dad's personal best or your kid's first-ever fish. To maximize your experience on the water, make sure to remember a pair of polarized sunglasses, a hat, proper clothing, and sunscreen. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach Kid's Trip

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $75 / person

Get out there and enjoy the atmosphere of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, and discover what fishing opportunities await you. Captain Drew is family and kid-friendly and will make sure put to show you some awesome fishing! Captain Drew runs a 25' Maycraft Pilot House, which combines the serious fishing performance of a bay boat with the comfort and safety of a much larger vessel. You’ll have enough space to move around, and there’s also some shade against the sun. Plus, this boat is equipped with fish-finding sonar equipment, GPS navigation, and a 250HP Yamaha! Fishing will be primarily nearshore locations near Wrightsville Beach, over both sand and artificial reefs. You’ll get a chance to test your skills with light tackle and trolling. Typically, you'll mix it up and chase Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Bonito, and Sharks, depending on the time of year! You won’t need a fishing license as the charter’s got you covered. All the necessary equipment, fishing rods, lures, bait, and ice will be provided. Drew will clean and bag any catch you would like to keep at the end of the trip. There is also FREE PARKING in a private lot during the charter! Clean restrooms and marina store with drinks, snacks, and ice for sale is located a few steps from the boat. Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Half Day Nearshore Trip

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 5 People From $100 / person

If you're looking to try everything that the North Carolina coast can offer, then this trip is your ticket! Get out there with Captain Clint and spend the day casting, trolling, drifting, and jigging for a wide range of popular gamefish species, including King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Amberjack, Snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper, Wahoo, Mahi, Sea Bass, Sailfish, Sharks, and more! These classic Carolinas gamefish offer a little bit of everything—hard fighting, delicious eating, and amazing pictures! Captain Chris has decades of experience catching these prizewinners, and he will do everything he can to put you on the fish and give you the best possible chance to catch a champion. You'll be spending the day aboard his beautiful 31' Contender center console, powered by twin 300HP Yamaha outboards. This fast and versatile boat is perfect for fishing the different conditions you'll see in these waters, and can easily handle the big stuff in the 15-30 mile range. Captain Clint will provide everything you need for a perfect day on the water, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. His goal is for everyone to have a blast and to catch a bunch of fish! Remember to bring proper clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carolina Beach

NC Nearshore Gamefish Trip

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31 ft 1 - 6 People From $249 / person

On this trip, head out with Captain Devin and take a crack at the wide variety of inshore species that Carolina Beach has to offer! You can try your hand at hooking many different fish, including Bluefish, Grouper, Redfish, Spotted Trout, Weakfish, Black Seabass, and Mackerel—among many others! You'll chase these fish with different techniques, from trolling to jigging to bottomfishing. Captain Devin will point you in the right direction, tackle-wise, and do everything he can to help you reel in a personal best. He also knows how to put you on the fish fast, so with some luck you'll be hooking up almost as soon as you leave the dock. Everything you need for a successful day is included: rods, reels, bait, tackle, and most importantly, your Captain's expertise. On the morning of the trip, you'll head out in his custom 25' Tidewater bay boat, powered by a 350HP Mercury Verado engine. With an impressive top speed of 60 knots, you'll be at the best fishing grounds and secret hot spots before you even know it. The boat is perfect for fishing these inshore and nearshore waters, and includes all the necessary safety gear and navigation electronics needed for a productive trip, as well as a wireless trolling motor for when you need to sneak up on your catch. All you need to bring is a smile, proper clothing, a hat, and sunscreen—Captain Devin will do the rest! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach Inshore

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25 ft 1 - 4 People From $125 / person

