Coastal Life Outfitters, MASFA
The Coastal Life Outfitters Mid-Atlantic Surf Fishing Academy provides guided and instructed surf fishing excursions in the greater Wilmington NC. Your guide. Gary Wall is an International Game Fish Association Captain.
Learn while you fish! This includes knot tying, making your own fishing rigs, how to prepare bait and tackle, bait presentation, reading the beach, and much more!
We serve the beaches from North Topsail all the way down to Ft Fisher. We will fish with surf fishing rods 9 to 11 ft in length. All tackle, bait, rods, reels, and beach equipment are provided. At Ft Fisher, we will drive out to the beach in my 4WD truck. At other locations, I will use a beach pull cart to take our fishing gear and beach supplies to our fishing spot. Red Drum, Black Drum, Bluefish, Flounder, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Whiting, Sharks and more could be biting, depending on when you go. Any legal fish caught during the trip is yours to keep.
You’re welcome to bring up to 4 anglers on this guided experience. You’ll be fishing from the beach so come dressed for current weather conditions. Don’t hesitate to send Gary a message below with any questions you have, including where to meet on the day of your trip.
Be sure to buy a North Carolina Coastal fishing license for everyone in your group ahead of time. You can find out more online, including exceptions that may apply. Layered clothing and appropriate footwear are always encouraged (if you aren’t sure what that means, just ask). It’s never a bad idea to bring sunscreen, and sunglasses, rain or shine. Some snacks and drinks will be waiting for you.
Ready to have the whole family unplug? Then you’ll be glad to know that kids are more than welcome. "Let us make your day on the beach the best ever!"
Reach out to the Coastal Life Outfitters Mid-Atlantic Surf Fishing Academy and get ready for surf fishing!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (19)
+16Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
93%
Mar 18, 2025
3 hour 2 person trip AM
Fantastic Guide and Teacher, Highly Recommend a Day with Captain Gary!
I had a fantastic day on the beach with Captain Gary! He was incredibly knowledgable about surf fishing and the local beaches and provided an amazing learning experience. I had no fishing experiencing prior to this and now I feel more than ready to hit the beach on my own. We covered everything from reading the beach, what kind of rods and tackle to use, bait, casting, knots, and much more! I ended up catching my first fish too! Whether you're a novice looking to get started or an experienced fisherman who wants to up your game, I can't recommend a day with Captain Gary enough.
I had a fantastic day on the beach with Captain Gary! He was incredibly knowledgable about surf fishing and the local beaches...
Captain replied
Jun 3, 2025
3 hours, 2 person PM trip
Gary Rocks!
My wife and I enjoyed an afternoon on the beach at Fort Fisher with Gary. He had an awesome setup and got 5 lines in the surf within minutes of us arriving. His knowledge, experience, and personality put us at ease. The time flew by. Even though the fish weren’t biting very much, Gary helped us practice casting and made us laugh. We will be booking a charter with him again. I’d recommend his services to beginners, couples, families, advanced individuals, and anyone looking to have a good time on the surf.
My wife and I enjoyed an afternoon on the beach at Fort Fisher with Gary. He had an awesome setup and got 5 lines in the surf...
Captain replied
May 29, 2025
3 hour 2 person trip AM
It was a Blast!
Started the trip off a little skeptical since we had never fished from the ocean shore before. Within 2 minutes of having the first line in, we caught our first Croaker. Captain Gary saved it and used it as bait later on. We ended up with 4 lines in the water and plenty of fish caught. We even caught two baby sharks! Captain Gary was great. He knew the spots, the fishing, and the area. His stories and character were wonderful and you can tell he enjoys what he does. Try this charter out, you won't be disappointed.
Started the trip off a little skeptical since we had never fished from the ocean shore before. Within 2 minutes of having the...
Captain replied
Aug 26, 2024
3 hour 2 person trip AM
Outstanding!
When you can catch your target fish it's a great day! Gary freely shared so much information and I'm glad I jotted down his pointers. He showed us a couple of knots that we will practice and use. Some of the details he shared about bait and bait placement were eye opening. Gary has an extensive knowledge of fishing in the surf and years of experience. He's a great teacher and I'm glad we spent the morning with him. We caught fish, laughed, and learned. You can't beat that.
When you can catch your target fish it's a great day! Gary freely shared so much information and I'm glad I jotted down his pointers....
Captain replied
Oct 12, 2024
3 hour 2 person trip AM
Perfect for anyone wanting to learn how to surf fish or for anglers that don't have much luck catching fish from the beach.
Gary was very knowledgeable and helpful. He knows his stuff. We felt comfortable asking him any fishing question we had. His equipment was top notch and he provided everything. From baits, hooks, sinkers, reels and rods, to showing us where and why to fish in what area, he knew it all. Super nice and a joy to spend the morning with. He allowed us to make the trip exactly what we wanted it to be. Thanks, Gary!
