JW Charters
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 Black Drum, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Cobia, Flounder, Redfish, Black Seabass, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Gray Triggerfish, 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?
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (256)
+253Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
91%
Jul 31, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (AM)
High temps, kept grinding
John was very prompt and had us prepared before even meeting. Once we took off he hit a couple holes to gauge the day and then started trolling. The heat appeared to have everyone catching them slow, but he was constantly looking and trying different things. We had a decent day but do feel like it could have been bad with another captain. John seems to know the area really well and was helpful throughout the half day trip. We’ll book again but next time will do a 6 or 8 hour tour. Great boat and equipment for the 4 of us!
John was very prompt and had us prepared before even meeting. Once we took off he hit a couple holes to gauge the day and then...
Captain replied
Jul 12, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (AM)
Best birthday gift for dad! Book Capt. Welch!!
Took my dad on a morning charter for his 59th Birthday with Captain Welch. My dad had an absolute blast (and so did I)! This is my second charter out with JW Charters and it was absolutely phenomenal! We caught 6 Spanish mackerel and 2 bluefish. Captain Welch cut them up for us and we fried them up when we got back home- so delicious! This was definitely a trip (and a birthday) to remember. We will definitely be coming back in the fall for a 6 hour!
Took my dad on a morning charter for his 59th Birthday with Captain Welch. My dad had an absolute blast (and so did I)! This is...
Captain replied
May 22, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (PM)
Above & Beyond
Absolutely cannot say enough about Capt Jon! He truly listens & cares about what his customers want & goes out of his way to make it happen! I wanted reds & speckled trout and was able to catch many...several reds over 30"! Capt Jon is knowledgeable, experienced & just an overall great person. I had an awesome time & can't imagine it being any better! And I have been on many fishing charters. This was the best! Also Capt Jon went out of his way several times to help me when I had a vehicle breakdown on the side of the road! He selflessly & generously came to pick me up & assist personally with getting the issue resolved. And then was very gracious about rescheduling my fishing trip with no notice & then went out of his way to make sure I had a great time & could catch everything I wanted. HIGHLY recommend Capt Jon & JW Charters and cannot wait to book my next fishing adventure with him. Look no further! Go with JW Charters! You won't regret it!
Absolutely cannot say enough about Capt Jon! He truly listens & cares about what his customers want & goes out of his way to...
Captain replied
Jul 29, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (PM)
Unforgettable Fishing Trip
Captain Jonathan was fantastic. He started us off working some sheepshead and we got a few. Then like any freshwater fisherman coming to the coast I wanted a big red drum. Man did he deliver. We caught 4 citation drum as the sun was setting and was some of the best fishing I’ve ever done. Will definitely be checking with him next time we’re down here to see if he’s available again. Would highly recommend him.
Captain Jonathan was fantastic. He started us off working some sheepshead and we got a few. Then like any freshwater fisherman...
Captain repliedSep 25, 2024
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (Noon)
Last minute decision that was the best one of the whole vacation!
On a family vacation and made the last minute decision to go fishing. 4 men total, 2 of the 4 guys were new to fishing. Got in contact with JW charters literally the night before on the fish booker app, and after some messages back and forth, decided to book. By far the best decision we have made this whole vacation! Jon was a great captain and very informational as this was our first time fishing outside of our home state. He was explaining to us, with great knowledge, the different species in the water, what baits to use, what techniques, and what we were targeting that day. All 4 of us limited out on Red Fish and Trout in a 4 hour window. We caught plenty of fish as a group and I guarantee, the 2 guys that fished today as beginners, picked up a new hobby by the time we got back to the docks. Whether you are new to fishing, and would just enjoy being on the water, reeling it in and taking a photo without touching anything, OR want to be more hands on and get taught the techniques of fishing with soft plastics and other baits, without a doubt, Jon is your guy! The only regrets I have are: 1. not booking a longer time slot because we had a blast! and 2. not bringing my 3 year old son, I made the decision to come with only adults this time and there is no doubt in my mind, we would have got him on some fish and he would have had the time of his life just like we did! 100% going to be staying in touch with Jon and booking again!
On a family vacation and made the last minute decision to go fishing. 4 men total, 2 of the 4 guys were new to fishing. Got in...
Captain replied
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (256)
+253Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
91%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
High temps, kept grinding
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (AM) on July 31, 2025
John was very prompt and had us prepared before even meeting. Once we took off he hit a couple holes to gauge the day and then started trolling. The heat appeared to have everyone catching them slow, but he was constantly looking and trying different things. We had a decent day but do feel like it could have been bad with another captain. John seems to know the area really well and was helpful throughout the half day trip. We’ll book again but next time will do a 6 or 8 hour tour. Great boat and equipment for the 4 of us!
John was very prompt and had us prepared before even meeting. Once we took off he hit a couple holes to gauge the day and then started trolling. The heat appeared to have everyone catching them slow, but he was constantly looking and trying different things. We had a decent day but do feel like it could have been bad with another captain. John seems to know the area really well and was helpful throughout the half day trip. We’ll book again but next time will do a 6 or 8 hour tour. Great...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Best birthday gift for dad! Book Capt. Welch!!
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (AM) on July 12, 2025
Took my dad on a morning charter for his 59th Birthday with Captain Welch. My dad had an absolute blast (and so did I)! This is my second charter out with JW Charters and it was absolutely phenomenal! We caught 6 Spanish mackerel and 2 bluefish. Captain Welch cut them up for us and we fried them up when we got back home- so delicious! This was definitely a trip (and a birthday) to remember. We will definitely be coming back in the fall for a 6 hour!
Took my dad on a morning charter for his 59th Birthday with Captain Welch. My dad had an absolute blast (and so did I)! This is my second charter out with JW Charters and it was absolutely phenomenal! We caught 6 Spanish mackerel and 2 bluefish. Captain Welch cut them up for us and we fried them up when we got back home- so delicious! This was definitely a trip (and a birthday) to remember. We will definitely be coming back in the fall for a 6 hour!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Above & Beyond
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (PM) on May 22, 2025
Absolutely cannot say enough about Capt Jon! He truly listens & cares about what his customers want & goes out of his way to make it happen! I wanted reds & speckled trout and was able to catch many...several reds over 30"! Capt Jon is knowledgeable, experienced & just an overall great person. I had an awesome time & can't imagine it being any better! And I have been on many fishing charters. This was the best! Also Capt Jon went out of his way several times to help me when I had a vehicle breakdown on the side of the road! He selflessly & generously came to pick me up & assist personally with getting the issue resolved. And then was very gracious about rescheduling my fishing trip with no notice & then went out of his way to make sure I had a great time & could catch everything I wanted. HIGHLY recommend Capt Jon & JW Charters and cannot wait to book my next fishing adventure with him. Look no further! Go with JW Charters! You won't regret it!
Absolutely cannot say enough about Capt Jon! He truly listens & cares about what his customers want & goes out of his way to make it happen! I wanted reds & speckled trout and was able to catch many...several reds over 30"! Capt Jon is knowledgeable, experienced & just an overall great person. I had an awesome time & can't imagine it being any better! And I have been on many fishing charters. This was the best! Also Capt Jon went out of his way several times to help me when I had a vehicle...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Unforgettable Fishing Trip
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (PM) on July 29, 2025
Captain Jonathan was fantastic. He started us off working some sheepshead and we got a few. Then like any freshwater fisherman coming to the coast I wanted a big red drum. Man did he deliver. We caught 4 citation drum as the sun was setting and was some of the best fishing I’ve ever done. Will definitely be checking with him next time we’re down here to see if he’s available again. Would highly recommend him.
Captain Jonathan was fantastic. He started us off working some sheepshead and we got a few. Then like any freshwater fisherman coming to the coast I wanted a big red drum. Man did he deliver. We caught 4 citation drum as the sun was setting and was some of the best fishing I’ve ever done. Will definitely be checking with him next time we’re down here to see if he’s available again. Would highly recommend him.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Last minute decision that was the best one of the whole vacation!
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound (Noon) on September 25, 2024
On a family vacation and made the last minute decision to go fishing. 4 men total, 2 of the 4 guys were new to fishing. Got in contact with JW charters literally the night before on the fish booker app, and after some messages back and forth, decided to book. By far the best decision we have made this whole vacation! Jon was a great captain and very informational as this was our first time fishing outside of our home state. He was explaining to us, with great knowledge, the different species in the water, what baits to use, what techniques, and what we were targeting that day. All 4 of us limited out on Red Fish and Trout in a 4 hour window. We caught plenty of fish as a group and I guarantee, the 2 guys that fished today as beginners, picked up a new hobby by the time we got back to the docks. Whether you are new to fishing, and would just enjoy being on the water, reeling it in and taking a photo without touching anything, OR want to be more hands on and get taught the techniques of fishing with soft plastics and other baits, without a doubt, Jon is your guy! The only regrets I have are: 1. not booking a longer time slot because we had a blast! and 2. not bringing my 3 year old son, I made the decision to come with only adults this time and there is no doubt in my mind, we would have got him on some fish and he would have had the time of his life just like we did! 100% going to be staying in touch with Jon and booking again!
On a family vacation and made the last minute decision to go fishing. 4 men total, 2 of the 4 guys were new to fishing. Got in contact with JW charters literally the night before on the fish booker app, and after some messages back and forth, decided to book. By far the best decision we have made this whole vacation! Jon was a great captain and very informational as this was our first time fishing outside of our home state. He was explaining to us, with great knowledge, the different species...
FAQs about JW Charters
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
