JW Charters 

4.9
(264 reviews)
 8770 Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States

JW Charters 

Nags Head, NC, United States
20 ft
4
4.9
(264 reviews)

There's a fish with your name on it in Nags Head and JW Charters will help you catch it! Having logged many hours on these changing tides, Captain Jonathon can tell you all about them.

These waters are known for Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Bluefish, Black Drum, Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Black Seabass, Grey Tiggerfish, and more – with any luck, it won't be long before 'Fish on!'

On these trips, you can expect to troll and bottom fish using light or heavy tackle. For the more adventurous among you, there's spearfishing and bowfishing (must bring your own equipment).

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome, just make sure to bring a life vest for them if you think they will not fit in one of mine. Also, remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets grumpy on an empty belly!

Capt. Jonathon operates a 20' May-Craft center console that holds up to 4 passengers. It comes with all the essentials. Rods, reels, and tackle are ready for you, along with lures. Live bait is included, but you should ask the captain whether you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Have in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

Don't forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and bottled water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

JW Charters will make it easy for you to go fishing in Nags Head. So, how about booking that trip?

There's a fish with your name on it in Nags Head and JW Charters will help you catch it! Having logged many hours on these changing tides, Captain Jonathon can tell you all about them.

These waters are known for Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Bluefish, Black Drum, Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Black Seabass, Grey Tiggerfish, and more – with any luck, it won't be long before 'Fish on!'

On these trips, you can expect to troll and bottom fish using light or heavy tackle. For the more adventurous among you, there's spearfishing and bowfishing (must bring your own equipment).

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome, just make sure to bring a life vest for them if you think they will not fit in one of mine. Also, remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets grumpy on an empty belly!

Capt. Jonathon operates a 20' May-Craft center console that holds up to 4 passengers. It comes with all the essentials. Rods, reels, and tackle are ready for you, along with lures. Live bait is included, but you should ask the captain whether you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Have in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

Don't forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and bottled water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

JW Charters will make it easy for you to go fishing in Nags Head. So, how about booking that trip?

Jonathon Welch
Captain
Jonathon Welch
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
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2 Hour Sunset Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 6:00 PM
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
Redfish
Flounder
+2
US $350
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Trip – Sound Fishing Trip
In high demand Last booked: 2 days ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:30 PM)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
Redfish
Flounder
+2
US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour- Ocean
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
Seabass (Black)
Bass (Striped)
+8
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – Sound
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Amberjack
Cobia
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+7
US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 hour- Ocean
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
Seabass (Black)
Bass (Striped)
+8
US $850
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip- Sound Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Cobia
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
+6
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 hour- Ocean
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
Seabass (Black)
Bass (Striped)
+8
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 18 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
264 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (344)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish

All reviews (264)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 264 reviews
John Stanish
John Stanish
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Killer last minute trip
6 hour- Ocean on August 26, 20264 adults

A group of 4 of us went out with Capt. Jon on a ocean trip with a days notice and he didn't fail to put us on the meat! We mentioned we didn't want to troll for Macks for hours (like plenty of other charters do), and he happily obliged us to venture out to fish some reefs to see what we could find. We ended the day with plenty of Mack's and Triggerfish to pack the freezer to go along with the good weather and conversation. Will definitely book again next time we're in town!

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Gray Triggerfish
Jonathon Welch
Response from Captain

Thank you John!! Glad it worked out for us!! Congrats!

Kelsey Sewell
Kelsey Sewell
us
Connecticut, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Great trip!
2 Hour Sunset Fishing on August 28, 20262 adults1 child

We had a great trip with Captain Jon! This was our 8 year old’s first time fishing on a boat and we just wanted him to catch something and Captain Jon made it happen. We initially started trying for drum, but when the bites weren’t happening, we moved to try to get something on the line for my son. We had fun catching a little bit if everything bluefish, rays, croakers, pin fish, and sand perch. Thanks for a great experience for my kiddo!

Reported catch:
Bluefish (Tailor)
Jonathon Welch
Response from Captain

Thank you, Kelsey! Im glad yall had a great time! I hope to aee yall again!

Joan Turner
Joan Turner
Repeat angler
us
South Carolina, US
Member since 2025
4 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Captain Jonathon + Drums = Best Fishing trip ever! :)
2 Hour Sunset Fishing on August 25, 20262 adults

As Captain Jonathon said “we warmed up catching croakers and then we ended with the big drums!” Awesome trip! Not only did we catch some amazing fish, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset while fishing. The captain let you do as little or as much as you wanted to do. He was patient and kind and even gave us ladies time to take pictures. We made memories that we will talk about over and over in the future. Don’t hesitate, book this trip!

Jonathon Welch
Response from Captain

Thank you, Joan Im glad yall had a great time!!

Christian Mathews
Christian Mathews
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
One of the best!
4 Hour Trip – Sound Fishing Trip - 3:30 PM on June 24, 20263 adults

Wanted to surprise my dad for fathers day, We rolled the dice, booking a 4 hour trip with Johnathan. We have been on hundreds of charters and I can honestly say this was by far one of our favorites. We had a great time, and John put us on the fish. Johnathan was one of the best captains we’ve had. Being raised here his knowledge of the area and fishing skills are unmatched. Just wanted to say thanks, and we can wait for next year! FISH ON - The Mathews

Reported catch:
Black Drum
Sheepshead
Jonathon Welch
Response from Captain

Christian thank you so for the words honestly. Yall were awesome and eger to listen and learn from me. It was a pleasure meeting yall and I cant wait to get on some sheep and cobia with yall next year!

Cameron Green
Cameron Green
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great Time!
2 Hour Sound Fishing/Cruise on May 27, 20264 adults

We had a great time on our charter with Jon! We caught several Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and a Houndfish. Jon was incredibly knowledgeable and did a great job teaching us how to use the fishing rods he had. This is a great trip for someone with any level of experience. We kept our catch and only paid $7 to have the fish cleaned at the Marina. We will definitely be joining Jon on another charter in the future.

Reported catch:
Bluefish (Tailor)
Jonathon Welch
Response from Captain

Thank you Cameron! Glad yall enjoyed it buddy hope to see you again!

FAQs about JW Charters

JW Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - 2 Hour Sunset Fishing (2 hours)
  • US $500 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Sound Fishing Trip (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Sound Fishing Trip - 11:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Sound Fishing Trip - 3:30 PM (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour- Ocean (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sound (6 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Sound - 1:00 PM (6 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 6 hour- Ocean (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 8 Hour Trip- Sound Fishing (8 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 8 hour- Ocean (8 hours)
When you book a trip with JW Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with JW Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Live bait will be included.)
  • Lures
  • Fishing license (Fishing licenses cover all guests and are included into the trip price.)
JW Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
JW Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly fishing (Must bring your own equipment)
  • Drift fishing
  • Bowfishing (Must bring your own equipment )
  • Spearfishing (Must bring your own equipment)
Top targeted fish species with JW Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Sheepshead
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Triggerfish (Gray)

Your captain

Jonathon Welch
Jonathon Welch

Nags Head, North Carolina, United States

39 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
264 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since April 2023
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.

I was raised here on the Outer Banks and my love for fishing stretches back to when I was a young kid. I've spent many of days and nights on the water and can't wait to share my experiences. After high school I joined the United States Marine Corps in which I spent 4 years serving this beautiful nation. After getting out I began commercial fishing on a pelagic long line fishing vessel. Needless to say I have a few tricks up my sleeve so come join me on the water for a memorable experience.

Jonathon Welch
Jonathon Welch
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
39
reports
264
reviews
2023
member since
~1h
response
I was raised here on the Outer Banks and my love for fishing stretches back to when I was a young kid. I've spent many of days and nights on the water and can't wait to share my experiences. After high school I joined the United States Marine Corps in which I spent 4 years serving this beautiful nation. After getting out I began commercial fishing on a pelagic long line fishing vessel. Needless to say I have a few tricks up my sleeve so come join me on the water for a memorable experience.

The fish you can target

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

Real catches by this captain

  • Great trip!
    Kelsey S.
    Kelsey S.
  • Killer last minute trip
    John S.
    John S.
  • Captain Jonathon + Drums = Best Fishing trip ever! :)
    Joan T.
    Joan T.
  • good fishing
    Mark H.
    Mark H.
  • Slayed em
    Nicholas F.
    Nicholas F.
  • Big Red Drums
    Michael R.
    Michael R.
  • Fishing with Jonathon
    Darrell S.
    Darrell S.
  • Great evening trip
    Steven S.
    Steven S.
  • Great experience
    Noah B.
    Noah B.
  • perfect trip
    Joe Y.
    Joe Y.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
2017
Boat manufacturer
May-Craft
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Must bring your own equipment
Drift Fishing
Bowfishing
Must bring your own equipment
Spearfishing
Must bring your own equipment

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
Live bait
Live bait will be included.
Lures
Fishing license
Fishing licenses cover all guests and are included into the trip price.

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.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

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

Child friendly
Being lifejacket for children 4 yrs and younger
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 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

What’s biting in Nags Head right now

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

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