Damn Good Guides
Experts Available 24/7
100% Weather Guarantee
Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Beaufort Inlet
Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats in Morehead City
Cape Lookout Custom Charter
Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty in Harkers Island
NC Classic Inshore Fishing Trip
Top Species for Fishing in Beaufort Inlet
“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”
Jonathan and Attison | Co-founders | Austin, Texas
Need a Place to Stay?
Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Beaufort Inlet
What are the best fishing charters in Beaufort Inlet?
The best fishing charters in Beaufort Inlet are:
Why should I book a fishing charter in Beaufort Inlet with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 2 trips in Beaufort Inlet, and the most popular trips in the area are Cape Lookout Custom Charter guided by Mike and NC Classic Inshore Fishing Trip guided by Joe.
Our guides in Beaufort Inlet are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3784 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 Beaufort Inlet? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Beaufort Inlet.
What types of fishing charters are common in Beaufort Inlet?
Nearshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Beaufort Inlet as well as jetty fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most commonly sought after species in Beaufort Inlet are: 1. speckled trout, 2. spanish mackerel, 3. redfish, 4. bluefish, and 5. black drum.
The most common fishing techniques in Beaufort Inlet are topwater fishing, wading, and trolling but sight casting and live bait fishing are popular as well.
How much do Beaufort Inlet fishing charters cost?
Prices in Beaufort Inlet can range anywhere from about $630 to $1,620, but the average price for a half day trip in Beaufort Inlet is $848. The average price for a full day trip in Beaufort Inlet is $1,363.
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 Beaufort Inlet?
The most popular season for fishing in Beaufort Inlet is spring, and most anglers book their trips 24 days in advance.
Do I need a Beaufort Inlet fishing license and what are the bag limits in Beaufort Inlet?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Beaufort Inlet, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Beaufort Inlet. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Beaufort Inlet.
What is fishing in Beaufort Inlet all about?
Fishing in Beaufort Inlet, located along the coast of North Carolina, offers anglers access to rich and productive saltwater fishing grounds. Situated at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this inlet provides a diverse range of habitats and currents that support a variety of fish species. Whether fishing from shore, a pier, or a boat, anglers can expect thrilling opportunities to hook into a wide array of gamefish amidst the scenic beauty of the North Carolina coastline.
One of the main attractions of fishing in Beaufort Inlet is the chance to target prized saltwater species such as red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and Spanish mackerel, among others. These fish can be found prowling the inlet's channels, shoals, and submerged structures, providing anglers with exciting opportunities for both inshore and nearshore fishing. Anglers can use a variety of techniques including casting with artificial lures, live bait fishing, and trolling to entice these fish, offering plenty of options for anglers of all skill levels to experience the thrill of saltwater fishing.
In addition to its excellent fishing opportunities, Beaufort Inlet also provides anglers with access to convenient amenities and services. The inlet area features several public boat ramps, fishing piers, and marinas, making it easy for anglers to launch their boats or cast their lines from shore. Anglers can also take advantage of nearby tackle shops, restaurants, and lodging options, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable fishing experience. Whether seeking a trophy redfish or a relaxing day on the water, fishing in Beaufort Inlet offers something for every angler to enjoy amidst the beauty of North Carolina's coastal waters.
What are the most popular months to fish in Beaufort Inlet?
Beaufort Inlet, located on the coast of North Carolina, experiences distinct fishing seasons that coincide with changes in water temperature, weather patterns, and fish migrations. Spring marks the beginning of the fishing season in Beaufort Inlet, as warmer temperatures trigger the arrival of baitfish and the movement of predatory species into the area. Anglers can expect to target a variety of species during this season, including speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. As water temperatures rise, these fish become more active and feed aggressively, providing anglers with plenty of opportunities to enjoy successful outings both inshore and nearshore.
Summer brings peak fishing conditions to Beaufort Inlet, with warm waters and stable weather creating ideal conditions for a wide range of species. Inshore, anglers can target species such as tarpon, snook, and sheepshead around structure such as docks, jetties, and oyster beds. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and cobia are abundant, often found feeding on baitfish and shrimp along the edges of the inlet and around nearshore reefs and wrecks. Summer also offers excellent offshore fishing opportunities for species such as mahi-mahi, tuna, and billfish, as they migrate closer to shore in search of food.
Fall marks a transition period in Beaufort Inlet as water temperatures begin to cool, and fish prepare for the winter months ahead. Despite the changing conditions, fall offers some of the best fishing of the year, with many species actively feeding in preparation for their winter migrations. Inshore, anglers can target speckled trout, redfish, and flounder in the shallows, while nearshore waters are alive with Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and false albacore. Fall also brings the arrival of migrating striped bass and bluefish, which move into the inlet in large numbers, providing anglers with exciting fishing opportunities both inshore and nearshore. Overall, Beaufort Inlet offers anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities throughout the year, with each season presenting its own unique challenges and rewards.
What types of fishing are popular in Beaufort Inlet?
Fishing in Beaufort Inlet offers anglers a diverse range of techniques to target the multitude of saltwater species that inhabit its waters. One popular method is inshore fishing, which involves targeting species such as red drum, speckled trout, and flounder in the shallower areas near the shoreline, marshes, and tidal creeks. Anglers often use live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs, to entice these fish. Inshore fishing in Beaufort Inlet provides anglers with exciting opportunities to explore the scenic coastline while targeting a variety of hard-fighting and delicious table fare.
