Fall Fishing Charters on Pamlico Sound

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

North Carolina
$500 - $600 price range
Updated Date: September 5, 2025

Summary

Join Captain Zach for some great fall fishing on North Carolina's Pamlico Sound. We'll be going after redfish, speckled trout, striped bass, flounder, and other inshore species. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, this trip is for you. We provide all the gear you'll need, plus hands-on instruction on techniques to help you land fish. Choose between a half-day or full-day charter, with morning and afternoon departures available. It's a perfect time to be on the water - the fall weather is nice and the fish are biting. You'll get to see some beautiful coastal scenery while we find the best fishing spots. We can take up to 4 guests, so bring your friends or family along. Remember, a deposit is required to lock in your date. Give us a call to book your trip and we'll get you out on the water for some awesome fall fishing action.

Inshore Catch of the Day

Angler catches a spotted weakfish in North Carolina

null

Angler catches Spotted Weakfish in North Carolina

Trophy Sea trout caught in NC waters

Sea trout action off North Carolina

A person fishing for a black drum fish in North Carolina

Drum fishing fun on NC charter

Fall Fishing Frenzy on Pamlico Sound

Get ready to reel in some monster reds and speckled trout this fall on North Carolina's Pamlico Sound. Captain Zach knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this inshore trip has something for everyone. We'll be chasing stripers, reds, flounder, and specks using top-notch gear and time-tested techniques. Choose between a half-day or full-day adventure - either way, you're in for some serious rod-bending action.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're cruising across the glassy waters of Pamlico Sound as the sun peeks over the horizon. The air is crisp, and there's a hint of salt on the breeze. Captain Zach's got his eyes peeled for birds working the surface - a dead giveaway for feeding fish below. We'll start by hitting some of his favorite fall hotspots, maybe tossing soft plastics around oyster beds for reds or working a topwater plug for explosive striper strikes. As the day warms up, we might switch gears and drift the deeper channels for doormat flounder. No matter what's biting, you'll get hands-on instruction on everything from casting to fighting fish. And let's be real - there's nothing quite like the thump of a big red drum inhaling your bait. It's the kind of fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

On this trip, we're not just wetting a line - we're using tried-and-true tactics to put fish in the boat. Depending on conditions, we might start with some light tackle jigging for specks around grass beds or dock pilings. If the reds are schooling up, we'll break out the popping corks and live bait to tempt those copper-colored beauties. For stripers, nothing beats the heart-stopping action of working a topwater plug across a rip line at dawn. And when it comes to flounder, Captain Zach's got a few tricks up his sleeve - think slow-rolling soft plastics or drifting live mullet along sandy drop-offs. He'll walk you through each technique, showing you how to work your lures and detect even the subtlest of bites. By the end of the day, you'll have a whole new arsenal of fishing skills to take home with you.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Pamlico Sound. In the fall, they school up in big numbers, often tailing in skinny water as they root for crabs. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 40+ inch bull red that'll test your drag and your biceps. They're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights - land a big one, and you'll be talking about it for years.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these speckled beauties are a fall favorite in Pamlico Sound. They've got soft mouths and a tendency to shake hooks, making them a challenging and exciting catch. Fall is prime time for big specks, with fish in the 3-5 pound range not uncommon. They love to ambush bait around grass beds and oyster bars, and there's nothing quite like watching a gator trout explode on a topwater lure at first light.

Striped Bass: Stripers move into the sound in good numbers as the water cools down in fall. These hard-fighting fish can range from schoolies in the 18-24 inch range up to trophy-sized cows pushing 30+ inches. They're aggressive feeders, often blitzing on bait balls near the surface. Hooking into a big striper in shallow water is like trying to stop a freight train - hold on tight!