Gary was very knowledgeable and helpful. He knows his stuff. We felt comfortable asking him any fishing question we had. His equipment...
Captain replied
Trip availability and prices
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (19)
+16Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
93%
Experience:
Equipment
Crew
Overall
Fantastic Guide and Teacher, Highly Recommend a Day with Captain Gary!
3 hour 2 person trip AM on March 18, 2025
I had a fantastic day on the beach with Captain Gary! He was incredibly knowledgable about surf fishing and the local beaches and provided an amazing learning experience. I had no fishing experiencing prior to this and now I feel more than ready to hit the beach on my own. We covered everything from reading the beach, what kind of rods and tackle to use, bait, casting, knots, and much more! I ended up catching my first fish too! Whether you're a novice looking to get started or an experienced fisherman who wants to up your game, I can't recommend a day with Captain Gary enough.
I had a fantastic day on the beach with Captain Gary! He was incredibly knowledgable about surf fishing and the local beaches and provided an amazing learning experience. I had no fishing experiencing prior to this and now I feel more than ready to hit the beach on my own. We covered everything from reading the beach, what kind of rods and tackle to use, bait, casting, knots, and much more! I ended up catching my first fish too! Whether you're a novice looking to get started or an experienced...
Experience:
Equipment
Crew
Overall
Gary Rocks!
3 hours, 2 person PM trip on June 3, 2025
My wife and I enjoyed an afternoon on the beach at Fort Fisher with Gary. He had an awesome setup and got 5 lines in the surf within minutes of us arriving. His knowledge, experience, and personality put us at ease. The time flew by. Even though the fish weren’t biting very much, Gary helped us practice casting and made us laugh. We will be booking a charter with him again. I’d recommend his services to beginners, couples, families, advanced individuals, and anyone looking to have a good time on the surf.
My wife and I enjoyed an afternoon on the beach at Fort Fisher with Gary. He had an awesome setup and got 5 lines in the surf within minutes of us arriving. His knowledge, experience, and personality put us at ease. The time flew by. Even though the fish weren’t biting very much, Gary helped us practice casting and made us laugh. We will be booking a charter with him again. I’d recommend his services to beginners, couples, families, advanced individuals, and anyone looking to have a good time...
Experience:
Equipment
Crew
Overall
It was a Blast!
3 hour 2 person trip AM on May 29, 2025
Started the trip off a little skeptical since we had never fished from the ocean shore before. Within 2 minutes of having the first line in, we caught our first Croaker. Captain Gary saved it and used it as bait later on. We ended up with 4 lines in the water and plenty of fish caught. We even caught two baby sharks! Captain Gary was great. He knew the spots, the fishing, and the area. His stories and character were wonderful and you can tell he enjoys what he does. Try this charter out, you won't be disappointed.
Started the trip off a little skeptical since we had never fished from the ocean shore before. Within 2 minutes of having the first line in, we caught our first Croaker. Captain Gary saved it and used it as bait later on. We ended up with 4 lines in the water and plenty of fish caught. We even caught two baby sharks! Captain Gary was great. He knew the spots, the fishing, and the area. His stories and character were wonderful and you can tell he enjoys what he does. Try this charter out, you...
Experience:
Equipment
Crew
Overall
Outstanding!
3 hour 2 person trip AM on August 26, 2024
When you can catch your target fish it's a great day! Gary freely shared so much information and I'm glad I jotted down his pointers. He showed us a couple of knots that we will practice and use. Some of the details he shared about bait and bait placement were eye opening. Gary has an extensive knowledge of fishing in the surf and years of experience. He's a great teacher and I'm glad we spent the morning with him. We caught fish, laughed, and learned. You can't beat that.
When you can catch your target fish it's a great day! Gary freely shared so much information and I'm glad I jotted down his pointers. He showed us a couple of knots that we will practice and use. Some of the details he shared about bait and bait placement were eye opening. Gary has an extensive knowledge of fishing in the surf and years of experience. He's a great teacher and I'm glad we spent the morning with him. We caught fish, laughed, and learned. You can't beat that.
Experience:
Equipment
Crew
Overall
Perfect for anyone wanting to learn how to surf fish or for anglers that don't have much luck catching fish from the beach.
3 hour 2 person trip AM on October 12, 2024
Gary was very knowledgeable and helpful. He knows his stuff. We felt comfortable asking him any fishing question we had. His equipment was top notch and he provided everything. From baits, hooks, sinkers, reels and rods, to showing us where and why to fish in what area, he knew it all. Super nice and a joy to spend the morning with. He allowed us to make the trip exactly what we wanted it to be. Thanks, Gary!
Gary was very knowledgeable and helpful. He knows his stuff. We felt comfortable asking him any fishing question we had. His equipment was top notch and he provided everything. From baits, hooks, sinkers, reels and rods, to showing us where and why to fish in what area, he knew it all. Super nice and a joy to spend the morning with. He allowed us to make the trip exactly what we wanted it to be. Thanks, Gary!