Damn Good Wilmington Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Destin
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Inshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Kids' Fishing Trip

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $300
Fishing in Destin
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
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Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Mixed Bag

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $425
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special

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

Top Types of Trips in Wilmington

Top Species for Fishing in Wilmington

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Target Species in Wilmington

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Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Wilmington, Nc

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Fishing Special - 26’ C-Hawk

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Bottomfishing Trip

100% (1)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Exciting Nearshore Half Day

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 5 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Tower Trip/ Frying Pan All Day

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Full Day Offshore - 26' Maycraft

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26 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Bottomfishing/Trolling Combo

100% (1)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $800

Nearshore Fishing Charters In Wilmington, Nc

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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
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Crushing The Coastline

NEW
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $460
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, Flats Fishing Charter in Wilmington

4 Hour Inshore/Nearshore

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23 ft 1 - 3 People From $475

Inshore Fishing Charters In Wilmington, Nc

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
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

Inshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Wilmington Kids' Fishing Trip

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Wilmington

4 Hour Inshore/Nearshore

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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wilmington

Crushing The Coastline

NEW
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $460
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
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

More Fishing Charters In Wilmington, Nc

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 near Wilmington

4 Hour Nearshore Trip

NEW
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Inshore Backwater Trips

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22 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Inshore Nearshore Fishing

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

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Nearshore Half Day

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38 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Wilmington

Speckled Trout Fishing Trip

100% (1)
17 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?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 30 trips in Wilmington, and the most popular trips in the area are Wilmington Kids' Fishing Trip guided by Guion, Crushing the Coastline guided by Luke, and Wilmington Mixed Bag guided by Dave.

Our guides in Wilmington are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3683 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 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 type of fishing in Wilmington as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Wilmington are: 1. spanish mackerel, 2. redfish, 3. kingfish, 4. speckled trout, and 5. bonito.

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

How much do Wilmington fishing charters cost?

Prices in Wilmington can range anywhere from about $463 to $1,580, but the average price for a half day trip in Wilmington is $627. The average price for a full day trip in Wilmington is $1,096.

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 fishing in Wilmington?

The most popular season for fishing in Wilmington is summer, and most anglers book their trips 15 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.

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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    My brother and I had a terrific fishing experience with Judd in mid-May. Great equipment, personable and clear communication - plus Judd's experience and judgement made the whole trip a relaxing and fun time all around for our early season exploration of inshore fishing opportunities now that we both live much closer together. We enjoyed a variety of fishing techniques - Judd knows a lot about fish and where to find them as well as when to go looking. Our inexperience showed, but Judd coaches well - patiently - until we got to connecting regularly with especially the many speckled trout opportunities. Sight-fishing for redfish, which Judd expertly located, was also new for us - we had a blast and definitely hope to try again! Kudos and thanks for the quality of this trip, Judd!

    Dwight G. | June 10, 2024

    Trip: Speckled Trout Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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

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

    David H. | June 7, 2023

    Trip: Wilmington Kids' Fishing Trip

Top Fishing Techniques in Wilmington

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How are fishing conditions in Wilmington?

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