Outer Banks Charter Fishing
Outer Banks Offshore Charter Fishing
Outer Banks offshore charter fishing is the big-time fishing this area is known for. Offshore fishing means heading out to sea to the Gulf Stream, where giant species of fish like billfish, tuna and dolphin lurk. Outer Banks offshore charter boats are big business, and they command between $1,500 to $1,700 a day plus a tip for the mate. However, the boats can take up to six anglers per trip, so if you divide the cost among six people it doesn’t seem so outrageous. Because the journey to the Gulf Stream is an hour or more, offshore charters last a full day, starting at around 5 a.m. All you need to bring is food, drinks, sunscreen and seasickness remedies; the captain and mate supply everything else and offer any instruction you need. You can book an offshore charter through one of the local marinas (see the list below). Charter fishing boats are located close to the inlets for easy access to the ocean; since there are no inlets on the northern Outer Banks there are no charter fishing boats there either. Fish-cleaning services are offered at each marina.
Inshore Guides
If you really want to increase your odds of catching a fish, it pays to hire a guide. These are people who are out on the water every day, and they know where the fish are and how to catch them. Inshore guides typically fish in the sounds, inlets or near-shore waters and offer light-tackle or fly fishing trips. They’ll take you out for a half-day or a full day. You can find an inshore guide through a tackle shop or a marina. If you’re new to Outer Banks fishing, tell that to the booking agent and they’ll recommend a guide who is skilled at instructing new anglers.
Headboat Fishing
This is a great way to fish if you’re new to Outer Banks fishing, if you don’t have all the tackle you need or if you just want an easy day on the water. Outer Banks head boats are large boats that take out a lot of people at once, and they provide all the bait and tackle, plus a helpful mate. Head boats take passengers on bottom-fishing trips either in the sound or in the near-shore ocean waters and wrecks. Head boats are great for kids because there are restrooms and snacks onboard, and they offer half-day trips. Look for the Outer Banks head boats in the list of boats below.
Albatross Fleet Marina
57976 NC Highway 12, Hatteras
(252) 986-2515
Albatross Fleet
- Docked at Albatross Fleet Marina
Established in 1937 by the late Ernal Foster, the Albatross Fleet is by far the longest running charter fleet on the Outer Banks. The three boats in the fleet were built to Captain Ernal’s specifications, specifically for fishing off Hatteras, and are equally at home in the Gulf Stream and the shallows of the inlet or Cape Point. Second-generation guide Ernie Foster now operates the fleet of three classic charter fishing vessels, ranging from 42’ to 45’, offering full-day offshore adventures as well as half-day nearshore trips. The Albatross Fleet has its own private docks and fish cleaning facilities. Captain Ernie on the Albatross III has been charter fishing Hatteras since 1958, longer than anyone else. Captain Bryan Mattingly runs the Albatross II, while Captain Mike Scott specializes in nearshore trips on the original Albatross. All three captains have extensive experience fishing off Hatteras.
Broad Creek Marina
708 Harbor Road, Wanchese
(252) 473-5344
Fine Line Charters
- Docked at Broad Creek Marina
- (252) 305-2683
Captain Caine Livesay was born and raised on the Outer Banks and has been working as a mate and captain in the charter fishing business for more than 20 years. His 42-foot Harkers Island–built boat can take up to six passengers for half-day, three-quarter day or full-day trips inshore or offshore. Fine Line’s half-day charters are the perfect family-friendly activity; kids are welcome. Half-day charters are a great price at $90 per person, and make-up charters may be available if you don’t have enough people for a full trip. The boat offers the comforts of a salon (to be air-conditioned in the fall of 2012), a head (restroom facilities) and a cobia tower.
Phideaux Sportfishing
- Docked at Broad Creek Marina
- (252) 473-2901
The Phideaux is a 52-foot custom Carolina, Scarborough-built fishing vessel that’s family owned and operated year round. Captain Jamie Reibel and his brother and mate Jeff Reibel have more than 35 years of experience fishing out of Oregon Inlet. The Reibel brothers fish full-time for a living; they don’t do this job on the side for a couple of months a year and then go back to something else — they do it for a livelihood and for the love of the sport. They understand how to offer their customers an enjoyable day on the water, and their boat is fast, has air-conditioning and the amenities required for a comfortable day of fishing. Most of the year they’re based out of Broad Creek Marina, but they occasionally head south to Hatteras in the winter and spring for bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna and striped bass. The boat can accommodate up to six passengers. They offer offshore, inshore, full and half-day trips, commercial excursions and evening cruises.
Hatteras Harbor Marina
58058 NC Highway 12,
(252) 986-2166
Bite Me Sportfishing Charters
- Docked at Hatteras Harbor Marina
- Captain: (252) 995-3035
Bite Me Sportfishing Charters offers full-day offshore charters on a 51-foot Carolina Sportfisherman that was built locally in Manteo, NC. The boat is equipped with turbo diesel power and is fast to get you to your chosen fishing grounds quickly, and that means more fishing time for you! The Bite Me is heated and air conditioned for your comfort along the way. Captain Jay Kavanagh is Coast Guard-licensed and has experience with game fish around the world but has concentrated on the Hatteras area for the past several years. Bait, ice, tackle and fishing licenses are provided, and charters are available year-round so you don’t miss any of the action. Perfect for the seasoned old salt or the first-time family group (kids are welcome), Bite Me Sportfishing Charters has something for everyone. Daily fishing reports are posted on fishbiteme.com and Bite Me’s Facebook page.
The Tuna Duck
- Docked at Hatteras Harbor Marina
- Captain: (252) 216-6160
Captain Dan Rooks and mate, Captain Mike Edwards, take the 50’ custom-built The Tuna Duck out of Hatteras Harbor Marina in Hatteras Village, meaning you’re just a short run to the famous deep-sea fishing grounds of the Gulf Stream. These two offer decades of charter boat experience between them. They know the waters and how to follow the fish—you can count on a great day on the water. You’ll be going after yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, dolphin, wahoo, blue and white marlin, sailfish and king mackerel.
Hatteras Landing Marina
58848 Marina Way, Hatteras
(252) 986-2077
Oden’s Dock
57878 NC Highway 12, Hatteras
(252) 986-2555
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
98 N.C. Highway 12, Bodie Island, Nags Head
(252) 441-6301
Bi-Op-Sea Fishing Charters
- Docked at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
- Captain: (252) 473-1138
Operating out of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, the Bi-Op-Sea is a custom built “Carolina” charter boat, specifically designed, engineered and constructed for the waters off the North Carolina Outer Banks. Captain Jesse Granitzki and Mate Chris Stine offer Outer Banks offshore Gulf Stream fishing at its finest, with state-of-the-art navigation and fish-finding equipment and modern tackle. The Bi-Op-Sea had an incredible year during their tournament schedule in 2011, finishing 3rd place overall in the Carolina Boat builders Challenge, 1st place overall in Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament, and 2nd place overall in Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament.Bi-Op-Sea is equipped with heat and air conditioning and has a beautiful indoor salon and an enclosed, comfortable head.The captain and mate welcome families and children and encourage angler participation, and they strive to provide an enjoyable fishing experience for all aboard. Bi-Op-Sea also offers winter sail fishing trips in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Outrigger Sport Fishing
- Docked at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
- Captain: (252) 216-9121
For an action-packed day of offshore fishing, Outrigger can fill the bill. This 51-foot charter boat, built in 1993 by Outer Banks builder Bobby Sullivan, is powered by twin 500 hp engines and has a cruising speed of 25 knots to get you to the fishing grounds quickly. Capt. Aaron Wright, an Outer Banks native, has been fishing since he was a child and working on charter boats for 23 years. His wealth of experience and enthusiasm for sport fishing make for a great day of fishing, whether you’re catching tuna, dolphin, wahoo or billfish. The Outrigger’s “greenstick” guarantees good catches of tuna in the summer months. The boat is outfitted with AC and heat in the cabin, TV and VCR, stereo and CD player, microwave, generator and a full navigation/communications/fish finder package.
Risky Business Sportfishing Charters
- Docked at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
- Captain: (252) 473-0396
Docked at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, Risky Business offers inshore sportfishing or deepwater bottom fishing in the ocean and sound near Oregon Inlet. They run full-day or half-day trips and catches might include striped bass, cobia, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, tilefish, sea bass, grouper or amberjack. The 45-boat offers the fleet’s largest fishing platform—a 27-foot-long, 15.5.-foot-wide fishing area that accommodates six chairs. The boat has a restroom and tables and benches in the cabin. Captain Jamie Wescott’s philosophy is to blend “putting some fish in the box” and having fun on the water with conservation and respect for the fish species.
Sinbad Sport Fishing
- Docked at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
- Captain: (252) 423-0039
Captains Will and Viv McPherson offer full-day and half-day trips (through the marina and home) as well as custom trips, flex trips and trips for two to four people (offered through the captain). Board their classic, custom-built Warren O’Neal sportfisher and enjoy Carolina fishing as it was meant to be. Operating during all four seasons for various species both along the coast and offshore, the Sinbad can take up to six passengers for your outing. With 38 and 26 years of experience respectively, Will and Viv offer an excellent fishing experience to businesses, families, young and old alike — are all welcome!
Strike’Em Fishing Charters
- Docked at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
Strike’Em Charters is one of the newest additions to the famous Gulf Stream fishing fleet, and the boat and equipment are top notch. Built for comfort and speed, the Strike’Em is a 51-foot Carolina-style charter boat with a new 750HP diesel engine that cruises at 24 knots. You’ll be in the Gulf Stream going after the big ones in record time. Captain Lee Collins is certified with a 100-ton Master’s License and has extensive experience and knowledge of these waters. Strike’Em offers full-day offshore, half-day inshore, six-hour tower or striper and all-day striper fishing trips. They can also help you with make-up charters if you don’t have six anglers in your party.
The Hooker
- Docked at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
A 50-foot custom Billy Holton Carolina boat based at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, The Hooker offers full-day offshore trips for marlin, tuna, dolphin, wahoo and sailfish along with full or half-day trips for stripers in the winter months. The remodeled salon provides the comforts of air-conditioning and heat, a microwave and a stereo, while the recently installed 1150 hp Caterpillar gets you to Gulf Stream fast and dependably. Captain Tom Krauss has been fishing out of Oregon Inlet for more than 30 years and is recognized as one of the best in the business.
Pirates Cove Marina
2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo
(252) 473-3906, (800) 367-4728
A-Salt Weapon
- Docked at Pirates Cove Marina
Captain Dennis Endee offers offshore fishing trips on the Outer Banks for most of the year and travels to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, for sailfishing during the winter. Captain Endee has more than 20 years of fishing experience since he started as a mate on a headboat at the age of 11. He’s been fishing the Outer Banks waters for the last 15 years. Endee captains a 54-foot Paul Mann custom boat that offers a great ride, lots of room for up to six anglers, AC and heat, a TV and DVD player and many more comforts that were added in the boat’s recent quarter-million-dollar upgrade. Endee has been featured in Gulf Stream fishing shows on ESPN and OLN (now Versus).
Country Girl
- Docked at Pirates Cove Marina
The Country Girl can be chartered for full-day Gulf Stream trips for parties of six or more people. Call for rates and schedules. Gulf Stream trips usually yield tuna and mahi-mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, marlin or sailfish depending on the season and conditions. The Country Girl also offers head boat–style wreck fishing. The 57-foot sportfisher can accommodate up to 30 passengers and provides plenty of room for everyone. This is a great way to get a big group of friends together for a day on the water. You’ll catch a variety of species, including black sea bass, triggerfish, gray tile fish, grouper, amberjack and more. The cost is $110 per person, with a minimum of 15 people. Bait, tackle and license are furnished. The Country Girl is also available for bird watching, marine mammal excursions, bachelor, bachelorette and scattering ashes at sea.
Obsession Sportfishing Charters
- Docked at Pirates Cove Marina
- Captain: (252) 480-0094
Captain Jeff Ross operates the 55-foot Obsession and has been fishing the Gulf Stream and North Carolina’s Outer Banks since 1982. The Obsession is based at Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo from April through December but during the winter travels to Mexico for light-tackle sailfishing trips from Isla Mujeres near Cancun, Mexico. The boat can take up to six passengers. Capt. Jeff prefers using light tackle when conditions permit and dependent on the angler’s desires and skill. The Obsession crew encourages angler participation, and there’s plenty of coaching and encouragement.
Teach’s Lair
58646 NC Highway 12, Hatteras
(252) 986-2460
Hallelujah Charters
- Docked at Teach’s Lair
- (252) 475-0625
- (252) 995-5643
Captain Doug Martin is Coast Guard licensed and has been fishing the waters off Hatteras for more than 25 years. His charters are available year-round, and he can seat six people in his 25 foot Lookout. The boat is outfitted with a lookout tower for surveying many varieties of fish from above. Hallelujah Charters offers inshore and offshore trips, with a full-service fish cleaning station provided back at the dock. All gear is included; just bring what you want to eat, drink, and wear. Half-day and full-day charters are available, and give the captain a call if you have a special request like a clamming trip, sunset boat ride, or sightseeing tour. Fishing charters get priority scheduling, but he’s happy to accommodate smaller trips.
Thicket Lump Marina
219 Thicket Lump Drive, Wanchese
(252) 473-4500
Outer Banks Charter Fishing / Corolla Bait & Tackle
- Docked at Thicket Lump Marina
- (252) 453-9500
Outer Banks Charter Fishing offers excursions on any of their fleet of boats—center consoles, custom off-shore boats or their pontoons. In-shore, off-shore and back-country trips are available, or if you just want to take a leisurely cruise around on the pontoon and maybe wet a line or crab, you can do that too. If you do not have a full party, they can arrange a make-up charter. Or, if you prefer keeping your feet on land, they conduct surf fishing classes. They sell fresh quality bait and crabbing supplies and offer free fishing/crabbing instruction.
Pirate’s Life Charters
- Docked at Thicket Lump Marina
- (252) 489-3966
Pirate’s Life Charters offers world-class Outer Banks charter fishing trips to suit any group. Whether it’s heading offshore to catch mahi and sea bass, or trolling for Spanish mackerel and bluefish off the beach, Captain Tim Scarborough will put you on the fish. Inshore, offshore or anywhere in between, Pirate’s Life Charters promises a great half-day or full day of fishing and fun. Captain Scarborough’s boat, The Albatross, is a 24’ McKee Craft, one of the safest boats on the water. It is well-equipped with all the gear needed for a safe, productive and comfortable trip. Captain Scarborough is USCG licensed and is an Outer Banks native who grew up fishing, duck hunting and surfing along the coast. He is eager to share his knowledge and love of fishing with his clients.
Village Marina
57980 NC Highway 12, Hatteras
(252) 986-2522
