Salty Charters Dare County 

4.8
(276 reviews)
 North Highway 1205, Manteo, NC 27954, United States–

Salty Charters Dare County 

Manteo, NC, United States
–
23 ft
6
4.8
(276 reviews)

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Salty Charters is located in Manteo, NC, and offers to show you a memorable time fishing in the Outer Banks. Captain John Speener can take you inshore and promises to show you the richness and beauty of these waters at all costs.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 23' Sportsmen center console that can safely take up to 6 anglers. The boat runs on a 250 HP Yamaha engine and uses GPS, fishfinder, and VHF radio electronics, allowing a quick and safe ride to your fishing spots. The boat also comes with a livewell, so you'll have all the tools you need for a productive day out.

Capt. John will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. This involves 3, 4 or 8-hour trips, fishing for species like Redfish, Black Drum, Bluefish, Bass, trout, depending on the season and conditions on the day. You can expect to use a range of techniques such as bottom fishing, big game fishing, jigging, and spinning on light and heavy tackle.

All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price, so you can focus on what really matters – fishing. Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day. All you need to do is bring drinks and snacks, and you're good to go!

Book your trip now and hit the water with Salty Charters, the Outer Banks have plenty to offer!

Salty Charters is located in Manteo, NC, and offers to show you a memorable time fishing in the Outer Banks. Captain John Speener can take you inshore and promises to show you the richness and beauty of these waters at all costs.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 23' Sportsmen center console that can safely take up to 6 anglers. The boat runs on a 250 HP Yamaha engine and uses GPS, fishfinder, and VHF radio electronics, allowing a quick and safe ride to your fishing spots. The boat also comes with a livewell, so you'll have all the tools you need for a productive day out.

Capt. John will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. This involves 3, 4 or 8-hour trips, fishing for species like Redfish, Black Drum, Bluefish, Bass, trout, depending on the season and conditions on the day. You can expect to use a range of techniques such as bottom fishing, big game fishing, jigging, and spinning on light and heavy tackle.

All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price, so you can focus on what really matters – fishing. Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day. All you need to do is bring drinks and snacks, and you're good to go!

Book your trip now and hit the water with Salty Charters, the Outer Banks have plenty to offer!

John Speener
Captain
John Speener
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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2 hour kid trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Oct 31
Speckled Trout
King George Whiting
Atlantic Croaker
US $325
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3 hour Midday kid trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 11:30 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Sep 30
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $375
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour inshore Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 11:00 AM)
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Sep 30
Cobia
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
+3
US $525
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – Inshore/Near
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Sep 30
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Cobia
Bluefish (Tailor)
+6
US $775
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Sep 30
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Cobia
Bluefish (Tailor)
+6
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 15 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
276 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (229)

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
96%
Good boat
93%
Recommended
87%
Caught fish

Reviews (276)

  • Kirsten Dearvil
    Kirsten Dearvil
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    amazing!

    2 hour kid trip on June 15, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children

    we took our two foster sons and our 4 year old is on the spectrum and captain and his son were SO GREAT WITH HIM! our son had a bit of a tantrum at one point but they were so patient and engaged with him! It was such a great experience and they loved it! Really great for families especially if you have any neurodivergent kiddos, they were great! They are still talking about “Captain and Mr. Brad”! Caught some fish and saw some beautiful scenary!

  • Sean Simonsen
    Sean Simonsen
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    on fish within 5 minutes

    4 Hour inshore Trip on August 24, 2026 • 6 adults

    capt john and his daughter (capt Kayla) were excellent, easy, and very experienced. we had an amazing time and everything was relaxed, organized, and they were both very knowledgeable. We talked alot and had alot of fun. Once capt. john set the rods up we were on fish in no more than 5 minutes, and we stayed on for pretty much the whole time. Absolutely recommend and cant wait to book again!

  • Andrew Schaeffer
    Andrew Schaeffer
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Great Fishing Trip

    4 Hour inshore Trip on September 12, 2026 • 3 adults

    we had a great time, caught a mess of Spanish mackerel and Captain John was great at helping our on out and explaining things to him to know for future fishing. highly recommend, we will be back!

  • Bethany Neville
    Bethany Neville
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    4.7
    Verified
    New

    Great experience for my son!

