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Top-Rated Military Discount Fishing in NC
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Emerald Isle, NC, USA
- $250 - $750 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Smiles
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Hooked this scrappy sheepshead while fishing on a partly cloudy day.
Landed a hefty sheepshead using light tackle skills in Hubert, NC!
Reeling in a feisty Sheepshead in the partly cloudy Hubert weather - a great day for fishing!
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Hooked this scrappy sheepshead while fishing on a partly cloudy day.
Landed a hefty sheepshead using light tackle skills in Hubert, NC!
Reeling in a feisty Sheepshead in the partly cloudy Hubert weather - a great day for fishing!
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Hooked this scrappy sheepshead while fishing on a partly cloudy day.
Landed a hefty sheepshead using light tackle skills in Hubert, NC!
Reeling in a feisty Sheepshead in the partly cloudy Hubert weather - a great day for fishing!
Honor on the Water: Military & First Responder Trip
Hey there, heroes! Ready to trade in your uniform for some rod and reel action? We've got a special day on the water lined up just for you. As a local guide, I'm pumped to show you the best inshore fishing spots North Carolina has to offer. This isn't just any old fishing trip – it's our way of saying thanks for all you do. So grab your sea legs and let's hit the waves for some well-deserved R&R, fishin' style!
What's the Deal?
Listen up, folks – this ain't your average day out. We're talking about a full-on inshore adventure, custom-tailored for our military and first responder heroes. You'll be cruising on a sweet, comfy boat that can fit up to four of your buddies. Don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Whether you're a seasoned angler or couldn't tell a fish from a flip-flop, we've got you covered with hands-on guidance from yours truly. We'll be targeting some real beauties like black drum, sheepshead, and redfish. And the best part? You get all this at a rate that won't make your wallet cry. It's our little thank you for keeping us safe.
Casting and Blasting
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be doing some serious inshore fishing, which means we're sticking close to the coast where the big boys like to hang out. We're talking light tackle fishing – none of that deep-sea heavy lifting. We'll be using a mix of live bait and lures, depending on what's biting. You might find yourself tossing a line under docks for sheepshead, working the grass flats for redfish, or drifting with the current for some monster trout. I'll show you all the tricks – how to read the water, spot the signs of fish, and set the hook just right. And don't worry if you're new to this – by the end of the day, you'll be casting like a pro and telling fish tales with the best of 'em.
Fish Tales and Salty Scales
Now, let me paint you a picture of what you're in for. Picture this: You're out on the water as the sun's coming up, casting your line into that glassy surface. Suddenly, your rod bends double and you're in for the fight of your life. Maybe it's a bull red giving you a run for your money, or a chunky black drum testing your biceps. Or heck, you might even hook into one of those wily sea trout that'll have you sweating bullets trying to keep it on the line. Between catches, we'll swap stories, share a few laughs, and soak in that salty air. Trust me, there's nothing quite like the feeling of reeling in your first big one – it's the kind of rush that'll have you grinning for days.
The Local Lineup
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish you'll be going after. First up, we've got the black drum. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, but we usually target the smaller "puppy drums" that are perfect for the dinner table. They love to hang around structure and put up one heck of a fight.
Next, there's the sheepshead. Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – these striped bandits are tough to catch but boy, are they tasty. They're masters at stealing bait, so hooking one is a real badge of honor.
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a favorite around here. They're quick, they're feisty, and they're a blast on light tackle. Nothing beats the sound of a trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Redfish, also known as red drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing in the shallows or crushing bait in the surf. Hook into a big one, and you're in for a real slugfest.
Last but not least, we've got the freshwater drum. Don't let the name fool you – we catch these in the brackish waters where rivers meet the sea. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they fight like champs and can surprise you with their size.
Time to Gear Up
Alright, heroes, it's time to trade in that uniform for a fishing shirt and make some memories on the water. This trip is more than just catching fish – it's about unwinding, sharing laughs, and maybe even healing a bit. You've given so much to your community and country, so let us give a little back. Whether you're looking to test your skills against some hard-fighting fish or just want to kick back and enjoy a day on the water, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast for these special trips, so don't wait to book. Grab your buddies, give us a call, and let's get you out on the water where you belong. The fish are waiting, and so are we. What do you say – ready to make some waves?
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Freshwater drums are an abundant species you'll find in our local waters. These silver-scaled bottom feeders typically run 10-14 inches and 1-8 pounds, though the record catch topped 50 pounds. They hang out in clear, shallow areas with some vegetation, rooting around for snails, clams, and small fish. Summer's peak season, but you can catch 'em year-round. Drums got their name from the grunting noise males make during spawning. They're not known for putting up much of a fight, but they're fun and easy to catch - perfect if you want steady action. Use a medium spinning setup with 10-20 pound line and natural baits like crayfish tails or nightcrawlers. Here's a local tip: focus on structure near drop-offs where drums gather to feed. Bounce your bait slowly along the bottom and be ready for that telltale thump. While not a premier game fish, drums can make for some laid-back fishing and decent eating if prepared right.
Freshwater Drum
Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, known for their powerful jaws and drumming sound. Smaller ones of 5-30 pounds are common inshore, but they can reach a whopping 90 pounds in deep water. Look for their gray coloring and distinctive barbels under the chin. You'll find black drum around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in brackish creeks. They're bottom feeders, so fish your bait right on the seafloor. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. These bruisers put up a stubborn, dogged fight - more power than speed. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, white meat. The big ones can be tough and wormy, so it's best to release those gently. Here's a local secret: During the spawn, listen for their croaking sounds in shallow water at night. A piece of blue crab fished nearby can lead to some heavyweight action. Just hang on tight when that rod doubles over!
Redfish
Sheepshead are an oddball inshore species that'll test your skills. These striped "convict fish" are famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can reach 20+ pounds in the right spots. You'll find sheepshead around any hard structure - pilings, bridges, reefs - anywhere barnacles grow. They're notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn near inlets and offshore reefs. Sheepshead put up a stubborn fight for their size, using those teeth to grind through leaders if you're not careful. Their white, sweet meat is excellent eating, though cleaning them can be a chore with those tough scales. Local tip: Use a small, sharp hook with a piece of fiddler crab. When you feel the slightest tap, set the hook hard - sheepshead are masters at stripping bait. Patience and a sensitive touch are key to landing these wily fish.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a blast to catch in our inshore waters. These silvery, spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters can reach 40 pounds. They're known for their delicate, flaky white meat - a local favorite on dinner plates. You'll find sea trout cruising grass flats and hanging around oyster bars, especially at night. They love to ambush bait in shallow water, so topwater lures can be deadly. Winter pushes them into deeper holes and channels where they school up. These fish are temperamental - one day they're hitting everything, the next they've got lockjaw. That's part of the fun. They put up a good scrap on light tackle and often jump when hooked. Here's an insider tip: On calm evenings, idle along grassy edges and listen for their distinctive "pop" as they attack bait on the surface. Cast a soft plastic or live shrimp to the sound for some heart-pounding action.
Sheepshead
Redfish, also called red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. You'll spot 'em by the black "eye" near their tail. Most run 28-33 inches full grown, but they can top 45 inches and 50 pounds in the right conditions. These guys love shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster beds, grass flats, and manmade structures like old docks. They'll hit just about any bait that fits in their mouth, from small flies to big topwater plugs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as redfish school up in the shallows. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in gin-clear water is hard to beat for pure excitement. They put up a great fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: On calm mornings, cruise the flats and look for their copper-colored backs breaking the surface. A well-placed topwater lure can trigger explosive strikes. Just be ready to hold on!
About the S22
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 70
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
