Top-Rated Carolina Beach Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Carolina Beach
$575 - $690 price range
Updated Date: July 18, 2025

Summary

Join us for a morning of fishing off Carolina Beach with Rip N Lips Charters. We'll head out at 8 am for a 4-hour trip, perfect for families, groups, or solo anglers. Our experienced crew knows all the prime spots along the North Carolina coast where the fish are biting. We'll set you up with gear and show you the ropes, whether you're a beginner or an old pro. You might land some flounder, red drum, or even a big Spanish mackerel. The waters here are teeming with life, and we'll work hard to put you on the fish. It's a great way to spend a morning, feeling the salt spray and the tug on your line. We keep our groups small, with just 3 guests max, so you'll get plenty of attention and space to cast. Bring your camera - you'll want to remember the catches and the coastal views. After 6 years of running these trips, we've got it down to a science. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go fishing!

Top-Rated Carolina Beach Fishing Charters

Reels and Rods

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

Redfish caught while fishing in NC

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?

Carolina Beach Fishing: Your 4-Hour Morning Adventure

Ready to chase some fish in Carolina Beach? Hop aboard with Rip N Lips Charters for a laid-back morning on the water. We've got the local know-how to put you on the fish, whether you're looking to bend a rod with the family or impress some work buddies. Our 4-hour trips kick off at 8 AM, giving you prime time to hook into some of North Carolina's finest inshore species. With 6 years of experience under our belts, we know where the fish are biting and how to make your day on the water one to remember.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of Carolina Beach as the sun's just starting to warm things up. The salt air's in your face, and you've got a full morning of fishing ahead. We'll hit up some of our favorite inshore spots - maybe some grass flats for trout or some deeper channels for flounder. Our trips are all about flexibility, so we'll chat about what you're hoping to catch and tailor the day to fit. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. We'll set you up with all the gear you need and show you the ropes if you're new to this. And with room for up to 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On our inshore trips, we're all about light tackle and fun fights. We might do some drift fishing for flounder, throwing soft plastics or live bait to tempt those flatties. For trout, we could be working topwater lures in the early morning or jigging around structure. If the Spanish mackerel are running, get ready for some fast-paced action - we might troll small spoons or cast jigs to schools of feeding fish. We provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, rigged up and ready to go. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Oh, and don't forget to grab your North Carolina fishing license before you come - we can't hit the water without it!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Carolina Beach is home to some real crowd-pleasers when it comes to inshore fishing. Let's break down what you might be reeling in: Summer Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and put up a great fight for their size. We target them around sandy bottoms and drop-offs. The bite tends to heat up as the water warms in late spring and summer. Flounder are prized for their tasty white meat, so if you're looking to take home dinner, these are a top pick. Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a blast on light tackle. They've got soft mouths, so finesse is key when fighting them. Early mornings can be prime time for trout, especially around grass flats and oyster beds. Listen for that distinctive 'pop' as they hit topwater lures - it's addictive! Freshwater Drum: Don't let the name fool you, we catch these in the brackish waters too. They're hardy fighters and can grow to a decent size. Drum have a distinctive croaking sound that gives them their nickname 'croakers'. They're often caught using bottom rigs with natural baits. Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters will test your reflexes. When they're running, the action can be non-stop. We often find them chasing bait schools near the surface. Trolling or casting fast-moving lures is the ticket here. The best time for Spanish mackerel is usually late spring through summer. Get ready for some acrobatic fights when these silver torpedoes hit your line!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with us tend to get hooked themselves. It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. It's the whole package. You're out there with the pelicans diving and dolphins sometimes cruising by. The skyline of Carolina Beach fading as we hit our spots. And there's nothing like that moment when a rod bends and you know you're into a good one. We keep things casual, share some laughs, and focus on making sure you're having a good time. Whether you're reeling in your personal best or just enjoying being on the water, that's what it's all about. Plus, with our morning trips, you still have the whole afternoon to hit the beach or explore the boardwalk.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to wet a line and see what Carolina Beach fishing is all about? Our 4-5 hour morning charters are the perfect way to start your day off right. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience some of the best inshore action North Carolina has to offer, we've got you covered. Remember, we can only take up to 3 guests, so grab your fishing buddies and lock in your date. The fish are out there waiting - let's go catch 'em! Don't wait too long, though. The best dates tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Give us a shout, and let's get you on the books for a morning of Carolina Beach fishing you won't forget. Tight lines!

Learn more about the species

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater drum are an often-overlooked species, but they can be a ton of fun to catch. These silver-scaled fish average 10-14 inches and 1-8 pounds, though monsters over 30 pounds exist. Look for them near the bottom of rivers and lakes - they love clear, shallow water with some vegetation. Drum are active year-round but really turn on in summer. They're not known for putting up a huge fight, but their abundance makes for great action. Anglers enjoy their unique "grunting" sound and the lucky "stones" in their heads. To catch them, use a simple bottom rig with natural baits like crawfish tails or nightcrawlers. Here's a local secret: drum have sensitive barbels under their chin, so a slow, subtle presentation often works best. They're also good eating if prepared right!

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels. They're active year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. Trout put up a great fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. To up your odds, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics like grubs and shrimp imitations. A local tip: fish the tide changes, especially the last of the outgoing and first of the incoming. That's when bait gets flushed out and trout go on the hunt. Listen for their distinctive "drum roll" sound - that's the males calling during spawning season.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are a fast-moving favorite here in Carolina Beach. These sleek predators typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-6 pounds. Look for them in open water near the surface, often in large schools. They show up in spring and stick around through fall, with peak action in summer. Anglers love their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also excellent eating, with a rich, oily flavor perfect for grilling or smoking. To catch them, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local tip: when you see birds diving, that's often a good sign Spanish mackerel are feeding on bait schools below. Cast a small, flashy lure into the frenzy and hang on tight - these speedsters can hit 45 mph when they're fired up!

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder are a blast to catch off Carolina Beach. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can grow over 20 pounds. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're ambush predators, so they'll often bury themselves in the sand waiting for prey. Late summer through fall is prime flounder season here. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of their bite. To land one, use a slow retrieve with live bait like mullet or minnows along the bottom. A local trick is to let the flounder take the bait and move off before setting the hook - they often grab prey sideways before turning it to swallow. Their camouflage ability is incredible, earning them the nickname "chameleons of the sea." When you hook one, get ready for some good eating!

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 reel in some fun? Join us for a laid-back morning of fishing off Carolina Beach. Our 4-5 hour private charters are perfect for small groups looking to escape the crowds and enjoy quality time on the water. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast your line and soak up the coastal vibes. Our experienced captain knows all the local hotspots where the fish are biting. Whether you're hoping to land a prized redfish or just want to relax and enjoy being out on the boat, we've got you covered. We'll provide all the gear you need, so just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks). Departing at 8 am, it's a great way to start your day with some fresh air and saltwater. No fishing experience? No problem! We're happy to show you the ropes and share some local knowledge. Book your trip with Rip N Lips Charters and get ready for a memorable morning on the Carolina coast.

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