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Cost of Living Sportfishing 

5.0
(17 reviews)
 4457 Mill Landing Road, Wanchese, NC 27981, United States–
+169
+166

Cost of Living Sportfishing 

Wanchese, NC, United States
–
38 ft
6
5.0
(17 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

Welcome to the Outer Banks! Cost of Living Sportfishing is ready to take your vacation to the next level! Offshore fishing is an experience like no other. Captain Zachary will be your guide, giving you access to years of sportfishing experience.

Book a trip with us as we target Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Wahoo, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Bluefish, Tilefish, Blackfin Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, and pretty much anything else that swims offshore of the outer banks. During the trip, you might be spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized such as kite fishing.

Cost of Living Sportfishing is a kid-friendly charter service, so bring the whole family! We love nothing more than bringing the smiles as kids crank on something as big as they are! We love to see the excitement kids bring.

You'll be welcomed aboard a fully refit, seakeeper equipped, 38' Bertram Offshore sportfisher. It has outriggers, downriggers, a fighting chair, and everything else you need for a productive day on the water. There's a full bathroom with A/C, a sink, and a toilet on board. We are Coast Guard licensed to carry 6 or fewer passengers. This is in addition to the crew, which will consist of the Captain and First Mate.

Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, along with lures and any bait for the trip and any fish we catch are yours to keep.

You'll have the help of a First Mate to put you on fish and make the most of your trip. Mates work hard to make your trip count. They also work for tips. 20% gratuity is customary and much appreciated.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is show up ready for a good time!

It's recommended to bring sunblock (non-spray if possible), any drink and snacks, and sunglasses.

Wouldn't you rather be fishing? Go on and turn that daydream into a reality, with Cost of Living Sportfishing. Lets go to the blue water

Welcome to the Outer Banks! Cost of Living Sportfishing is ready to take your vacation to the next level! Offshore fishing is an experience like no other. Captain Zachary will be your guide, giving you access to years of sportfishing experience.

Book a trip with us as we target Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Wahoo, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Bluefish, Tilefish, Blackfin Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, and pretty much anything else that swims offshore of the outer banks. During the trip, you might be spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized such as kite fishing.

Cost of Living Sportfishing is a kid-friendly charter service, so bring the whole family! We love nothing more than bringing the smiles as kids crank on something as big as they are! We love to see the excitement kids bring.

You'll be welcomed aboard a fully refit, seakeeper equipped, 38' Bertram Offshore sportfisher. It has outriggers, downriggers, a fighting chair, and everything else you need for a productive day on the water. There's a full bathroom with A/C, a sink, and a toilet on board. We are Coast Guard licensed to carry 6 or fewer passengers. This is in addition to the crew, which will consist of the Captain and First Mate.

Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, along with lures and any bait for the trip and any fish we catch are yours to keep.

You'll have the help of a First Mate to put you on fish and make the most of your trip. Mates work hard to make your trip count. They also work for tips. 20% gratuity is customary and much appreciated.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is show up ready for a good time!

It's recommended to bring sunblock (non-spray if possible), any drink and snacks, and sunglasses.

Wouldn't you rather be fishing? Go on and turn that daydream into a reality, with Cost of Living Sportfishing. Lets go to the blue water

Zachary Coltrain
Captain
Zachary Coltrain
Popular features
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Toilet
Child friendly
Popular features
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Toilet
Child friendly

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Trip – Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Sep 30 (Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Redfish
+1
US $750
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM)
Seasonal trip
Apr 15 - Sep 30 (Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+2
US $1,100
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip – Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)
Sailfish
+5
US $2,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
17 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (39)

All reviews (17)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 17 reviews
Mike Cotton
Mike Cotton
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Fantastic trip!
3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore on September 20, 2026 • 2 adults

Zack and Tanner were both awesome! I booked a surprise 6 hour trip for my wife and I and it was nothing short of spectacular. Their knowledge of the industry and allowing us to be hands on was such a fun experience. We were on top on the Blue’s almost immediately and caught roughly 12 within 20 minutes and they suggested to head out off the beach about a mile to go after larger fish and once again, they got us on top of Spanish Mackerel non stop with 60 in about 2 hours. We highly rccommend them and will be booking a yellow fin tuna trip with them this comkng Spring of 2027! Thanks for a great trip, Zack & Tanner!!

