Tailing Reds and Quiet Creeks: Beaufort’s Inshore 3/4 Day Charter
Ages 5 and up • Six hours of light-tackle action on Beaufort’s calm coastal creeks
Dawn takes its time over North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. A ribbon of pink pulls across the sky, and the spartina marsh answers, rustling like it’s awake before the town. At the Town Creek boat ramp in Beaufort, the skiff nudges the dock and the tide tugs back, daring you to step aboard and follow it into the maze. The water looks gentle, but it has a mind of its own—it slides you toward oyster rock and glossy mudflats, then opens into creeks where red drum tail like little flags. Six hours here can stretch and compress, ruled by tide and wind and the stubborn will of fish.
Trail Wisdom
Polarized glasses are non-negotiable
Polarized lenses let you read grass edges, sandy potholes, and tailing fish that you’d otherwise miss.
Soft casts win the flats
Red drum spook easily in shallow water—feather your cast and close the bail by hand to avoid splashy landings.
Hydrate early and often
Six hours on the water adds up—bring at least 2 liters per person and sip throughout the morning.
Deck shoes matter
Wear non-marking, grippy footwear to keep the captain’s deck scuff-free and your footing secure on wet gelcoat.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Radio Island Beach Access for a quick post-trip swim near the inlet
- •Carrot Island boardwalk for sunset views of the marsh and wild horses
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Osprey and herons
Conservation Note
Seagrass beds and oyster reefs stabilize shorelines and boost fish habitat—idle through shallows, avoid prop scarring, and pack out all trash.
Beaufort, founded in 1709, is North Carolina’s third-oldest town; Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge ran aground near Beaufort Inlet in 1718.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Speckled trout along current breaks, Slot red drum on warming banks
Challenges: Variable winds, Cool mornings
Water warms and bait returns; expect active trout and reds with improving consistency into late spring.
summer
Best for: Topwater redfish at dawn, Family-friendly calm-water sessions
Challenges: Midday heat, Gnats and biting insects on windless days
Beat the heat with early starts and focus on shade lines, docks, and deeper bends as the sun climbs.
fall
Best for: Peak speckled trout bite, Aggressive red drum on moving tides
Challenges: Cold fronts that shuffle the pattern, Breezy afternoons
Prime time—cooler water, hungry fish, and stable bait presence make for consistent action.
winter
Best for: Trout in deep holes on sunny days, Quiet creeks with clear water
Challenges: Cold temps and wind chill, Shorter daylight windows
Dress warm and slow your presentation; clear water rewards finesse and patience.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized Sunglasses (Amber/Copper Lens)Essential
Cuts surface glare so you can spot fish, read shallow structure, and protect your eyes from hooks.
UPF Sun Shirt and BuffEssential
Lightweight coverage keeps you cool while blocking intense UV reflected off the water.
Light Rain Shell
Pop-up squalls and spray are common—stash a packable shell to stay comfortable.
Non-Marking Deck ShoesEssential
Good grip and clean soles protect the boat deck and help you stay steady when fighting fish.
Common Questions
What fish will we target on this charter?
Expect red drum, speckled trout, and flounder, with tactics adjusted to the season, tide, and your preferences.
Do I need a fishing license?
No—your license is covered under the captain’s permit for the duration of the charter.
Can kids come on the trip?
Yes. The minimum age is 5, and the calm inshore waters make this a great family option; life jackets are provided.
Should I bring my own gear?
All rods, reels, lures, and bait are included. You’re welcome to bring a favorite setup, but consult the captain for line and lure recommendations.
Can we keep our catch?
Keeping fish depends on current North Carolina regulations and slot limits. The captain will advise on what’s legal and best for the fishery.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. The captain monitors forecast and will advise on rescheduling or safe go/no-go decisions based on wind, storms, and tide.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for sighting fish; 2 liters of water and light snacks to stay energized; UPF sun shirt and brimmed hat for all-day sun; Non-marking deck shoes for stable footing on a wet deck.
Did You Know
The wreck of Blackbeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, was discovered in 1996 near Beaufort Inlet; artifacts are conserved at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15–20 minutes early to organize gear and review safety; Bring cash or card for the post-trip balance and gratuity; Pack a small soft cooler—most captains prefer compact coolers to save deck space; Motion sensitivity? Take preventative meds 30–60 minutes before departure.
Local Flavor
After the charter, stroll Beaufort’s waterfront for fresh seafood at Dock House or Spouter Inn, then grab a pint at Fishtowne Brew House. For a low-key favorite, Beaufort Grocery Co. serves a hearty post-fishing meal, and The Backstreet Pub is the local spot to trade fish stories beneath a canopy of nautical lore.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN) in New Bern (~40 miles). Meeting point: Town Creek Water Access Boat Ramp, Town Creek Dr., Beaufort, NC 28516. Driving: 5 minutes from downtown Beaufort; 15 minutes from Atlantic Beach. Cell service: Generally good near town; can be spotty deep in the marsh. Permits: All fishing licenses covered by the captain.
Sustainability Note
These creeks are nurseries for red drum, trout, and flounder—avoid running through shallow grass, respect oyster beds, and consider keeping only what you’ll eat the same day. Recycle braid and mono so birds and dolphins don’t get entangled.
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