If you're looking for an exciting fishing adventure in Wrightsville Beach, NC, then you're in for a treat! Captain G's inshore charter is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to explore the beautiful waters of this area and catch some impressive fish. Captain G will be your guide on this fishing trip, and he has years of experience fishing in these waters. He operates a 23' Sea Chaser center console, which is specifically designed for inshore fishing. The boat is equipped with all the necessary fishing gear and equipment, including fishing rods, bait, and tackle, to ensure that you have a successful trip. Your vessel for the day will be Captain G's 23’ Sea Chaser center console. It is one of the newest vessels in the area and is loaded with all the bells and whistles. Multiple live bait wells and fish tanks, along with comfortable seating, hidden rod storage, Bluetooth radio, deck lighting and much more mean that you'll be fishing comfortably all day! During your inshore charter with Captain G, you'll explore the best fishing spots in Wrightsville Beach, including the nearby inlets, rivers, and coastal waters. You'll have the opportunity to catch a wide variety of popular gamefish species, including Redfish, Speckled Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Cobia, and more. The techniques are up to you! Choose from sight fishing and casting artificial lures, to fishing live and cut bait, bottom fishing jetties and docks, or trolling near the beaches. Captain G will provide you with expert guidance and tips on how to hook fish and land 'em, and he'll work hard to make sure that you have an enjoyable and productive day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, Captain G's inshore charter is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of fishing in Wrightsville Beach! So why wait? Book your inshore charter with Captain G today and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Inshore Nearshore Fishing

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23 ft 1 - 4 People From $138 / person

Head out with Captain Clint and take a crack at the wide variety of inshore and nearshore species that Carolina Beach and Morehead City have to offer! This trip is perfect for kids and families looking for a fun and enjoyable fishing trip; everyone can try their hand at hooking many different fish, including Bluefish, Spotted Trout, Flounder, Black Seabass, and Spanish Mackerel—among many others! There also always the chance of catching a Shark, Barracuda, or other big predator. Captain Chris is an expert who knows how to put you on the fish fast, so with some luck you'll be hooking up almost as soon as you leave the dock. Everything you need for a successful day is included: rods, reels, bait, tackle, and most importantly, your Captain's knowledge and skill. On the morning of the trip, you'll head out in his custom 31' Contender center console, powered by twin 300HP Yamaha engines. With that amount of push, you'll be at the best fishing grounds and hot spots before you even know it. The boat is perfect for fishing these inshore and nearshore waters, and includes all the necessary safety gear and navigation electronics needed for a productive and comfortable trip. All you need to bring is a smile, proper clothing, a hat, and sunscreen—Captain Clint will do the rest! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carolina Beach

NC Family Adventure

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31 ft 1 - 6 People From $180 / person

If you really want to see what the waters off of Wrightsville Beach, NC have to offer, this is your ticket. On this trip, you'll go after a bunch of species, including heavyweights like Amberjack (known as "reef donkeys" for the stubborn fighting), Black Seabass, Triggerfish, and Snappers that like to hang out near the bottom, as well as classic topwater gamefish such as Cobia, False Albacore, Kingfish, and Spanish Mackerel. There's no better trip if you're looking for variety—if it swims, Captain Jason will help you hook it! You'll be spending the day aboard a fast, comfortable 26' Seahunt center console. This versatile boat is perfect for fishing the different conditions around Wrightsville Beach, including the rich offshore waters. On board, Captain Jason has a fishfinder, GPS, a live well, and snorkeling equipment if you want to take a plunge! He'll also provide everything you need for a perfect day on the water, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. His goal is for everyone to have a blast and to catch a bunch of fish! Remember to bring proper clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Bottomfishing/Trolling Combo

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $167 / person

Get ready to explore the various bottomfishing options on the beautiful waters off of Wrightsville Beach, NC with Captain Jason! This trip is perfect for those looking to tackle a wide variety of species, especially fun and hard-fighting North Carolina deep-water targets such as Black Drum, Black Seabass, Sheepshead, Red Snappers, and Grunt. This trip will focus on jigging and bottomfishing for stubborn, bottom-dwelling fish. Once these lunkers take that bait, get ready for a great fight! Captain Jason knows how to put you where the fish are, but once that rod is in your hands, it's you versus the fish. Bring your strength, skills and stamina, because these fish will be on their A-game. You'll get off the dock aboard your guide's 26' Seahunt center console—a great type of boat for fishing everything around Wrightsville Beach. It's powered by twin Yamaha engines, so you'll be on the fish in no time at all. Captain Jason will come prepared with everything you need for a great day, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He's an expert in these waters and will do everything he can to get you hooked up on a personal best! Bring along proper clothing, sunscreen, and a pair of polarized sunglasses to maximize your time on the water. Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Bottomfishing Trip

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $133 / person

Get ready to explore the inshore waters off of Sneads Ferry, NC with Captain Adrian! This trip is perfect for those looking to tackle the classic North Carolina inshore sportfish—Redfish, Spotted Trout, Black Drum, and Flounder—while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Pamlico Sound. This trip is a perfect opportunity to practice your cast and retrieve with a variety of different lures and bait. You'll be on light tackle, so prepare to fight these fish! You'll get to test out jigging, top-water retrieves, and some bottom fishing while you try Captain Adrian's best spots and "honey holes". You'll get off the dock aboard your guide's 18' Ranger bay boat—an ideal type of vessel for fishing everything from flats to estuaries to inshore structure. She's powered by a 150 HP Mercury engine, so you'll be on the fish in no time at all. Captain Adrian will come prepared with everything you need for a great day, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He's an expert in these waters and will do everything he can to get you hooked up on a personal best! Bring along proper clothing, sunscreen, and a pair of polarized sunglasses to maximize your time on the water. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Sneads Ferry

North Topsail Inshore Trip

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18 ft 1 - 2 People From $188 / person

Get out on the water for a Flounder-focused fishing adventure with Captain Devin! On this trip, you'll explore the inshore waters off Carolina Beach, NC, jigging and bottomfishing for Flounder, a fish that's as fun to catch as it is delicious to eat. Captain Devin knows how to put you on the fish fast, so with some luck you'll be hooking up almost as soon as you leave the dock. Everything you need for a successful day is included: rods, reels, bait, tackle, and most importantly, your Captain's expertise. On the morning of the trip, you'll head out in his custom 25' Tidewater bay boat, powered by a 350HP Mercury Verado engine. With an impressive top speed of 60 knots, you'll be at the best fishing grounds and secret hot spots before you even know it. The boat is perfect for fishing these inshore and nearshore waters, and includes all the necessary safety gear and navigation electronics needed for a productive trip, as well as a wireless trolling motor for when you need to sneak up on your catch. All you need to bring is a smile, proper clothing, a hat, and sunscreen—Captain Devin will do the rest! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Carolina Beach

Inshore Flounder Special

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25 ft 1 - 4 People From $100 / person

Looking for an awesome fishing adventure out of Wrightsville Beach, NC? Book a charter trip with Captain Chuck and get ready to experience some of the best sportfishing that the Carolinas have to offer! On this nearshore charter with Captain Chuck, you'll get 10-15 miles offshore, where you can catch a huge variety of nearshore sportfish! This trip is perfect if you want to hook some great fighters and also take home some delicious table fare. On this trip, you'll target Black Seabass and Gag Grouper near rocks and structure, plus Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, and Bluefish towards the top of the water column. With this many different targets, this trip has something for everyone, regardless of your experience level! Captain Chuck operates a 26' Maycraft center console, which is a very versatile vessel made to handle anything from inshore to offshore. She's powered by a 300-HP Yamaha outboard, so you'll have no trouble getting out to the best fishing grounds. She also features a ton of additional gear and amenities to enhance your trip, including trolling gear, live well for your bait, GPS and depth-finders, plus and an icebox to keep your drinks and food cool throughout the day. Captain Chuck will supply everything you need for a top-tier day, including all the rods, reels, and tackle. Bring some sunscreen and a pair of polarized sunglasses, and ready for a fishing adventure like none other! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Nearshore Sportfish Roundup

