Ready to chase some of the Outer Banks' most prized fish? Captain Lance Luke's got you covered with this action-packed half-day trip out of Wanchese. Whether you're after a bull red or a hard-fighting cobia, this 4-hour adventure packs in plenty of rod-bending action. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for small groups looking to make the most of their morning on the water.
As soon as you step aboard Captain Lance's Parker boat, you'll feel the excitement building. He'll run you through the game plan for the day, which changes based on what's biting and where. Might be jigging for flounder in the inlet, or maybe we'll run out to some nearshore structure for triggerfish and sheepshead. Whatever the target, Cap'n Lance knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish. Gear up, because when these fish hit, they hit hard!
On this trip, you'll get to try out a mix of fishing techniques. We might start off trolling for some sea trout, then switch to bottom fishing with live bait for those big drum. If the cobia are running, get ready to sight cast - there's nothing quite like watching a big brown torpedo come up and crush your bait. Captain Lance will show you the ropes, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line. From setting the drag just right to knowing when to set the hook, you'll pick up tricks that'll up your fishing game.
Red Drum: The crown jewel of Outer Banks fishing, these copper-colored bruisers can top 50 pounds. They love to hang around structure and will test your arms with long, powerful runs. Fall is prime time for the big bulls, but you can catch them year-round. Nothing beats the thrill of watching that big spottail tail walking across the surface!
Cobia: These "brown bombers" start showing up in late spring and stick around through summer. They're curious fish, often coming right up to the boat to check things out. Throw a live eel or a big jig their way, and hold on tight - cobia are known for their initial burst of speed and dogged fights. Plus, they're delicious on the grill.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you, sheepshead are no joke to catch. These striped eating machines love structure and have a knack for stealing bait. But when you hook one, it's game on. They put up a scrappy fight and are some of the best-eating fish in these waters. We target them around pilings and bridges, usually with fiddler crabs or sand fleas.
Black Drum: The red drum's cousin, black drum are bulldogs of the flats. They use those big, rubbery lips to crush crabs and clams on the bottom. While they might not make the long runs of a red, they'll use their weight to dig in and test your gear. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find them year-round in the right spots.
Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a favorite for light tackle anglers. They've got soft mouths, so finesse is key. We often target them early morning or late evening, working lures or live bait around grass flats and creek mouths. A school of hungry specks can keep your rod bent all morning!
Wanchese might not be as well-known as some other Outer Banks fishing towns, but that's part of its charm. You get all the fantastic fishing without the crowds. And with Captain Lance at the helm, you're in for a real local's experience. He knows where the fish are biting and isn't afraid to switch things up to make sure you're on the action. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip delivers. Plus, with a 4-person max, you get plenty of individual attention and room to fish.
So there you have it, folks - a morning of non-stop fishing action right here in Wanchese. From the heart-pounding strike of a big red to the delicate bite of a sea trout, this trip's got something for every angler. Captain Lance will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of OBX angling, this half-day trip is hard to beat. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Grab your fishing buddies, your family, or come solo - just make sure you book your trip soon. The fish are waiting, and the memories are ready to be made!
Black drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and muddy flats. They're bottom-feeders with strong jaws, crushing shellfish and crabs. Spring's the prime time to target them as they school up for spawning. Anglers love black drum for their powerful runs and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To land one, use fresh crab or clams on the bottom. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it can give away their location. Just remember, the big ones over 15 pounds tend to be tough and less tasty, so consider releasing those for someone else to enjoy the fight.
Cobia are powerful fish that'll test your gear and your stamina. They average 6 feet and 100 pounds, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures in 30-70 feet of water. They're loners, which makes spotting them half the challenge. Cobia migrate through our waters in late spring, following rays and turtles. Anglers prize them for their hard fights and excellent eating. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live eels or big jigs are top choices. Here's an insider tip: when you spot a cobia, don't charge right at it. Make a long cast beyond the fish and slowly retrieve your bait past it – they're curious and will often investigate.
Redfish, or red drum, are a staple of our inshore fishing. They're easy to spot with that black tail spot, which can fool predators. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can grow much larger. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed, around oyster beds and grass flats. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun to catch on a variety of lures and baits. Anglers love redfish for their strong fights and excellent eating quality. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they school up. Here's a tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. Try a gold spoon or a scented soft plastic on a jighead – redfish can't resist 'em.
Sea trout, also known as spotted or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can get much bigger. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love structure and tend to school up in deeper waters during winter. Anglers prize sea trout for their delicate, mild flavor and the fun fight they put up. They're suckers for artificial lures – try topwater plugs early morning or late evening for some exciting strikes. Here's a local trick: when the water's calm, look for their distinctive V-shaped wakes as they cruise the flats. Sea trout are light biters, so use a sensitive rod and be ready for a quick hookset when you feel that tap.
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" thanks to their black and white stripes, are a unique catch. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds – anywhere with barnacles. These fish are notorious bait stealers with their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing shellfish. Spring's the best time to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking sheepshead and their excellent table fare. Here's a pro tip: use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. When you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook – sheepshead are masters at stealing bait without getting caught.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: 2023 Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250