Riptide Charters 

4.9
(414 reviews)
 4457 Mill Landing Road, Wanchese, NC 27981, United States–

Riptide Charters 

Wanchese, NC, United States
–
25 ft
5
4.9
(414 reviews)

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If you are looking for a trip of a lifetime, RipTide Charters is for you! They are a top-notch family-friendly charter service that puts you in the action located in Wanchese, NC. Captain Randy has over 12 years of professional experience offshore, nearshore, and inshore and is extremely knowledgeable about the area. He grew up on the outer banks and has countless tricks up his sleeve to make sure you will have a catch to take home with you.

You will be in good hands whether you are a beginner or a pro. They are not your ordinary charter boat. They go the extra mile to include you in every aspect of the trip.

Wanchese is a fisherman's paradise. It is surrounded by flats, marshes, and all kinds of fish habitats. The Pamlico sound is nearby and the Atlantic Ocean is right around the corner. So that provides you with more fishing time and less riding time.

The Mako 25' center console with a 300 HP Evinrude engine will have no problem taking up to 5 guests, wherever your trip might lead. From the ocean to the flats, this boat is well equipped and fully maintained. It has 2 depth finders, a flybridge, live well, standard safety equipment, and ice boxes. There's all the gear you will need to land that fish of a lifetime.

Depending on the season and fish biting, you'll encounter the likes of Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Striped Bass.

When you step aboard, you will be greeted by Captain Randy and his first mate. You will be provided rods, bait, tackle, and drinks.. No need to worry about your fishing license, it's been taking care of. The boat will be sanitized before every trip.

Join Riptide Charters and let the adventure begin!

If you are looking for a trip of a lifetime, RipTide Charters is for you! They are a top-notch family-friendly charter service that puts you in the action located in Wanchese, NC. Captain Randy has over 12 years of professional experience offshore, nearshore, and inshore and is extremely knowledgeable about the area. He grew up on the outer banks and has countless tricks up his sleeve to make sure you will have a catch to take home with you.

You will be in good hands whether you are a beginner or a pro. They are not your ordinary charter boat. They go the extra mile to include you in every aspect of the trip.

Wanchese is a fisherman's paradise. It is surrounded by flats, marshes, and all kinds of fish habitats. The Pamlico sound is nearby and the Atlantic Ocean is right around the corner. So that provides you with more fishing time and less riding time.

The Mako 25' center console with a 300 HP Evinrude engine will have no problem taking up to 5 guests, wherever your trip might lead. From the ocean to the flats, this boat is well equipped and fully maintained. It has 2 depth finders, a flybridge, live well, standard safety equipment, and ice boxes. There's all the gear you will need to land that fish of a lifetime.

Depending on the season and fish biting, you'll encounter the likes of Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Striped Bass.

When you step aboard, you will be greeted by Captain Randy and his first mate. You will be provided rods, bait, tackle, and drinks.. No need to worry about your fishing license, it's been taking care of. The boat will be sanitized before every trip.

Join Riptide Charters and let the adventure begin!

Randy Thornton
Captain
Randy Thornton
18 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 Hour Trip (Evening)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 4:30 PM
Seasonal trip
(Tue, Thu)
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $350
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bluefish (Tailor)
Redfish
Sheepshead
Speckled Trout
+1
US $475
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
Redfish
Flounder
+3
US $475
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 Hour Trip – Nearshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
+2
US $550
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 Hour Trip – Nearshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
+1
US $550
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Redfish
Sheepshead
Speckled Trout
US $600
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Redfish
Sheepshead
Speckled Trout
US $600
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 Hour Trip – Nearshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Seabass (Black)
+5
US $700
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 Hour Trip – Nearshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Seabass (Black)
+5
US $700
Entire boat: up to 5 people
7 hr cobia trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
7 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 5 - Jun 1 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Cobia
US $800
Entire boat: up to 5 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Seabass (Black)
+8
US $900
Entire boat: up to 5 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (354)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
93%
Caught fish

Reviews (414)

  • Brandon Simpson
    Brandon Simpson
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    We had a awesome trip!!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on May 21, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

    We had an awesome trip yesterday! I took my 5-year old son with me, and the captain was extremely accommodating and patient the entire trip. We spent the day trolling for Spanish mackerel and ended up catching both Spanish and bluefish. The action stayed steady, the weather was great, and most importantly, my son had an absolute blast. Seeing how excited he was every time a rod went off made the whole trip great. You can tell the captain truly appreciate the business and care about giving people a good experience. I’d definitely recommend this charter.

  • Dietrich Bamberger
    Dietrich Bamberger
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Riptide got it done!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) on May 21, 2026 • 4 adults

    Captain Randy got us on the Drum. We moved several times till we found the fish and then it was all hands on deck. The whole family got in the action with my wife complaining her arms hurt from hauling in the big one! Thanks Randy, that was a great day spent with a very happy and satisfied group!

  • Skip (francis) Rasfeld
    Skip (francis) Rasfeld
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Nice half day inshore trip

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) on June 17, 2026 • 5 adults

    The fishing was a bit slow but we did catch about 6 stingrays and a bluefish. Captain Randy was professional, and did everything he could to make the trip a success.

  • Kirsten Price
    Kirsten Price
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Blue sky and blue fish!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) on June 11, 2026 • 5 adults

    Our family had a great trip, we caught a good chunk of blue fish and had fun pulling in sting rays. Captain and first mate were super friendly and knowledgeable. Good family fun.

  • Jason Coile
    Jason Coile
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    caught a limit of jacks

    6 Hour Trip – Nearshore (AM) on July 2, 2026 • 2 adults

    captain and son were great hosts. very knowledgeable of the area. 16 miles offshore out of wanchese NC. great fishing and beautiful water

  • Brandyn Wismer
    Brandyn Wismer
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    July fishing trip

    4 Hour Trip – Nearshore (AM) on July 8, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child
  • Andrew Mast
    Andrew Mast
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Family Trip with Capt Randy

    6 Hour Trip – Nearshore (AM) on June 26, 2025 • 4 adults

    We met up with Capt Randy at 6am on a (really) hot day in late June 2025 for a 6 hour fishing trip. Based on the days conditions, Capt Randy recommended a run out to a reef for bottom fishing. We road about 45-50 mins out to the reef on a very calm ocean day. On our out to the reef, we spotted a sea turtle and got a cobia on a lucky cast. Capt Randy trained us on the reef fishing techniques and we caught many fish! Black Seabass, Triggerfish, and Sea Robin Fish. Many fish we had to toss back, but we did keep a handful. Wonderful day for a family of 4 (14yo, 16yo) on a six hour trip.

  • Peter Kaltenbaugh
    Peter Kaltenbaugh
    Repeat angler
    Member since 2018
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    We caught fish. Great experience!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on June 16, 2025 • 5 adults

    We explained to Capt. Randy we wanted to catch fish to eat for dinner. He delivered! We had a great time tolling and taking turns catching and yes even missing a few. Capt. Randy was easy to work with and everyone caught fish. He showed us how to bring them in and remove them and to the ice chest they went. Really super fun. Not our first trip out fishing in the Ocean but the best ever. Capt. Randy is patient and laidback so kids would have a good time. Everything was in great working order, boat clean and ready to go when we arrived. We were very pleased. Thank you Captain Randy.

  • Matthew Romanishin
    Matthew Romanishin
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Randy

    2 Hour Trip (Evening) on June 17, 2025 • 3 adults

    We had a wonderful trip. I booked the 2 hour trip with Captain Randy since it was the first time my daughter and wife had been fishing in the bay/ocean. We each caught fish, the captain was knowledgeable, friendly, down to earth, helped bait all fishing poles, and given the wait time to have our fish cleaned he did it for us. We of course gave him a nice tip. Highly recommend this trip if you have children who have never been fishing in the bay/ocean. We will be booking a longer trip with captain Randy the next time.

  • Wes Mckenen
    Wes Mckenen
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Hit our limit

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) on August 28, 2025 • 2 adults • 1 child

    This is my first time booking a charter, my son and I have recently taken to fishing and are still very much beginners lol. I went with Riptide for a midday 4 hour trip and had a blast, I definitely recommend Capt. Randy he's super knowledgeable and experienced, he's down to earth and easy to chat with. He explained the process every step of the way and answer all of my questions and there was a lot, I genuinely learned a ton, and will be booking again.

Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (354)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
93%
Caught fish

All reviews (414)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 414 reviews
Brandon Simpson
Brandon Simpson
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
We had a awesome trip!!
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on May 21, 2026 • 1 adult • 1 child

We had an awesome trip yesterday! I took my 5-year old son with me, and the captain was extremely accommodating and patient the entire trip. We spent the day trolling for Spanish mackerel and ended up catching both Spanish and bluefish. The action stayed steady, the weather was great, and most importantly, my son had an absolute blast. Seeing how excited he was every time a rod went off made the whole trip great. You can tell the captain truly appreciate the business and care about giving people a good experience. I’d definitely recommend this charter.

Randy Thornton
Response from Captain

Thanks guys enjoyed having y’all

Dietrich Bamberger
Dietrich Bamberger
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Riptide got it done!
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) on May 21, 2026 • 4 adults

Captain Randy got us on the Drum. We moved several times till we found the fish and then it was all hands on deck. The whole family got in the action with my wife complaining her arms hurt from hauling in the big one! Thanks Randy, that was a great day spent with a very happy and satisfied group!

Randy Thornton
Response from Captain

thanks guys enjoyed having yall.

Felice Jones-lee
Felice Jones-lee
us
New York, US
Member since 2023
4.7
Verified
They tried …
4 Hour Trip – Nearshore (PM) on May 8, 2026 • 3 adults

Randy was a great guy! Our trip for Wednesday was cancelled with another guy, so I contacted Randy for a Friday trip.. Randy proved to be a really good guy who was also disappointed with the low yield. It was a new adventure for me, as I’ve never tried this type of fishing. Randy taught me how to cast, so there’s that! I’d recommend on a better day!

Randy Thornton
Response from Captain

Thanks enjoyed having y’all.

Brian Suto
Brian Suto
us
Florida, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Greta short trip for families with younger kids
2 Hour Trip (Evening) on August 6, 2026 • 2 adults • 3 children

Perfect trip (2hrs) for families with smaller kids. Caught lots of smaller fish and some large sting rays. Highly recommend this for younger kids, 2 hours was perfect. Crew was great and took great care of baiting and unhooking fish.

Randy Thornton
Response from Captain

thanks enjoyed it

Mark Clodfelter
Mark Clodfelter
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2025
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Fun trip
8 Hour Trip on June 4, 2026 • 4 adults

We caught some sheephead, a black drum, and a couple of sting rays. Slow day of fishing but Captain did his best to put us on the fish and showed us fishing technique for catching sheephead. We will definitely book with them again in the future.

Randy Thornton
Response from Captain

thanks enjoyed haveing yall

FAQs about Riptide Charters

Riptide Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - 2 Hour Trip (Evening) (2 hours)
  • US $475 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $475 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Nearshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Nearshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Nearshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Nearshore (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 7 hr cobia trip (7 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Riptide Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Riptide Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Live bait is included in price )
  • Lures
  • First mate (I do not have a mate I take care of all of your needs)
  • Fishing license (Fishing license is covered for everyone on the boat.)
Riptide Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
Riptide Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Riptide Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Sheepshead
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Triggerfish (Gray)

Your captain

Randy Thornton
Randy Thornton

Wanchese, North Carolina, United States

17 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
414 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since March 2021
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.

After growing up on the Outer Banks, my passion for fishing started young. I spent my young years chasing fish up and down the beaches, sounds, and backwaters with my dad creating memories that have lasted a lifetime. I knew I wanted to give others the same opportunity so I got my Captain license. I captained Offshore, charters for over 10 years however that didn't stop me from fishing Nearshore and Inshore as often as I could. Now I enjoy taking my 2 kids and my clients and their families to create memories of their own to last a lifetime.

Randy Thornton
Randy Thornton
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
17
reports
414
reviews
2021
member since
~1h
response
After growing up on the Outer Banks, my passion for fishing started young. I spent my young years chasing fish up and down the beaches, sounds, and backwaters with my dad creating memories that have lasted a lifetime. I knew I wanted to give others the same opportunity so I got my Captain license. I captained Offshore, charters for over 10 years however that didn't stop me from fishing Nearshore and Inshore as often as I could. Now I enjoy taking my 2 kids and my clients and their families to create memories of their own to last a lifetime.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish
Amberjack
Amberjack
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder

Real catches by this captain

  • July fishing trip
    Brandyn W.
    Brandyn W.
  • Good trip!
    Tom A.
    Tom A.
  • caught a limit of jacks
    Jason C.
    Jason C.
  • Riptide got it done!
    Dietrich B.
    Dietrich B.
  • Hit our limit
    Wes M.
    Wes M.
  • Great experience
    Brooke T.
    Brooke T.
  • Great inshore trip
    Thomas K.
    Thomas K.
  • July fishing trip
    Michael W.
    Michael W.
  • Another excellent day with in the sound.
    Dwayne H.
    Dwayne H.
  • Randy is the man!
    Don S.
    Don S.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
25 ft
Year built
2000
Boat manufacturer
Mako
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

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
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live bait well
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Live bait is included in price
Lures
First mate
I do not have a mate I take care of all of your needs
Fishing license
Fishing license is covered for everyone on the boat.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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
We love taking kids fishing our minimum age limit is 5.
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

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Wanchese right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Black DrumBlack Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
CobiaCobia
FlounderFlounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Seabass (Black)Seabass (Black)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout

Compare similar fishing charters

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(414)
25 ft
Group size 1 - 5
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+10
4 hour trip • 5 persons
US $475