Tarpon, Red Drum and Mixed Bag Fishing
The Seasons:
A Mixed Bag of speckled trout, puppy drum, and flounder can happen at anytime with peak fishing in spring and fall. The Tarpon arrive in late June and depart by mid-September. The peak for the Giant Red Drum is August/September.
Cost: Cost vary depending on guide, trip style and size of boat please visit the homepage for complete rates and policies.
Boats:Our boats fall into two categories: Large center consoles 22' - 26' (Ideally 3 with max 4 of anglers) and bay boats 19' - 22' equipped with trolling motors and powerpoles (Ideally 2 with max of 3 angers).
License: All of our boats have saltwater “blanket licenses”. You are not required to purchase an individual fishing license. For mixed bag trips, fishing the upper tributaries of the Neuse, a freshwater fishing license is required. 1-888-2HUNTFISH (888-248-6834).
Tackle: Mixed Bag: Spinning 8-12 pound test. The Tarpon: Spinning 25-30 pound test. The Giant Red Drum: Spinning with 15-25 pound test.
What to bring: Plenty of sunscreen, raingear, cooler with drinks, lots of water, sandwiches, etc.
Deposit Policy: To confirm reservations a $300 per boat/day deposit is due within 7 days. Deposits for reservations within 14 days must be secured immediately. Reservations not secured with deposits are subject to cancellation without notice. Deposits are NOT refundable, but are transferable if cancelled greater than 60 days from the date of the trip. 100% refunds for weather cancellations.
Weather Cancellations are at the sole discretion of the captain. Rain is not a reason for a weather cancellation and we encourage you to bring rain gear regardless of the weather forecast. Eminent danger from lighting, hurricane warnings and conditions deemed unsafe by the captain are justification for weather cancellations. Tropical storm watches or warnings are NOT automatically reasons for cancellations. Any adjustments to the price of trips shortened due to inclement weather are at the sole discretion of the captain.
Fuel surcharge: With the wild unpredictability of gas/fuel pries, fuel surcharges MAY apply. In North Carolina our prices are fixed on fuel cost of $3.50/gallon. The fuel surcharge is the difference between the curent fuel price and the $3.50 times the number of gallons used. Fuel Surcharges will be applied in the fairest possible manner. The Down East Guides will go wherever necessary to give you the best chance of success.