Top-Rated Oak Island Fishing Charters | Flatfish

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Oak Island, NC
$350 - $800 price range

Summary

Ready for a personalized fishing adventure on Oak Island? Flatfish Charters offers private trips tailored to your schedule and style. Choose from 3, 4, 5, or 8-hour outings, with flexible start times from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM. These inshore charters run Tuesday through Friday and on Sundays, giving you plenty of options to hit the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, these trips are designed for all skill levels. With a guest capacity of 2, you'll enjoy a more intimate experience on the water. No need to feel rushed – each time slot is set up to maximize your comfort and enjoyment. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Get ready to cast your line and make some memories on the beautiful waters of Oak Island.

Top-Rated Oak Island Fishing Charters | Flatfish

Reeling in the Action

Two king mackerel, a large 26-inch catch, on Oak Island

Lively with a superb Redfish!

Flatfish Charters with Captain Wayne Freeman!

One fisherman holding a large fish in North Carolina

26ft BlackJack Center Console Boats

Flatfish Charters' Oak Land Redfish victory!

Oak Island's Premier Private Fishing Charters

Ready to hit the water for some of the best fishing Oak Island has to offer? Flatfish Charters has you covered with our flexible private trips that cater to your schedule and style. Whether you're looking to squeeze in a quick morning trip before lunch or spend a full day on the hunt for that trophy catch, we've got options that'll fit the bill. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a real treat.

Trip Overview

We're talking custom private charters here, folks. You pick the time that works for you - we've got 3-hour trips kicking off at 7 AM or 11 AM if you're short on time, 4-hour jaunts starting at 6 AM or 11 AM for a bit more action, 5-hour adventures setting out at 6 AM, or the full 8-hour experience for die-hard anglers. These trips run Tuesday through Friday, plus Sundays, so there's plenty of wiggle room in your vacation schedule. The best part? It's just you and your buddy on the boat - no strangers, no rush, just quality time on the water doing what you love.

What to Expect on the Water

Once you step aboard our well-maintained vessel, Captain Wayne will get you set up with top-notch gear. We're talking light tackle fishing here - none of that deep-sea arm-wrestling stuff. You'll be using techniques like bottom fishing, drift fishing, and maybe even some sight casting if the conditions are right. The captain will show you the ropes if you're new to this, or swap fish tales with you if you're an old hand. Either way, you're in for a day of laid-back fishing with a chance at hooking into some real beauties.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Our family had a wonderful experience with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip exciting for everyone, including the kids. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories." - James

"A fantastic fishing trip with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction made for a memorable experience. We caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Will definitely be returning!" - Megan

"Captain Wayne Freeman and Flatfish Charters provided an exceptional fishing experience! Wayne's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had a fantastic time on the water. Highly recommend!" - Michael

Species You'll Want to Hook

Oak Island's waters are teeming with some real crowd-pleasers. Let's break down what you might find at the end of your line:

Spotted Weakfish: These guys are a local favorite. They've got a beautiful spotted pattern and put up a decent fight for their size. Best targeted in the spring and fall, weakfish love to hang around structure and will hit both live bait and artificial lures. They're known for their soft mouths, so finesse is key when reeling them in.

Black Drum: If you're after a fish with some serious weight, black drum are your target. These bottom-feeders can grow to over 100 pounds, though most you'll catch will be in the 5-30 pound range. They're plentiful year-round but really start biting in the spring. Drop a crab or shrimp to the bottom, and get ready for a workout when one of these bruisers takes the bait.

Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. They lie in wait on the sandy bottom, ambushing their prey. Drift fishing with live bait or bucktails is the ticket here. The bite picks up in late spring and stays hot through summer. There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh flounder, so be sure to keep a few for dinner if regulations allow.

King Mackerel: Now we're talking some real speed demons. Kings are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. You'll find them in the warmer months, often just off the beaches. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the way to go. When a king hits, hold on tight - these fish can strip line faster than you can blink!

Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a year-round target in Oak Island. They're famous for their distinctive spot near the tail and their hard-pulling fights. In the summer and fall, you might spot them tailing in the shallows - sight fishing for reds is an absolute blast. They'll hit everything from live bait to topwater lures, so be ready for some explosive strikes.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Oak Island's finest fish, Flatfish Charters is your ticket to a good time. With flexible trip options, a knowledgeable captain, and a boatload of fish just waiting to be caught, you're in for a real treat. Don't let your vacation slip by without wetting a line - give us a call and let's get you on the calendar. The fish are biting, and your next big catch is just a cast away. See you on the water!

Customer Reviews

Reel Family Fun

Our family had a wonderful experience with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip exciting for everyone, including the kids. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories.

James W

September 15, 2023

Hooked on Flatfish

A fantastic fishing trip with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction made for a memorable experience. We caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Will definitely be returning!