    3 hour Midday kid trip on September 20, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

    son had a great time, it was his first time fishing and on a boat. we caught a puffer and a lot of pig fishes. At the end, my son was inviting john to our rental house to stay and for dinner. gave him a hug before leaving. he had a blast. it was great time. cant wait to do it again.

  • Christopher Faw
    Christopher Faw
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Couldnt ask for a better kids trip!

    2 hour kid trip on August 7, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    We had a blast going out with Captain John. We took our two kids (6&3) on the two hour kids trip. Man were we put on the fish. In just two hours we caught probably 25-35 fish. Captain was engaging and very good with the kids. would def say if you have small kids this is the charter to take.

  • Toni Kaplan
    Toni Kaplan
    us
    Oklahoma, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Everyone in our Crew caught at least 5

    4 Hour inshore Trip on August 20, 2026 • 5 adults • 2 children

    Went near shore fishing with Captain John and Captain Kay. Wehit a pocket of Spanish Mackerel and theyjust kept biting. Our party of 5 caught about 30, with 12 being big enough to keep. They are already fileted, fried, and made in to delicious tacos!

  • Deidre Smith
    Deidre Smith
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun time!

    3 hour Midday kid trip on July 2, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Our family enjoyed the boating trip with Captain John- Salty Charters! It was a great experience and we highly recommend this experience! He’s a native & very knowledgeable of the area. Thanks for an awesome time Captain John!!

  • Scott Clark
    Scott Clark
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Once in a lifetime trip.

    4 Hour inshore Trip on June 11, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child

    Captain John was great. He put us on some blues and then we went from hoping to catch something to catching a massive drum! He even took the time to stop so my 6 year old grandson could see some dolphins.

  • James Christopher
    James Christopher
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2024
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    awesome day in the water

    4 Hour inshore Trip - 11:00 AM on August 4, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children

    we had a great experience. bites were slow but steady. was teally nice getting to know the captain and his daughter/ captain. would highly recommend this charter. felt very welcome onboard

  • Mark Baldwin
    Mark Baldwin
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic trip

    6 Hour Trip – Inshore/Near on July 31, 2026 • 4 adults

    We caught Amber jack, sea bass, trigger fish, and a cobia (which unfortunately was too small to keep). Had a blast with Captain John and his daughter. Can’t wait to book next years trip!!!!!

Rating

4.8
276 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (229)

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
96%
Good boat
93%
Recommended
87%
Caught fish

All reviews (276)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 276 reviews
Dylan Garrison
Dylan Garrison
us
Florida, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Chill morning near shore
4 Hour inshore Trip on June 12, 2026 • 4 adults

Decided the day before to take the wife and parents out for a morning trip. Capt John called and wanted to know what we were looking to fish for. I had been wanting to go for Drum, and John advised that the conditions probably weren’t going to be favorable for a good Drum bite, so we decided on doing some trolling. We got some rods in the water and weaved around spots where the bite was good. He and his son the mate were very attentive and wanted to make sure we had a good experience. We ended the trip with several decent sized Spanish Mackerel in the well and left happy. Pretty chill trip and pulled out some fish as well

John Speener
Response from Captain

Dylan, thank you for a great review. I had a blast with you guys. Can’t wait to take you again. Maybe next time we can get on those Drum. 

Kirsten Ungaro
Kirsten Ungaro
Repeat angler
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
amazing!
2 hour kid trip on June 15, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

we took our two foster sons and our 4 year old is on the spectrum and captain and his son were SO GREAT WITH HIM! our son had a bit of a tantrum at one point but they were so patient and engaged with him! It was such a great experience and they loved it! Really great for families especially if you have any neurodivergent kiddos, they were great! They are still talking about “Captain and Mr. Brad”! Caught some fish and saw some beautiful scenary!

John Speener
Response from Captain

kirsten thank you for an awesome review. I had an amazing time with you and your family. 

Tonya House
Tonya House
Repeat angler
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2021
7 trips
5.0
Verified
New
amazing captain
8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on September 11, 2026 • 4 adults

This is like the fifth time we have gone with salty charters. They are so accommodating they do their best to put you on fish and to give you the experience you want. We will see him again next year.  thanks John and Kaitlyn for the amazing trip.

Reported catch:
Amberjack
John Speener
Response from Captain

Tonya like always it was a pleasure fishing with you guys. Can’t wait until next year. 

Sean Simonsen
Sean Simonsen
us
Connecticut, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
on fish within 5 minutes
4 Hour inshore Trip on August 24, 2026 • 6 adults

capt john and his daughter (capt Kayla) were excellent, easy, and very experienced. we had an amazing time and everything was relaxed, organized, and they were both very knowledgeable. We talked alot and had alot of fun. Once capt. john set the rods up we were on fish in no more than 5 minutes, and we stayed on for pretty much the whole time. Absolutely recommend and cant wait to book again!

Reported catch:
Striped Bass
Bluefish (Tailor)
John Speener
Response from Captain

sean thank you so much for your nice review. Can’t wait to go with you guys again.

Andrew Schaeffer
Andrew Schaeffer
Repeat angler
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Great Fishing Trip
4 Hour inshore Trip on September 12, 2026 • 3 adults

we had a great time, caught a mess of Spanish mackerel and Captain John was great at helping our on out and explaining things to him to know for future fishing. highly recommend, we will be back!

John Speener
Response from Captain

Andrew, thank you so much for your great review. Can’t wait to see you guys again. 

FAQs about Salty Charters Dare County

Salty Charters Dare County offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $325 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 2 hour kid trip (2 hours)
  • US $325 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 2 hour kid trip - 10:00 AM (2 hours)
  • US $325 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 2 hour kid trip - 12:00 PM (2 hours)
  • US $325 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 2 hour kid trip - 2:00 PM (2 hours)
  • US $325 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 2 hour kid trip - 4:00 PM (2 hours)
  • US $375 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 3 hour Midday kid trip (3 hours)
  • US $525 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour inshore Trip (4 hours)
  • US $525 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour inshore Trip - 11:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $775 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Inshore/Near (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Salty Charters Dare County, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
Trips booked with Salty Charters Dare County include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (At certain times of the year, we will use mostly live bait, but when the bite is good, we will use a lot of artificial )
  • Lures
  • First mate (Most of the time I have one of my kids as a mate on the boat. The customary tip amount is typically 20% of the trip cost.)
  • Fishing license (All fishing licenses are included with the trip)
Salty Charters Dare County offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
Salty Charters Dare County offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
Top targeted fish species with Salty Charters Dare County include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Cobia
  • Redfish
  • Speckled Trout
  • Weakfish

Your captain

John Speener
John Speener

Manteo, North Carolina, United States

5 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
276 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since December 2021

Fishing is something that Captain John has done his entire life and is something he's very good at. Join him aboard and have a memorable time chasing fish and enjoying the water in one of the most productive hotspots in the country.

Our Team
Kayla S.

Kayla S.

Captain

John Speener
John Speener
Fully verified
5
reports
276
reviews
2021
member since
~1h
response
Fishing is something that Captain John has done his entire life and is something he's very good at. Join him aboard and have a memorable time chasing fish and enjoying the water in one of the most productive hotspots in the country.
The crew
Kayla S.
Kayla S.
Captain

The fish you can target

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Redfish
Redfish
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Weakfish
Weakfish
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Redfish
Redfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Great experience for my son!
    Bethany N.
    Bethany N.
  • Great Fishing Trip
    Andrew S.
    Andrew S.
  • Great trip for kids
    jon g.
    jon g.
  • on fish within 5 minutes
    Sean S.
    Sean S.
  • Everyone in our Crew caught at least 5
    Toni K.
    Toni K.
  • awesome day in the water
    James C.
    James C.
  • Fishing with John
    Holli B.
    Holli B.
  • Fun time!
    Deidre S.
    Deidre S.
  • Last minute Hail Mary paid off!
    Christina S.
    Christina S.
  • Fishing with John
    Dylan P.
    Dylan P.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
23 ft
Year built
2017
Boat manufacturer
Sportsmen
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
50 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
At certain times of the year, we will use mostly live bait, but when the bite is good, we will use a lot of artificial 
Lures
First mate
Most of the time I have one of my kids as a mate on the boat. The customary tip amount is typically 20% of the trip cost.
Fishing license
All fishing licenses are included with the trip

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 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
I have no age limit requirement however, if your child is under the age of five, you may have to bring their own lifejacket.
No smoking
You keep catch

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% 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

 Checks

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Manteo right now

Bass (Striped)Bass (Striped)
Black DrumBlack Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
CobiaCobia
RedfishRedfish
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Salty Charters Dare County
Salty Charters Dare County
4.8
(276)
23 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+5
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $525