JW Charters
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 (280)
+277Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
92%
Aug 29, 2025
6 Hour Trip –Inshore/Nearshore (AM)
A great trip as always
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!.
3rd year with John and will continue coming back. After allowing us to push our charter a few days in search of better conditions...
Captain replied
Aug 4, 2025
6 Hour Trip –Inshore/Nearshore (PM)
Started slow and finished strong
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.
My son and I have gone with Captain Jonathan before during our trips to the OBX. He has always been knowledgeable of the good...
Captain repliedJul 31, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound
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
Sep 4, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound
Thanks JW Charters
My wife and I really enjoyed our morning fishing trip. Jonathan gave us great opportunities to catch fish. Our morning started a little slow as far as catching keepers went but we were still catching fish and having fun. Later into our morning Jonathan shifted our gameplay to ensure we could catch plenty of fish to take home to eat. JW Charters was professional, enjoyable to be around, and I would recommend to anyone looking to fish in the area.
My wife and I really enjoyed our morning fishing trip. Jonathan gave us great opportunities to catch fish. Our morning started...
Captain replied
Jul 12, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound
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 repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (280)
+277Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
92%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
A great trip as always
6 Hour Trip –Inshore/Nearshore (AM) on August 29, 2025
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!.
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Started slow and finished strong
6 Hour Trip –Inshore/Nearshore (PM) on August 4, 2025
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.
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....
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
High temps, kept grinding
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound 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
Thanks JW Charters
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound on September 4, 2025
My wife and I really enjoyed our morning fishing trip. Jonathan gave us great opportunities to catch fish. Our morning started a little slow as far as catching keepers went but we were still catching fish and having fun. Later into our morning Jonathan shifted our gameplay to ensure we could catch plenty of fish to take home to eat. JW Charters was professional, enjoyable to be around, and I would recommend to anyone looking to fish in the area.
My wife and I really enjoyed our morning fishing trip. Jonathan gave us great opportunities to catch fish. Our morning started a little slow as far as catching keepers went but we were still catching fish and having fun. Later into our morning Jonathan shifted our gameplay to ensure we could catch plenty of fish to take home to eat. JW Charters was professional, enjoyable to be around, and I would recommend to anyone looking to fish in the area.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Best birthday gift for dad! Book Capt. Welch!!
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Sound 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!
FAQs about JW Charters
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