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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Sneads Ferry
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Sneads Ferry, NC, United States
- $600 - $1,500 price range
Summary
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Reeling In The Action
Chunky Black Sea Bass duo.
Massive Bluefish haul.
Beefy Bluefish catch.
Vibrant Red Snapper.
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Chunky Black Sea Bass duo.
Massive Bluefish haul.
Beefy Bluefish catch.
Vibrant Red Snapper.
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Chunky Black Sea Bass duo.
Massive Bluefish haul.
Beefy Bluefish catch.
Vibrant Red Snapper.
Reel in Adventure: 4-Hour Nearshore Fishing
Ready to get your hands on some serious rod-bending action just a stone's throw from the coast? Our 4-hour nearshore fishing trip out of Sneads Ferry is your ticket to a boatload of fun without venturing too far from land. We'll cruise up to 5 miles offshore, where the fish are biting and the possibilities are endless. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and they're itching to put you on the fish. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to make some waves!
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. We're talking about a perfect mix of relaxation and action-packed fishing. You might start off trolling for Spanish Mackerel or Bluefish, feeling that rush when a fish hits your line. Or maybe we'll drop some bottom rigs to target Seabass and Porgy. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're reeling in a feisty Grunt, the next you could be battling a hard-fighting King Mackerel. Our experienced crew will be right there with you, offering tips, helping with tangles, and making sure you're having a blast every step of the way. And let's not forget the views – there's nothing like being out on the open water, feeling the salt spray on your face as you wait for that next big bite.
Rigging Up for Success
On this trip, we keep things simple but effective. We'll be using a mix of light and medium tackle, perfect for the variety of fish we're after. For bottom fishing, expect to use some classic two-hook rigs baited with squid or cut bait. When we're going after the more aggressive fish like Spanish Mackerel, we might switch to trolling with Clark spoons or small jigs. The key here is versatility – we adapt our techniques to what's biting. And don't worry if you're new to this; our crew will walk you through everything from baiting your hook to setting the drag on your reel. We've got all the gear you need, top-notch stuff that'll give you the best shot at landing the big one. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky hat, and we'll handle the rest.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Daniel and Zach were a pleasure to fish with! Although it took a little time to find the fish, they stayed upbeat, were so helpful, and kept us all engaged, especially our two teenage grandsons. Once we started getting bites, they were quick to assist, making sure we reeled them in and had a blast! Full of knowledge and great conversation, they were especially encouraging to our boys. We'll definitely book with them again!" - Pamela
"Dan and his mate, Zack, were friendly and very attentive. Though the seas were unexpectedly rough, they kept things positive and ensured we still caught fish, even with the challenging conditions." - Ronaldo
Species You'll Want to Hook
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the rockstars of nearshore fishing. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, King Mackerel can really make your drag sing. They typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 40-pounder – it happens more often than you'd think! Late spring through fall is prime time for Kings. When one of these bad boys hits your line, hold on tight and get ready for a fight you won't forget.
Scup (Porgy): Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little fighters punch above their weight class. Scup usually hang out near structure and are suckers for small baits. They might only average 1-2 pounds, but their flaky white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table. You can catch these guys pretty much year-round, but summer is when they really shine. It's not uncommon to catch a bunch of these in a short time, making for some fast-paced action that's perfect for keeping kids (or impatient adults) engaged.
Spanish Mackerel: If you're looking for non-stop action, Spanish Mackerel are your go-to fish. These silver bullets are fast, aggressive, and always hungry. They typically weigh in at 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. Spring and fall are the best times to target them, and when they're running, it's not unusual to catch one on almost every cast. Trolling with small spoons or casting jigs into feeding frenzies are surefire ways to get in on the action.
Bluefish: Pound for pound, Bluefish are some of the hardest fighting fish in the sea. These toothy critters are pure muscle and attitude. They range from 2 to 20 pounds and are known for their savage strikes and powerful runs. Bluefish are most active from spring through fall, and when they're in a feeding frenzy, it's a sight to behold. Catching Blues is always a thrill, and their aggressive nature means they'll hit just about anything – making them great targets for anglers of all skill levels.
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwelling bruisers are a staple of nearshore fishing. With their distinctive black coloration and hearty appetite, Sea Bass are both fun to catch and delicious to eat. They typically range from 1 to 5 pounds, but bigger ones are not uncommon. You can catch them year-round, but they're especially active in the cooler months. Dropping bait to the bottom near structure is the ticket to hooking these guys. And once you get them going, it's not unusual to catch one after another – making for some seriously satisfying fishing.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – this trip is the real deal for anyone looking to get their feet wet in the world of offshore fishing without committing to a full day. In just four hours, you'll get a taste of what makes fishing these waters so addictive. From the rush of hooking into a speedy Spanish Mackerel to the satisfaction of pulling up a plump Black Sea Bass, every minute on the water is packed with potential. Our crew's got the know-how to put you on the fish and the patience to make sure you're having a good time, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. So why wait? Grab your buddies, your family, or just treat yourself to a morning or afternoon of pure fishing fun. The fish are out there, and they're not going to catch themselves. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a trip that'll have you itching to come back for more. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on your line, you'll be hooked – pun absolutely intended!
Customer Reviews
Family Fish Fun
Pamela M.
July 8, 2024
Rough Seas Big Smiles
Dan and his mate, Zack, were friendly and very attentive. Though the seas were unexpectedly rough, they kept things positive and ensured we still caught fish, even with the challenging conditions.
Ronaldo H.
September 1, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
King mackerel are the big cousins of Spanish mackerel, usually running 10-20 pounds but sometimes topping 50. They show up in our waters from late spring through fall, typically a bit further offshore than Spanish. Kings are rocket-fast and will make blistering runs that'll leave your reel smoking. Trolling with live bait like menhaden or blue runners is a go-to tactic, but they'll also hit deep-diving plugs and spoons. These fish put up an amazing fight and make for some good eating too, though they can be a bit oily. Here's a pro tip: if you're trolling for kings, try staggering your baits at different depths. Sometimes they're right on the surface, other times they're holding deeper. And always be ready - when a king hits, it's like someone threw a switch and your reel explodes!
Bluefish
Scup, also known as porgy, are fun little battlers that usually run 8-14 inches and weigh a pound or two. You'll find them near bottom structure like reefs and wrecks from spring through fall. They're not the biggest fish, but they make up for it in numbers and taste - scup are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Light tackle is the way to go, with a simple bottom rig and small hooks. Squid, clams, or worms all work well for bait. These fish are great for kids or anyone who wants steady action. Here's a local secret: if you're catching small ones, try moving to slightly deeper water nearby. The bigger scup often hang a little further out. And don't be surprised if you hook into something bigger while scup fishing - they share habitat with sea bass and other bottom dwellers.
King Mackerel
Black sea bass are a fun target around here, usually weighing 2-4 pounds but sometimes up to 8. You'll find them near structure like wrecks, jetties and rocky bottoms, typically in waters less than 120 feet deep. Late spring through summer is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. These fish put up a good scrap, especially on light tackle. They're also excellent eating - mild, flaky meat that's great on the grill. To catch 'em, I like using a medium rod with 20-30 pound line and either live bait like squid or cut fish strips. A two-hook bottom rig works well. Here's a local tip: if you're not getting bites, try switching up your bait or moving to a different structure nearby. The bigger males tend to hang in slightly deeper water, so don't be afraid to venture out a bit further for a shot at a trophy.
Scup
Bluefish are aggressive fighters that'll give you a real run for your money. They usually range from 3-10 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them in our bays and nearshore waters from late spring through fall, often in big schools churning up the surface - we call that a "bluefish blitz." These guys are voracious predators with sharp teeth, so watch your fingers! They'll hit just about any lure or bait, but I like using metal spoons or poppers on the surface. Blues are fun to catch and make for some good eating if prepared right. A local trick: if you see birds diving, there's a good chance bluefish are underneath pushing bait to the surface. Head that way and get ready for some fast action. Just remember, we've got a 3-fish daily limit to help maintain the population.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are speedy little rockets, usually 1-2 feet long and weighing 2-4 pounds. They show up in our waters from late spring through fall, often in big schools near the surface. Look for them around inlets, piers, and just off the beaches. These fish are a blast on light tackle - they'll make sizzling runs and sometimes even jump. Trolling small spoons or casting jigs into feeding schools are great ways to catch 'em. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for grilling. Here's a tip: if you see fish skipping across the surface, that's often Spanish mackerel chasing bait. Cast a small, shiny lure into the frenzy and hang on! Just be careful of their sharp teeth when unhooking. A 7-foot medium-action rod with 10-15 pound line is ideal for these speedsters.
About the C-Hawk
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Daniel and Zach were a pleasure to fish with! Although it took a little time to find the fish, they stayed upbeat, were so helpful, and kept us all engaged, especially our two teenage grandsons. Once we started getting bites, they were quick to assist, making sure we reeled them in and had a blast! Full of knowledge and great conversation, they were especially encouraging to our boys. We’ll definitely book with them again!