Reported catch:
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
Zachary Coltrain
Response from Captain

Thanks so much man, you guys were awesome! The weather was definitely a little sporty but you guys were champs. Looking forward to strapping you to a some tuna😉

Adam Di Vincenzo
Adam Di Vincenzo
Repeat angler
us
Washington D.C., US
Member since 2022
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Holy Mackerel !
3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore on August 13, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

Went out this morning on Cost of Living and caught nearly 60 or so Spanish Mackerel. Had a great time doing so. The captain and first mate were good guys and gave us lots of cool info on fishing, boats, etc. Highly recommend!

Zachary Coltrain
Response from Captain

I really appreciate you guys fishing with us! Some great fishing for sure!

Kalpana Hall
Kalpana Hall
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
no tuna but great trip
Full Day Trip – Offshore on July 28, 2026 • 6 adults

the captain xach and first mate made sure we had a great experience the boat was lovely tune wwere not biting but zach made sure we hit some other spots so tge kids were able to land some great catches

Zachary Coltrain
Response from Captain

Thank you so much for the kind review. You guys were so pleasant to have aboard and we appreciate you fishing with us. Enjoy the fish!

Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great crew! Great memories!
Full Day Trip – Nearshore on June 25, 2026 • 4 adults

If you’re in OBX and looking for a charter, these are the guys you want to go with hands down. We had a group of 4 and they gave us a trip of a lifetime. nothing but positive things to say about this crew.

Zachary Coltrain
Response from Captain

Thank you guys SO much! I can’t wait to see the YouTube video!

Dwayne Green
Dwayne Green
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
great time!
Half Day Trip – Nearshore - 3:00 PM on August 2, 2026 • 6 adults

Captain ans crew great people and very knowledgeable! We had six of us on our trip and everyone absolutely had a great time and caught fish.

Zachary Coltrain
Response from Captain

Thanks man. Weather was a little tough but good spirits and a few fish made for a fun afternoon. I hope you guys enjoy and already looking forward to next time!

FAQs about Cost of Living Sportfishing

Cost of Living Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $750 per group - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - Half Day Trip – Nearshore - 10:30 AM (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - Half Day Trip – Nearshore - 3:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (6 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore - 10:30 AM (6 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore - 12:30 PM (6 hours)
  • US $2,400 per group - Full Day Trip – Offshore (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Cost of Living Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Fully private, air conditioned, head.
  • Air conditioning
  • Fighting chair Release teak chair
  • GPS New Garmin 2022
  • Fishfinder New Garmin 2022
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Kitchen
  • Multimedia system
  • Outriggers Lee's custom riggers new 2022
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Cost of Living Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Depending on the trip type, live bait fishing is included )
  • Lures
  • First mate ((Works for Tips, 20% customary))
  • Fishing license (All fishing licenses are covered by the boat)
Cost of Living Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (We travel anywhere from the beach to 50+ miles. Whatever it takes to put you on the fish )
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Cost of Living Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Cost of Living Sportfishing include:
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Marlin (White)
  • Sailfish
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tilefish
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Zachary Coltrain
Zachary Coltrain
Wanchese, North Carolina, United States
1 Fishing Report
17 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since March 2023
My grandfather and father were both avid fishermen so I've been fishing from a young age. Everything from panfish in a pond to offshore Billfish tournaments, I love to fish.
Our Team
Zachary C.
Zachary C.
Captain
Tanner C.
Tanner C.
Captain
Noah A.
Noah A.
First mate
Zachary Coltrain
Zachary Coltrain
1
reports
17
reviews
2023
member since
~2h
response
My grandfather and father were both avid fishermen so I've been fishing from a young age. Everything from panfish in a pond to offshore Billfish tournaments, I love to fish.
The crew
Zachary C.
Zachary C.
Captain
Tanner C.
Tanner C.
Captain
Noah A.
Noah A.
First mate

The fish you can target

Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
White Marlin
Sailfish
Sailfish
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Tilefish
Tilefish
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
White Marlin

