World-Class Redfish Charter on Pamlico Sound

Published Date: September 5, 2025
Fishing

North Carolina
$450 - $600 price range

Summary

Captain Zach's full-day charter on Pamlico Sound is a great way to experience inshore fishing off Belhaven, NC. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, and other local species from a well-equipped center console boat. The trip is perfect for up to four anglers, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing. Capt. Zach provides quality gear and shares his expert knowledge to help you land more fish. He'll teach you local techniques while you enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. Remember to pack some snacks, drinks, and your camera to capture the day. Don't forget your fishing license. This spring fishing trip books up fast, so it's a good idea to secure your spot early. The deposit is non-refundable, but you're in for a solid day of fishing on the sound.

World-Class Redfish Charter on Pamlico Sound

Pamlico Sound Catch

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

Reel in Reds & Trout on Pamlico Sound

Get ready to hit the pristine waters of Pamlico Sound for a full day of inshore fishing action. Launching from the charming town of Belhaven, NC, you'll join Captain Zach on his decked-out center console for a chance to tangle with some of North Carolina's most prized inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement on one of the East Coast's most productive fishing grounds.

What to Expect on the Water

As the sun rises over the sound, you'll hop aboard Captain Zach's well-equipped vessel, ready for a day of rod-bending action. With room for up to four guests, it's the ideal setup for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. The captain provides all the top-notch gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. He'll share local knowledge and techniques to help you land those bucket list fish, whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills. Don't forget to pack some snacks, drinks, and your camera to capture the memories. Oh, and make sure you've got your North Carolina fishing license sorted before you arrive - it's your ticket to a day of non-stop action.

Tactics for Tidal Success

Fishing the Pamlico Sound isn't your average cast-and-wait game. Captain Zach's got a few tricks up his sleeve to put you on the fish. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, using live bait to entice speckled trout from under docks, or working soft plastics along grass lines for flounder. The captain's always got his eye on the tides, knowing just when and where the fish will be feeding. He'll show you how to read the water, spot the signs of feeding fish, and present your bait in a way that's irresistible to the locals. It's hands-on fishing at its finest, and you'll come away with skills you can use on future trips.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish (Red Drum): The crown jewel of Pamlico Sound, redfish are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These copper-colored beauties can grow upwards of 40 inches and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their characteristic tail out of the water. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can find them year-round in the sound.

Speckled Trout: Don't let their name fool you - these fish are anything but specks. Known for their spotted pattern and delicate taste, speckled trout are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring, and love to hang around structure like oyster beds and grass flats. Their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make them a blast to catch.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, Southern flounder are the ninjas of the flats. These flat fish can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 10 pounds. They're bottom-dwellers that love to ambush their prey, so fishing for them requires patience and precision. Late summer and early fall are prime times to target these tasty flatfish before they move offshore for the winter.

Spanish Mackerel: When the water warms up in late spring and summer, Spanish mackerel arrive in the sound, ready to chase bait and give anglers a run for their money. These sleek, speedy fish are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Trolling or casting lures that mimic their favorite baitfish is the key to success with these toothy predators.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and teeth that look like they belong to a human, sheepshead are one of the most unique-looking fish you'll encounter. They're notorious bait stealers, making them a challenge to hook, but their firm, white flesh makes them a prized catch for the dinner table. You'll find them around structure like pilings and oyster beds, using their powerful jaws to crush crustaceans.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Pamlico Sound isn't just another fishing spot - it's a paradise for inshore anglers. The mix of fresh and saltwater creates a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of game fish. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, the next you could be jigging for trout in deeper channels. The ever-changing nature of the sound means every trip is different, keeping even the most experienced anglers on their toes. And let's not forget the scenery - from osprey diving for their dinner to dolphins playing in the wake, there's always something to see between casts.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to feel the pull of a big red on your line or the thrill of a speckled trout smashing your topwater, it's time to lock in your date with Captain Zach. Remember, spring fishing in Pamlico Sound is some of the best of the year, so don't wait too long to book. The captain's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. While the deposit is non-refundable, it's a small price to pay for a day of world-class fishing and memories that'll last a lifetime. So grab your fishing buddies, mark your calendar, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet them?

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a hard-fighting inshore species. They typically run 3-12 pounds, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in marsh creeks - often so shallow their backs are out of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love their powerful runs and copper color with a distinctive black spot near the tail. To catch 'em, try live bait like mullet or crabs, or artificial lures like gold spoons. Here's a local tip: on a falling tide, look for redfish "tailing" - their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in shallow water. Ease up quietly and make a gentle cast ahead of them for an exciting sight-fishing opportunity.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore species. They usually run 1-4 pounds, with some gators hitting 8-10. You'll find them in grassy flats, creek mouths, and around structure in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are mild. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate white meat. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics on a jighead. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle V-wakes on the surface - that's often a trout chasing bait. Cast ahead of the wake and hang on. These fish have soft mouths, so use a light drag and let them wear themselves out.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are quirky-looking fish with human-like teeth and black vertical stripes. They typically run 2-8 pounds, with some monsters pushing 20. You'll find them around hard structure like pilings, jetties, and reefs where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Winter and early spring are best as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers and their firm, sweet meat makes great table fare. To catch 'em, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a local tip: when you feel the telltale tap-tap of a sheepshead nibbling your bait, wait for the rod to load up before setting the hook. Their tough mouths make a solid hookset crucial.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are ambush predators with both eyes on one side of their flat body. They usually max out around 20 inches and 5 pounds. You'll find them buried in sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, especially near structure like oyster beds or docks. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Anglers love targeting flounder for their sneaky bite and tasty white meat. To catch 'em, use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics along the bottom. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to fully swallow the bait, then reel down and lift. These guys have a knack for spitting the hook, so patience pays off.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are a fast-swimming, torpedo-shaped fish that'll give you a run for your money. They typically range from 1-3 feet long and 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in coastal waters and around structures. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. These fish are prized for their strong, fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their meat is delicious too - great for grilling or smoking. To catch 'em, try trolling with small, shiny lures like spoons or jigs. My local tip: watch for birds diving - that's often a sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding on bait fish below. Cast into the frenzy and hold on tight!

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 Captain Zach's well-equipped center console for a full day of fishing action on Pamlico Sound. We'll set out from Belhaven, NC, in search of redfish, speckled trout, and other local favorites that call these inshore waters home. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this trip is perfect for groups of up to four looking to reel in some great catches. Captain Zach provides top-notch gear and shares his expertise to help you land more fish. Don't forget to pack some snacks, drinks, and your camera to capture the memories. You'll need a valid fishing license too. As we cruise the scenic coastline, you'll pick up local fishing techniques and hopefully snag a few impressive fish along the way. Book your spot now to lock in a great day of spring fishing on Pamlico Sound!

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