Best Fishing Gear for Inshore Anglers
When it comes to inshore fishing in Wilmington, NC, having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you're targeting redfish, speckled trout, or flounder, the equipment we use on our charters is carefully chosen for performance, durability, and reliability. Here’s a breakdown of the gear we trust for every trip:
Conventional Spinning Tackle
For conventional spinning setups, we rely on Temple Fork Outfitters rods, specifically the TFO Professional Series in 7'0" light action up to 7'0" medium action. These rods provide an excellent balance of sensitivity and strength, allowing anglers to feel the lightest bites while maintaining enough backbone to fight bigger fish. Whether you're fishing in shallow marshes, around oyster beds, or along mud flats, these rods provide the necessary flexibility and power and accuracy to handle different fishing scenarios.
We complement these rods with Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE spinning reels. These reels are known for their smooth drag systems, lightweight construction, and corrosion-resistant components, making them perfect for harsh saltwater environments. The Osprey CE reels provide smooth retrieves and drag which are crucial when working lures and when fighting fish.
Fly Fishing Gear
Fly fishing inshore can be an incredible experience, and we make sure to equip our clients with some of the best gear available. We use Orvis Helios D Series fly rods, which are known for their precision casting, lightweight feel, and durability. These rods make sight-fishing for redfish in the flats a rewarding challenge, allowing anglers to present flies accurately and delicately.
For reels, we trust Nautilus, which provides outstanding durability and smooth drag systems necessary for handling hard-fighting fish. The drag system on a fly reel is critical when targeting powerful inshore species like redfish, as it ensures a steady pressure on the fish with slips and increases the odds of that fish being brought to the boat. The Nautilus reels offer a sealed carbon fiber drag that provides consistent performance even in the harsh saltwater environment.
Fishing Line
The right line is just as important as the rod and reel. We use Cortland Master braid for our spinning setups, which offers exceptional strength and castability. Braided line provides increased sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel the softest bite. It also has a thinner diameter compared to monofilament, which helps in making longer casts.
For fly lines, we also stick with Cortland. They have a large selection of high quality fly lines and have a line for just about any encounter you might have. Our favorites are the redfish line in tropical as well as cold and also their full intermediate lines for speckled trout and false albacore.
Additional Gear and Tackle
Beyond rods, reels, and lines, the right tackle and accessories can actually make a difference. We use a variety of lures, including topwater plugs, soft plastics, and suspending baits, depending on the season and the target species. Live bait options such as shrimp and mullet can also be used, and having the right terminal tackle—hooks, leaders, and weights—is crucial for success.
We also bring along an extra pair of SMITH high-quality polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and enhance visibility in the water. Spotting fish before making a cast is a significant advantage when inshore fishing, and a good pair of sunglasses can make all the difference.
Why This Gear Matters
Using high-quality equipment ensures that our clients have the best possible experience on the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, the right gear helps you cast more accurately, retrieve smoothly, and fight fish more effectively. Having reliable rods, reels, and lines means fewer frustrations and more time enjoying the thrill of inshore fishing.
Additionally, inshore fishing presents unique challenges, such as changing tides, strong currents, and wary fish. The gear we use is specifically selected to overcome these challenges, giving our clients the best possible chance at a successful day on the water. Whether you’re chasing tailing redfish, jigging for flounder, or casting for speckled trout, we ensure that every angler has the right tools for the job.
