Top 10 Inshore Fishing Lures I Keep on the Boat in Southeastern North Carolina

When targeting inshore saltwater species in Southeastern North Carolina—especially Red Drum (redfish)—being prepared can be the difference between a great day on the water and coming up empty. As a full-time inshore and nearshore fishing guide with BlackBird Guide Services, preparation is something I take seriously. Some might call it over-preparing, but I believe having the right lure at the right time is critical.

If Plan A doesn’t work, I want the flexibility to adjust quickly. Sometimes Plan J is what finally gets fish to commit.

I’m writing this heading into late winter, a time when inshore fishing in coastal North Carolina can be challenging. Winter redfish are often more finicky than at any other point in the year. While redfish can be difficult year-round, winter fishing truly is hero or zero, and being prepared with the right inshore lures matters.

This list covers the 10 inshore fishing lures I always keep on the boat. While not all are winter-specific, I’ll explain when each lure performs best throughout the year.

Eye Strike Texas Eye with Z-Man Diesel Minnow

The Eye Strike Texas Eye paired with a Z-Man Diesel Minnow is one of the most effective inshore redfish lures I’ve used in Southeastern NC. This weedless setup minimizes hang-ups around grass and oysters while still providing excellent action.

The paddle tail moves plenty of water, helping fish locate the lure even in stained conditions. With Z-Man’s wide range of colors, it’s easy to match water clarity. This lure shines in warmer months when mullet are present but remains effective year-round, especially when fish are actively feeding.

Ned Head with Creature Bait

This is a niche but extremely effective winter redfish lure. When redfish are cold, pressured, and spooky, a small creature bait that mimics marsh forage can be deadly.

The Ned rig stands upright on the bottom, allowing subtle rod movements to create action without pulling the bait out of the strike zone. Once fall transitions into winter, this lure is always tied on for targeting finicky inshore redfish in North Carolina.

Topwater Lures

Topwater fishing is hands-down one of the most exciting ways to target inshore saltwater species. While conditions matter, topwater lures are outstanding warm-weather search baits.

During summer, I rely heavily on topwaters in the early morning and late afternoon, especially on higher tides. While they can work on low water, I find the best results when fish aren’t extremely shallow. I’ll often keep a topwater tied on well into fall as long as larger baitfish are present.

DOA Shrimp

The DOA Shrimp is a staple inshore saltwater lure for both redfish and speckled trout in North Carolina. It’s highly effective for sight fishing redfish and deadly for trout when fishing current.

This lure skips well, making it ideal for presenting to reds feeding on shrimp. Its realistic fall in moving water makes it one of the most productive artificial trout lures available. It’s a true year-round producer.

3” DOA CAL Paddle Tail

The 3” DOA CAL paddle tail is a go-to winter lure for schooling or spooky redfish. Its smaller profile is less intrusive than larger paddle tails, which can help trigger bites from pressured fish.

I use this bait extensively during colder months and also rely on it for speckled trout whenever they’re around. Simple, subtle, and effective.

Voodoo Shrimp

The Voodoo Shrimp excels when blind-casting for redfish in smaller creeks and backwaters. When fish are present but not visible, this bait allows me to thoroughly cover water.

It sinks quickly and has a very realistic profile, making it effective year-round. I often enhance it with scent, especially when fishing deeper creek channels. Keep in mind it’s not weedless, so it’s best used away from heavy oyster structure.

Spoon

Spoons are excellent warm-weather inshore search baits, especially in dirty or stained water. Their flash and vibration allow anglers to cover large areas quickly.

Many spoons are weedless, making them perfect for fishing higher tides around sparse grass. While effective most of the year, I typically don’t rely on spoons during winter months.

Redfish Magic with 3” DOA CAL Tail

This setup provides more vibration and flash than a traditional spoon and is one of my favorite summer redfish lures. In muddy or low-visibility water, the added commotion helps fish locate the bait.

The weedless presentation makes it ideal for covering shallow flats and grassy areas during warmer months.

Popping Cork (with Artificial or Natural Bait)

A popping cork is one of the best tools for fishing areas with heavy structure like oyster beds. Whether paired with live bait, cut bait, or artificials, it keeps your offering off the bottom and in the strike zone.

The added noise and surface disturbance help draw fish in, especially during the warmer seasons.

Berkley Gulp! Shrimp (3”)

When all else fails, throw a Gulp.

Despite its unusual appearance, the Berkley Gulp! Shrimp is one of the most effective inshore fishing lures available. It works year-round and across multiple species. Blind-casting muddy creeks, targeting lock-jawed winter redfish, fishing under a popping cork, or on a Ned rig—this bait gets it done.

The scent dispersion is exceptional, and fish in North Carolina’s inshore waters have a hard time ignoring it.