Instigator Sportfishing 

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

Instigator Sportfishing 

Wanchese, NC, United States
–
33 ft
6
4.9
(45 reviews)

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Instigator Sportfishing is the premier charter boat for families and children, based out of Wanchese, NC at the Wanchese Marina.  Looking for a perfect way to introduce your kids to fishing, look no further, Capt George and Will will provide the best experiene possible.  Capt George loves to share his knowledge and techniques - you will learn from start to finish.

Capt. George aims to tailor every trip to your specific needs, so let him know what you're after! Depending on the trip and species, you'll be using techniques like bottom fishing and trolling. You're looking at 4 to 6-hour trips, where you'll usually go after the likes of Cobia, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Little Tunny, and Dogfish, depending on the weather and time of year.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 33' Bertram boat that can safely take up to 6 anglers. This boat features a toilet, ice box, and fighting chair.

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.

You're welcome to keep all legal species caught during the trip.

Here to help you with anything you need, the first mate will be on hand during the trip. Leaving a tip for a job well done is much appreciated.

This is a children-friendly charter, so you're welcome to bring your kids on for a fun fishing adventure.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Instigator Sportfishing.

Instigator Sportfishing is the premier charter boat for families and children, based out of Wanchese, NC at the Wanchese Marina.  Looking for a perfect way to introduce your kids to fishing, look no further, Capt George and Will will provide the best experiene possible.  Capt George loves to share his knowledge and techniques - you will learn from start to finish.

Capt. George aims to tailor every trip to your specific needs, so let him know what you're after! Depending on the trip and species, you'll be using techniques like bottom fishing and trolling. You're looking at 4 to 6-hour trips, where you'll usually go after the likes of Cobia, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Little Tunny, and Dogfish, depending on the weather and time of year.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 33' Bertram boat that can safely take up to 6 anglers. This boat features a toilet, ice box, and fighting chair.

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.

You're welcome to keep all legal species caught during the trip.

Here to help you with anything you need, the first mate will be on hand during the trip. Leaving a tip for a job well done is much appreciated.

This is a children-friendly charter, so you're welcome to bring your kids on for a fun fishing adventure.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Instigator Sportfishing.

George Ingram
Captain
George Ingram
36 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 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+2
US $725
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip (Mid- Day)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 11:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+2
US $725
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip (12:30)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+2
US $725
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Nearshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
Cobia
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
+1
US $1,025
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Nearshore (AM) Late Morning
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 11:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+2
US $1,025
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Nearshore (PM) (Late Start)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 6 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+2
US $1,025
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Intermediate Trip (6 hr)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Oct 31
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Intermediate (8 Hours)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 7 - Oct 31
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+1
US $1,800
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
45 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (46)

What anglers say

93%
Recommended
98%
Caught fish

Reviews (45)

  • Willa Dvorchak
    Willa Dvorchak
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    If you want fish go with Captain George!

    3/4 Day Intermediate Trip (6 hr) on July 21, 2026 • 3 adults

    Ridiculous!!! We caught too many fish!! Hahaaa best time ever! 40+ Spanish Mackerel 6 bluefish! Spot on the moment we got on board. Captain George knows exactly where to go and first mate Will was on top of the lines all day. I had booked a more expensive intermediate charter and when I got there Captain George knew there weren’t any fish out there and offered a less expensive inshore charter. He’s a true gem, saves you money AND gets you on fish! Couldn’t ask for anything better!!! 50lbs of fish at weigh in for a 6hr charter :)

  • Rebecca Griffee
    Rebecca Griffee
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Kids had a blast!

    6 Hour Nearshore (AM) on July 27, 2026 • 5 adults • 2 children

    We had a great 6 hr near shore trip! The mate Will was awesome with our kids (5yr and 7yr) and seemed to have as much fun as they did. Captain George let the kids go sit up top with him while we were trolling and they loved that. We caught a lot of fish and then the guys even switched up the gear to try for a shark after my son asked and we managed to get one right in time before heading in! We also loved getting to see Bodie Lighthouse and some pretty views while out on the boat.

