If you are an enthusiastic angler looking to explore the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Backwater Adventures has you covered. Join Capt. David and let him show you the most productive spots and local honey holes, where you will be able to make a great catch possible.

Your day out on the water will see you fishing North River, along with other tributaries of the Albemarle Sound. You will be using spinning gear for largemouth bass or light tackle for perch, sunfish, or crappie.  Casting gear available on request. 

Speaking of which, your main target will be anything from Largemouth Bass to Bluegill, White Perch, Sunfish, and other Panfish. Please note that Capt. David and his Backwater Adventures run strictly catch and release trips.

You will be fishing aboard a 21’ Ranger Bass boat, which has plenty of seating and casting space for a couple of anglers. The boat comes powered by a 250 HP Yamaha engine and is rigged with a Side Scan and a Humminbird 360.

All trips with Capt. David come with the use of quality fishing equipment, as well as rods, reels, tackle, lures, water, and Gatorade. Fishing licenses will need to be purchased before the trip.

Experienced to beginner angler, everyone is welcome to join in the adventure. Bring your fishing buddy with you, have a father-and-son day on the water, and enjoy fishing.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    River Nature Ride
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $150
    The Nature River Ride is a 2 hour trip that will show you the three different ecosystems that the river shares with its inhabitants. The upper portion of the river is filled with cypress trees , Spanish moss, osprey nests, and many other types of wildlife. The middle portion is a mix of the cypress tress and the growing marsh. The lower section is all marsh filled with reed banks and a mixture of grass. There is a possibility to see different types of birds and wildlife on your ride. 1 to 3 guests.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $200
    The 4-hour trip half day trip will see you going for Largemouth Bass, as well as light tackle or fly fishing for all species, including Sunfish, Panfish, and Prrch.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $200
    This afternoon trip will take you fishing for Largemouth Bass, as well as White and Yellow Perch, Panfish, and Sunfish. The fishing grounds include the North River and other tributaries of the Albemarle Sound in the Outer Banks.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $250
    Enjoy a light tackle or fly fishing adventure for a large variety of species that can be found in the rivers and tributaries of the Albemarle Sound. Please note, that all Sunfish, Panfish, Perch, and Bass caught will be released back into water.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $300
    This eight-hour trip allows you to fish with light tackle or a fly rod for Largemouth Bass, Panfish, Sunfish, Bluegill, White Perch, and Yellow Perch. Please, note, that the trip is catch-and-release.
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FAQs about Backwater Adventures

Backwater Adventures offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $150 per group - River Nature Ride (2 hours)
  • US $200 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $200 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $250 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $300 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Backwater Adventures, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS Side Scan and Humminbird 360
  • Fishfinder
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Backwater Adventures include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Water and Gatorade)
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Backwater Adventures offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Backwater Adventures offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Spinning

Top targeted fish species with Backwater Adventures include:
  • Bass (Largemouth)
  • Perch (White)
  • Sunfish

Meet the Captain

David Ward
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, United States
22 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
70 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since April 2018
Captain Dave Ward is not only a professional guide with almost four decades of experience. He is also an enthusiastic angler who never stops mastering the cast. Dave has dozens of local tournament wins and enjoys sharing his wealth of knowledge with whoever steps aboard. He specializes in fishing for Bass.

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Largemouth) Largemouth Bass
Perch (White) White Perch
Sunfish Sunfish

Boat specs

Ranger (Bass boat) originally built in 2013. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha SHO engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 65 knots.

Length
21 ft
Capacity
2 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning

Amenities

GPS
Side Scan and Humminbird 360
Fishfinder
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Drinks
Water and Gatorade
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Catch and Release Mandatory

Payment

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash

Recent fishing reports

Cool Start, Hot Finish
Cool Start, Hot Finish
April 5, 2024
Enjoyed a full day trip with Gary from Virginia. The day started out cold with slow fishing. The day warmed, and so did the fishing. Thanks Gary!!
Continue reading
Bass Fishing and a Mixed Bag
Bass Fishing and a Mixed Bag
April 2, 2024
Enjoyed a full day trip with Gary from Virginia. Gary caught a mixed bag of bass, red drum, and speckled trout.
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 70 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (93)
4 hr trip Captain David Ward
4 hr trip Captain David Ward
4 hr trip Captain David Ward
+90
Angler rating
67
0
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
89%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
95%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 70 reviews
Christine Z.
Hampton, Virginia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hr trip Captain David Ward

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 28, 2023
We caught different kinds of fish. David was so awesome taking us to some great spots to fish. We had a lot of fun. Our trip...
Christine Z. recommends Backwater Adventures
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Christine Z. recommends Backwater Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Jamie T.
Virginia Beach, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Afternoon Trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on June 19, 2023
I booked this trip for my Fiance’s Birthday & we had a great time.  Captain David knew where the Bass were.  We look forward...
Jamie T. recommends Backwater Adventures
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Jamie T. recommends Backwater Adventures
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Charles H.
Millsboro, DE
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with captain David

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 15, 2023
Great day fishing, great service David was. Wealth of knowledge when it comes to his fishing area.
Charles H. recommends Backwater Adventures
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Charles H. recommends Backwater Adventures
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Brad N.
Middletown, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with David

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 6, 2023
Brad N. recommends Backwater Adventures
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Brad N. recommends Backwater Adventures
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Christopher T.
Hauppauge, NY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half-Day with Captain David

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 27, 2022
My son Alex & I had an enjoyable morning fishing with Captain David.  The scenery is beautiful and his boat and equipment...
Christopher T. recommends Backwater Adventures
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Christopher T. recommends Backwater Adventures
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