Real catches by this captain

  • Large display of Spanish mackerel arranged on a wooden marina dock beside the Cost of Living charter boat, with anglers partially visible.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Mike C.
    Mike C.
    Zack and Tanner were both awesome! I booked a surprise 6 hour trip for my wife and I and it was nothing short of spectacular. Their knowledge of the industry and allowing us to be hands on was such a fun experience. We were on top on the Blue’s almost immediately and caught roughly 12 within 20 minutes and they suggested to head out off the beach about a mile to go after larger fish and once again, they got us on top of Spanish Mackerel non stop with 60 in about 2 hours. We highly rccommend them and will be booking a yellow fin tuna trip with them this comkng Spring of 2027! Thanks for a great trip, Zack & Tanner!!
  • A couple poses beside a neatly arranged display of various fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    A great 6hr trip today with an awesome crew. Caught a limit, had a great time, and called it an early day
  • A variety of fish laid out on a dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip, likely targeting species such as mackerel.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Adam D.
    Adam D.
    Went out this morning on Cost of Living and caught nearly 60 or so Spanish Mackerel. Had a great time doing so. The captain and first mate were good guys and gave us lots of cool info on fishing, boats, etc. Highly recommend!
  • A group of young anglers proudly displaying their catches, including a Mahi Mahi, at the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Fred W.
    Fred W.
    Trip was spent with my daughter and her family. We caught two blue fish, two yellow mahi and another fish. Wonderful times had by all
  • A group of four anglers proudly displaying their catch of various fish, including Mahi Mahi, on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Brandon H.
    Brandon H.
    Do yourself a favor and book these guys. Captain Zachary was extremely accommodating with us and knew the best spots to hit. 10/10 will book again!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Snapper while fishing on a boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Scamp Grouper
    Tyler S.
    Tyler S.
    If you’re in OBX and looking for a charter, these are the guys you want to go with hands down. We had a group of 4 and they gave us a trip of a lifetime. nothing but positive things to say about this crew.
  • Multiple freshly caught fish stored inside a boat cooler, with visible blood and a sealed plastic bag.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Roland T.
    Roland T.
    We booked a 10 hour near shore, sadly the week we came down we had some rough weather so couldn't get much past the inlet but did have a pretty good time fishing the inlet and sound. Zach and Noah were awesome with the kids. And the boat was in great shape and well kept. Nobody on the water caught much that day but we still managed a pretty good catch of blue and some Spanish mackerel. Along with plenty of Spanish a bit too small to keep.
  • A young boy watches intently as an adult prepares to release a caught fish on a fishing charter, showcasing an engaging moment on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Jack Crevalle
    Ashley L.
    Ashley L.
    Weather was awesome and the fishing was even better. Zack and Tanner were amazing at what they do and open to sharing the knowledge. We all had fun and my 8 year son loved the attention and the fish, said "it's the best day ever". Wanted some drum but they were hiding out and didn't want to play, the mackerel and the blue were plenty of fun.
  • An angler reeling in a catch while fishing on a boat in open waters, showcasing the excitement of the sport.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Derrick K.
    Derrick K.
    It was a tough day for the fish we wanted, but overall a great trip! First mate was outstanding and the captain wasn’t too shabby his self. I would definitely recommend this trip for anyone wanting to relax and enjoy a day on the water
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large Amberjack while out on a deep-sea fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Benji R.
    Benji R.
    If you want to book an offshore we definitely recommend you book with Captain Zack and Cost of living Charters! Zack and his first mate Noah was so laid back and made the trip so much fun. We started out on Dolphin, then we got into the tuna. Hooked a monster shark the the five of us fought to get it to the boat. We then got into the Jack and caught them to we couldn’t fight anymore. We will definitely book with Cost of living Charters again. One of the funniest days we have ever had!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
38 ft
Year built
1986
Restored in
2025
Boat manufacturer
Bertram
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 465HP
Max cruising speed
27 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
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Fully private, air conditioned, head.
Air conditioning
Fighting chair
Release teak chair
GPS
New Garmin 2022
Fishfinder
New Garmin 2022
Flybridge
Live bait well
Kitchen
Multimedia system
Outriggers
Lee's custom riggers new 2022
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Depending on the trip type, live bait fishing is included
Lures
First mate
(Works for Tips, 20% customary)
Fishing license
All fishing licenses are covered by 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 have no set age limits, however, use your best judgment as a parent. A nearshore trip is pretty relaxed, but a full day offshore can be a long day on the water. Kids at different ages handle things differently. Let me know if you have any questions
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

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 50% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 50% 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
 Checks
 Bank transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Wanchese right now

Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)Marlin (White)
SailfishSailfish
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
TilefishTilefish
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)
Tuna (Bluefin)Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Cost of Living Sportfishing
Cost of Living Sportfishing
5.0
(17)
38 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $750