Capt. Austin’s Guide Service 

4.9/5 (48 reviews)
 Harkers Island Road 1648, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States

Capt. Austin’s Guide Service strives to provide you with a fishing experience you’ll never forget. Come aboard a spacious boat with an experienced guide and discover the riches of North Carolina’s inshore waters. From the nearshore wrecks to the skinny backwaters, you’ll cover a range of fishing grounds, getting your hands on plenty of exciting and delicious fish.

You’ll be shown around by a local guide. Captain Austin Goodwin is a 5th-generation fishing guide who grew up fishing these waters. He’s a regular competitor in local tournaments, so he knows exactly what it takes to get the big fish aboard. He promises to do his utmost to show you the beauty and riches of these shores.

Aboard a 24’ Carolina Skimmer center console, you’ll have everything you need for a productive day out. Up to 6 guests are welcome aboard to take advantage of the spacious deck, putting your fishing skills to the test against some prized fish. Using the latest fishing gear and live bait, as well as plenty of fly fishing gear if you fancy your skills on the fly, you’ll have the edge over the fish all day long.

Speckled Trout, Redfish, Weakfish, Flounder, Cobia, and Mackerel are just some of the delicious fish that call these waters home. Growing to incredible sizes, these beasts will make you work hard for your catch, but that just means more meat for you! Put your fishing skills to the test against these, along with Sharks, and you’ll be in for the fishing experience of a lifetime.

Capt. Austin will provide water for you to stay refreshed all day long, but feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks to fill his coolers. Make sure to bring an ice box for your catch as well, so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor at home. Make the most of North Carolina’s inshore and nearshore waters with Capt. Austin’s Guide Service!

Austin Goodwin

Captain

Austin Goodwin

11 years of experience
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 Fishing License
 Live Bait
 You Keep Catch
 Drinks
 Child Friendly
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
Half Day – Eco Fishing Tour (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
US $500 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day – Eco Fishing Tour (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
US $500 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip AM - Inshore
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Feb 1 - Nov 15
US $550 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Shark Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
US $550 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip Inshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Feb 1 - Nov 15
US $550 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Evening Trip – Trophy Red Drum
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 PM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Sep 30
US $600 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half day Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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+8
US $650 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day – Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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+4
US $850 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip – Eco Fishing Tour
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
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+5
US $900 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip Inshore
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Feb 1 - Nov 15
US $1,000 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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+2
US $1,200 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 7 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 48 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (106)

Great experience!
Great day on the water!
Great day on the water!
+103

Angler rating

44
2
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

95%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

98%

Showing 1 - 5 of 48 reviews
Cameron T.
Cameron T.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Amazing time!

VERIFIED
NEW

Half Day Trip AM - Inshore on July 23, 2025

Didn’t feel like it was a charter, felt like you were with an old angler buddy! Super friendly and knowledgeable. Even under less than desirable fishing conditions he was able to get us on the fish! Next trip here we will book with Captain Austin again!

Didn’t feel like it was a charter, felt like you were with an old angler buddy! Super friendly and knowledgeable. Even under less than desirable fishing conditions he was able to get us on the fish! Next trip here we will book with Captain Austin again!  

 Cameron T. recommends Capt. Austin’s Guide Service
Austin Goodwin
Austin Goodwin (The Captain)
Replied on July 23, 2025
Thank you !

Kelly M.
Kelly M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great day on the water!

VERIFIED

Full Day Trip – Eco Fishing Tour on July 7, 2025

Had a great day out on the sound with Austin. He knew where to find the fish and showed us how to find sand dollars on the shoals. Took us on a tour and pointed out things of an interest. Also answered lots of questions from our group.

Had a great day out on the sound with Austin. He knew where to find the fish and showed us how to find sand dollars on the shoals. Took us on a tour and pointed out things of an interest. Also answered lots of questions from our group.  

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 Kelly M. recommends Capt. Austin’s Guide Service

Earlie G.
Earlie G.
4.7/5

Experience:

4.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great experience!

VERIFIED
NEW

Half Day Trip AM - Inshore on August 6, 2025

Great experience for myself and 3 boys! From 8 years old to 14. We caught lots of fish learned a little and had a great time! Looking forward to the next trip.

Great experience for myself and 3 boys! From 8 years old to 14. We caught lots of fish learned a little and had a great time! Looking forward to the next trip.  

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 Earlie G. recommends Capt. Austin’s Guide Service

David M.
David M.

Raleigh, NC

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

The Trifecta - PLUS ONE!

VERIFIED

Half Day – Eco Fishing Tour (AM) on June 16, 2022

We booked this trip based on previous reviews and it was PERFECT. We had four adults and two children and wanted to see Cape Lookout, wanted to see the wild horses, wanted to see some dolphins, and wanted to take the kids fishing in the ocean and catch a few fish. We wanted this all to happen in 4 hours. Captain Austin delivered in great fashion. We headed to Cape Lookout first and on the way, there were the wild horses, literally standing on water - it was magical. Then Cape Lookout (we did not climb the lighthouse - too much time and we did that before) just for a quick stop to go to the bathroom and get a snack and take a few pictures. Then off to the ocean to see dolphins for which we saw over 50 plus a spinner shark! Kids were amazed and so were the adults. Next up, fishing - we never have had much luck. We tried a few spots, got a few lizard fish and Captain said, let's go over by Atlantic Beach and we did. WOW, we caught over 25 fish in about 1.5 hours - Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish. One after the others. All keepers and the kids reeled them in as did the adults. It was amazing. Nothing more than about 2 lbs but it is not like people pull out 5-25 lb fish in a short fishing trip - it can happen - but that is just the luck of the draw. We headed back to Beaufort and with perfect timing, we arrived at the dock right one time. Highly recommend this Eco Tour Family Fishing Trip for 4 hours. It was lots of fun and worth the money! Bring snacks, water, soda, beer, etc. and make sure to wear sunscreen!

We booked this trip based on previous reviews and it was PERFECT. We had four adults and two children and wanted to see Cape Lookout, wanted to see the wild horses, wanted to see some dolphins, and wanted to take the kids fishing in the ocean and catch a few fish. We wanted this all to happen in 4 hours. Captain Austin delivered in great fashion. We headed to Cape Lookout first and on the way, there were the wild horses, literally standing on water - it was magical. Then Cape Lookout (we...  

 David M. recommends Capt. Austin’s Guide Service
Austin Goodwin
Austin Goodwin (The Captain)
Replied on June 18, 2022
Awesome, thank you!!!!!

Paige N.
Paige N.

Charlotte, North Carolina

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Half day trip with Capt. Austin’s Guide Service

VERIFIED

Shark Fishing on July 6, 2023

I’m a fishing guide myself and to be on the other end of things for once was a pleasure, especially with captain Austin, the gear was good, the boat is as bad ass as they get and the fishing was hot! Very clean boat and fresh clean ice on board, great fishing tactics and great overall knowledge of the waters, absolutely one of my favorite charter experiences! Will definitely book again!

I’m a fishing guide myself and to be on the other end of things for once was a pleasure, especially with captain Austin, the gear was good, the boat is as bad ass as they get and the fishing was hot! Very clean boat and fresh clean ice on board, great fishing tactics and great overall knowledge of the waters, absolutely one of my favorite charter experiences! Will definitely book again!  

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 Paige N. recommends Capt. Austin’s Guide Service

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FAQs about Capt. Austin’s Guide Service

What are the trip rates for Capt. Austin’s Guide Service?

Capt. Austin’s Guide Service offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Half Day – Eco Fishing Tour (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Half Day – Eco Fishing Tour (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Half Day Trip AM - Inshore (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Half Day Trip Inshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Shark Fishing (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Evening Trip – Trophy Red Drum (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Half day Nearshore (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 3/4 Day – Nearshore (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Full Day Trip – Eco Fishing Tour (8 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Full Day Trip Inshore (8 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Full Day Nearshore (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Capt. Austin’s Guide Service?

When you book a trip with Capt. Austin’s Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box
What's included in the trip price with Capt. Austin’s Guide Service?

Trips booked with Capt. Austin’s Guide Service include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle (Penn and Daiwa)
  • Live Bait (May be caught during the trip)
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Water)
  • Fishing License
What types of fishing does Capt. Austin’s Guide Service offer?

Capt. Austin’s Guide Service offers the following types of fishing:

  • River Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
What fishing techniques does Capt. Austin’s Guide Service offer?

Capt. Austin’s Guide Service offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Capt. Austin’s Guide Service?

Top targeted fish species with Capt. Austin’s Guide Service include:

  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Sheepshead
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Weakfish
  • Whiting

Your captain

Austin Goodwin

Beaufort, North Carolina, United States

48 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since August 2019

Hailing from a fishing family, Captain Austin has been on the water since he can remember. He's a native to eastern NC, and knows all the best fishing grounds here like the back of his hand. He loves showing newcomers around his backyard waters, and hopes to introduce you to your first catch as you target the prized fish on offer.

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish
Bluefish
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Weakfish
Weakfish
Whiting
Whiting

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2020
Boat manufacturer
Carolina Skimmer
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Suzuki 4-Stroke
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing

Inshore Fishing

Nearshore Fishing

Reef Fishing

Wreck Fishing

Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle

Heavy Tackle

Bottom Fishing

Trolling

Spinning

Jigging

Popping

Fly Fishing

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

Penn and Daiwa

Live Bait

May be caught during the trip

Lures

Drinks

Water

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.

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child Friendly

Let the captain know their weight

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

 PayPal

What’s biting in Beaufort right now

Black DrumBlack Drum
BluefishBluefish
CobiaCobia
FlounderFlounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
7 people are looking at this charter.