Damn Good Nearshore Fishing Charters In Wilmington

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Wilmington nearshore fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Nearshore Fishing Charters In Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Destin
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Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wrightsville Beach Nearshore

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25 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

NC Sportfish Adventure

100% (3)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Mixed Bag

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $425
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Crushing The Coastline

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21 ft 1 - 3 People From $460
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Wilmington

4 Hour Inshore/Nearshore

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23 ft 1 - 3 People From $475
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special

100% (4)
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $530

Top Types of Nearshore Trips in Wilmington

Top Species for Nearshore Fishing in Wilmington

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Target Species in Wilmington

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More Nearshore Fishing Charters In Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Nearshore Trolling & Bottomfishing

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Shark Fishing Trip

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
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Fishing in Destin
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Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Nearshore Sportfish Roundup

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $300
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Fishing Charters North Carolina

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23 ft 1 - 4 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Half Day Spanish Mackerel

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26 ft 1 - 10 People From $450
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Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Wrightsville Beach Kid's Trip

100% (1)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $350
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Everything to Know About Booking a Wilmington nearshore fishing charter

What are the best nearshore fishing charters in Wilmington?

Why should I book a nearshore fishing charter in Wilmington with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 22 nearshore trips in Wilmington, and the most popular trips in the area are Crushing the Coastline guided by Luke, 4 Hour Inshore/Nearshore guided by Jon, and NC Sportfish Adventure guided by Joe.

Our guides in Wilmington are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3713 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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.

Looking for kid friendly nearshore guides / fishing lessons in Wilmington? Check out our beginner and family friendly nearshore guides in Wilmington.

What types of nearshore fishing charters are common in Wilmington?

The most commonly sought after species for nearshore fishing are: 1. spanish mackerel, 2. redfish, 3. kingfish, 4. bonito, and 5. cobia.

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

How much do Wilmington nearshore fishing charters cost?

Prices for nearshore fishing in Wilmington can range anywhere from about $450 to $1,075, but the average price for a half day trip for nearshore fishing in Wilmington is $573. The average price for a full day trip for nearshore fishing in Wilmington is $914.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for nearshore fishing in Wilmington?

The most popular season for nearshore 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?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Wilmington, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Wilmington. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Wilmington.

What You Need To Know About Nearshore Fishing In Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina, located along the state's southeastern coast, is a vibrant destination renowned for its nearshore fishing opportunities. This historic port city, situated near the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, provides access to a variety of marine environments conducive to nearshore fishing.

The nearshore waters off the coast of Wilmington teem with a range of fish species, attracting both recreational and serious anglers. Common targets include Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout. The area is also known for the opportunity to catch Cobia and occasionally Tarpon, particularly during the summer months.

Wilmington's nearshore fishing benefits from its close proximity to structures like ledges, reefs, and wrecks, which are habitats for diverse marine life. These areas, easily reachable on shorter fishing trips, are excellent for both light tackle and fly fishing.

Local fishing charters and guides in Wilmington are well-equipped to provide anglers with memorable nearshore fishing experiences. These experts know the best local spots and the most effective fishing techniques, catering to all levels of anglers, from those just starting out to experienced fishermen.

Aside from its fishing prospects, Wilmington offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city boasts a charming riverfront, historic downtown, and a variety of cultural attractions. Its proximity to beautiful beaches and the scenic Cape Fear coast makes Wilmington an ideal destination for those who wish to combine fishing with other outdoor and cultural activities.

Wilmington, North Carolina, stands out as a top destination for nearshore fishing, offering a diverse range of fish species and environments close to shore, along with the charm and amenities of a coastal city.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic time. Caught lots of fish and enjoyed talking to Jason. He put us on fish immediately and moved to another location if the fish stopped biting. Never had time to eat the snacks we brought. Will book with Jason the next time we go fishing

    Gregory W. | October 4, 2024

    Trip: Bottomfishing/Trolling Combo

  • ★★★★★
    Chuck is an awesome guide, captain and fisherman! He is personable, friendly and patient. Thanks for a wonderful afternoon. We hope to be back next year!

    Rowena A. | September 1, 2024

    Trip: Nearshore Sportfish Roundup

  • ★★★★★
    Had an absolutely amazing day with Captain Jamie. He's incredibly knowledgable about fishing and the area and super personable. The fish were a little slow to bite at first but Jamie went above and beyond to try different spots he knows and put us on some fish. The mackerel started biting and we ended with the day with a full cooler! All of us were new to fishing and he was very good with beginners and answered all of our questions. Couldn't recommend a day with him strong enough!

    Alexander A. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great half-day trip fishing with Capt Jamie near Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. We caught a few fish and learned a lot about the fishery and habitat. Knowledgeable and patient captain. Saw some dolphins, too.

    Tom D. | May 26, 2024

    Trip: Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience. Caught 30 fish in about 3 hours. Captain Joe was phenomenal.

    Jason M. | May 26, 2024

    Trip: NC Sportfish Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    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. | May 2, 2024

    Trip: NC Sportfish Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    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. | November 12, 2023

    Trip: Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special

  • ★★★★★
    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. | September 29, 2023

    Trip: Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special

  • ★★★★★
    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. | August 14, 2023

    Trip: Fishing Special - 26’ C-Hawk

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

    Leanna S. | July 31, 2023

    Trip: Fishing Special - 26’ C-Hawk

  • ★★★★★
    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. | July 30, 2023

    Trip: Nearshore Sportfish Roundup

  • ★★★★★
    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. | July 20, 2023

    Trip: Wilmington Mixed Bag

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

    Kyle G. | June 30, 2023

    Trip: Exciting Nearshore Half Day

  • ★★★★★
    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. | June 15, 2023

    Trip: Nearshore Trolling & Bottomfishing

  • ★★★★★
    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. | June 8, 2023

    Trip: NC Sportfish Adventure

Other Types of Fishing in Wilmington

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