Beginner Inshore Fishing in Wilmington | J Hook

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Wrightsville Beach/Carolina Beach
$425 price range

Summary

Looking to try your hand at fishing but not sure where to start? Captain Jon's half-day trip in Wilmington is perfect for beginners. Over 4 hours, you'll learn the basics of inshore fishing in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. The captain walks you through everything from how to cast to reeling in your catch. You'll target popular fish like Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Redfish using simple techniques. The trip takes you along beaches, near-shore wrecks, and the Intracoastal Waterway, giving you a taste of different fishing spots. It's a great way to build confidence on the water and potentially land your first fish. With a small group size of just 3 guests, you'll get plenty of hands-on practice and personal attention from the captain. Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to brush up on your skills, this trip offers a fun, low-key introduction to coastal fishing in Wilmington.

Beginner Inshore Fishing in Wilmington | J Hook

Beginner's First Catch

Finest North Carolina Fishing Charter!

Two Redfish, 12 inches each, caught while fishing in NC

Husband and Wife fishing charter choice

Limit out your catches in North Carolina.

Summer Flounder caught while fishing in Wilmington

Flounder catch, angler smiles

Catch Your First Big One in Wilmington

Ready to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? Captain Jon's got you covered with this laid-back half-day trip that's perfect for newbies. You'll cruise Wilmington's coastal waters, learning the ropes and hopefully landing some of the area's most popular gamefish. Whether you're a total greenhorn or just looking to brush up on your skills, this 4-hour adventure is the ideal way to get your feet wet (literally and figuratively) in the local fishing scene.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're out on the water as the sun rises over Wilmington, rod in hand, ready to reel in your first catch. Captain Jon's your go-to guy, showing you the ins and outs of inshore fishing. You'll hit up prime spots along the beaches, poke around some nearshore wrecks, and explore the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW to us locals). The name of the game here is Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Redfish - all great species for beginners to cut their teeth on. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain to nail down those casting techniques and learn how to work your lures just right.

Fishing 101 on the Water

Forget about fancy gear or complicated techniques - this trip's all about mastering the basics. Captain Jon will walk you through everything from tying knots to reading the water. You'll likely start with some simple bottom fishing, dropping baits near structure where fish like to hang out. As you get more comfortable, you might try your hand at casting lures or even trolling along the shoreline for some hard-hitting blues or Spanish mackerel. The beauty of inshore fishing is its versatility - one minute you could be drifting live bait for redfish in the ICW, the next you're sight-casting to schools of bluefish busting bait on the surface. It's hands-on learning at its finest, and by the end of the trip, you'll have a solid foundation to build your fishing skills on.

Target Species

Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Wilmington anglers. They love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster beds in the ICW. Redfish put up a great fight, often making powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. The "slot" size (18-27 inches) makes for great eating, but the real thrill is hooking into an oversized bull red - these guys can top 40 inches and give you the battle of a lifetime.

Spanish Mackerel: These speedy silver bullets are a blast to catch, especially when they're in a feeding frenzy. Spanish macks typically show up in Wilmington waters from late spring through fall. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Light tackle is the way to go, making even smaller fish feel like giants. Plus, they're delicious on the grill - nothing beats fresh-caught mackerel for dinner.

Bluefish: Don't let their size fool you - pound for pound, blues are some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They've got a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Bluefish often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're great fun on light tackle and will happily hit just about any lure you throw their way. While they've got a reputation for being oily, smaller blues (under 5 pounds) are actually quite tasty when prepared right.

Why Newbies Love This Trip

Let's face it - getting into fishing can be intimidating. There's a lot to learn, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where this trip shines. Captain Jon's got a knack for breaking things down in a way that just clicks. You're not just going through the motions - you're learning why you're doing what you're doing. And the best part? You're doing it all in some of Wilmington's most scenic waters. Even if the fish aren't biting (which is rare), you're still in for a great day on the water. It's low-pressure, high-fun, and the perfect way to get hooked on fishing.

Time to Wet a Line

So there you have it - a crash course in inshore fishing that'll have you reeling 'em in like a pro in no time. Whether you're looking to finally learn how to fish or just want a fun morning out on the water, this trip's got you covered. Wilmington's fishery is world-class, and there's no better way to experience it than with a knowledgeable local guide like Captain Jon. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book your adventure. Who knows? This could be the start of your new favorite hobby. Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Bluefish

Bluefish are the bad boys of Wilmington's inshore waters. These toothy predators average 3-5 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them terrorizing bait schools in tidal rivers, bays, and along beaches, especially in summer. Blues are famous for their aggressive feeding frenzies - they'll attack anything that moves. Anglers love their hard-fighting spirit and the chaos when a school blitzes on the surface. While not everyone's favorite for the table, smaller ones are quite good when prepared fresh. To catch blues, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into feeding schools. A local tip: use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. When the action's hot, it's non-stop excitement. Just watch your fingers when unhooking them!

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are a prized inshore catch around Wilmington. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive black tail spot typically run 20-30 inches, though they can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are exposed! They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting redfish for their strong fights and excellent table fare. To improve your chances, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or soft plastic on light tackle. Work it slowly along the bottom, and be ready for an explosive strike when a red spots your lure. Just remember to check current regulations, as redfish are carefully managed to ensure healthy populations for years to come.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are speedsters that'll test your reaction time. These streamlined fish average 1-2 feet long and put up a feisty fight on light tackle. Look for them in large schools near the surface, often around structure in open water. They're most active here in summer and early fall when water temps are warm. Anglers love Spanish macks for their fast runs and acrobatic leaps. They're also delicious eating, popular grilled or smoked. To catch 'em, try trolling small, shiny spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local trick is to watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish are pushing bait to the surface. When you find a school, cast quickly and retrieve fast to trigger their predatory instincts. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are razor sharp!

About the Four Sons

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Captain Jon's half-day fishing trip is perfect for those new to angling. Over 4 hours, you'll explore Wilmington's coastal waters and learn the basics of fishing in a laid-back setting. The captain will guide you through everything from casting to landing your catch, building your skills and confidence along the way. You'll target popular inshore species like Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Redfish, using simple techniques that are easy to pick up. The trip takes you along beaches, near-shore wrecks, and through the Intracoastal Waterway, giving you a taste of different fishing spots. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a great option for small groups or families looking to try fishing together. By the end of the morning, you'll have gained new knowledge, maybe caught your first fish, and enjoyed a memorable time on the water.

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