2026 Trophy Drum Trip

August 14-16, 2026

Guiding Eyes Outdoors President Drew Blake and two Marine veterans spent an unforgettable weekend fishing the waters of Eastern North Carolina.

The trip began Thursday evening with fellowship and preparation for the weekend ahead. The crew spent the night putting fresh line on rods and reels, sharing stories, and getting everything ready for the days ahead.

Friday morning, the crew headed through Bogue Inlet in search of Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, mahi, and other nearshore species. Temperatures climbed into the 90s with a heat index near 110°F. Southwest winds of 10–15 knots and 2–3 foot seas provided fishable conditions early, although the wind and chop increased as the day progressed.

Saturday morning, the crew was back at it, once again heading out of Bogue Inlet to pursue Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, mahi, and other nearshore species. Conditions had changed following the passage of a front, with northeast winds and 2–3 foot seas. The morning provided another opportunity to spend time offshore before returning to prepare for the main event of the weekend.

Saturday afternoon, the crew joined Austin Goodwin of Capt. Austin’s Guide Service & Eco Tours in pursuit of trophy red drum. Thunderstorms moved through the area, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and rapidly changing conditions across the Pamilco and Core Sounds. During one of the downpours, three rays put the crew to the test with some intense fights while everyone waited for the drum to arrive.

Their patience paid off.

Around 8:30 Saturday evening, the trophy drum showed up. The crew began landing beautiful red drum ranging from 33 to 42 inches, providing an incredible finish to a challenging day on the water.

Sunday morning, everyone gathered for one final meal at Cox Family Restaurant in Morehead City before beginning the trip home.

While the trophy drum were certainly a highlight, the weekend was about much more than the fish caught. It was about fellowship, perseverance through challenging conditions, time spent together on the water, and creating lasting memories with two deserving Marine veterans.

Another great Guiding Eyes Outdoors adventure centered around providing independence and inspiration through the outdoors.