Spring Tide Guide Service 

4.9
(161 reviews)
 Roland Avenue, Surf City, NC 28445, United States–

Spring Tide Guide Service 

Surf City, NC, United States
–
22 ft
4
4.9
(161 reviews)

Spring Tide Guide Service Specializes in shallow water angling on the flats, inshore, and nearshore areas of Topsail Island and New River. Captain Ray Brittain has been fishing these waters for 35 years and will go out of his way to accommodate anglers of all skill levels.

Your trip with Spring Tide Guide Service will be aboard a roomy and stable 22' Blue Wave bay boat, designed to run and float in the shallow waters surrounding Topsail Island. It is powered by a 250 HP Suzuki engine. The boat is fully rigged with the latest Garmin electronics which include a GPS, fishfinder, VHF radio, and stereo system. Other features include icebox, coolers, live bait tanks, ample storage, wireless Minn Kota trolling motor, life jackets, and first aid equipment.

Spring Tide Guide Service offers four, six, and eight-hour trips. Each trip can be tailored to fit your skill level and type of fishing desired. You can start the day roaming the flats sight casting topwater lures to Red Drum (Redfish) and Speckled Trout, or head off the beach and target Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, or Kings. Captain Ray will use the best techniques and methods to maximize your success whether casting artificial lures, using live bait, or trolling.

Spring Tide Guide Service will provide all bait and tackle and uses only the best gear by Penn, Shimano, and Lamiglass. Other amenities included in your trip are a fishing license, drinks, and photos of your catch. Bring any snacks you would like and fish cleaning can be arranged if requested.

Let's Go Fishing!

Spring Tide Guide Service Specializes in shallow water angling on the flats, inshore, and nearshore areas of Topsail Island and New River. Captain Ray Brittain has been fishing these waters for 35 years and will go out of his way to accommodate anglers of all skill levels.

Your trip with Spring Tide Guide Service will be aboard a roomy and stable 22' Blue Wave bay boat, designed to run and float in the shallow waters surrounding Topsail Island. It is powered by a 250 HP Suzuki engine. The boat is fully rigged with the latest Garmin electronics which include a GPS, fishfinder, VHF radio, and stereo system. Other features include icebox, coolers, live bait tanks, ample storage, wireless Minn Kota trolling motor, life jackets, and first aid equipment.

Spring Tide Guide Service offers four, six, and eight-hour trips. Each trip can be tailored to fit your skill level and type of fishing desired. You can start the day roaming the flats sight casting topwater lures to Red Drum (Redfish) and Speckled Trout, or head off the beach and target Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, or Kings. Captain Ray will use the best techniques and methods to maximize your success whether casting artificial lures, using live bait, or trolling.

Spring Tide Guide Service will provide all bait and tackle and uses only the best gear by Penn, Shimano, and Lamiglass. Other amenities included in your trip are a fishing license, drinks, and photos of your catch. Bring any snacks you would like and fish cleaning can be arranged if requested.

Let's Go Fishing!

Raymond Brittain
Captain
Raymond Brittain
14 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 2:00 PM)
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $550
Entire boat: up to 3 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 2:00 PM)
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
US $650
Entire boat: up to 3 people
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.9
161 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (173)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
88%
Caught fish

Reviews (161)

  • Elizabeth Powe
    Elizabeth Powe
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2021
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Raymond

    Half Day Trip on June 4, 2026 • 2 adults

    Great fishing charter! Captain Britt did a fantastic job of putting us on fish we could land in the boat. He was very knowledgeable and hard working. Great with kids too! We had a great time and look forward to going out with him again in the future.

  • Ben Woolley
    Ben Woolley
    ca
    Alberta, Canada
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day

    Half Day Trip on May 21, 2026 • 3 adults

    Ray was very accomodating. He really worked hard to make it a great day despite the conditions and was very straightforward right from the start. we would defiately hire him again if we come back down here.

  • Alden Rader
    Alden Rader
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great fishing

    Half Day Trip on July 13, 2026 • 4 adults

    had a great time Ray did a great job putting us on fish even after telling us the fishing conditions was hard we all caught fish we will be back

  • Kevin Wray
    Kevin Wray
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent day with my Son and Dad.

    3/4 Day Trip on September 20, 2023 • 3 adults

    We had the absolute best day out with Ray yesterday who owns Spring Tide Fishing Charters. The boat was comfortable, easily handling 3 of us. He was very knowledgeable about the area and we hit several "Honey Holes" and caught fish in almost all of them. I would highly recommend him. This was our first time down to the area and would definitely use his services again. One of the nicest fishing guides I've ever been around. He cleaned our catch for us, and we took his advice on how to prepare the delicious drum that we had for lunch today. Couldn't have ordered a better day to spend with my son and Dad. Thanks again Captain Ray.

  • Eric Bond
    Eric Bond
    us
    Maryland, US
    •
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day of Wild Bonito Action

    Half Day Trip on April 7, 2023 • 4 adults • 2 children

    My son and I along with another father and son booked Captain Ray for a morning session hunting the Bonito, and it was one of my favorite charters ever. Capt Ray’s knowledge and experience were on display as we were the only boat to catch Bonito that day, and we landed 6 big one along with some Spanish Mackerel. He knew right where to be and when to be there, and we were hooked up right away on some drag ripping footballs. The light tackle was perfectly balanced for long casting and fighting these mighty fish, and every fight was right at the edge. Capt Ray was great with the 11 year old boys and even the less experienced members of the group felt like pros at the end. An absolute epic day! Will definitely be booking with him again.

  • Coe Johnston
    Coe Johnston
    us
    Kentucky, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Ray was phenomenal!

    Half Day Trip on June 18, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Ray was a great host and captain! He made sure to find the best spots for us to catch fish and made sure my son (10) had a great experience. I would.highly recommend for anyone looking good for a friendly and professional captain on your fishing trip!

  • Mark Hinson
    Mark Hinson
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Ray knows fishing

    Half Day Trip on July 30, 2025 • 3 adults

    Capt. Ray was very knowledgeable on where the fish were and helped guide our efforts to catching them. He made it easy for us and very enjoyable, too. We will definitely be fishing with Capt. Ray again and highly recommend his service.

  • Megan Kritsky
    Megan Kritsky
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Best fishing day on Topsail Island

    Half Day Trip on July 25, 2025 • 4 adults

    New to fishing, our Captain was knowledgeable and taught us about different fishing techniques. We had a fantastic day on the water & can’t wait to book another trip!

  • Scottie Harris
    Scottie Harris
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    A great fishing day

    3/4 Day Trip on August 15, 2025 • 3 adults

    Had a great morning on the water catching several large sea bass and flounder. Ray shared so much knowledge and made our trip a success.

  • Molly Clippard
    Molly Clippard
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Raymond

    3/4 Day Trip on May 20, 2024 • 2 adults

    Great trip out on the boat with my husband. Ray really knew the waters, and took us all around the island. If the fish didn't bite where we were, we quickly found another place to try! He did everything he could to help us catch a fish! We had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend!!!

Rating

4.9
161 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (173)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
88%
Caught fish

All reviews (161)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 161 reviews
Elizabeth Powe
Elizabeth Powe
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
•
Member since 2021
•
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Raymond
Half Day Trip on June 4, 2026 • 2 adults

Great fishing charter! Captain Britt did a fantastic job of putting us on fish we could land in the boat. He was very knowledgeable and hard working. Great with kids too! We had a great time and look forward to going out with him again in the future.

Reported catch:
Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel
Ben Woolley
Ben Woolley
ca
Alberta, Canada
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great day
Half Day Trip on May 21, 2026 • 3 adults

Ray was very accomodating. He really worked hard to make it a great day despite the conditions and was very straightforward right from the start. we would defiately hire him again if we come back down here.

