Skimming the Shallows: Inshore Fishing on the Southern Run in Wanchese
Starting at $500 for 4 hours • Up to 4 passengers • Inlet and backwater action from Wanchese Marina
Dawn slides over Roanoke Island like a slow breath, gilding the spartina. The tide nudges the marsh, daring you to come closer. At the Wanchese Marina dock, the Southern Run—a 24-foot shallow-runner with high sides and a purposeful tower—looks like it can read the water’s secrets. Captain Michael swings a leg over the gunwale, grin easy, and the engine whispers alive. In minutes you’re gliding out, the boat skimming a slick of sound water that feels more lagoon than ocean. Pelicans rise from pilings like heavy-handed referees, and a tailing redfish flicks bronze just off the grass line, as if to say: catch me if you can.
Trail Wisdom
Time your tide
Ask the captain about tide phase and wind direction; moving water sparks bites around points, docks, and grass lines.
Protect your eyes
Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish and read slicks—amber or copper lenses are ideal for inshore flats.
Go lotion, not spray
Spray sunscreen makes decks slick and can damage gear; use reef-friendly lotion and apply before boarding.
Pack light, pack smart
Bring a small soft cooler, water, and layers; soft-soled, non-marking shoes keep you steady and the deck clean.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Roanoke Island Maritime Museum in Manteo for a quick dive into local boatbuilding history
- •Wanchese harbor fish houses—swing by in late afternoon to watch working boats unload
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Ospreys
Conservation Note
Seagrass beds and oyster reefs are vital nursery habitat—avoid spray sunscreens, minimize trash, and respect slot limits and catch-and-release guidance.
Wanchese takes its name from an Algonquian leader tied to the 16th-century English Roanoke expeditions; nearby Manteo and Roanoke Island preserve this layered maritime past.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Speckled trout along drop-offs, Schooling puppy drum on warming flats
Challenges: Windy fronts, Variable water temps
Cool mornings and active fish when tides align; a great time for sight-casting in clearer water.
summer
Best for: Sunrise topwater for trout, Evening red drum tailing in the marsh
Challenges: Midday heat, Afternoon thunderstorms
Beat the heat with early or late charters; expect lively bait activity and chances at Spanish mackerel and blues.
fall
Best for: Consistent red drum action, Stable conditions and clear water
Challenges: Nor’easters can stir the sound, Shorter daylight
Arguably the prime inshore window—mild temps, hungry fish, and beautiful light for photography.
winter
Best for: Quiet flats and solitude, Leaner crowds and crisp days
Challenges: Cold snaps and wind, Limited bait movement
Calm spells can be excellent for stealthy sight-fishing, but weather windows are key.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized sunglasses (amber/copper lenses)Essential
Cuts surface glare so you and the captain can spot fish and read current lines.
Light windbreaker or spray jacket
Morning runs can be cool and breezy across the sound, even on sunny days.
Non-marking boat shoes or sandalsEssential
Soft soles protect the deck and provide traction when the boat is wet.
Reef-safe sunscreen (lotion)Essential
Protects skin without making the deck slick or harming sensitive estuarine habitats.
Common Questions
What species are commonly targeted on this charter?
Expect inshore species like red drum (puppy drum), speckled trout, sheepshead, bottom fish, and, when conditions permit, Spanish mackerel and bluefish.
How many people can go, and is it family-friendly?
The Southern Run accommodates up to four passengers and welcomes all ages; it’s a great way to introduce kids to the water.
Do I need a fishing license?
Most inshore charters in North Carolina carry a blanket Coastal Recreational Fishing License for guests; confirm with the captain when booking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Trips may be rescheduled or canceled based on safety and conditions; review the operator’s weather policy before booking.
Is there a restroom on board?
There is no enclosed restroom on this 24' shallow runner; plan to use marina facilities before departure.
Can we keep our catch?
Keeping fish depends on current regulations and captain guidance; expect to release some species or sizes to support healthy fisheries.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses to spot fish and reduce eye strain; lightweight sun hoodie to block UV and breeze; soft cooler with water and snacks for the duration you choose; non-marking deck shoes for grip and to keep the boat scuff-free.
Did You Know
The Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system surrounding Roanoke Island is the second-largest in the United States, after Chesapeake Bay.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15–20 minutes early to park and use marina restrooms; mornings are typically calmer for families sensitive to motion; bring cash or card for gratuity and any post-trip dock snacks; confirm your start time and meeting point the day before, as wind and tide can shift plans.
Local Flavor
Post-trip, grab a basket of shrimp at O’Neal’s Sea Harvest in Wanchese or cross to Manteo for a sunset view at Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar. Craft beer lovers can hit Lost Colony Brewery, while Outer Banks Distilling pours small-batch rum that nods to the coast’s maritime heritage.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest major airport: Norfolk International (ORF), ~1.75–2 hours by car; RDU is ~3.5–4 hours. Trailhead/Marina: Wanchese Marina, 4457 Mill Landing Rd. Drive time: ~10 minutes from Manteo, ~20–25 minutes from Nags Head. Cell service: Generally good near the marina, patchy in some backwater areas. Permits: Most inshore charters cover licensing for guests—confirm when booking; tipping the captain (15–20%) is customary.
Sustainability Note
These shallow flats are stitched with seagrass and oyster habitat—follow the captain’s routes to prevent prop scars, use reef-safe sunscreen, and release over-slot drum to keep the fishery healthy.