Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters 

4.7
(189 reviews)
 6712 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, United States–

Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters 

Emerald Isle, NC, United States
–
24 ft
6
4.7
(189 reviews)

Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters offers child and family-friendly fishing trips in the beautiful inshore waters of the Emerald Isle and Swansboro area. Fish for Red Drum, Flounder, Speckled Trout, with trip times and durations to suit you.

Captain Tim runs every trip with a focus on fun and learning how to bring in fish all by yourself. He aims to provide not just great fish, but great memories and skills which will stay with you for the rest of your life!

You will be fishing aboard a 24' Bay Rider center console, freshly-built in 2019. The boat can carry six anglers safely and can reach speeds of 52 knots on the way to the fishing grounds.

But the thing that makes Pirates Life 4 Us special isn't the boat, it's the crew. Capt. Tim runs a family charter business. He works with his kids on most charters, and he's proud of it. Getting children involved in fishing, seeing their faces as they haul in their first fish, passing on the skills to make them great anglers – these are the things he loves about his job.

Every trip is built for the group at hand. If you're all seasoned sportfishers, he and his crew will work hard to bring in a real record-breaker. Out with friends or with the family, and just looking for some easy catches? He'll get you reeling in fish after fish and having a great time doing so!

Captain Tim gets a brand new motor every 5 years, and this year he got a new Yamaha 250 SHO engine!

Whatever you're after, Capt. Tim has you covered. All tackle, baits, lures, and licenses are included. So jump aboard and get ready for an action-packed day of fun inshore fishing!

Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters offers child and family-friendly fishing trips in the beautiful inshore waters of the Emerald Isle and Swansboro area. Fish for Red Drum, Flounder, Speckled Trout, with trip times and durations to suit you.

Captain Tim runs every trip with a focus on fun and learning how to bring in fish all by yourself. He aims to provide not just great fish, but great memories and skills which will stay with you for the rest of your life!

You will be fishing aboard a 24' Bay Rider center console, freshly-built in 2019. The boat can carry six anglers safely and can reach speeds of 52 knots on the way to the fishing grounds.

But the thing that makes Pirates Life 4 Us special isn't the boat, it's the crew. Capt. Tim runs a family charter business. He works with his kids on most charters, and he's proud of it. Getting children involved in fishing, seeing their faces as they haul in their first fish, passing on the skills to make them great anglers – these are the things he loves about his job.

Every trip is built for the group at hand. If you're all seasoned sportfishers, he and his crew will work hard to bring in a real record-breaker. Out with friends or with the family, and just looking for some easy catches? He'll get you reeling in fish after fish and having a great time doing so!

Captain Tim gets a brand new motor every 5 years, and this year he got a new Yamaha 250 SHO engine!

Whatever you're after, Capt. Tim has you covered. All tackle, baits, lures, and licenses are included. So jump aboard and get ready for an action-packed day of fun inshore fishing!

Tim Johnson
Captain
Tim Johnson
9 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.7
189 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (535)

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
97%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
93%
Recommended
66%
Caught fish

Reviews (189)

  • Robert Parrish
    Robert Parrish
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Tim is great!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on August 12, 2023 • 3 adults

    I booked this trip to learn more about the area, where/how/when to fish it and just to overall catch some fish. Captain Tim delivered on all of the above! My two adult kids and I had an absolute blast. Although we didn’t catch a ton, we learned a LOT! Captain Tim is super patient, truly knowledgeable and an all around great guy. Beautiful day, great boat and Captain… who could’ve asked for more? I’m already looking forward to the next time we can run out and use some of our new found knowledge to slay ‘em!

