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Wilmington Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability on 21 Wilmington fishing trips. Online booking | 5 / 5 stars | Guides from $450

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters Near Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Wilmington

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Mixed Bag

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23 ft 1 - 4 People From $468
Fishing in Wilmington

Inshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Kids' Fishing Trip

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23 ft 1 - 5 People From $330
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Fishing in Wilmington

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special

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21 ft 1 - 3 People From $583
Fishing in Wilmington

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

NC Sportfish Adventure

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $495
Fishing in Wilmington

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Crushing The Coastline

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21 ft 1 - 3 People From $506
Fishing in Ogden

Inshore Fishing Charter in Ogden

Speckled Trout Fishing Trip

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17 ft 1 - 4 People From $605

Most Popular Types of Trips in Wilmington

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Red Snapper Fishing Charters Near Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Bottomfishing/Trolling Combo

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $880
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Bottomfishing Trip

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $660

Deep Sea Fishing Charters Near Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Bottomfishing/Trolling Combo

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $880
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Exciting Nearshore Half Day

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25 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Nearshore/Offshore NC Special

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26 ft 1 - 8 People From $1,100
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Full Day Offshore - 26' Maycraft

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,100
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Fishing Charter Special - 26’ C-Hawk

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $495

Nearshore Fishing Charters Near Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Fishing Charter Special - 26’ C-Hawk

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $495
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Bottomfishing Trip

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $660
Fishing in Carolina Beach

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach Inshore

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Wilmington

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Mixed Bag

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23 ft 1 - 4 People From $468
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach Kid's Trip

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $330
Fishing in Ogden

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Ogden

Shark Fishing Trip

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17 ft 1 - 4 People From $605

Inshore Fishing Charters Near Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach Kid's Trip

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $330
Fishing in Ogden

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Ogden

Shark Fishing Trip

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17 ft 1 - 4 People From $605
Fishing in Ogden

Inshore Fishing Charter in Ogden

Speckled Trout Fishing Trip

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17 ft 1 - 4 People From $605
Fishing in Sneads Ferry

Inshore Fishing Charter in Sneads Ferry

North Topsail Inshore Trip

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18 ft 1 - 2 People From $413
Fishing in Carolina Beach

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach Inshore

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Inshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Inshore Nearshore Fishing

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23 ft 1 - 4 People From $605

More Fishing Charters Near Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
trip description for Bottomfishing Trip in Wrightsville Beach

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 $660
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
trip description for Nearshore Sportfish Roundup in Wrightsville Beach

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 $495
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
trip description for Full Day Offshore - 26' Maycraft in Wrightsville Beach

Looking for a deep-sea fishing excursion out of Wrightsville Beach, NC? Book a full day offshore charter trip and get ready to experience some of the best sportfishing that the Carolinas have to offer! A full-day trip with Captain Chuck will get you at least 30 miles out, where you can catch just about anything! Your target fish will consist of Gag Grouper on the reefs and rocks, Cobia in the nearshore water, and Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, and Sailfish once you're far out there. To draw bites from all of these different species, you'll use different techniques including bottomfishing, trolling, and drift fishing. This variety is perfect for full-day trips, because you can take a breather in between fighting trophy fish, while bringing home a bunch of different keepers. 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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Full Day Offshore - 26' Maycraft

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,100
Fishing in Sneads Ferry
Fishing in Sneads Ferry
Fishing in Sneads Ferry
trip description for North Topsail Inshore Trip in Sneads Ferry

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 $413
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
trip description for Nearshore/Offshore NC Special in Wrightsville Beach

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 $1,100
Fishing in Carolina Beach
Fishing in Carolina Beach
Fishing in Carolina Beach
trip description for Carolina Beach Inshore in Carolina Beach

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 26 Barker bay boat, powered by a 400HP 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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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Wilmington

What are the best fishing charters in Wilmington?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 21 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 2623 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, Ogden and Carolina Beach.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons 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. speckled trout, 3. kingfish, and 4. spanish mackerel.

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

How much do Wilmington fishing charters cost?

in Wilmington prices can range anywhere from about $450 to $1,000, but the average price for a half day trip in Wilmington is $485. The average price for a full day trip in Wilmington is $825.

What month is best for fishing in Wilmington?

The most popular season for fishing in Wilmington is summer, and most anglers book their trips 13 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

  • ★★★★★
    Great day with Cap. Joe super friendly guy, very knowledgeable and we caught fish left and right. Highly recommend him and we'll definitely book with him again next time.

    Luis G. with Joe C. of Wilmington, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Jordan was a great captain! By gosh, by dern, he was going to find some fish for us. Nearly defeated, he found a spot at the end of our trip. He was kind enough to let us fish a bit longer than scheduled so we could pull in a few. Thank you!

    Macy C. with Jordan V. of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    I enjoyed the trip and would like to go back out for grouper and mahi

    Leanna S. with Jordan V. of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! Captain Chuck was terrific and really worked hard to ensure our 10 yo grandson had ax great time and even got him some fish. Highly recommended.

    James D. with Chuck B. of Wrightsville Beach, 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

  • ★★★★★
    Great time! Can't wait to go back.

    Kyle G. with Drew Z. of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Captain G is the man! We had a blast on our trip chasing reds on soft plastics and fly inshore, hammering flounder at G's secret spot, loading up on Spanish Mackerel at the jetties, running the beaches for cobia and catching bluefish and a 6' Blacktip Shark, and then running a few miles off to try our luck on some amberjack. This trip was a wild nonstop adventure and I came away amazed at the variety of fishing opportunities Captain G can line up at the drop of a hat. There was never a dull moment and G's setup is perfect for skinny water, zipping down the coast, and fishing open water offshore. His gear is top of the line and he was super quick to re-rig tackle when needed so we were keeping lines wet. 10/10 and can't wait to fish with G again sometime soon. -Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. with Guion L. of Wrightsville Beach, 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

Top Types of Fishing in Wilmington

How are fishing conditions in Wilmington?

View Wilmington Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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