Megan S

March 22, 2023

Fishing Frenzy

Captain Wayne Freeman and Flatfish Charters provided an exceptional fishing experience! Wayne's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had a fantastic time on the water. Highly recommend!

Michael P

August 18, 2023

Captain of Catches

Had an amazing day with Captain Wayne on Flatfish Charters. He knew all the best spots and made sure we had a great time. The boat was clean and well-equipped. Can't wait to book another trip!

John M

October 11, 2023

Fishing Jackpot

Captain Wayne Freeman and Flatfish Charters exceeded our expectations! His knowledge of the area and friendly demeanor made our fishing trip both fun and productive. We caught more fish than we imagined. A must-do in Oak Island!

Sarah L

September 14, 2023

Ocean Adventure

Our experience with Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman was phenomenal! Wayne's passion for fishing and dedication to customer satisfaction made our trip perfect. We can't wait to go back!

Emily R

September 15, 2023

Pro Guide Triumph

Captain Wayne was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with Flatfish Charters was well-organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend!

David K

August 17, 2023

Unforgettable Catch

What an incredible fishing adventure with Flatfish Charters! Captain Wayne Freeman's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had an amazing time. Highly recommend!

Jessica H

May 21, 2023

Fishing Paradise

Flatfish Charters and Captain Wayne Freeman provided an outstanding fishing experience! We had a great time on the water and caught plenty of fish. The boat was comfortable and well-maintained. Can't wait for our next trip!

Chris T

June 22, 2023

Angler Delight

Had a fantastic time fishing with Captain Wayne on Flatfish Charters. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the trip enjoyable for everyone. The boat was well-maintained and we had a successful day of fishing!

Laura B

October 19, 2023

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders you'll find in our local estuaries and inlets. They range from 5 to 30 pounds, but the real monsters can hit 90. Look for them around oyster beds and mudflats in brackish water. Spring's your best bet when they school up to spawn. Drum put up a solid fight, especially the big ones, and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are good eating. They've got strong teeth for crushing shellfish, so use tough line. Here's a local trick: fresh crab is the ticket. It stays on the hook better than other baits and really gets their attention. Fish it on the bottom with just enough weight to hold. When you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second to take it, then set the hook hard. Listen for their drumming sound - it's how they got their name and can clue you in on where they're hiding.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are speed demons that'll really test your gear. These offshore rockets typically run 15-30 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't unheard of. Look for them in deeper waters, usually 40-150 feet deep, especially around structures or bait schools. They're most active in warmer months when water temps hit the mid-60s to low 80s. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - they'll make your reel scream. To target them, try trolling with live bait like mullet or menhaden, or use flashy spoons. Here's a local trick: use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings often hit the back half of the bait, so that trailing hook ups your hookup ratio. When you're hooked up, hang on tight and be ready for multiple runs. Just remember, due to their high mercury content, it's catch-and-release for the big ones. The smaller "snakes" are good eating though.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They typically run 20-30 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster beds, grass flats, and even tailing in inches of water. They're around all year, but fall's prime time when they school up. Reds are loved for their strong fights and copper color with that distinctive tail spot. To catch 'em, try sight-fishing the flats with topwater lures or soft plastics. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in shallow water. Cast beyond them and work your lure into their path. When they're feeding, reds will hit just about anything that looks like an easy meal. Just be ready for a drag-pulling fight when they realize they're hooked!

Spotted Weakfish

Spotted Weakfish are a popular target around Oak Island, typically running 12-16 inches but can grow up to 3.5 feet. You'll find them in coastal waters and estuaries, often hunting near the bottom in depths up to 30 feet. They're most active in warmer months, especially summer and early fall. Weakfish put up a good fight and have tasty, mild meat that's great for the grill. To catch 'em, try slow-retrieving colorful lures near the surface - they'll chase it like fleeing prey. When you feel a hit, reel a bit faster to set the hook deep. Their soft mouths can make them tricky to land, so keep steady pressure. Live bait like shrimp or small fish works well too. Listen for their croaking sounds at dusk - that's when they're most active. Weakfish aren't the biggest, but they're fun to catch and make for a great fish fry.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are sneaky ambush predators that blend right into the seafloor. Most run 15-20 inches, but they can grow over 20 pounds. You'll find them in inshore waters and estuaries, often near sandy or muddy bottoms. They're active year-round, but fall's prime time, especially September to November. Flounder are popular for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They've got both eyes on one side, which takes some getting used to! To catch 'em, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like minnows or mullet. Here's a tip: use a circle hook and hook your bait through the eyes or lips - it keeps it swimming naturally. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to get the bait in its mouth, then slowly reel in. It's a different style of fishing, but once you get the hang of it, it's a blast.

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