Summer Flounder: Don't let the name fool you - these flatfish are still around in fall, and they can reach doormat proportions in Pamlico Sound. Flounder are ambush predators, lying in wait on the bottom to attack passing baitfish. They've got a unique bite - often just a slight "tick" on the line - but once hooked, they put up a spirited fight. And let's not forget, they're some of the best eating fish in the sound.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Pamlico Sound isn't just a fishing spot - it's a slice of angler's paradise. The fall fishing here is world-class, with a mix of species that'll keep you on your toes all day long. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear shallows, the next you're battling a trophy striper in the deeper channels. And let's not forget the scenery - from wading birds stalking the shoreline to dolphins playing in the boat wake, there's always something to see. Captain Zach's local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of one of North Carolina's most productive fisheries. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, this trip delivers the goods time and time again.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the fall bite on Pamlico Sound is no secret - slots fill up fast, especially on those prime weekend dates. If you're itching to tangle with some bull reds, gator trout, or trophy stripers, now's the time to lock in your trip. Captain Zach's got the knowhow, the gear, and the go-to spots to put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to dial in your technique or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, this trip's got you covered. Just remember, that deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Trust me, once you experience fall fishing on Pamlico Sound, you'll be counting the days until you can get back out there. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular targets here in Pamlico Sound. They typically range from 18-27 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't unheard of. Look for reds in shallow water, often tailing in less than 2 feet. They love structure like oyster beds, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Redfish are known for their strong initial run and dogged fight. They're a blast on light tackle or fly gear. For lures, gold spoons are a classic choice, but soft plastics and topwaters work great too. Live or cut bait like mullet or crab is always effective. One local trick: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper-colored backs pushing water. Sight-casting to tailing reds is as exciting as it gets. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. These silvery fish with spots typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths. They're most active in cooler months but can be caught year-round. Sea trout are known for their soft mouths, so set the hook gently. They're fun on light tackle and put up a good fight with head shakes and short runs. For lures, try soft plastics on a jighead or topwater plugs early and late in the day. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly too. One local tip: look for slicks on the water's surface - that's often a sign of feeding trout. These fish are excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. Just be careful not to overcook them.

Striped Bass

Striped bass, or "rockfish" as we call 'em locally, are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for stripers around structure like bridge pilings, rock piles, and channel edges. They're most active in cooler months when they push into the sound chasing bait. Dawn and dusk are prime times. Stripers hit hard and make strong runs, so hang on tight! They're fun on light tackle or fly gear. For artificials, try topwater plugs early, then switch to diving crankbaits or soft plastics as the day warms up. Live bait like mullet or menhaden works great too. One local trick: troll slowly along depth changes with a deep-diving plug to locate schools. Once you find 'em, it can be non-stop action. Stripers are also excellent eating, with firm white meat perfect for grilling.

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder are a fun inshore target here in Pamlico Sound. These flat fish typically run 15-20 inches and hang out on the bottom in sandy or muddy areas. Look for them around structure like oyster beds or near channels. They're ambush predators, so they'll often bury themselves in the sand waiting for prey. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before winter. Flounder put up a decent fight and make for great eating with their mild, flaky white meat. To catch 'em, try slow-dragging a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or minnow along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook - flounder like to grab the bait sideways first. These "doormats" can be tricky, but landing a big one is always satisfying.

About the UFO Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Captain Zach's fishing charter takes you into the heart of Pamlico Sound for some top-notch fall fishing. Hop aboard and cruise the inshore waters of Eastern North Carolina, where redfish, striped bass, flounder, and speckled trout are waiting to test your skills. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll feel right at home with the high-quality gear and personalized guidance provided. Choose from half-day or full-day trips, with morning and afternoon departures to suit your schedule. As you cast your line, take in the beautiful coastal scenery and enjoy the crisp fall air. Captain Zach's local knowledge ensures you'll hit the best spots where the fish are biting. With room for up to four guests, it's a perfect outing for friends or family looking to reel in some memories. Remember, spots fill up fast and deposits are non-refundable, so book your fall fishing adventure on Pamlico Sound today!

Sitemap