  • Erica Oliver
    Erica Oliver
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    great trip!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on September 6, 2026 • 6 adults • 1 child

    this was an amazing trip! the moment the lines went in it started off strong with Albacore being caught then the mackeral wouldnt stop and then ended with catching several more albacore. our 4hr trip ended up only being 3hrs but thats only bc I had two kiddos who couldnt hang any longer but by that time we caught our limit anyways! I’d def recommend this trip!!

  • Sean Early
    Sean Early
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    These guys are legit

    6 Hour Nearshore (AM) on July 31, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children

    With the minimal margin in review variances, I looked at the photos from this crews past recent trips and went off the smiles and fish in the photos. These guys know what they are doing and put us on fish right away. They were fantastic with the kids and the trip was excellent. We will be back again to charter our next off-shore trip with them.

  • Melissa Englisby
    Melissa Englisby
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2023
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    The Fish Kept Coming!

    Half Day Trip (Mid- Day) on July 1, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child

    It was a great day on the water with Captain George and Will! Caught several Spanish Mackerel and several Bluefish. Everything was taken care of for us… we were able to sit back and relax and just reel the fish in! Thanks

  • Steven Preskitt
    Steven Preskitt
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    If you want to catch too many fish, this is the charter for you

    6 Hour Nearshore (AM) on July 21, 2026 • 2 adults

    George and Will were the best captain and first mate you could ask for! We caught a boat full of spanish mackeral and bluefish, and my wifes only complaint was reeling in too many fish! Top notch dogs to go out with.

  • Jeffrey Alascio
    Jeffrey Alascio
    Repeat angler
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Trip!!!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 16, 2026 • 6 adults

    we were very lucky amd our Captain George and 1st Mate Matt were exceptional, prepared and knowledgeable. we caught many Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel and Shark. i would highly recommend this team again.

  • Keith Yox
    Keith Yox
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    made the best iut of the situation

    Half Day Trip (Mid- Day) on June 29, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children

    Ocean water had really bad chop…. we were getting thrown all around… we called it quickly to turn back and fish the sound. We still caught 20 bluefish and spanish mackerel. The mate was on point the while time.

  • David Cartie
    David Cartie
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Instigator for the win!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 8, 2026 • 6 adults

    spanish mackeral & rays biting, huge pod of dolphins, and a great captain and crew made this a perfect morning. Can't wait to re-book!

  • Brett Edwards
    Brett Edwards
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    it was a great trip.

    Half Day Trip (Mid- Day) on June 5, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    The captain and crew where great! We caught plenty of fish and got them cleaned at the dock. I would highly recommend booking! my son and niece had a blast!

FAQs about Instigator Sportfishing

Instigator Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $725 per group - Half Day Trip (12:30) (4 hours)
  • US $725 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $725 per group - Half Day Trip (Mid- Day) (4 hours)
  • US $1,025 per group - 6 Hour Nearshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,025 per group - 6 Hour Nearshore (AM) Late Morning (6 hours)
  • US $1,025 per group - 6 Hour Nearshore (PM) (Late Start) (6 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - 3/4 Day Intermediate Trip (6 hr) (6 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group - Full Day Intermediate (8 Hours) (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Instigator Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Instigator Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • First mate
  • Fishing license
Instigator Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
Instigator Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Instigator Sportfishing include:
  • Amberjack
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Shark (Atlantic Sharpnose)
  • Spanish Mackerel

Your captain

George Ingram
George Ingram
Wanchese, North Carolina, United States
14 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
45 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2023
With many years of fishing experience, Capt. George is prepared to show you the best of these waters whether you're bottom fishing, light tackle, trolling, or using a more specialized technique. Among his favorite fish to target are Bluefish and King Mackeral. Customers often walk away with a cooler full of fish and high praise for George's knowledge of the local waters.
George Ingram
George Ingram
Fully verified
14
reports
45
reviews
2023
member since
~1h
response
With many years of fishing experience, Capt. George is prepared to show you the best of these waters whether you're bottom fishing, light tackle, trolling, or using a more specialized technique. Among his favorite fish to target are Bluefish and King Mackeral. Customers often walk away with a cooler full of fish and high praise for George's knowledge of the local waters.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Amberjack
Amberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Real catches by this captain

  • A family proudly displaying their catch of Spanish Mackerel at the dock after a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Erica O.
    Erica O.
    this was an amazing trip! the moment the lines went in it started off strong with Albacore being caught then the mackeral wouldnt stop and then ended with catching several more albacore. our 4hr trip ended up only being 3hrs but thats only bc I had two kiddos who couldnt hang any longer but by that time we caught our limit anyways! I’d def recommend this trip!!
  • A family group proudly displays their catch of the day, featuring several fish including a shark, on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Bonnethead Shark
    The past week has been a blast nearshore! Great catches of spanish mackeral, bluefish and atlantic sharp nose sharks. Lots of great customers and tons of lasting memories made. Weather this week is looking great - come make some memories with us. Capt. George
  • Angler proudly holding a small shark aboard a fishing boat on open coastal waters, with rods visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
    Patrick O.
    Patrick O.
  • Family group posing beside a large assortment of freshly caught fish, including sharks and mackerel, neatly arranged along a marina dock next to the charter boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Sean E.
    Sean E.
    With the minimal margin in review variances, I looked at the photos from this crews past recent trips and went off the smiles and fish in the photos. These guys know what they are doing and put us on fish right away. They were fantastic with the kids and the trip was excellent. We will be back again to charter our next off-shore trip with them.
  • A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of flounder and other fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    We have been having some really nice catches the last few days. Spanish mackeral, bluefish, moonfish and some sharks. The sharks are most popular on our Extended half day Intermediate trip. We have a few spots open next week - book today before we fill up. See you soon!
  • A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of multiple fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    The past few days, our 4 hr nearshore trips have been catching lots of spanish mackeral and bluefish. Our 6 hr internediate has been catching spanish mackeral, false albacore, king mackeral
  • Family group with children beside a dockside display of multiple saltwater fish, including a small shark, arranged in front of a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +4
    Spanish Mackerel
    Rebecca G.
    Rebecca G.
    We had a great 6 hr near shore trip! The mate Will was awesome with our kids (5yr and 7yr) and seemed to have as much fun as they did. Captain George let the kids go sit up top with him while we were trolling and they loved that. We caught a lot of fish and then the guys even switched up the gear to try for a shark after my son asked and we managed to get one right in time before heading in! We also loved getting to see Bodie Lighthouse and some pretty views while out on the boat.
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large fish on a dock, surrounded by a bountiful catch of multiple fish after a successful fishing trip.
    Steven P.
    Steven P.
    George and Will were the best captain and first mate you could ask for! We caught a boat full of spanish mackeral and bluefish, and my wifes only complaint was reeling in too many fish! Top notch dogs to go out with.
  • A group of three anglers proudly displaying their catch of multiple fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Willa D.
    Willa D.
    Ridiculous!!! We caught too many fish!! Hahaaa best time ever! 40+ Spanish Mackerel 6 bluefish! Spot on the moment we got on board. Captain George knows exactly where to go and first mate Will was on top of the lines all day. I had booked a more expensive intermediate charter and when I got there Captain George knew there weren’t any fish out there and offered a less expensive inshore charter. He’s a true gem, saves you money AND gets you on fish! Couldn’t ask for anything better!!! 50lbs of fish at weigh in for a 6hr charter :)
  • A group of three anglers proudly displaying their catch of multiple fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Incredible morning with an incredible family. Spanish mackerel fishing was continuous throughout the whole trip. Now is the time to get out there and get your share. See you soon.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
33 ft
Year built
1985
Restored in
2025
Boat manufacturer
Bertram
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Caterpillar
Powered by
2 x 320HP
Max cruising speed
25 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore 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
Flybridge
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
First mate
Fishing license

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
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 5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Wanchese right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel

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