Top Water Charters
+18Top Water Charters is all about fishing the stunning waters of Beaufort. Your guide for the day is Captain Tuggy, allowing you to benefit from years of sportfishing experience.
Depending on the season, you might hook into Amberjack, Bluefish, Bonito, Cobia, Gag Grouper, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and who knows what else! You’ll target your catch by light tackle fishing, trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.
Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Snacks are never a bad idea so that nobody gets grumpy on an empty stomach!
Your adventure begins aboard a 24 Pair Marine center console that can carry up to 4 passengers. It comes with downriggers and everything else you need for a productive day on the water. Rods, reels, and tackle are provided, as well as lures. Live bait is on offer, but it’s good to ask about this so you know if you’ll be catching it yourself.
There’s no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.
It’s never a bad idea to bring a hat, sunglasses, bottled water, and sunscreen (non-spray). Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
How often would you rather be fishing? Go on and turn that day dream into a reality, with Top Water Charters.
Captain
Tuggy Taylor
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (7)
+4Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
86%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day of slaying the Bonito
5 Hour Trip (AM) on May 9, 2025
This is my 2nd time fishing with Captain Tuggy and it won’t be our last. I will say we will we see him again in the fall for some drum fishing!! This trip my dad and myself were just looking to have some fun and boy did we do that. We would have loved a cobia but the 30 plus bonito that we caught in less than 3 hours fishing was enough fun for us. If you are looking for a captain that will give it a 110% to satisfy his customer look no further you will not be disappointed!!! Thank you Captain Tuggy for the memories you have allowed me to make with my dad. My son is so excited to come fishing with us this fall!!!
This is my 2nd time fishing with Captain Tuggy and it won’t be our last. I will say we will we see him again in the fall for some drum fishing!! This trip my dad and myself were just looking to have some fun and boy did we do that. We would have loved a cobia but the 30 plus bonito that we caught in less than 3 hours fishing was enough fun for us. If you are looking for a captain that will give it a 110% to satisfy his customer look no further you will not be disappointed!!! Thank you Captain...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Last minute saved the day
6 Hour Trip – Evening Drum on September 28, 2024
On the last day of Bull Drum, they were not being easy to find. But Captain Tuggy worked hard to find us something and as the day was about to end it was time to go in and BAM a nice 34" old drum. :) The weather was nice and being on the water was great.
On the last day of Bull Drum, they were not being easy to find. But Captain Tuggy worked hard to find us something and as the day was about to end it was time to go in and BAM a nice 34" old drum. :) The weather was nice and being on the water was great.
Wendell, North Carolina
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Evening Drum
6 Hour Trip – Evening Drum on September 19, 2023
After receiving multiple recommendations about Top Water, I booked an afternoon drum charter. My wife, father, and I went out with Captain Taylor and had an incredible afternoon! He kept us updated on the anticipated weather conditions days in advance and arrived on time at the meeting location, Captain Taylor was very professional throughout the charter, taking the time to teach the technique and share his expertise of the fisheries. He also made sure that we were comfortable throughout the charter while on the water. The boat and equipment used was modern, clean, and in good working order. I would not hesitate to schedule a second trip for the guys or family!
After receiving multiple recommendations about Top Water, I booked an afternoon drum charter. My wife, father, and I went out with Captain Taylor and had an incredible afternoon! He kept us updated on the anticipated weather conditions days in advance and arrived on time at the meeting location, Captain Taylor was very professional throughout the charter, taking the time to teach the technique and share his expertise of the fisheries. He also made sure that we were comfortable throughout the...
Greensboro, North Carolina
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
The best fishing charter I’ve been on
8 Hour Trip on May 22, 2024
Capt Tuggy put us on the fish!!! He was prepared for multiple options the day we fished and suggested what he thought would be the best option. Not long after we were hooked up. Having fished for a majority of my life, I was very impressed with Capt Tuggy’s knowledge of the water and fishery. Would highly suggest Top Water Charters to anyone looking for a great fishing experience.
Capt Tuggy put us on the fish!!! He was prepared for multiple options the day we fished and suggested what he thought would be the best option. Not long after we were hooked up. Having fished for a majority of my life, I was very impressed with Capt Tuggy’s knowledge of the water and fishery. Would highly suggest Top Water Charters to anyone looking for a great fishing experience.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Cobia trip with Capt. Tuggy Taylor on the Top Water Charters Pair Custom
8 Hour Trip on May 17, 2024
If you want a captain that’s willing to do whatever to put you on the fish then look no further than Top Water Charters. Nobody is guaranteed to catch anything on any charter but if you want the best shot at a fish, give Capt. Tuggy Taylor a call, you will have an awesome time!
If you want a captain that’s willing to do whatever to put you on the fish then look no further than Top Water Charters. Nobody is guaranteed to catch anything on any charter but if you want the best shot at a fish, give Capt. Tuggy Taylor a call, you will have an awesome time!
FAQs about Top Water Charters
What are the trip rates for Top Water Charters?
Top Water Charters offers the following trips to customers:
- US $500 per group, additional US $75 per person after 3 guests - 5 Hour Trip (AM) (5 hours)
- US $550 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Evening Drum (6 hours)
- US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Top Water Charters?
When you book a trip with Top Water Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Flybridge
- Live Bait Well
- Wireless Trolling Motor
- Outriggers
- Ice Box
- Radar
What's included in the trip price with Top Water Charters?
Trips booked with Top Water Charters include:
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live Bait (Live bait is included at no additional charge )
- Lures
- Fishing License (The boat has a blanket Nc fishing license for any passenger )
What types of fishing does Top Water Charters offer?
Top Water Charters offers the following types of fishing:
- Inshore Fishing (Pamlico sound )
- Nearshore Fishing (Out to 15 miles of Beaufort Inlet)
- Wreck Fishing (Live baiting large Spanish and King Mackerel)
What fishing techniques does Top Water Charters offer?
Top Water Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Drift Fishing
- Flounder Gigging
- Deep Sea Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Top Water Charters?
Top targeted fish species with Top Water Charters include:
- Amberjack
- Bluefish
- Bonito
- Cobia
- Grouper (Gag)
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Redfish
- Spanish Mackerel
Your captain
Beaufort, North Carolina, United States
Starting out as a child commercial fishing with my family, I have grown to love the water and all it has to offer. From stripers on the Roanoke River, to King Mackerel in Morehead City I have had the chance to learn from some of the best in the business. I have charter fished for the past 20 years out of Beaufort inlet as a mate, and decided it was time to take the ropes for the upcoming season. I can personally commit my time, skill, effort, and enthusiasm to every client who steps aboard the Top Water Boat. Feel free to contact me anytime to discuss your options.
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Inshore Fishing
Pamlico sound
Nearshore Fishing
Out to 15 miles of Beaufort Inlet
Wreck Fishing
Which fishing techniques you can try
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Flounder Gigging
Deep Sea Fishing
Which amenities are available onboard
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Outriggers
Ice Box
Radar
What’s included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Live bait is included at no additional charge
Lures
Fishing License
The boat has a blanket Nc fishing license for any passenger
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.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
I would love to have age appropriate children on our trip. Please communicate with me regarding the trip and safety items needed to accommodate your group.
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 25% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% 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
PayPal
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 2.5% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Beaufort right now
Amberjack
Bluefish
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel