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Top-Rated ICW Nearshore Family Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Carolina Beach, NC, USA
- $325 - $1,500 price range
Summary
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Coastal Catches and Cruising
Fish Tales, Wrightsville Style!
Reel in Wrightsville Wonders!
Redfish: Angler's Dream!
Ocean's Bounty, Hooked Bliss!
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Fish Tales, Wrightsville Style!
Reel in Wrightsville Wonders!
Redfish: Angler's Dream!
Ocean's Bounty, Hooked Bliss!
null
null
Fish Tales, Wrightsville Style!
Reel in Wrightsville Wonders!
Redfish: Angler's Dream!
Ocean's Bounty, Hooked Bliss!
Family Fun or Fishing Frenzy: You Choose!
Trip Overview
Get ready for a day of coastal adventure that's totally up to you! Our 3/4 Nearshore Or Family Combo trip gives you the flexibility to craft your perfect day on the water. Whether you're itching to reel in some trophy fish or looking to mix it up with a bit of everything, we've got you covered. We'll cruise within 5 miles of shore, giving you prime access to both great fishing spots and beautiful coastal hideaways. Want to spend the whole time chasing after bluefish and Spanish mackerel? No problem. Prefer to split your day between fishing and some laid-back island hopping in the Intracoastal Waterway? You got it. This trip is all about what makes your crew happy.
What to Expect on the Water
Our day starts at the dock where you'll meet your experienced SWF Charters captain. We'll go over the game plan for the day, making sure it fits exactly what you're looking for. If you're all about the fishing, we'll head straight to the honey holes where the fish are biting. We use a mix of techniques out here - trolling, casting, and maybe even some light bottom fishing depending on what's working. For those opting for the combo trip, we'll spend a few hours wetting lines before switching gears. Then it's time to explore the ICW, where we can pull up to secluded beaches for swimming, shelling, or just soaking up the sun. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles, and all sorts of shore birds along the way. Remember, this is your trip - so don't be shy about telling us what you want to do!
Top Catches This Season
When it comes to fishing, we're targeting some of the most exciting inshore and nearshore species around. Bluefish are known for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature - perfect if you want some real action on the line. Spanish mackerel are speed demons, often hitting lures at full tilt and making your reel sing. Depending on the season and conditions, we might also run into some bonus catches like redfish, flounder, or even some smaller sharks. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. Your captain will show you the ropes if you're new to fishing, or swap tactics with you if you're an old pro. Either way, we're here to put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Bluefish are the brawlers of the coast. These toothy predators travel in schools and can range from 2 to 20 pounds. When they're in a feeding frenzy, the action can be non-stop. Bluefish hit hard and fight all the way to the boat, making them a favorite for anglers who love a good tussle. They're most active in the warmer months, but we can find them nearly year-round in our waters.
Spanish mackerel are the speedsters of the nearshore waters. These sleek, silver fish are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They typically weigh 1 to 4 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in excitement. Spanish mackerel are seasonal visitors, showing up in big numbers from late spring through fall. Trolling with small, shiny lures is often the ticket to filling the cooler with these tasty fish.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's the variety that keeps folks coming back for more. One minute you're battling a hard-charging bluefish, the next you're watching your kids squeal with delight as they spot dolphins playing in our wake. For the serious anglers, we can focus on maximizing your time with lines in the water, targeting different species and trying various techniques to see what's working best that day. For families, the combo option gives everyone a taste of fishing without committing the whole day to it. There's nothing quite like seeing a youngster's face light up when they reel in their first fish, or watching them run along a pristine beach collecting shells. And let's be honest, sometimes it's nice to take a break from fishing to cool off with a swim or do some exploring. It's this mix of activities, along with the personalized attention from our captains, that makes this trip a customer favorite.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're a die-hard angler looking to bend some rods or a family wanting a taste of everything the coast has to offer, our 3/4 Nearshore Or Family Combo trip is the perfect choice. With room for up to 6 guests, it's ideal for families, groups of friends, or even a fun team-building day out of the office. Remember to let us know when booking if you want the full fishing experience or the combo trip - we'll make sure everything's set up just right for you. The fish are biting, the beaches are calling, and we've got the local know-how to make your day on the water unforgettable. Don't wait - the best dates book up fast, especially during peak season. Grab your spot now and get ready for a day of coastal adventure that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock!
Learn more about the animals
Spanish Mackerel
Bluefish are hard-fighting predators that'll test your gear and skills. You'll usually find them 1-2 feet long, but big ones can top 20 pounds. They roam the coast in schools, often churning up the water in feeding frenzies called "blitzes." Look for them in bays, inlets, and along beaches, especially in summer and early fall. Bluefish are popular for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs - they'll hit just about any lure or bait that moves. They're also good eating when prepared right. To land these toothy critters, use wire leaders and sturdy hooks. My local tip: chunk some fresh bait to get them fired up, then cast a popper or metal lure into the fray. Just watch your fingers when unhooking them - those teeth are no joke!
Bluefish
Spanish mackerel are a blast to catch near shore. These speedy swimmers usually run 1-2 feet long and travel in big schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Look for them around structures in open water, especially near the surface. They love warmer months when they'll come in closer to shore - that's when fishing from piers or beaches can be great. Folks enjoy targeting Spanish macks for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps, plus they're delicious on the grill. To hook into these guys, try trolling or drifting with shiny spoons or live bait like sardines. A light spinning setup with 12-20 lb line works well. My go-to trick is to use a long fluorocarbon leader - these fish have sharp teeth and great eyesight, so it helps avoid cutoffs and spooks.