  • Joy Lockley
    Joy Lockley
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    1/2 Fishing Charter with Captain Tim

    Half Day Trip (PM) on May 21, 2021 • 3 adults • 1 child

    We had such an amazing time with Captain Tim yesterday! His boat was so nice, clean and comfortable. He was knowledgeable about the area and gave great tips to make sure we caught some fish. We were able to catch some spanish mackerel which was exhilarating every time a “fish was on”. Captain Tim wanted to make sure that my son was having fun at all times and I truly appreciate him for that. He showed both my husband and my son proper fishing techniques and answered each and every question we had. We made some awesome memories together as a family and I am grateful for Captain Tim for that. We will be booking with him again. Oh just be prepared for some corny dad jokes 😂

  • Doug Tronge
    Doug Tronge
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Tim is the best!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 7, 2023 • 2 adults

    My son and I had a great time. Captain Tim is one of those guys you want to go fishing with. He is a life long resident of the area, he was great with my son and i know he is good with kids just watching and listening to him. We caught fish and made some great memories! Thank you

  • Jeff Stow
    Jeff Stow
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2020
    5.0
    Verified

    Had a great time!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 15, 2020 • 2 adults

    Captain Tim was a lot of fun and very good teacher. By the end of the day my 15 year old son and I were better fisherman than when we started. We got a lot of bites early, but couldn't bring many in. We flew across the sound trying a ton of great spots. Our fishing skills improved a lot throughout the day. If we did it all over with what we learned I bet we would have brought in a lot more fish. Captain Tim's boat was amazing, very fast and well equipped. Tim knew the waters well, I bet he could plane through the channel's blindfolded. Captain Tim is a character and a lot of fun to be around. We enjoyed the trip and look forward to using our upgraded fishing skills with him again very soon.

  • Erik Kitt
    Erik Kitt
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip with Capt Tim

    Half Day Trip (AM) on June 15, 2023 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Amazing Captain. Knowledgeable and accommodating. Taught my 6 yr old how to jig and jig effectively. Will certainly return.

  • Amanda Ikard
    Amanda Ikard
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day Trip with Captain Tim

    Half Day Trip (AM) on June 17, 2022 • 2 adults

    This trip was a surprise Father's Day present for my spouse and father-in-law. They both thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Captain Tim has great knowledge about fishing and he has jokes too! We would definitely recommend taking a trip with Captain Tim on Pirates Life 4 Us!!

  • David Cordts
    David Cordts
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    One heck of a half day trip with Captain Tim!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on March 14, 2021 • 1 adult

    When I booked the trip, I asked what fish we were targeting. He said Black Drum and Red Drum. Sure enough he knew the perfect spots to go and did not disappoint! Best charter experience I ever had. Beautiful boat, the latest equipment, and most professional and knowledgeable Captain! You want to catch fish? A Pirates Life 4 Us will hook you up! Book this charter!!! What a blast! Thanks Captain Tim!!!

  • Joel Duran
    Joel Duran
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip

    Half Day Trip (AM) on June 3, 2023 • 3 adults

    Had a lot of fun fishing with captain Tim and a good learning experience.

  • Kate Elliott
    Kate Elliott
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day adventure with Captain Tim

    Half Day Trip (AM) on June 11, 2021 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Our family had an absolute blast! Captain Tim was super fun, knowledgeable, and friendly for kids and adults! We caught and kept fish, enjoyed an adventure on the water, and learned a ton about fishing in the process! We can't wait to charter with Captain Tim and Pirates Life 4 Us again!

  • Priscilla King
    Priscilla King
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2019
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day Trip

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 18, 2019 • 2 adults

    Yesterday my Husband and Son took a half a day trip with Captain Tim. They haven't stopped talking about what a great time they had and how fun he is! While booking this charter we knew going in that there is certainly no guarantee on catching a fish (after all these captains can't control the waters). Captain Tim has such a great personality and kept them laughing. He gave them some great techniques that helped them catch fish. They will definitely be back next year! Captain Tim told me when I booked this he'd make sure they'd have fun and he sure did! Thank you so much and God Bless!

FAQs about Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters

Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters offers the following trip to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Can be prepared in advance or caught during trip)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Snacks (Cheese, cookies, fruit, granola bars)
  • Drinks (Water and ice)
  • Fishing license
Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing
  • Inshore fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout

Your captain

Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson
Emerald Isle, North Carolina, United States
ID & license verified
189 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since April 2018
Capt. Tim has been fishing all of his life and loves to see the joy on peoples faces when they catch a fish. He is always happy to teach clients how to do everything and create long-lasting memories and useful skills for them. Capt. Tim is never in a hurry to get groups off the boat as soon as possible. If he doesn't have a booked trip afterward and they are having a good time, he will gladly stay longer on the boat.
Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson
Fully verified
189
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
Capt. Tim has been fishing all of his life and loves to see the joy on peoples faces when they catch a fish. He is always happy to teach clients how to do everything and create long-lasting memories and useful skills for them. Capt. Tim is never in a hurry to get groups off the boat as soon as possible. If he doesn't have a booked trip afterward and they are having a good time, he will gladly stay longer on the boat.

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
Redfish
Redfish

Real catches by this captain

  • A well-lit fishing boat named 'Pirates Life' docked at a marina during twilight, reflecting on calm waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Weakfish
    John M.
    John M.
    Captain Tim put us on the fish! Great Captain, Great Boat, Great Day! We’ll be calling him again!
  • Adult angler proudly holding a spotted seatrout aboard a center-console fishing boat in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Speckled Trout
    Timothy T.
    Timothy T.
  • FishingBooker review screenshot with a small boat-trip thumbnail showing several people; no clearly visible catch or detailed charter scene.
    Gary M.
    Gary M.
  • Group of adult anglers posing together on the open deck of a Bay Rider fishing boat on the water.
    Robert P.
    Robert P.
    I booked this trip to learn more about the area, where/how/when to fish it and just to overall catch some fish. Captain Tim delivered on all of the above! My two adult kids and I had an absolute blast. Although we didn’t catch a ton, we learned a LOT! Captain Tim is super patient, truly knowledgeable and an all around great guy. Beautiful day, great boat and Captain… who could’ve asked for more? I’m already looking forward to the next time we can run out and use some of our new found knowledge to slay ‘em!
  • Two anglers fishing from the bow of a boat at sunset, with rods positioned over calm coastal water.
    Michael M.
    Michael M.
    We didn’t catch anything worth keeping tooling around a few places in the sound, but such is fishing. Captain Tim is great and his boat is clean, and cooks in the sound. Book this guy, he knows what’s up (just beware of the Dad-jokes…). We’re definitely booking again when we’re back on EI.
  • Rear-facing view of a Yamaha 250 outboard motor and Power-Pole shallow-water anchor on a fishing boat at sunset.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Bernard D.
    Bernard D.
  • Angler kneeling aboard a center-console boat beside a shark resting in a landing net on the deck.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Bonnethead Shark
    Doug T.
    Doug T.
    My son and I had a great time. Captain Tim is one of those guys you want to go fishing with. He is a life long resident of the area, he was great with my son and i know he is good with kids just watching and listening to him. We caught fish and made some great memories! Thank you
  • Angler holding a large flounder aboard a center-console fishing boat on calm coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Scott H.
    Scott H.
  • Angler proudly holding a spotted seatrout aboard the Bay Rider center-console boat in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Speckled Trout
    Erik K.
    Erik K.
    Amazing Captain. Knowledgeable and accommodating. Taught my 6 yr old how to jig and jig effectively. Will certainly return.
  • Three anglers pose aboard the Bay Rider boat while displaying a large flatfish catch on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Flounder
    Joel D.
    Joel D.
    Had a lot of fun fishing with captain Tim and a good learning experience.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2019
Boat manufacturer
Bay Rider
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha 250 SHO
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
52 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Popping
Drift 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
Can be prepared in advance or caught during trip
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
Cheese, cookies, fruit, granola bars
Drinks
Water and ice
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 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
No min. age, life jackets supplied
No alcohol
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Emerald Isle right now

Black DrumBlack Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
RedfishRedfish
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Pirates Life 4 Us Fishing Charters
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4.7
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