JW Charters 

4.9/5 (242 reviews)
Recent reports
 8770 Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States

JW Charters 

Nags Head, NC, United States
20 ft
4
4.9/5 (242 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

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
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
In high demand Last booked: 6 days ago
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
In high demand Last booked: 6 days ago
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 21 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (317)

What anglers say

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

All reviews (242)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 242 reviews
Christian Mathews
Christian Mathews
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
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!

Bethanie Costello
Bethanie Costello
us
Winchester, VA, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Worth it!
4 Hour Trip – Sound Fishing Trip - 11:00 AM on July 7, 20264 adults

This was our first fishing charter, and wont be the last! Captain Jonothan was very patient with my super beginner self, and helped my husband and dad know where to cast and what to feel for since ocean fishing is VERY different than what we’re used to. Not many caught, but that’s our fault (user error!) I would recommend this charter 100/10 times!

Reported catch:
Sheepshead
Jonathon Welch
Response from Captain

Thank you so much Bethanie! Its tough when they pull you up in the bridge like that! Im glad yall enjoyed it and haf some awesome scenery!! I hope to try yalls cheesesteak sometime!

Aiden Miller
Aiden Miller
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Very enjoyable
2 Hour Sound Fishing/Cruise - 11:00 AM on June 25, 20263 adults

I had an incredible. Very knowledgeable and really showed me exactly where to catch fish. I learned so much and we had an amazing time highly recommend! Definitely recommend if you just have a chill and relaxing vibe. If you’re thinking about booking do it you won’t regret it. Works hard to make sure you have a great time.

Jonathon Welch
Response from Captain

Aiden thank you so much! I had alot of fun showing you the ropes! super stoked you had a great time buddy we only had a few bites but 2 ilhouts is reslly tough sometimes. I really appreciate you taking time to type this all up! Goodluck with basic training I hope to fish eith you again! Thank you!

Joshua Wuerthele
Joshua Wuerthele
Repeat angler
us
Massachusetts, US
Member since 2023
3 trips
5.0
Verified
A great trip as always
6 Hour Trip – Sound on August 29, 20252 adults1 child

3rd year with John and will continue coming back. After allowing us to push our charter a few days in search of better conditions we went near shore looking for Trigger Fish but unfortunately weren't able to find them this time. We did get some keeper black seabass however including my personal best jumbo. As always John is great with my son who is 9 now and each year he spends more time catching fish. We ended the day up on the Bonner Bridge pilings looking for Sheepshead but unfortunately couldn't land any. We will be back next year, if not sooner, to set out with John again!.

Reported catch:
Gray Triggerfish
Black Seabass
Jonathon Welch
Response from Captain

Thank you Josh for your continued support! It was a tough ine this year I sm glad we atleast made it out with a few pretty black seabass. It is always a pleasure having you and your family aboard and I am extremely grateful for yall continued support!

Mark Miller
Mark Miller
Repeat angler
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2022
6 trips
5.0
Verified
Started slow and finished strong
6 Hour Trip – Sound - 1:00 PM on August 4, 20253 adults

My son and I have gone with Captain Jonathan before during our trips to the OBX. He has always been knowledgeable of the good spots and we have not come back disappointed. Not much action at the beginning of the trip trying to catch some spotted trout but the second half of the trip was the exact opposite with several large blues and some nice keeper red drum. On the way in Captain Jonathan spotted an area that looked to good to pass up so we did a little overtime and caught a few nice red drum. We are already looking forward to our next trip with him when we come back next summer.

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

Thank you Mark! It’s always a blast with you Gabe! See y’all in may!

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
Jonathon Welch

Nags Head, North Carolina, United States

38 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
242 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.

38 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
242 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.

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

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

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
JW Charters
JW Charters
4.9
(242)
20 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $500

Recent fishing reports


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