100% (1)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $113 / person

If you're looking to try everything that the North Carolina coast can offer, then this trip is your ticket! Get out there with Captain Clint and spend the day casting, trolling, drifting, and jigging for a wide range of popular gamefish species, including King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Amberjack, Snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper, Wahoo, Mahi, Sea Bass, Sailfish, Sharks, and more! These classic Carolinas gamefish offer a little bit of everything—hard fighting, delicious eating, and amazing pictures! Captain Chris has decades of experience catching these prizewinners, and he will do everything he can to put you on the fish and give you the best possible chance to catch a champion. However, once the fish is on, you'll have to be on your A-game! These fish are not happy to be hooked, and it takes strength, stamina, and skill to bring them in. You'll get off the dock aboard his 31' Contender center console—the ideal type of vessel for fishing everything from the inshore to the offshore. It's powered by twin 300 HP Yamaha engines, so you'll be on the fish in no time at all. Captain Clint will come prepared with everything you need for a great day, including top-of-the-line rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He's an expert in these waters and will do everything he can to get you hooked up on a personal best! Bring along proper clothing, sunscreen, and a pair of polarized sunglasses to maximize your time on the water. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Carolina Beach

NC Offshore Gamefish Trip

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31 ft 1 - 6 People From $299 / person

Head out with Captain Jordan for an awesome day out on the water! You will be fishing from a custom-rigged 26 ft C-Hawk, Equipped with the latest electronics package and safety gear, and provides a comfortable and quick ride to the fishing grounds. As a second-generation fisherman, fishing is in Captain Jordan's blood and the proof is in the pudding when you hop aboard his boat. Launching from Wrightsville beach, Captain Jordan specializes in a variety of nearshore and offshore gamefish including Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, King Mackerel, and an assortment of bottom fish. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks. Children of all ages are welcome. Starting times are flexible and custom charters are available to meet your needs. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Fishing Charter Special - 26’ C-Hawk

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $113 / person
See All Trips in Wilmington

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Wilmington

What are the best fishing charters in Wilmington?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 23 trips in Wilmington, and the most popular trips in the area are Wilmington Mixed Bag guided by Dave, Wilmington Kids' Fishing Trip guided by Guion, and Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special guided by Jamie.

Our guides in Wilmington are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2392 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a charter include Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Southport.

Looking for kid friendly charters in Wilmington? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Wilmington.

What types of fishing charters are common in Wilmington?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular in Wilmington as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Wilmington are: 1. redfish, 2. kingfish, 3. spanish mackerel, and 4. black seabass.

The most common fishing techniques in Wilmington are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and bottom fishing but trolling and drift fishing are popular as well.

How much do Wilmington fishing charters cost?

in Wilmington prices can range anywhere from an affordable $300 to $2,495, but the average price for a half day trip in Wilmington is $513. The average price for a full day trip in Wilmington is $1,071.

What month is best for fishing in Wilmington?

The most popular season for fishing in Wilmington is summer, and most anglers book their trips 14 days in advance.

Do I need a Wilmington fishing license and what are the bag limits in Wilmington?

You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Wilmington don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Wilmington.

Fishing In Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina is a prime destination for fishing charters, offering a diverse range of inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. The town is a popular tourist spot, with plenty of historical and cultural attractions to explore. Anglers have easy access to some of the best fishing spots on the coast, including streams, rivers, inlets, surf, and offshore waters.

The Cape Fear River is a top spot for Striped and Largemouth Bass fishing, with excellent action from spring onwards. Inshore fishing spots around Wilmington, towards Carolina and Wrightsville Beach, are packed with Red and Black Drum year-round, with peak action in the fall. The Masonboro Inlet and Wrightsville Beach oceanfront offer outstanding fishing for these species, as well as Flounder and Spotted Seatrout.

Offshore fishing charters from Wilmington target a range of game fish, including King Mackerel, Mahi, Wahoo, Blue and White Marlin, Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, and Tilefish, Vermillion Snapper, Sea Bass, and Snowy Grouper. The Gulf Stream, which flows about 20 miles offshore, makes fishing hot even in winter, and the Outer Shell Reefs offer a significant drop in depth and rich marine life. Experienced charter captains are essential for making the most of these fishing opportunities.

Wilmington Inshore Fishing

Stay close to shore and target well-known species in the backwater inlets, channels, canals, or even the pier. The inshore species are well-known favorites across the U.S. including redfish, black drum, striped bass, flounder, speckled trout, and sheepshead. Their popularity is well warranted because they are a joy to catch and make for tasty meals. The calmer inshore waters and variety of target species make Wilmington the perfect place for any group to take a fishing trip.

Wilmington Nearshore Fishing

Heading away from shore to the wrecks and reefs will put you in the perfect spot to troll for spanish mackerel, kingfish, albacore tuna, bluefish, and sea bass. Fishing deeper near the structure is the perfect way to target various species of snapper, grouper, and triggerfish. Any of these fish species will provide all the rod bending action you can handle with the bonus of being exceptionally good to eat.

Wilmington Offshore Fishing

A true offshore trip to the Gulf Stream can land you snapper, amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and for the lucky anglers among us blue marlin or blackfin tuna. Trolling is going to be the most effective for targeting these explosive predators but bait can also be utilized for amberjack and snapper. All of these fish are a blast to catch because they will crush your bait and take line. If you hook into one of the larger species you might be in the fighting chair for a while.

View All Wilmington Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Popular Types of Fishing In Wilmington

Wilmington fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Wilmington include inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing.

Inshore fishing charters are perfect for those who want to stay close to the shore and catch species such as redfish, flounder, and trout. Nearshore fishing charters take you a bit further out to catch larger fish such as Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and cobia.

Offshore fishing charters are for the more adventurous anglers who want to go out into the deep sea to catch big game fish such as tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin.

Some of the most common landmarks that Wilmington fishing charters visit include Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Masonboro Island.

No matter which type of fishing charter you choose, you're sure to have a great time and catch some amazing fish in the waters around Wilmington.

The Best Places To Fish In Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts. With its numerous waterways and diverse fish species, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day of fishing or a thrilling adventure on a fishing charter, here are some of the best places to fish in Wilmington:

1. Wrightsville Beach - This popular beach destination is also a great spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch flounder, red drum, and more. Fishing charters are available for those looking to venture further out to sea.

2. Carolina Beach Fishing Pier - This iconic pier offers a unique fishing experience, with the chance to catch king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and other species. Fishing charters are also available from the pier.

3. Masonboro Island - This undeveloped barrier island is a peaceful spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch speckled trout, red drum, and more. Accessible only by boat, fishing charters are a great way to explore the area.

4. Cape Fear River - This historic river offers a variety of fishing opportunities, from catfish to striped bass. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the river's many tributaries.

5. Topsail Island - Just a short drive from Wilmington, Topsail Island offers miles of pristine beaches and excellent fishing opportunities. Fishing charters are available for those looking to venture further out to sea.

Other Things To Do In Wilmington

While Wilmington fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant North Carolina city. Take a stroll through the historic downtown area and explore the unique shops and restaurants. Visit the Battleship North Carolina, a World War II battleship that is now a museum. For a fun family outing, head to Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park for go-karts, mini-golf, and water slides. If you're looking for a more relaxing activity, take a scenic walk through Airlie Gardens or visit the Wilmington Riverwalk. And don't forget to check out the local breweries and wineries for a taste of Wilmington's craft beer and wine scene.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    We booked a trip with captain Jaime for two days in the beginning of our trip. My fiancé is an avid fisherman, and was able to pick captain Jamie‘s brain for information on the area, and he gladly shared. Captain brought us to some great spots, and there were some fish caught. We even got to fish one of the shipwrecks from the Civil War, which was amazing. We couldn’t of asked for a more hospitable and kind and knowledgeable guide for this trip.

    Richard G. with Jamie R. of Wilmington, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    My son and I had such a fun trip with Captain Jamie! He was great with my son, a patient teacher, and he navigated the area with ease. He even tried to hook us a shark! We also saw dolphins and lovely wildlife, and we caught some interesting fish. My son can’t wait to go back and is counting down the days until we see Jamie again!

    Heather B. with Jamie R. of Wilmington, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Dave was amazing! We went to a few different spots and caught a good bit of fish. Youre guaranteed to have a great time out there!

    Adri P. with Dave W. of Wilmington, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Joe was the best captain we could ask for.. He put us right on the fish and was hitting almost not stop for the duration.. Highly-qualified and great personality ...

    Kevin L. with Joe C. of Wilmington, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip and the kids caught fish.

    David H. with Guion L. of Wilmington, North Carolina

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