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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Oak Island
Redfish Fishing Charter in Oak Island
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized game fish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish have red-colored backs that fade to white bellies.
Fishing Charter by Captain Ashley Hux in December
Meet your Captain Ashley Hux
- Reel In To An Epic Oak Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Captain Ashley Hux of Carolina Fly Guy on Tuesday July offers 4-hour inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel in Oak Island's productive coastal waters. These guided trips combine surf fishing, pier techniques, and kayak access to prime inshore spots where seasonal patterns bring consistent action. With professional gear included and local expertise, anglers experience the best of North Carolina's nearshore fishing grounds through personalized instruction and proven techniques.
Fishing Charter with Captain Ashley Hux – Rates & Booking
Captain Ashley Hux of Carolina Fly Guy on Tuesday July guides 4-hour inshore and nearshore fishing trips from Oak Island, targeting redfish, flounder, and seasonal species based on current conditions. These charters accommodate up to 3 guests and include all professional-grade tackle, bait, and local expertise. Trips launch early morning from Fish Factory Road Southeast, covering diverse fishing grounds from surf zones to protected inshore flats. Book your charter online or call for current availability and seasonal fishing reports.
Highlights of Fishing Charters Oak Island | 4 Hour Charter Trip
Oak Island's inshore waters offer year-round fishing opportunities with redfish, summer flounder, and Spanish mackerel leading the action during peak seasons. Captain Ashley combines multiple techniques including surf fishing, pier access, and kayak fishing to maximize your chances on the water. The 4-hour format allows thorough coverage of prime spots while maintaining comfort for anglers of all experience levels.
Recent trips have produced quality catches including spotted weakfish, summer flounder, and scrappy redfish in the 9-12 inch range. The variety of species and fishing methods makes each charter unique, with Captain Ashley adapting tactics based on weather, tides, and seasonal patterns to ensure productive fishing.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Oak Island's shallow inshore waters, particularly around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These copper-colored drum are most active during moving tides and can be targeted year-round, though summer and fall produce the most consistent action. Captain Ashley uses light tackle techniques including soft plastics, spoons, and live bait to entice these hard-fighting fish in water ranging from 1-4 feet deep.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour charter includes all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and bait, with Captain Ashley providing instruction on local techniques and species identification. The trip accommodates up to 3 anglers and covers multiple fishing environments from surf fishing to kayak access depending on conditions. Early morning departures maximize fishing time during prime feeding periods, with flexible scheduling based on tides and weather patterns for optimal success.
Fishing in Oak Island: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic game fish found along the Atlantic coastlines from Massachusetts to Florida. Members of the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, these copper-bronze fish are easily identified by their distinctive black eyespots near the tail and reddish coloration that fades to white on the belly. In Oak Island waters this July, redfish provide consistent action for anglers targeting the shallow inshore flats and creek systems.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly sought-after sport fish known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting ability. They inhabit coastal waters from surf zones to protected backcountry flats, making them accessible to both shore and boat anglers. Their popularity stems from their willingness to take artificial lures, aggressive strikes, and excellent table fare when harvested within slot limits.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in shallow coastal environments including grass flats, oyster reefs, creek mouths, and surf zones. Around Oak Island, redfish frequent the inshore waters of the Cape Fear River system, Lockwoods Folly Inlet, and the expansive grass flats that characterize this section of North Carolina's coast. They prefer water depths from 1-4 feet but can be found in deeper nearshore waters during certain seasons.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30-61 inches in length and weigh between 10-45 pounds, though fish over 40 inches are considered oversized and must be released in North Carolina waters. Slot-sized fish between 18-27 inches provide the best eating and are the primary target for most anglers. Young redfish, often called "puppy drum," are common in the 12-20 inch range.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and various small fish. They often feed in shallow water with their tails exposed, a behavior called "tailing" that makes them visible to sight-fishing anglers. Peak feeding occurs during moving tides, particularly the first two hours of incoming and outgoing water movement.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late August through November, with peak activity in September and October. During this period, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper water to spawn, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers targeting these aggregations. Water temperatures between 70-80°F trigger spawning behavior.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with soft plastic baits, casting spoons and topwater lures to feeding schools, and using live or cut bait around structure. Popular artificial lures include gold spoons, soft plastic shrimp, and paddle-tail swimbaits. In Oak Island during summer months, anglers find success fishing the early morning and late afternoon periods when redfish move into shallow feeding areas.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Slot-sized redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild flavor that works well with various cooking methods. The flesh is lean and flaky when cooked, making it ideal for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and soft plastic baits like paddle-tail swimbaits are highly effective. Gold spoons and topwater plugs also produce excellent results during active feeding periods.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Oak Island?
A: Target shallow grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and the surf zone. The Cape Fear River system and Lockwoods Folly Inlet area hold good populations of redfish year-round.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, slot-sized redfish (18-27 inches in NC) provide excellent eating with firm, white meat and mild flavor. They're versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides produce the best action, particularly the first two hours of incoming or outgoing water. Early morning and late afternoon are prime feeding times during summer months.
More species you can explore on this trip
Carolina Fly Guy Available Trips
Ready to wet a line in Oak Island? Hop aboard with Carolina Fly Guy for a fun 4-hour fishing trip. We'll cruise the inshore and nearshore waters, chasing whatever's biting. Depending on the season, you might land flounder, redfish, Spanish mackerel, and other local favorites. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand and are happy to share tips to help you reel in the big one. We've got top-notch gear and a crew that knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're a total newbie or have been fishing for years, you'll have a blast exploring Oak Island's rich coastal waters. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water. Grab your spot and let's go fishing!
