Tail Chaser Charter Fishing 

4.9
(134 reviews)
 300 Canal Drive, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, United States–

Tail Chaser Charter Fishing 

Carolina Beach, NC, United States
–
38 ft
6
4.9
(134 reviews)

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Whether you want a nearshore expedition or an offshore extravaganza on the waters of North Carolina, Tail Chaser Charter Fishing has a trip for you. With Captain Brandon Phillips at the helm, you're in store for a catch you'll be proud of.

The 'Tail Chaser' is a 38' Luhrs, powered by twin Cummins 450 HP Diesel engines that push her along at a comfortable 22 knots. The boat has all of the latest navigational and fish finding electronics, to make sure you'll be on top of the fish. She also sports bunks and a restroom in the lower cabin. All safety gear, including life jackets are also on the boat, so you'll be traveling safely and in style.

Penn, Shimano, and custom built rods and reels are at your disposal, and when it comes to the tackle, Capt. Brandon prefers to make his own, it's proved to be more efficient. So what do you get to target and reel in this top-notch fishing equipment?

When it comes to offshore trips, all the A-listers of the area are game, so King and Spanish Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin and Albacore Tuna, Barracuda, and even Sailfish could easily find their way to your line. If you prefer nearshore angling, then you'll be on the lookout for Black Seabass, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and Amberjack. You're a fan of bottom fishing? You have the chance to see how many Snapper and Grouper you can hook on specialized trips.

You can be a seasoned seawolf or just wanting to snag your first fish, Capt. Brandon will welcome you aboard and do everything in his power for you to have an excellent trip. Children can also join and fish, though it's recommended for the little ones to join you on shorter trips, to have fun and not get bored. After you're back on land, you will get your catch cleaned and filleted, so that you can serve the fruits of your hard work for your family the same day.

Dive into the great North Carolina fishery headfirst and let Tail Chaser Fishing lead the way!

Whether you want a nearshore expedition or an offshore extravaganza on the waters of North Carolina, Tail Chaser Charter Fishing has a trip for you. With Captain Brandon Phillips at the helm, you're in store for a catch you'll be proud of.

The 'Tail Chaser' is a 38' Luhrs, powered by twin Cummins 450 HP Diesel engines that push her along at a comfortable 22 knots. The boat has all of the latest navigational and fish finding electronics, to make sure you'll be on top of the fish. She also sports bunks and a restroom in the lower cabin. All safety gear, including life jackets are also on the boat, so you'll be traveling safely and in style.

Penn, Shimano, and custom built rods and reels are at your disposal, and when it comes to the tackle, Capt. Brandon prefers to make his own, it's proved to be more efficient. So what do you get to target and reel in this top-notch fishing equipment?

When it comes to offshore trips, all the A-listers of the area are game, so King and Spanish Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin and Albacore Tuna, Barracuda, and even Sailfish could easily find their way to your line. If you prefer nearshore angling, then you'll be on the lookout for Black Seabass, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and Amberjack. You're a fan of bottom fishing? You have the chance to see how many Snapper and Grouper you can hook on specialized trips.

You can be a seasoned seawolf or just wanting to snag your first fish, Capt. Brandon will welcome you aboard and do everything in his power for you to have an excellent trip. Children can also join and fish, though it's recommended for the little ones to join you on shorter trips, to have fun and not get bored. After you're back on land, you will get your catch cleaned and filleted, so that you can serve the fruits of your hard work for your family the same day.

Dive into the great North Carolina fishery headfirst and let Tail Chaser Fishing lead the way!

Brandon Phillips
Captain
Brandon Phillips
10 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Private Coastal Cruise (No Fishing)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 hour trip multiple starting times (4:00 PM, 6:00 PM)
US $350
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Private Coastal Cruise (No Fishing)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip multiple starting times (4:00 PM, 5:00 PM)
US $450
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Spanish Mackerel
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Nearshore Trolling
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
US $1,300
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8hr Trolling
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
US $1,700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
134 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (160)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

Reviews (134)

  • Alicia Jimson
    Alicia Jimson
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Relax and Reel

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (PM) on September 26, 2026 • 4 adults

    I was shocked that we did not anchor and fish, but the overall experience was nice to just be able yo relax and allow the reels to do all the work. I would do this again.

  • Thomas Ensminger
    Thomas Ensminger
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time had by all

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (PM) on April 25, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children

    Capt and mate were very professional and made our trip outstanding. My grandkids had a great time and caught a lot of fish. Rates were very reasonable. Highly recommend.

