Fishing charters in Wilmington, NC

Whether you are looking for a fly fishing trip or a nearshore fishing adventure, Wilmington fishing will give you an experience of a lifetime.

Local fishing charters can help you reel in Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bluefish, Mahi Mahi, and many more.

Inshore fishing charters in Wilmington

If you’re wondering where to cast a line near Wilmington to make the most of the inshore fishing, you’ll find there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. From the fishing on the flats to the Founder gigging, there’s something for anglers of all tastes and budgets.

These waters will yield anything from Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish to Cobia and Redfish.

Inshore fishing trips are very popular with families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

$465 is the average price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip and 2 people. An extra angler fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate 2-6 anglers depending on the size of the craft.

The cheapest rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near Wilmington.

You can find 41 fishing charters in Wilmington and nearby cities. You will have a lot of choices to book your next fishing retreat.

Best time for inshore fishing

The best time to go inshore fishing in Wilmington are considered to be July, June and September.

Popular inshore fish species

• Spanish Mackerel
• Bluefish
• Cobia
• Redfish
• Southern Flounder

Popular inshore fishing charters

• Spartina Guide Service from $425.00
• Ol' Blue Fishing Charters from $400.00
• Fellowship Charters from $400.00
• OMC Fishing Adventures from $500.00

Offshore fishing charters in Wilmington

There are many different offshore fishing charters in Wilmington, each offering its own unique experience. Some charters focus on specific catch, while others target various reef fish.

There are a plenty of options for your next fishing trip near Wilmington. Local waters a playground for King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, Black Sea Bass, and many more.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

Offshore fishing trip prices

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour offshore fishing charter is $770 for 2 anglers. An extra person fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

The most affordable 4-hour offshore fishing trip in Wilmington costs $595 for 2 anglers.

There are about 29 fishing guides in Wilmington and nearby cities. So you'll have a variety of options for your next fishing adventure.

Tip: It’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience. Offshore fishing spots are away from the coast, so you will need some time to get there.

The average tips are 15-20% of the total fishing charter price.

Best time for offshore fishing

July, June and September will be your next best months for offshore fishing in Wilmington.

Popular offshore fish species

• King Mackerel
• Mahi Mahi
• Cobia
• Black Sea Bass
• Amberjack

Popular offshore fishing charters

• Southern Run Fishing Charters from $750.00
• OMC Fishing Adventures from $750.00

Family-friendly fishing charters in Wilmington

Wilmington family fishing charters provide young and novice anglers an opportunity to experience the day on the water. This trip is more than just fishing; it offers education and fun for kids.

In-shore fishing refers to inland waters like creeks, flats, and small bays. Inshore waters are ideal for family fishing because of the shallow depths and calm waves.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

Take a quick 4-hour inshore fishing trip. The journey won’t be exhausting, so your kids will learn more about fish species and fishing techniques.

$436 is the average price for a 4-hour family-friendly fishing trip and 2 guests. Add $50 for each additional guest. Captains can take 4-6 persons depending on the length of the craft.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

Shark fishing charters in Wilmington

Millions of sharks migrate through Wilmington waters, making it a perfect shark-fishing destination. Wilmington shark fishing charters are an excellent option for anglers looking for an actionable and affordable fishing trip.

Depending on the season, you can catch Blacktip Shark, Bull Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, Bonnethead Shark, and many more.

Note: not all shark species can be caught or landed in North Carolina. Some species are considered prohibited. These sharks have to be released. Fishing charter Captains will help you with shark identification.

Sharks prefer to live in shallow coastal waters, nearshore, and even deep sea waters. Pups and juveniles occur in shallow waters, while larger sharks can be found in offshore waters.

There are many options for bait. Live bait for shark fishing consists of Ladyfish, Mullet, Little Tunny, and Blue Runner. The Captain will prepare the bait depending on the type of shark that you want to catch.

Shark fishing trip prices

$522 is the average base price for a private 4-hour shark fishing charter and 2 anglers. An extra person fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

There are about 13 fishing guides in Wilmington and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing trip in Wilmington.

Best time for shark fishing in Wilmington

You can target sharks all year round. March through October are the best months for shark fishing in Wilmington.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bull Shark
• Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
• Bonnethead Shark
• Porbeagle Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

Tarpon fishing charters in Wilmington

Tarpon fishing is the most exciting fishing trip you can have in Wilmington. Local charters will help you to find the best fishing locations. They are ready to share productive spots and methods with their clients.

Tarpon can be found in inshore waters, sallows, and bays. You can catch it on live bait with crabs, pinfish, or mullet.

Note: The best practice is never to bring your catch in the boat because Tarpon is a catch-and-release-only fishery. You are not allowed to lift Tarpon out of the water if its length is greater than 40 inches. So be very careful with your trophy, take a quick photo, and release your catch.

Tarpon fishing rates

On average, the base price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing charter is $580 for 2 anglers. An extra angler fee is $50.

There are 15 fishing guides in Wilmington and nearby cities.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in Wilmington

Late spring and summer are the best seasons to go after Tarpon in Wilmington waters. September, August, and July are the best months.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. Captains provide all the necessary fishing equipment, bait, and cooler with ice. Usually, catch cleaning is free of charge.

Captains provide a saltwater fishing license. This license covers all the people on the vessel.

An offshore fishing charter has to have a federal permit to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can book a trip with a 10-20% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The majority of the fishing charter deposits are refundable if you can cancel before the cancellation deadline. On average, a free cancellation deadline is 2-14 days before the trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Wilmington?

Here is the list of popular meeting points near Wilmington:

• Wrightsville Beach Marina, 6 Marina St — 10 mins from Wilmington
• Bridge Tender Marina, 1418 Airlie Rd — 9 mins from Wilmington
• Ocean Isle Beach Boating Access Area, 67 Causeway Dr — 58 mins from Wilmington