Cape Lookout National Seashore
Trophy Red Drum Fishing
Red Drum in the ocean really like to EAT and there are many different ways to catch them, from jigging a bucktail on a bait ball, to working a top water hard bait, or even fly fishing. Hooking into an Old Drum feels like they could jerk you right out of your shoes! They hit the lure so hard and take off on a drag screaming run. If you’re really lucky, you might get to see a school come up to feed on the surface. The drum could be feeding on shrimp on top, or crushing bait in the back of a breaking wave off the shoals and other crazy scenarios as well. It’s truly magical when you are lucky enough to find them.
Cooler water temperatures in the Fall bring in Menhanden, AKA Bunker, Pogies, Shad, Fat-backs etc from the North to the beaches of Core Banks and Cape Lookout Shoals. This congregation of bait is what draws big Red Drum and other predators including Sharks and Giant Bluefin Tuna. The fish are usually around from October-December and show back up again in early March-May.
While there’s never a guarantee you’ll strike gold and find the drum, there’s always plenty to see while you’re looking. I’ve seen Humpback Whales gorge feeding on the Menhaden right off the beach, Mola-Mola (Giant Sunfish) floating around peacefully and spinner sharks flying in the air; all while looking for the Drum. You never know what you could see out there!
What we use
Ocean Red Drum Tackle
Fly Gear
- 9′ 10wt – 9′ 12wt moderate fast to fast action fly rod.
- Large arbor fly reel with plenty of drag and 200+ yards of backing with smooth
connections. A Rio Outbound short floating line for when the fish are on the surface and
the new Rio Outbound full fast sinking line for fishing bait balls or if you mark fish with
your sonar. Rio Leviathan 600grain sinking line also works well. - Leaders are typically 9′ with a 3′ butt section of 50lb, 5′ 30lb mono or fluoro the fly with
floating line. Sinking lines 6’ of straight 50lb or 30lb mono will work fine, these fish
typically aren’t leader shy!
Spinning/Conventional Gear
- 5000-8000 series spinning reel with 40-60 lb braided line (ie power pro, Cortland master
braid etc). A medium heavy to heavy action 7’ rod is necessary for jigging up these fish. - Leader: 2-3′ of 50-80 lb flurocarbon. I like to make a 18” section of 80lb mono with
crimped connections and a 130lb spro swivel, which makes leadering the fish easier on
your hands. - Lures: 1-3 ounce bucktail jigs from Sea Striker, Blue Water Candy or Bowed Up Lures
in pink/white, chartreuse/white colors with a curly tail grub. Z-man head lock-Z jig heads
1-2 ounce with 7” jerk shad in white, bubblegum and smoky shad colors. - Top water lures: Rebel Jumping Minnow, Yo-zuri poppers 4 ¾ and 6 inch
Pricing
All pricing is based on two angler occupancy not per person. There is an additional $50 charge per additional angler.
3/4 Day Fishing: $700
Full Day Fishing: $850
Cancelation Policy
The Captain has the option of canceling the trip due to weather for safety reasons or if the fishing will be effected negatively by rough conditions. If your trip is cancelled due to weather your deposit will be refunded or you will have the option to re-book at a later date. You will be contacted the night before to discuss weather. Rain is not a weather event that I will cancel a trip for, only thunderstorms, wind and fog are major factors.
We will always go fishing if the weather permits, if you cancel and fishing is possible your deposit will not be refunded unless you have a family emergency etc. You will have the option of re-booking at a later date if possible.
If the weather changes while we are out fishing forcing us to call the day early we will work something out that is fair. By either charging for just a partial day or re-booking your trip for a later date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polarized sunglasses, camera, rain gear, non-marking boots or shoes, hat, adequate warm layers for the weather and any food/drinks you’d like to have on the boat. Feel free to bring your own fishing gear if you would like to use it. Keep in mind I do provide all tackle needed for your fishing day.
All clients over the age of 16 are required by law to have a North Carolina coastal fishing license. They can be purchased at any retailer that sells fishing licenses and can also purchased online. If you would like to purchase your license online please visit the link on the Contact page.
This is a common question that unfortunately cannot be answered easily. We can give you a general area but fishing locations are determined on a day to day basis as we try to keep our guests on the best possible bite. Everything we do is aimed at client success and creating the best possible experience on the water. With that said although a general location may be specified we ask you keep an open mind and let the guides expertise dictate the fishing grounds.
Kids are most definitely welcome on the boat. We want kids to pick up interest in fishing! Just let me know in advance so I can supply proper sized life jackets for kids under 13. Certain trips are not ideal for children. So give me a call me and I will set up an appropriate trip for you.
I do not offer fish cleaning services, but I will have a large cooler for fish on the boat so you can keep what you catch. Your catch just has to meet State and Federal regulations for size and species. If you plan on keeping fish, make sure you have a fish cooler & ice to transport the fish home with you!
The Captain has the option of canceling the trip due to weather for safety reasons or if the fishing will be effected negatively by rough conditions. If your trip is cancelled due to weather your deposit will be refunded or you will have the option to re-book at a later date. You will be contacted the night before to discuss weather. Rain is not a weather event that I will cancel a trip for, only thunderstorms, wind and fog are major factors.
We will always go fishing if the weather permits, if you cancel and fishing is possible your deposit will not be refunded unless you have a family emergency etc. You will have the option of re-booking at a later date if possible.
If the weather changes while we are out fishing forcing us to call the day early we will work something out that is fair. By either charging for just a partial day or re-booking your trip for a later date.
You can call me directly to book at (336) 354-9582 or shoot me an email at fishinsightguideservice@gmail.com. A $100 deposit is required on all bookings. Deposits are preferred to be mailed to me as a check or with a credit card. I will accept checks, credit card or cash at the time of your trip for the remaining balance. Gratuity is always appreciated!