Family-Friendly Oak Island Fishing with Carolina Fly Guy

Published Date: October 12, 2025
Fishing

Oak Island
$450 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun family activity in Oak Island? Carolina Fly Guy offers 4-hour fishing trips that are perfect for groups of up to 3. You'll head out on the water to target inshore and nearshore fish like Redfish, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel, depending on what's biting. The captain keeps things laid-back and engaging, so both kids and adults can learn the ropes and reel in some catches. No need to stress about gear or know-how – they provide quality equipment and an experienced crew to handle all the details. It's a great way to spend quality time together, soak in North Carolina's beautiful coastline, and maybe land your next big fish story. The trips are private, so you'll have the boat to yourselves. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check out their Trips & Rates page for more info before booking.

Family-Friendly Oak Island Fishing with Carolina Fly Guy

Catches of the Day

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Five people enjoying water sports activities in North Carolina

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A photo of two people fishing for a summer flounder in North Carolina.

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Family Fun on Oak Island's Inshore Waters

Ready for a laid-back fishing adventure the whole family can enjoy? Carolina Fly Guy's got you covered with their Oak Island fishing charters. This 4-hour trip is tailor-made for families looking to wet a line and make some memories on North Carolina's beautiful coast. With room for up to 3 guests, it's the perfect size for parents and kids to bond over bent rods and screaming reels. Whether you're chasing redfish in the backwaters or trolling for Spanish mackerel just off the beach, Captain Mike keeps things fun and relaxed so everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers can get in on the action.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Carolina Fly Guy's skiff, you're in for a treat. Captain Mike's easygoing style puts even the most nervous novices at ease. He'll get you set up with top-notch gear that's sized right for both kids and adults. As you cruise the inshore waters around Oak Island, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, ospreys, and other local wildlife. The captain knows all the honey holes where fish like to hang out, so you'll spend more time catching than searching. And don't worry if you've never held a rod before - Mike's a pro at teaching the basics and helping you land that first big one.

Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots

Depending on the season and what's biting, you might find yourself casting soft plastics around oyster beds for redfish, or drifting live shrimp for flounder. If the nearshore bite is on, you could be trolling for Spanish mackerel or bottom fishing for black sea bass. Captain Mike's got all the tricks up his sleeve, from popping corks for speckled trout to sight-casting for tailing reds in the grass flats. He'll tailor the techniques to your skill level and what's working that day. Some of the local hotspots include the Lockwood Folly River, the ICW near Southport, and the nearshore reefs just a quick run from the inlet.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bluefish: These toothy critters are like the bulldogs of the sea - all attitude and non-stop energy. Bluefish hit lures and bait with reckless abandon, making for some seriously fun fights on light tackle. They show up in good numbers from spring through fall, often busting bait on the surface. Kids love watching them chomp down on topwater plugs. While they're not known for their table fare, bluefish under 5 pounds can be quite tasty when prepared fresh.

Black Drum: With their distinctive chin barbels and powerful shoulders, black drum are a favorite target for Oak Island anglers. These cousins of the red drum can grow to massive sizes, but the "puppy drum" in the 5-15 pound range are perfect for family fishing. They love to hang around structure like bridge pilings and oyster bars, where they root out crabs and shrimp. Black drum put up a stubborn fight and make excellent eating when caught in the slot size.

Sheepshead: Often called "the poor man's lobster" for their sweet, white meat, sheepshead are as fun to catch as they are to eat. These striped convicts are notorious bait stealers, with their human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. Catching them requires finesse and patience, as they're masters at nibbling bait off hooks. But when you hook up, their strong runs and side-to-side head shakes will test your tackle. Look for them around dock pilings, jetties, and artificial reefs.

Redfish: Also known as red drum or spot-tail bass, redfish are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Their copper-colored bodies and distinctive black spot near the tail make them easy to identify. Redfish can be caught year-round in Oak Island waters, but fall is prime time when big schools of bull reds move into the area. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an adrenaline-pumping experience that even novice anglers can enjoy. Their hard runs and dogged fights make them a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts.

Ladyfish: Often called "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are the acrobats of the inshore world. These silver bullets are known for their spectacular leaps and tail-walking displays when hooked. While they're not prized for eating, ladyfish are some of the most fun you can have on light tackle. They often show up in big schools, providing non-stop action that's perfect for keeping kids engaged. Ladyfish hit just about anything that moves, making them great for teaching basic casting and retrieval techniques.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though there are plenty of those. What keeps families coming back to Carolina Fly Guy is the whole package. Captain Mike's got a knack for making everyone feel like a pro, no matter their skill level. He's patient with kids, full of local knowledge, and always has a good fish story to share. The relaxed pace means you can take in the beauty of Oak Island's waterways without feeling rushed. And there's something special about watching your kid's face light up when they reel in their first big catch. It's the kind of day that turns into a yearly tradition before you know it.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure that's more about fun than filling the cooler, Carolina Fly Guy's Oak Island charter is your ticket. With only 3 spots per trip, these outings tend to fill up fast, especially during peak summer and fall seasons. Remember, the $100 deposit is non-refundable, so make sure your plans are solid before booking. Whether you're after your first redfish or just want to spend some quality time on the water with the kids, Captain Mike will make sure you have a day to remember. So grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and get ready to make some waves - and memories - on your next Oak Island getaway.

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the big cousins of red drum, often weighing 20-40 pounds with some real monsters topping 80. You'll find them in brackish waters around oyster beds, pier pilings, and bridge supports. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so fresh crab or shrimp are top baits. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn near inlets. Anglers love the heavy pull of a big drum - it's like hooking a bulldozer. The meat of smaller ones is good eating, but larger fish can be tough and wormy. For best results, use stout tackle and fish right on the bottom. A local trick is to scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. Listen closely and you might even hear their distinctive drumming sound. Just be ready for a workout when you hook into one of these bruisers.

Bluefish

Bluefish are a hard-fighting species that'll give you a real workout. These aggressive predators typically range from 3-10 pounds, though big ones can top 20. You'll find them cruising the surf, inlets, and nearshore waters, often in schools. They're voracious eaters, chasing bait fish and creating surface commotion. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love bluefish for their strong runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Their oily flesh makes great smoked fish too. To land one, try metal lures or cut bait fished near the surface. A wire leader is a must - those razor sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When a school's feeding, the action can be non-stop. Just be careful handling them boat-side, as they'll keep snapping even out of water.

Ladyfish

Ladyfish are the acrobats of inshore waters. These slim, silvery fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach 5-plus. You'll find them in coastal lagoons, estuaries, and along beaches, often in big schools. They're aggressive feeders, chasing bait fish near the surface. Summer and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers love ladyfish for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked - they'll jump and tailwalk across the water. While not great table fare, they're fantastic sport on light tackle. For best results, use small jigs or flies retrieved quickly near the surface. Here's a local tip: when you see bait fish showering, cast beyond them and reel through the school. Ladyfish will often be right behind, ready to pounce. Just be ready for some wild acrobatics once you hook up.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties typically run 3-10 pounds in the shallows, but big bulls over 40 pounds cruise nearshore waters. You'll find them tailing in grass flats, prowling oyster bars, or busting bait schools in the surf. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water - it's like hunting with a rod. Their hard runs and dogged fights make for great sport on light tackle. For best results, work topwater lures or scented soft plastics around structure early and late in the day. Here's a local tip: look for their trademark tail wakes in calm, shallow water. Once you spot them, a well-placed cast often leads to an explosive strike. Just be ready to hold on when that drag starts screaming.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the sneaky thieves of inshore waters. These striped convict fish typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach 10-plus. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and any structure covered in barnacles - their favorite food. They're notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth, so a sensitive touch is key. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these wily fish, plus they're excellent table fare. For best results, use a small hook with fiddler crab or oyster and fish right against pilings. Here's a local tip: when you feel that light tap, count to three before setting the hook. That gives them time to get the bait in their mouth. Landing a big sheepshead takes finesse, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in the sea.

About the Center Console Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Hop aboard for a laid-back 4-hour fishing trip with Carolina Fly Guy in Oak Island, NC. This family-friendly outing is ideal for up to 3 guests looking to reel in some fun together. You'll explore the inshore waters, casting lines for seasonal catches like redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. The easy-going captain keeps things light and engaging, perfect for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Kids and adults alike will pick up new fishing tricks while enjoying quality time on the water. With top-notch gear and an experienced crew taking care of the details, you're free to focus on making memories and hopefully landing a few fish. It's a great way to experience North Carolina's coastal beauty and bond as a family. Remember, trip deposits are non-refundable.

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