Carolina Beach Pro Fishing: Rip N Lips Charters

Published Date: September 22, 2025
Fishing

Carolina Beach
$575 - $690 price range

Summary

Get ready for an advanced fishing experience with Rip N Lips Charters in Carolina Beach, NC. This 5-hour trip is perfect for experienced anglers looking to up their game. Captain Ray Dixon knows these waters like the back of his hand and will take you to prime spots for Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. You'll be using top-notch gear and refining techniques like jigging, casting, and bait presentation. This isn't your average fishing trip - it's designed for those who want a real challenge and the chance to land some trophy-worthy catches. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and guidance. Whether you're after the fight of a big Red Drum or the speedy run of a Spanish Mackerel, this trip delivers the action you're after. It's a great way to test your skills and see what Carolina Beach fishing is really all about.

Carolina Beach Pro Fishing: Rip N Lips Charters

Big Catches, Big Smiles

Redfish, a 27-inch fish, caught while fishing in NC

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A single summer flounder, a 28-inch fish, caught while fishing at Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach Fishing Flounder

Best charter boats in Carolina Beach

Want to experience top Flounder fishing action?

Level Up Your Game: Carolina Beach's Pro Trip

Ready to take your fishing to the next level? Captain Ray Dixon's got just the ticket with this half-day advanced trip out of Carolina Beach. We're talking serious angling action here, folks - the kind that'll have you grinning from ear to ear and maybe even landing that new personal best. Over five action-packed hours, we'll be hitting the hotspots for some of North Carolina's most prized inshore species. Red drum, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, flounder - they're all on the menu, and Cap'n Ray knows just where to find 'em.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't no leisurely cruise, anglers. We're here to fish hard and smart. From the moment we leave the dock, you'll be in for a masterclass in inshore tactics. Cap'n Ray's been fishing these waters for years, and he's got a sixth sense for where the big ones are hiding. We'll be covering a lot of ground, switching up techniques to match what the fish are doing that day. One minute you might be working a jig along the bottom for flounder, the next you could be sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows. It's all about adapting and overcoming - just like the pros do.

Techniques That'll Up Your Game

Leave your basic cast-and-wait at home, folks. On this trip, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of what makes a great angler tick. You'll be getting hands-on experience with some seriously effective techniques. We're talking precision jigging that'll have those flounder going crazy, finesse casting that'll put your lure right in front of a wary red's nose, and bait presentation that'll make even the most stubborn trout think twice. Cap'n Ray's not just gonna tell you what to do - he'll show you why it works and how to read the water like a pro. By the end of the day, you'll have a whole new toolkit to take home to your local spots.

Top Catches This Season

Alright, let's talk fish. Carolina Beach is known for some stellar inshore action, and we're right in the thick of it. Red drum have been on fire lately, with some real bruisers hanging around the oyster beds and creek mouths. Spanish mackerel are schooling up nicely, giving us some fast-paced topwater action that'll test your reflexes. The speckled trout bite has been consistent, especially early morning and late evening. And let's not forget about those doormats - we've been putting some quality flounder in the boat, with a few gator-sized ones mixed in to keep things interesting.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Drum (Redfish): These copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of Carolina inshore fishing. They've got a mean streak a mile wide and the power to match. In the fall, we target the big boys - "bull reds" that can top 40 inches and give you the fight of your life. They love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, so we'll be using everything from topwater lures to cut bait to entice them. There's nothing quite like watching a red's tail break the surface as it roots around for crabs - it's sight fishing at its finest.

Spanish Mackerel: If you want non-stop action, these speedsters are your ticket. Spanish macks are like the sports cars of the sea - sleek, fast, and always ready to run. We usually find them busting bait on the surface, and when they're on, it's a frenzy. Light tackle is the name of the game here. A fast retrieve with a small spoon or jig can trigger some explosive strikes. They're also fantastic eating, so be ready to take some home for the grill.

Speckled Trout: Ah, the speck - a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. These spotted hunters are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, making them a true test of an angler's finesse. We'll target them around grass beds and oyster bars, often using live shrimp or artificial lures. The bite can be subtle, so you've got to stay on your toes. But when you hook into a big one, that head-shaking fight is something special.

Flounder: They might look funny, but don't let that fool you - flounder are ambush predators with a serious appetite. We'll be targeting them around structure and drop-offs, using both artificial and live bait. The key is a slow, methodical retrieve - you want that bait dancing right in front of their face. When you feel that distinctive 'thump', it's game on. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a big doormat after a perfect hookset.