Raymond Brittain
Response from Captain

Thank you guys so much. Had a great time and look forward to fishing with you all again, Capt. Ray

Alden Rader
Alden Rader
us
Virginia, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
great fishing
Half Day Trip on July 13, 2026 • 4 adults

had a great time Ray did a great job putting us on fish even after telling us the fishing conditions was hard we all caught fish we will be back

Geoffrey Janovetz
Geoffrey Janovetz
us
California, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
July fishing trip
3/4 Day Trip on July 1, 2026 • 4 adults

Noel Leon
Noel Leon
Repeat angler
us
Maryland, US
•
Member since 2022
•
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Come see what a real professional guide looks like…
3/4 Day Trip on June 21, 2025 • 2 adults

Capt Ray is incredibly knowledgeable, courteous and professional. During my two day trip, Capt Ray was able to overcome very tough conditions and not only did he put me on the reds we were able to nail some over slot fish on top water. Not to be out done, he then made a run to the beach side where we able to land a 25lb gag grouper. Highly recommend Spring Tide for experienced and novice fishermen alike. I’ll be going back out with this great guide.

Reported catch:
Redfish

FAQs about Spring Tide Guide Service

Spring Tide Guide Service offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $550 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Half Day Trip - 2:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 3/4 Day Trip - 2:00 PM (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Spring Tide Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Spring Tide Guide Service include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (All bait is included in the price, we do need live bait on certain trips and will catch and provide)
  • Lures
  • Drinks (wate)
  • Fishing license (A North Carolina saltwater fishing license is included in the price)
  • Fly fishing equipment
Spring Tide Guide Service offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing (We do not offer freshwater trips. We are on the coast of North Carolina which is saltwater. We do fish the New River which is saltwater)
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Spring Tide Guide Service offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
  • Fly fishing
Top targeted fish species with Spring Tide Guide Service include:
  • Black Drum
  • Bonito
  • Flounder
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Little Tunny (False Albacore)
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout

Your captain

Raymond Brittain
Raymond Brittain

Surf City, North Carolina, United States

3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
161 Customer reviews
Typical response within 2 hours
Member since March 2018

Captain Ray Brittain has been fishing the waters of Topsail Island and New River for over 30 years. After working in the marine industry for 15 years, he received his captain's license and was able to venture into the guiding industry full-time. Capt. Ray enjoys teaching and showing others the beauty and thrill that these waters have to offer. He is well-versed in the different approach and techniques that changing seasons require.

Raymond Brittain
Raymond Brittain
Fully verified
3
reports
161
reviews
2018
member since
~2h
response
Captain Ray Brittain has been fishing the waters of Topsail Island and New River for over 30 years. After working in the marine industry for 15 years, he received his captain's license and was able to venture into the guiding industry full-time. Capt. Ray enjoys teaching and showing others the beauty and thrill that these waters have to offer. He is well-versed in the different approach and techniques that changing seasons require.

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Bonito
Bonito
Flounder
Flounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Redfish
Redfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bonito
Bonito
Flounder
Flounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)

Real catches by this captain

  • great fishing
    Alden R.
    Alden R.
  • Fishing with Raymond
    Elizabeth P.
    Elizabeth P.
  • Great day
    Ben W.
    Ben W.
  • A great fishing day
    Scottie H.
    Scottie H.
  • Best fishing day on Topsail Island
    Megan K.
    Megan K.
  • Captain Ray was phenomenal!
    Coe J.
    Coe J.
  • Great Experience!
    Bruce B.
    Bruce B.
  • Fishing with Raymond
    Molly C.
    Molly C.
  • Awesome Fishing Trip!
    Nathan C.
    Nathan C.
  • Excellent day with my Son and Dad.
    Kevin W.
    Kevin W.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2016
Boat manufacturer
Blue Wave
Boat type
Bay boat
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
62 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Spinning
Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
All bait is included in the price, we do need live bait on certain trips and will catch and provide
Lures
Drinks
wate
Fishing license
A North Carolina saltwater fishing license is included in the price
Fly fishing equipment

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days 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.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child friendly
All ages welcome
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

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

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Surf City right now

Black DrumBlack Drum
BonitoBonito
FlounderFlounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Spring Tide Guide Service
Spring Tide Guide Service
4.9
(161)
22 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $550