Best Nearshore Fishing Trip with SWF Charters

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Carolina Beach, NC, USA
$325 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Join SWF Charters for a relaxing half-day trip along the nearshore coastal waters. This morning outing is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, including kids and first-timers. As you cruise out, you'll be treated to a stunning sunrise over the beach - a sight that sets the tone for a great day on the water. The focus is on trolling for schooling fish, with bluefish and mackerel being the main targets. These species offer steady action and are fun to catch, making them ideal for newcomers to ocean fishing. With a maximum of 6 guests, you'll have plenty of space and individual attention from the crew. The nearshore waters provide a gentler experience compared to deep-sea fishing, so you can enjoy the ocean without venturing too far out. It's a fantastic way to introduce yourself or your family to saltwater angling while taking in the coastal scenery.

Best Nearshore Fishing Trip with SWF Charters

Sunrise Catches

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A white grunt fish caught while fishing in Leland

4 bluefish and spanish mackerel caught by 2 people in Leland

Sunrise Trolling: 1/2 Day Nearshore Adventure

Ready for an early morning fish fest? Our 1/2 Day Nearshore trip is perfect for anglers of all levels looking to score some tasty catches without venturing too far from shore. We'll head out at dawn, chasing that golden sunrise over the water as we set up to troll for some of the coast's most exciting school fish. It's a laid-back trip that's great for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to squeeze in some quality fishing without taking up their whole day.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll push off while most folks are still hitting snooze, giving us prime time on the water. As we cruise out, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake or pelicans dive-bombing for their breakfast. Once we hit our sweet spot, we'll set up our trolling spread and get those lines wet. The morning bite can be hot, so be ready for some action! Don't worry if you're new to this - our crew will walk you through everything from baiting hooks to reeling in the big ones. And with a max of 6 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and time on the rod.

Trolling 101

Trolling is like the lazy man's way to fish - and I mean that in the best way possible. We'll cruise at a slow speed, dragging lines behind the boat with lures or bait that mimic fleeing baitfish. It's a killer technique for covering lots of water and enticing those predator fish to strike. We use a mix of surface and deeper-running lures to target different species. When a fish hits, you'll hear that sweet sound of line peeling off the reel, and that's when the real fun begins! It's a great method for beginners since the boat does a lot of the work, but don't be fooled - when a big bluefish or mackerel grabs on, you'll still get an arm workout bringing it in!

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These speedsters are the prize catch on our nearshore trips. Known as "kings" for a reason, they can top 50 pounds and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're most active in our waters from late spring through fall, with peak season hitting in the dog days of summer. Anglers love targeting kings not just for the thrill of the catch, but also for their firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for smoking or grilling.

Spanish Mackerel: The smaller cousins of the kings, Spanish mackerel are no less exciting to catch. These torpedo-shaped fish school up in big numbers, meaning when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're lightning-fast and known for their sharp teeth, so watch those fingers when unhooking! Spanish macks typically range from 1-3 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. They're at their peak in our area during the warmer months, often visible from the surface as they slash through bait schools. Anglers love targeting Spanish mackerel for their sporting qualities and excellent table fare - they're delicious when grilled fresh.

Bluefish: These chompers are the bullies of the nearshore waters, and hooking into a big one is like picking a fight with a bar bouncer. Bluefish are aggressive feeders with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, known for their powerful runs and tendency to tailwalk across the surface when hooked. They show up in our waters as the temperature rises, usually sticking around from late spring through fall. While they can grow upwards of 20 pounds, we typically see them in the 2-10 pound range on these trips. Anglers get a kick out of their ferocious strikes and the challenge of landing them. While not as prized for eating as the mackerels, smaller bluefish can be quite tasty when prepared right.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our 1/2 Day Nearshore trips are a fan favorite for good reason. You get all the excitement of offshore fishing without the long run times or seasickness worries. It's perfect for introducing kids or newbies to saltwater fishing, but still offers enough action to keep seasoned anglers happy. Plus, there's something magical about being out on the water as the sun comes up, watching the coastline light up while you wait for that first strike of the day. Many of our repeat customers started with this trip and got hooked (pun intended) on the whole fishing experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a way to scratch that fishing itch without committing to a full day on the water, our 1/2 Day Nearshore trip is your ticket. It's a chance to get out there, tangle with some hard-fighting fish, and still be back in time for lunch (maybe even with the main course in your cooler). Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to sample what our waters have to offer, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a morning of rod-bending action on the nearshore grounds. Trust me, once you feel that first hit on the line, you'll be glad you set that early alarm!

Learn more about the species

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive fighters that'll test your gear and your skills. These toothy predators average 3-5 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them in bays, inlets, and along beaches, often in large schools churning up the water in feeding frenzies. They arrive in our area by early summer and stick around through fall. Blues are known for their powerful runs and sharp teeth - watch your fingers! Their oily meat is great smoked or grilled fresh. To catch them, try casting topwater plugs, metal lures, or live bait. Medium spinning gear with 20-pound test line works well. Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Here's a tip: when blues are feeding on the surface, cast a popper plug right into the commotion and hang on! The strikes are explosive. Just be ready to move spots frequently - bluefish schools are always on the move chasing bait.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are fast, powerful fish that'll give you a real run for your money. These sleek predators typically weigh 20-30 pounds, but big ones can top 90. You'll find them in coastal waters 40-150 feet deep, often near structure. They love warm water in the 70-80°F range. Summer and early fall are prime time as kings follow bait schools inshore. Anglers prize them for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat's rich and oily - great for smoking. To land one, try trolling with large spoons or live bait rigs. Use wire leaders - their razor sharp teeth will slice through mono. A local trick is to use two hooks on your bait - one in the nose, one trailing. Kings often strike the back half first. Just watch those teeth when you're handling them. Kings can leave a nasty gash if you're not careful. But man, hooking into a big smoker king is something you won't soon forget.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are perfect for light tackle anglers looking for fast action. These streamlined speedsters usually run 1-2 feet long and a few pounds, but can reach 25 pounds. Look for them in large schools near the surface, often over sandbars or around inlets. They show up in our waters from spring through fall, following bait schools. Macks are lightning fast and will jump and tail-walk when hooked. Their flaky white meat is delicious fresh off the grill. To catch them, try trolling small spoons or jigs, or cast into feeding schools. A 7-foot medium action rod with 15-pound line works great. Spanish Mackerel have sharp teeth, so use a short wire leader. Here's a local tip - when you see birds diving, that's often Spanish Mackerel pushing bait to the surface. Motor upwind of the action, cut the engine, and drift into casting range. You're in for some fun, fast fishing when you find a school.

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