Another common technique in Beaufort Inlet is nearshore fishing, which involves targeting species such as Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and king mackerel in the deeper waters just beyond the inlet's entrance. Anglers can troll with diving plugs or spoons, cast with metal jigs, or drift with live bait to attract these pelagic species. Nearshore fishing provides anglers with the chance to encounter larger fish and experience the thrill of battling powerful gamefish in open water. With its proximity to the Gulf Stream and productive nearshore reefs, Beaufort Inlet offers anglers ample opportunities for exciting and rewarding nearshore fishing adventures.
For anglers seeking a more offshore experience, Beaufort Inlet also provides access to deep sea fishing opportunities. Beyond the inlet's entrance, anglers can target species such as mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, and billfish in the deeper waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Anglers typically troll with large lures or rigged baits, as well as deploy live bait or drift with natural baits to entice these offshore species. Deep sea fishing in Beaufort Inlet offers anglers the chance to explore the vast and bountiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean while pursuing some of the most sought-after gamefish in the region.
What species are popular in Beaufort Inlet?
Beaufort Inlet, nestled along the North Carolina coast, boasts a rich diversity of fish species that lure anglers year-round. Among the prized catches in the inlet are speckled trout, renowned for their spirited fights and delectable taste. These fish are commonly found in the shallows near grass beds, oyster bars, and marshy areas, particularly during the warmer months. Anglers often target speckled trout using a variety of artificial lures such as soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending baits, as well as live bait like shrimp and mullet.
Redfish, another sought-after species in Beaufort Inlet, offer anglers thrilling battles and hearty meals. These resilient fish can be found in a range of habitats, including marshes, flats, and around oyster beds. Redfish are known for their aggressive strikes, making them a favorite target for anglers of all skill levels. Live bait such as mullet, menhaden, and shrimp are effective for enticing redfish, as are artificial lures like spoons, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Redfish are particularly abundant in Beaufort Inlet during the fall months when they gather in large schools to feed before migrating to deeper waters for the winter.
Flounder are also plentiful in Beaufort Inlet and provide anglers with exciting opportunities for both recreational and culinary enjoyment. These flatfish can be found lurking along the sandy bottoms of the inlet, where they wait in ambush for prey. Anglers often target flounder using live bait such as minnows, mud minnows, and finger mullet, as well as artificial lures like jigs and soft plastics. Flounder fishing is especially productive in the spring and fall when these fish are most active and readily take bait. Overall, Beaufort Inlet offers anglers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from battling speckled trout and redfish in the shallows to targeting flounder on the sandy flats, ensuring there's something for every angler to enjoy.
Does Beaufort Inlet have good fishing?
Beaufort Inlet, located in North Carolina, is widely regarded as a prime fishing spot, attracting both amateur and experienced anglers alike. The inlet connects the Atlantic Ocean to the protected waters of the estuary, creating a diverse and productive fishing environment. The mix of saltwater and freshwater habitats supports a variety of fish species, making it an excellent location for those seeking a rich fishing experience.
One of the key benefits of fishing at Beaufort Inlet is the abundance of target species available throughout the year. Anglers can expect to catch flounder, red drum, speckled trout, and Spanish mackerel, among others. The inlet’s structure, with its sandbars, drop-offs, and channels, provides ideal conditions for these species to thrive. Additionally, the tidal flows bring in nutrients, which attract baitfish and, subsequently, larger predatory fish.
Moreover, the inlet’s accessibility and scenic beauty add to its appeal. With several boat ramps and fishing piers in the vicinity, getting to prime fishing spots is relatively easy. The picturesque views of the coastline and the surrounding natural areas enhance the overall experience, making a day of fishing at Beaufort Inlet enjoyable not just for the catch but also for the serene environment. Whether you prefer fishing from a boat or casting from the shore, Beaufort Inlet offers a rewarding and relaxing fishing adventure.
Recent Reviews
Featured Cities
- Fishing Charters Near Me
- Austin Fishing Guides
- Biloxi Fishing Charters
- Bradenton Fishing Charters
- Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters
- Cancun Fishing Charters
- Cape Coral Fishing Charters
- Charleston Fishing Charters
- Clearwater Fishing Charters
- Corpus Christi Fishing Charters
- Dauphin Island Fishing Charters
- Daytona Beach Fishing Charters
- Destin Fishing Charters
- Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
- Fort Myers Fishing Charters
- Fort Walton Beach Fishing Charters
- Galveston Fishing Charters
- Gulf Shores Fishing Charters
- Hatteras Fishing Charters
- Hilton Head Fishing Charters
- Islamorada Fishing Charters
- Jacksonville Fishing Charters
- Jupiter Fishing Charters
- Key Largo Fishing Charters
- Key West Fishing Charters
- Kona Fishing Charters
- Madeira Beach Fishing Charters
- Marathon Fishing Charters
- Marco Island Fishing Charters
- Miami Fishing Charters
- Montauk Fishing Charters
- Morehead City Fishing Charters
- Naples Fishing Charters
- New Orleans Fishing Charters
- New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charters
- Orange Beach Fishing Charters
- Panama City Beach Fishing Charters
- Pensacola Fishing Charters
- Pompano Beach Fishing Charters
- Port Aransas Fishing Charters
- Rockport Fishing Charters
- San Diego Fishing Charters
- San Juan Fishing Charters
- Sarasota Fishing Charters
- South Padre Island Fishing Charters
- St. Petersburg Fishing Charters
- Tampa Fishing Charters
- Tarpon Springs Fishing Charters
- Venice Fishing Charters
- Virginia Beach Fishing Charters
Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?
Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.
The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options: