Damn Good Wilmington Fishing Charters

The best fishing charters in Wilmington are:

• Seagate Charters guided by Jamie R. with 20 years of experience
• Let's Hook Up Charters guided by Jason G. with 33 years of experience
• Deep Sea Express Charters guided by Ger H.
• FoxSea Lady Charters guided by Fox J.
• Leverdrag Charters guided by Joe C.

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 43 trips in Wilmington, and the most popular trips in the area are Wilmington Mixed Bag guided by Dave, Wilmington Inshore Fishing Special guided by Jamie, and NC Sportfish Adventure guided by Joe.

Our guides in Wilmington are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 8298 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.

Nearshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Wilmington as well as inshore fishing, flats fishing, and jetty fishing.

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

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

Prices in Wilmington can range anywhere from about $456 to $2,680, but the average price for a half day trip in Wilmington is $965. The average price for a full day trip in Wilmington is $1,673.

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.

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

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 guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in Wilmington.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.