Freshwater Drum: Now here's a curve ball for ya. While we're primarily targeting saltwater species, the freshwater drum (also known as "gasper goo" or "sheepshead") can sometimes make an appearance in the more brackish areas. These silver-sided fighters put up a great scrap on light tackle and can grow to impressive sizes. They're often caught while targeting other species, but they're a blast to catch and can really mix things up during a day on the water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've seen a lot of fishing charters in my day, but there's something special about what Cap'n Ray's got going on here. It's not just about catching fish - though trust me, we do plenty of that. It's about learning, improving, and really getting in tune with the water. The gear is top-notch, the boat is comfortable, and the knowledge you'll gain is priceless. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills for tournaments or just want to show up your buddies back home, this trip will give you the edge you're after.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase. If you're serious about taking your inshore game to the next level, this is the trip for you. Cap'n Ray's advanced half-day charter is more than just a fishing trip - it's an investment in your angling future. With only room for three anglers, you're guaranteed personalized attention and a boatload of knowledge. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and the only thing missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now and get ready for some of the best fishing Carolina Beach has to offer. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that trophy catch. Let's make it happen!

Learn more about the animals

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum, also called sheepshead or gaspergou, are an often-overlooked catch. These silvery fish usually run 10-14 inches and 1-8 pounds, though they can get much bigger. You'll find them near the bottom in rivers and lakes, especially around rocky or gravelly areas. They're active year-round but bite best in warmer months. Drum aren't known for putting up much of a fight, but they're plentiful and easy to catch, making them great for beginners or anyone looking for steady action. Their firm, white meat is good eating too, despite what some folks say. To catch 'em, use simple bottom rigs with natural baits like worms or crayfish. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive grunting sound - that can clue you in to a school nearby.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 20-40 inches and 5-30 pounds. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats or hanging around oyster bars and docks in 1-4 feet of water. They're active year-round but really fire up in fall when big schools form. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and hard-pulling fight, especially on light tackle. They're also great eating when slot-sized. To catch 'em, try sight-casting with live bait or artificials like gold spoons and soft plastics. A local trick: on hot summer days, look for them in super-shallow water with their backs barely covered. Cast well ahead and work your lure slowly past them - they can't resist an easy meal.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target here. These silvery, spotted fish usually run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though bigger "gator" trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, oyster bars, and around structure in 1-6 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months, especially fall and spring. Trout are known for their soft, delicate bite and tendency to throw hooks, making them a fun challenge. Their mild, flaky meat is excellent eating too. For best results, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs worked slowly along the bottom. Here's a local secret: on incoming tides, focus on points and creek mouths where bait gets swept in. That's where the big trout like to ambush their prey.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a run for your money. They typically range from 1-3 feet long and 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around inlets and along the beach. Summer and early fall are prime time, when they're chasing bait fish. These speedy swimmers put up a great fight on light tackle. Their tasty, oily meat is excellent grilled or smoked. To catch 'em, try trolling small shiny spoons or casting jigs into feeding frenzies. A local trick: watch for birds diving - that's often a sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. Fast retrieves work best to trigger their predatory instincts. Just be careful of those razor-sharp teeth when you're unhooking them!

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage on the ocean floor. These flatfish usually run 15-20 inches, but trophy-sized "doormats" over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in sandy or muddy bottoms near structures like wrecks or reefs. They're most active in warmer months, especially late summer. Flounder are ambush predators, lying in wait to attack passing bait fish. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To up your odds, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like minnows or strips of squid. A local tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift firmly.

About the Rip N Lips Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 27

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready to step up your fishing game? Join Captain Ray Dixon of Rip N Lips Charters for a challenging 5-hour trip off Carolina Beach, NC. This advanced outing is perfect for experienced anglers looking to hone their skills and land some impressive catches. You'll venture to prime fishing spots where Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, and Flounder await. Captain Ray's local knowledge and top-notch equipment give you the edge in pursuing bigger fish and consistent action. Practice advanced techniques like jigging, precise casting, and perfecting your bait presentation. With room for up to three guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and guidance to improve your angling prowess. If you're eager to test your abilities and aim for trophy-worthy fish, this trip delivers the perfect mix of challenge and reward.

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