  • Patrick Ryan
    Patrick Ryan
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2018
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent trip

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) on August 12, 2023 • 5 adults • 3 children

    When I booked the charter with capt. Brandon I wasn't sure what to expect because of the bad experience we have had on previous ocean charters. We are from Michigan and I did my homework on which captain to choose. Fishing with Tail Chasers was great a decision. His boat was very comfortable and clean. I had my wife and 3 children with me and both capt. Brandon and his first mate, Tyler, were great with kids. Brandon had us on the fish and Tyler ran the back of the boat like a real pro. It was pretty chaotic at times with multiple fish on at once and Tyler handled it better than most and his patience with children was excellent. He had some great jokes for them and an answer for every question they had. We had fish coming in the boat nonstop and after we caught a few meals the kids really wanted to catch a shark so capt Brandon and Tyler made a quick adjustment and had us hooked up on 4 sharks and the kids landed 3 of them. Great time, great people, great memories. Couldn’t ask for a better experience. Thanks Capt. Brandon and first mate Tyler, you will be my first call every time we come back to NC. BTW this was all in a 4hr half day trip.

  • Chad Debusk
    Chad Debusk
    us
    Nebraska, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome!

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (PM) on April 14, 2024 • 5 adults

    Captain Brandon, and David were awesome! Every time I messaged Captain Brandon, he responded quickly prior to arrival. The expert guidance, abundance of fish, top-notch equipment, and emphasis on safety lead to the experience of a lifetime. You won’t be able to find a crew better than Brandon and David. I would highly recommend booking Tail Chasers for your next fishing trip!

  • Christina Pappa
    Christina Pappa
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Wonderful half day trip

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) on August 16, 2023 • 5 adults • 3 children

    This was the first fishing trip for my little ones and boy did we have had a great time!! Captain Brandon and Taylor are patient, kind and just all around wonderful. The boat is beautiful, comfy and well maintained. We caught a ton of fish and the kids were active and engaged the whole time. Added bonus, at the end we got the opportunity to feed a friendly sea turtle our fish scraps! I would highly recommend and we will be returning!!

  • Marty Godsey
    Marty Godsey
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Offshore trolling 4 hour trip

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) on June 28, 2022 • 4 adults

    Captain Phillips and First Mate Tyler made an old man's dream come true. Being an avid fisherman, my Dad had always wanted to fish in the ocean. While on vacation to Carolina Beach, I chartered Tail Chaser to take us on a 4-hour nearshore trolley fishing charter. The whole experience was absolutely amazing. From the moment we stepped on the pier, Captain Phillips and Tyler were attentive and professional. They both were a pleasure to be around and would talk to us telling us stories of past adventures. Even though the fish were not biting all that well that day, we still came home with more than enough fish for the 8 people we brought down. I would highly recommend Tail Chaser Charter Fishing for anyone looking to see what it's like to fish on the open waters of the Atlantic. I know that when we do this again, we will be using Captain Phillips and his crew. Great Job Tail Chaser!!!!!

  • Kyle Self
    Kyle Self
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    AM half day trip

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) on May 31, 2022 • 6 adults • 1 child

    Had a great time with Captain Brandon fishing Spanish mackerel. Very easy going and great boat and equipment for the trip. Put us right on the fish. He and deck hand Tyler were very good together, let us rock out to our favorite tunes. This was my daughter’s first fishing trip and a hat tip to them both, they were very catering to her even though she wasn’t feeling well at first. They really helped make it more enjoyable for her. They even let her steer the boat! I would highly recommend trolling near shore with these guys especially if you have kids with you. I think we ended up catching 30 in all. They cut them up for us and we fried them up later the next day.

  • Carolyn Lee
    Carolyn Lee
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day trip with Captain Brandon & Deckhand Tyler

    6 Hour Trip – Nearshore Trolling on May 28, 2022 • 6 adults

    This was by far one of the best charter experiences I’ve had. Some of our group got seasick, but deckhand Tyler was So attentive and looked over our pitiful friends while still helping the ones still able to fish! Captain Brandon found the best spots with Ginormous Amberjack and king mackeral fish! We caught so much the coolers almost couldn’t close ;D The boat is by far the nicest one I’ve ever been on while charter fishing. Super comfortable with tons of amenities: toilet, microwave with small galley, small fridge, nice seating area, radio you can connect your phone to, cold bottled waters, comfortable sitting areas to enjoy the ride. Captain and deckhand Tyler were awesome, chill, helpful, the best. Will definitely recommend to friends and also book with in the future! Thanks guys!!!

  • Damon Lusz
    Damon Lusz
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip with Captain Brandon and First Mate Tyler

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) on June 11, 2022 • 5 adults • 1 child

    It was my family's first time out on the ocean and it was amazing. Captain Brandon and Tyler were fantastic with the kids, who were initially a bit scared of going out. Tyler was incredibly attentive, he made everybody feel safe on the water and engaged during any downtime between fish. Towards the end of our trip we switched it up and tried for shark. The boys had so much fun as did the whole family! Captain Brandon and Tyler did everything in their power to make sure we had fun, fish for dinner, and awesome memories of our trip. This is the charter for you and your family!

  • Brian Rose
    Brian Rose
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Very Professional-Definitely Goin Back!

    4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (PM) on July 15, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Communication is excellent. Very Patient & Very Pleasant to work with. Highly recommend.

Rating

4.9
134 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (160)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

All reviews (134)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 134 reviews
Matthew Hudson
Matthew Hudson
Repeat angler
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Top-Notch Charter – Caught Spanish Mackerel & Had a Blast
4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) on August 5, 2026 • 6 adults

Had an excellent 4-hour nearshore fishing charter and highly recommend it. We caught Spanish mackerel and had a great time on the water. The boat and all the equipment were in top condition—clean, well-maintained, and ready to go. Captain Brandon and Mate Austin were both knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole trip enjoyable. They clearly know their stuff and kept things fun and relaxed. Great experience overall!

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Kathy Trusch
Kathy Trusch
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
great trip
Private Coastal Cruise (No Fishing) on September 20, 2026 • 3 adults

We did not schedule a fishing trip this time- it was just to go out in the ocean for a couple of hours- the captain and first mate were terrific and very hospitable and accomodating. This was the second time we have scheduled a trip with them. The first time it was a fishing trip and it was terrific and we caught alot of fish last year in the fall. We highly recommend them!

Alicia Jimson
Alicia Jimson
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2022
2 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Relax and Reel
4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (PM) on September 26, 2026 • 4 adults

I was shocked that we did not anchor and fish, but the overall experience was nice to just be able yo relax and allow the reels to do all the work. I would do this again.

Blain Vanderhoof
Blain Vanderhoof
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Great Trip
4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) on September 26, 2026 • 6 adults

Had a great Morning on the boat and fish were on

William Chester
William Chester
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Amazing experience!
4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) on June 25, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

The captain and first mate were friendly and helpful with me and my family. We caught several meals worth of spanish and king mackerel and blues. This wont be our last trip. We definitely recommend this boat and crew!

FAQs about Tail Chaser Charter Fishing

Tail Chaser Charter Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - Private Coastal Cruise (No Fishing) (2 hours)
  • US $350 per group - Private Coastal Cruise (No Fishing) - 6:00 PM (2 hours)
  • US $450 per group - Private Coastal Cruise (No Fishing) (3 hours)
  • US $450 per group - Private Coastal Cruise (No Fishing) - 5:00 PM (3 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip–Nearshore Trolling (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,300 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Nearshore Trolling (6 hours)
  • US $1,700 per group - 8hr Trolling (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Tail Chaser Charter Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Tail Chaser Charter Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (for additional fee)
  • First mate
  • Fishing license
Tail Chaser Charter Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Tail Chaser Charter Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Tail Chaser Charter Fishing include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Bonito
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tuna (Blackfin)

Your captain

Brandon Phillips
Brandon Phillips
Carolina Beach, North Carolina, United States
3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
134 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2018
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I have lived and fished in North Carolina my entire life. I acquired my love for fishing from my father and grandfather, and I'm a third generation of fishermen in my family. I have built my professional reputation in the fishing community as a mate on charter boats in southeastern North Carolina and commercial fishing from Carolina Beach to the Outer Banks.
Brandon Phillips
Brandon Phillips
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
3
reports
134
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
I have lived and fished in North Carolina my entire life. I acquired my love for fishing from my father and grandfather, and I'm a third generation of fishermen in my family. I have built my professional reputation in the fishing community as a mate on charter boats in southeastern North Carolina and commercial fishing from Carolina Beach to the Outer Banks.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bonito
Bonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bonito
Bonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Real catches by this captain

  • Relax and Reel
    Alicia J.
    Alicia J.
  • Great time had by all
    Thomas E.
    Thomas E.
  • Kid Friendly
    Chris B.
    Chris B.
  • Very Professional-Definitely Goin Back!
    Brian R.
    Brian R.
  • Great short 4-hour trip with the crew
    Joe S.
    Joe S.
  • Fishing with the Guys
    Joe B.
    Joe B.
  • Excellent Fishing Trip
    Melissa H.
    Melissa H.
  • Great Experience
    Christopher P.
    Christopher P.
  • Best fishing trip with family so far!
    Kerry S.
    Kerry S.
  • Half day trip
    Andrew C.
    Andrew C.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
38 ft
Year built
1989
Boat manufacturer
Luhrs
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 450HP
Max cruising speed
22 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live bait well
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
for additional fee
First mate
Fishing license

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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
 PayPal
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Carolina Beach right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
BonitoBonito
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Seabass (Black)Seabass (Black)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel

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