Target species
Nine fish you can put in the boat with Doug.
Pamlico Sound and Hatteras Inlet hold a deep mix of inshore species year round. Some are headliners (red drum, speckled trout). Some are seasonal runs you'll only see in a narrow window (cobia in May/June). Pick one for the trip, or let Doug switch you to whatever's biting.
Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
The headliner. Pamlico Sound holds NC's strongest red drum fishery.
Peak Apr / May / Sep
Speckled Trout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Cooler-water fish. The four-man limit days happen in spring and late fall.
Peak Mar / Apr / May
Flounder
Paralichthys dentatus / lethostigma
Structure fish. Best in summer when the heat pushes them to drop-offs and pilings.
Peak Jul / Aug / Sep
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
The big-fish target. May and June migration through Hatteras Inlet.
Peak May / Jun
Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast, abundant, perfect for kids who want non-stop action.
Peak Jun / Jul / Aug
Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
Aggressive and abundant. Spring and fall blitzes near the inlet.
Peak Apr / May / Sep
Gray Trout
Cynoscion regalis
Cousin to the specs. Drift the channels in spring and fall.
Peak Apr / May / Sep
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Cold-water bruisers. December and January light up if you can stand the weather.
Peak Nov / Dec / Jan
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Bigger cousin to the red drum. Spring spawn brings the giants close.
Peak Apr / May / Jun