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Caught a Summer Flounder Inshore in Swansboro
Summer Flounder Inshore in Swansboro
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The Summer Flounder belongs to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. It typically measures between 15 and 37 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 5 lbs. - Habitat includes onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters. - Flatfish species with both eyes positioned on the left side of the head. - Lives on the seafloor, lying on the blind side while facing upward into the water column.
Fishing Guide by Guide Addison Grantham in October
Meet your Guide Addison Grantham
- Have an 'Unreel' and Epic Fishing Trip in NC!
Summary
Guide Addison Grantham of Unreel Charters NC on Saturday October offers productive inshore fishing adventures targeting summer flounder in Swansboro's coastal waters. These 4 to 8-hour fishing charters focus on drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques around grass flats and structure where summer flounder actively feed. With top-quality gear provided and room for up to 4 anglers, these guided trips deliver consistent action in North Carolina's legendary inshore waters. Whether you choose catch and release or take home fresh fish for dinner, the calm marshes and open water around Swansboro provide excellent opportunities for trophy catches. Local knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive spots ensures memorable fishing experiences for families and serious anglers alike.
Fishing Charter with Guide Addison Grantham – Rates & Booking
Guide Addison Grantham of Unreel Charters NC on Saturday October runs productive inshore fishing charters from Swansboro, targeting summer flounder in North Carolina's coastal waters. These 4 to 8-hour adventures accommodate up to 4 anglers with all rods, reels, and tackle provided. Rates vary by trip length, with 4-hour half-day options perfect for families and 6 to 8-hour full-day charters ideal for serious anglers wanting to work the productive grass flats thoroughly. Book online or call to check availability and secure your spot on these consistently productive waters.
Highlights of Inshore Fishing Charters | 6 or 8 Hour Charter Trip
These Swansboro fishing charters focus on drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques around the diverse structure and grass beds that make this area legendary for summer flounder. The calm, clear waters provide excellent visibility while working live bait presentations over productive bottom structure. Early morning launches maximize fishing time during peak feeding periods when summer flounder are most active.
Catch and release or keep your fresh catch for dinner—the choice is yours. From calm marshes to open water, there's always potential for trophy fish in these North Carolina coastal waters. The combination of local knowledge, quality gear, and productive fishing grounds creates lasting memories for anglers of all experience levels.
Local Species Insights: Summer Flounder
Summer flounder thrive in Swansboro's diverse inshore environment, using grass flats and sandy bottom structure as ambush points for feeding. These flatfish are most active during moving tides when baitfish concentrate around structure, making drift fishing and bottom fishing with live bait highly effective. Fall months bring excellent action as summer flounder feed heavily before seasonal migrations, with clear water conditions providing ideal visibility for spotting productive areas and working techniques effectively.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter includes all necessary fishing equipment with top-quality rods, reels, and tackle provided by experienced guides who know these waters intimately. Trips launch at dawn to maximize fishing time during prime feeding periods, with flexible trip lengths from 4 to 8 hours depending on your group's preferences. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 anglers with safety equipment and local expertise ensuring both productive fishing and peace of mind on the water.
Fishing in Swansboro: Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) are distinctive flatfish belonging to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. These remarkable fish feature both eyes positioned on the left side of their head, allowing them to lie flat on the seafloor while maintaining visual contact with the water column above. Grayish-brown coloration with lighter spots provides excellent camouflage against sandy and muddy bottoms. In Swansboro waters this October, summer flounder actively feed around grass flats and structure during moving tides.
Summer Flounder Overview
Summer flounder are prized gamefish known for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These ambush predators spend most of their time buried in sand or mud, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass overhead. Anglers value them for their challenging nature and delicious white, flaky meat that makes excellent eating.
Summer Flounder Habitat and Distribution
Summer flounder inhabit coastal waters from Nova Scotia to North Carolina, preferring sandy and muddy bottoms in bays, estuaries, and nearshore ocean waters. Around Swansboro, they frequent grass flats, channel edges, and areas with mixed bottom structure where baitfish concentrate. These fish move between shallow and deeper waters based on seasonal patterns and feeding opportunities.
Summer Flounder Size and Weight
Summer flounder typically range from 15 to 37 inches in length, weighing between 1 to 5 pounds. Trophy fish can exceed these averages, with some specimens reaching over 8 pounds. Female summer flounder grow larger than males, with the biggest fish often found in deeper offshore waters during certain seasons.
Summer Flounder Diet and Behavior
Summer flounder are opportunistic predators feeding on small fish, crabs, shrimp, and marine worms. They use their camouflaged appearance to ambush prey from the seafloor, striking quickly when food passes within range. Peak feeding activity occurs during moving tides when current brings concentrated baitfish over their hunting grounds.
Summer Flounder Spawning Season
Summer flounder spawn in offshore waters during fall and winter months, with peak activity occurring when water temperatures drop. Adults migrate to deeper waters for spawning, while juveniles move into shallow estuarine waters during spring and summer months to feed and grow in protected environments.
Summer Flounder Fishing Techniques
Drift fishing with live bait like minnows, squid strips, or bucktails produces excellent results for summer flounder. Bottom fishing around structure using circle hooks and light sinkers allows natural bait presentation. In October around Swansboro, anglers find success working grass flats and channel edges during moving tides with live finger mullet or artificial jigs tipped with bait.
Summer Flounder Is It Good to Eat?
Summer flounder provide excellent table fare with mild, sweet white meat that flakes easily when cooked. The fish contains high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury. Popular cooking methods include pan-frying, baking, or grilling, with the delicate flavor complementing simple seasonings and light sauces.
Summer Flounder Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for summer flounder?
A: Live finger mullet, squid strips, and bucktail jigs tipped with bait work exceptionally well. Drift fishing with live bait near bottom structure produces consistent results.
Q: Where can I find summer flounder near Swansboro?
A: Focus on grass flats, channel edges, and areas with mixed sandy bottom structure. Moving tides concentrate baitfish and trigger feeding activity in these productive zones.
Q: Is summer flounder good to eat?
A: Yes, summer flounder offer excellent eating with mild, sweet white meat that's high in protein and omega-3s while remaining low in mercury. The delicate flavor works well with simple preparations.
Q: When is the best time to catch summer flounder?
A: Moving tides during early morning and late afternoon provide peak feeding opportunities. Fall months like October offer excellent action as fish feed heavily before seasonal migrations.
More species you can explore on this trip
Unreel Charters NC Available Trips
Ready for some laid-back fishing on the Neuse River? Hop aboard our comfy boat and let's hit the water! We've got room for you and a buddy to cast lines and reel in some great catches. Whether you're after striped bass, red drum, or flounder, these Eastern North Carolina waters are teeming with fish. No need to fuss with gear - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all set for you. Just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a cold drink or two. From quiet backwaters to open stretches, we'll find the perfect spots to drop a line. And hey, if you land a keeper, you can take it home for a fresh seafood dinner. Or if you prefer, we can snap a quick pic and send that fish back to grow even bigger. So grab a friend, clear your schedule for 4 to 8 hours, and let's make some waves on the Neuse!
