Premium Summer Fishing on Pamlico Sound

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Join us for an inshore fishing trip on the Pamlico Sound in Eastern North Carolina. We'll head out for a half-day or full-day adventure, targeting local favorites like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand and will show you the best spots and techniques. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and friendly instruction. The calm waters of the sound make for a relaxing day on the water, with beautiful scenery all around. We typically leave early morning or late afternoon to catch the fish when they're most active. Our trips are perfect for small groups, with space for up to 4 guests. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book your spot to lock in your Pamlico Sound fishing adventure with UFO Charters.

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Angler catches a spotted weakfish in North Carolina

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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

Pamlico Sound Fishing: Reds, Trout & More

Ready to wet a line in one of North Carolina's best inshore fisheries? Join UFO Charters for a day on Pamlico Sound, where the redfish and speckled trout are waiting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our experienced guides will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of inshore fishing in these legendary waters. With half-day and full-day options available, you'll have plenty of time to work the flats, creeks, and grass lines for some of the Sound's most prized catches.

What to Expect on the Water

As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. Pamlico Sound's vast, shallow waters are a paradise for inshore fishing. Our trips are all about giving you a real taste of what makes this place special. We'll cruise to some of my favorite spots, where the redfish tail in the shallows and the trout hang out near oyster beds. The calm waters make for a smooth ride, perfect if you're bringing the family along. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like watching the sun come up over the Sound as you cast your first line of the day. We provide all the gear you need, top-notch stuff that'll give you the best shot at landing the big one. And don't worry if you're new to this - I'll show you the tricks of the trade, from reading the water to setting the hook just right.

Techniques for Inshore Success

Fishing the Pamlico is an art form, and we've got all the right brushes. We'll likely start with some light tackle casting, using soft plastics or live bait to entice those reds and trout. If the fish are holding deeper, we might switch to jigging or even trolling to cover more ground. One minute you could be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, the next you're working a topwater lure for explosive trout strikes. It's all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. I'll show you how to work a popping cork rig, a local favorite that drives the specks wild. And if we're lucky enough to find some stripers, hold onto your rod - these bruisers will test your drag and your biceps!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"We just did our second trip with Zach excellent captain with a lot of knowledge of the area learned a lot and caught a lot will be back again" - Melissa

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of Pamlico Sound. Reds love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their signature tail waving above the surface. In the summer, we target "slot" reds, typically 18-27 inches, which put up a great fight and are perfect for the dinner table. The bigger bulls show up in the fall, offering a real test of your angling skills. There's nothing quite like the pull of a big red as it tries to wrap you around a piling or oyster bed.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're known for their beautiful spotted patterns and delicate mouths, which make for an exciting and challenging catch. Summer is prime time for specks in the Pamlico, with fish ranging from 14-20 inches being common. The real thrill is when a gator trout (over 24 inches) inhales your topwater lure at first light - it's an experience you won't forget!

Summer Flounder: Flatties, as we call 'em, are masters of camouflage and ambush predators. They love to hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting for an unsuspecting baitfish to swim by. Fishing for flounder requires a bit of finesse - a slow retrieve and a sharp eye to detect the subtle take. But when you hook into a big doormat, it's all worth it. Summer is the perfect time to target these tasty fish, with specimens up to 5 pounds not uncommon in the Sound.

Striped Bass: While not as common as our other target species, stripers offer an exciting change of pace when we encounter them. These powerful fish can grow to impressive sizes, with 30-inch fish not unheard of in the Pamlico. They tend to prefer cooler water, so early summer and late fall are your best bets. When a school of stripers blitzes on the surface, it's pure fishing chaos - in the best possible way!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's get you out on the Pamlico! Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. Our trips are designed to give you the best shot at some quality fish while soaking in the beauty of Eastern North Carolina's coastal waters. Remember, the early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the fish - so don't wait to lock in your date. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call, and let's make some fishing memories on the Pamlico Sound. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of a redfish tailing in the shallows or a trout smashing your topwater, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!

Customer Review

Zachs Catch Magic

We just did our second trip with Zach excellent captain with a lot of knowledge of the area learned a lot and caught a lot will be back again

Melissa A

January 6, 2025

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, also known as red drum, are a prized catch in the Pamlico Sound. Most fish you'll encounter are "slot" size, between 18-27 inches, but bull reds over 40 inches show up in the fall. Look for them in shallow water, often less than 3 feet deep, around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. They're year-round residents but really fire up in late summer and fall. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and their ability to strip line from your reel. Anglers love them for their fighting spirit and their excellent table fare. To hook up, try sight-casting with live bait or artificial lures. A local tip: on hot summer days, look for "tailing" reds in very shallow water, their tails and backs breaking the surface as they root for crabs in the mud. It's a challenging but exciting way to target these copper-colored bruisers.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of Pamlico Sound fishing. Most run 14-20 inches, though gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster beds, and near drop-offs. They're especially active in cooler months, from fall through spring. Sea trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Anglers love targeting them for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicate, sweet-tasting meat. They put up a good fight on light tackle, often making acrobatic jumps. To boost your chances, try working soft plastics or topwater lures around grass edges early in the morning. A local secret: on calm days, look for subtle surface disturbances - that's often trout feeding on bait schools just below the surface.

Striped Bass

Striped bass, or stripers, are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear and skills. In the Pamlico, we typically see fish in the 20-40 pound range, though monsters over 50 pounds show up occasionally. Look for them around structure - bridge pilings, creek mouths, and deeper channels. They're most active in cooler months, from fall through spring. Stripers are schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They're known for explosive topwater strikes and powerful runs. Anglers love targeting them for their challenging fight and excellent eating quality. To up your odds, try live-lining menhaden or using big topwater plugs at dawn and dusk. A local tip: focus on areas where there's good current flow, especially during tide changes. That's when stripers often go on the feed.

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder, or fluke, are a popular catch in the Pamlico Sound. These flatfish typically range from 15-20 inches, though trophy fish over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like wrecks or reefs. They're ambush predators, so look for them in areas with good current flow. Summer and early fall are prime seasons, when the water warms up and baitfish are plentiful. Flounder put up a decent fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. To land one, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like minnows or mullet. A local trick is to use a fish-finder rig with a sliding sinker - it lets the flounder pick up the bait without feeling resistance. Be patient on the hookset, as flounder often grab the bait sideways before turning it to swallow.

About the UFO Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Hop aboard our comfortable fishing boat for a laid-back day on the Pamlico Sound. We'll cruise the calm inshore waters, dropping lines for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass. Our seasoned guides know all the local hotspots and will share their tried-and-true techniques to help you land a great catch. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced angler, we've got top-notch gear and friendly instruction to ensure everyone has a good time. Choose a half-day or full-day trip, with early morning or late afternoon departures to catch the fish when they're biting. As we navigate the scenic waterways of Eastern North Carolina, you'll soak in the peaceful surroundings and maybe even spot some wildlife. It's a perfect way to unwind and enjoy some quality time on the water with friends or family. Remember, spots fill up quick, so book your charter soon to lock in your fishing adventure on the Pamlico Sound.

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