Top Water Charters 

5.0
(11 reviews)
 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States–

Top Water Charters 

Beaufort, NC, United States
–
24 ft
4
5.0
(11 reviews)

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Top 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.

Top 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.

Tuggy Taylor
Captain
Tuggy Taylor
25 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
5 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+2
US $550
Entire boat: up to 3 people
6 Hour Trip – Evening Drum
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 2:00 PM
Redfish
US $650
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+4
US $747
Entire boat: up to 3 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
11 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (17)

Reviews (11)

  • Danny Davis
    Danny Davis
    Member since 2025
    5.0

    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!!!

  • Grant Amshoff
    Grant Amshoff
    us
    Kentucky, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Mid July Summer Morning Trip

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on July 14, 2025 • 2 adults

    Captain Tuggy was amazing. My wife and I had an absolute blast out on the water, even though it’s not the best time of year for hook ups, captain got us to catch a variety of species including Cobia, King Mackeral, Atlantic Shark, Blue Fish, Grouper. We tried various techniques from casting, bottom fishing, and trolling with large live baits. I would highly recommend him to anyone!

  • Matthew Toler
    Matthew Toler
    Member since 2024
    5.0

    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!

  • Cody Allen
    Cody Allen
    Member since 2024
    5.0

    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!

  • Joe Millard
    Joe Millard
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2020
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Top water charters!

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on July 25, 2025 • 4 adults

    Great time with capt. Tuggy Taylor!! Highly recommend!

  • Clinton Jones
    Clinton Jones
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2019
    13 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    Last minute saved the day

    6 Hour Trip – Evening Drum on September 28, 2024 • 2 adults

    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.

  • Gayle Humphries
    Gayle Humphries
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Tuggy Taylor is Great!

    8 Hour Trip on September 26, 2026 • 2 adults

    We had a fun day on the water with Tuggy. We caught 11 fish with one weighing in at 30 pounds! Tuggy knows the local waters and where to find the fish. I Highly recommend him.

  • Joe  Fletcher
    Joe Fletcher
    Repeat angler
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2023
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time

    6 Hour Trip – Evening Drum on October 5, 2025 • 2 adults

    If you want an experienced Captian who is really great with his clients and knows where the fish are. I recommend Tuggy. He is very friendly, experienced, and hands-on with his clients. Will be on the first Captian to contact when we want another Charter. Me and my son had a great time.

  • Hunter A
    Hunter A
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0

    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.

  • B Paige
    B Paige
    Member since 2024
    5.0

    May fishing trip

    8 Hour Trip on May 22, 2024

FAQs about Top Water Charters

Top Water Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $550 per group, additional US $75 per person after 3 guests - 5 Hour Trip (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Evening Drum (6 hours)
  • US $747 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
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
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 )
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)
Top Water Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
  • Flounder gigging
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Top Water Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Bonito
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Spanish Mackerel

Your captain

Tuggy Taylor
Tuggy Taylor
Beaufort, North Carolina, United States
19 Fishing Reports
11 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since September 2023
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.
Tuggy Taylor
Tuggy Taylor
19
reports
11
reviews
2023
member since
~1h
response
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

Amberjack
Amberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bonito
Bonito
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Amberjack
Amberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bonito
Bonito
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper

Real catches by this captain

  • A young angler casting a line into the ocean during sunset, showcasing the excitement of fishing in a serene environment.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    The calendar is updated and awaiting your arrival for fall fishing. This is a evening drum trip thatbis sure to mee the needs of experieced and new fishermen. Great for families, friends, and couples of all ages!
  • A young angler proudly holding a fish while enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Red Snapper
    The summers fishing is in full swing and been plucking away at sharks, bluefish, spanish, groupers. Snappers, and much more. Looking to see you soon to experience a trip of a lifetime
  • Angler proudly displaying a large King Mackerel aboard a fishing boat during a sunset outing.
    Fish 1
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Joe  .
    Joe .
    If you want an experienced Captian who is really great with his clients and knows where the fish are. I recommend Tuggy. He is very friendly, experienced, and hands-on with his clients. Will be on the first Captian to contact when we want another Charter. Me and my son had a great time.
  • Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of Redfish on a boat, showcasing a successful day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Fishing has been red hot in the pamilco sound for thophy red drum. This will last through September some come get some!
  • Adult angler holding a long spotted fish aboard a small center-console boat in clear coastal waters, with a second crew member in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +4
    Spanish Mackerel
    The summers been a hot one, actually one of the hottest i can remember in a long time! We have had mostly new customers with some from last year as well. Fishing has had its moments when its really good, but then days where its a struggle. Thats summertime fishing in our neck of the woods. I am starting my fall drum trips next week august 3rd and have some available dates in August and September for anyone looking a trip. Reach out and lets go fishing!
  • Adult angler proudly holding a freshly caught spotted fish aboard a center-console boat in clear coastal waters, with a second crew member in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Joe M.
    Joe M.
    Great time with capt. Tuggy Taylor!! Highly recommend!
  • A shark is seen swimming in clear blue waters, showcasing the excitement of fishing in a vibrant marine environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Mako Shark
    Grant A.
    Grant A.
    Captain Tuggy was amazing. My wife and I had an absolute blast out on the water, even though it’s not the best time of year for hook ups, captain got us to catch a variety of species including Cobia, King Mackeral, Atlantic Shark, Blue Fish, Grouper. We tried various techniques from casting, bottom fishing, and trolling with large live baits. I would highly recommend him to anyone!
  • Two anglers standing on the dock next to a neatly arranged display of several fish after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    The last few days have been outstanding fishing. Come on down fkr some great fishing and fellowship.
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large catch of King Mackerel and other species arranged on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Tidewater group today. Every time Cody comes he brings some catching with him. Plenty of cobias and bonito and big ole bluefish for fun. Kept enough for dinner and released 2x that many! Have several open days in June!
  • A young girl is reeling in a fish with guidance from an adult on a fishing boat, showcasing an engaging fishing experience.
    Fish 1
    Weakfish
    Carried lilly and the family teout fishing for a few hours. The wind kept is inside but the grey trout bite was off the hook! Several open april dates come on down!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2021
Boat manufacturer
Pair Marine
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 350HP

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
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.
More details

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 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
 American Express
 PayPal
 Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Beaufort right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
CobiaCobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Top Water Charters
Top Water Charters
5.0
(11)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+6
5 hour trip • 4 persons
US $550