Premier Calabash NC Shore Fishing | 4HR Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Calabash
$550 - $600 price range
Updated Date: October 13, 2025

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed 4-hour fishing trip off the coast of Calabash, NC. We'll be targeting some of the area's most exciting gamefish - barracuda, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel. These hard-fighting species will give your arms a workout and get your adrenaline pumping. Captain Shad's Coastal Charters provides everything you need for a successful day on the water. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Even if you're new to fishing, the captain will show you the ropes and put you on the fish. The nearshore waters offer beautiful views of the coastline as we troll and cast for our catch. There's nothing like the rush of hooking into a speedy barracuda or hefty king mackerel. Bring your camera to capture the action and your prized catches. With any luck, you might even bring home some fresh fish for dinner. Don't miss this chance to experience the thrill of sportfishing in one of North Carolina's top coastal destinations.

Premier Calabash NC Shore Fishing | 4HR Charter

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Reel in the Big Ones: Calabash Half-Day Fishing

Get ready to chase some of the most exciting fish in the Atlantic on this action-packed half-day trip out of Calabash, NC. We're talking barracuda that'll make your drag scream and mackerel that'll test your arms. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Shad's got you covered for four hours of non-stop fishing fun. With room for four, it's the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water with your crew.

What's Biting Out There

Picture this: you're cruising out of Calabash inlet, the salty breeze in your face, and before you know it, we're in prime fishing grounds. We'll be targeting the near-shore hotspots where barracuda, Spanish mackerel, and king mackerel like to hang out. These waters are teeming with life, and on a good day, your arms'll be sore from reeling in one fish after another. Don't worry if you're new to this - the captain's got all the gear and know-how to put you on the fish. And for you experienced anglers, get ready to swap some fish tales and maybe even learn a new trick or two.

Trolling, Jigging, and Live Bait Magic

On this trip, we'll mix it up with different fishing techniques to maximize our chances. We might start off trolling, dragging lures behind the boat to entice those speedy mackerel. Then, if we spot some activity, we could switch to jigging - dropping lures down and working them back up to mimic wounded baitfish. And if the bite's really on, we might break out the live bait. There's nothing quite like watching a frisky live bait get slammed by a big cuda or king. The captain's got all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear for the Spanish mackerel to heavier setups for when those big kings decide to play. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack - the action can work up an appetite!

Target Species

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the perfect warm-up act. Averaging 2-4 pounds, they're known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. They school up thick in the summer months, and when you find them, it's not uncommon to have multiple hookups at once. Their flaky white meat makes for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste.

King Mackerel: Now we're talking! Kings, or "smokers" as we call 'em, are the big brothers of the mackerel family. These toothy predators can top 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. They're famous for screaming runs that'll have your reel singing. Best time to target them is late spring through fall. Nothing beats the feeling of a king skyrocketing on a live bait - it's pure fishing adrenaline.

Barracuda: If you're looking for a fish with an attitude, meet the barracuda. These long, sleek predators are all muscle and teeth. They'll hit lures and live baits with explosive strikes that'll make your heart race. We catch 'em year-round, but they're most active in the warmer months. Size-wise, expect anything from 5 to 30 pounds. And while they're not known for their table fare, they sure make for some exciting catch-and-release action.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing these Calabash waters. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the waves as you're reeling in your catch. Or how you can see the shoreline in the distance, but out here, it's just you and the fish. Every trip is different - one day you might be in a frenzy of Spanish mackerel, the next you could be battling a monster king. And let's not forget the wildlife - dolphins, sea turtles, and all sorts of seabirds often make guest appearances. It's not just fishing; it's a full-on coastal adventure.

Time to Wet a Line

So, what do you say? Ready to see what's biting in Calabash? This half-day trip is perfect for fitting some serious fishing into your beach vacation or for locals looking to scratch that fishing itch without taking a whole day off. With only four spots per trip, you'll get plenty of attention from the captain to hone your skills or learn new ones. And who knows? You might just catch the fish of a lifetime. Don't let this one get away - book your spot on Captain Shad's boat and get ready for some rod-bending, drag-screaming action. The fish are waiting!

Learn more about the species

Barracuda

Barracuda are the toothy terrors of the nearshore waters. Most we catch are 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can reach 6 feet and 50+ pounds. You'll find 'cuda hanging around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 20-100 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so look for them lurking near bait schools. Barracuda strike with incredible speed and often leap clear out of the water when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for the explosive hits and aerial acrobatics. To catch one, try casting or trolling with flashy tube lures or spoons. Live bait works too, but watch those teeth! My top tip: when you see a 'cuda following your lure, speed up your retrieve to trigger the bite. Just be ready to set the hook fast - these guys don't mess around!

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are speed demons, rivaling wahoo as the fastest fish in these waters. Most kings we catch run 10-30 pounds, but the big ones can top 50. Look for them in 40-150 feet of water near reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs. Kings feed voraciously year-round but really turn on when water temps hit the mid-70s. Anglers love the screaming runs and acrobatic jumps kings are known for. To hook one, slow-troll live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Use two hooks on a wire leader - one in the nose, one trailing. Kings often slice baits in half, so that trailing hook is key. For artificial lures, big diving plugs and flashy spoons work well. Once you hook up, be ready for some serious drag-peeling action!

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are fast swimmers that put up a great fight for their size. Most run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in large schools near the surface, often around structures in open water. They're especially active in warmer months when they move closer to shore. Anglers love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their aggressive strikes and tasty meat. To catch 'em, try trolling with small, shiny lures like spoons or jigs. Live bait like small mullet or menhaden works well too. A light spinning setup with 12-20 lb line is perfect. My go-to trick is to look for diving birds - that usually means Spanish Mackerel are feeding on baitfish below. Cast into the frenzy and hold on tight!

About the Lady Lisa

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for an action-packed 4-hour fishing trip off the beautiful shores of Calabash, NC! We'll be targeting some hard-fighting fish like barracuda, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel. This near-shore adventure is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. You'll love the rush of reeling in these powerful fish against the backdrop of stunning coastal scenery. Bring along up to 3 friends or family members to share in the excitement. The clear waters and fresh sea air make for an energizing day on the water. Whether you're looking to land your personal best or just enjoy a fun day of fishing, this trip delivers non-stop action and great memories. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best fishing Calabash has to offer!

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