Fish-N-Fool Charters offers nearshore fishing trips out of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, the closest marina to the Atlantic Ocean. They are proud to bring you a quality, family-friendly experience while fishing the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The charter is operated by Captain Bobby Smith, who has been fishing this area for more than 30 years and is eager to share his vast experience with you!

He welcomes you aboard the Fish-N-Fool, a 36’ custom Carolina built vessel powered by twin 300 HP Cummins engines. This boat is well suited to local waters and fitted for the best nearshore fishing. On board you will find the latest electronics to locate the fish below. Up to six passengers can join Capt. Bobby on board, and children of all ages are welcome.

Half day trips run on a daily basis, and these are especially fun for families. You can stay close to shore and target various species depending on the season, including Spanish Mackerel, False Albacore, Red Drum, Cobia, and an assortment of bottom fish. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, book a full day trip and let Capt. Bobby take you as far as 35 miles from shore, where even more variety is available. With many fish and techniques to choose from, you will soon discover why the Outer Banks earned its reputation for phenomenal fishing!

Fish-N-Fool Charters provides all bait, tackle, and a fishing license. Standing by is a professional, respectful deckhand who is wonderful with children and provides an enjoyable experience no matter what angling skills you possess. You can keep your catch and clean it yourself or have the marina clean it for a nominal fee. You are encouraged to bring sunscreen, proper clothing, a camera, and any food or drinks you need.

Book your trip today and treat your family to a memorable fishing experience in the Outer Banks!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $650
    This is the charter's most popular trip and it's offered daily. It will usually see you in the ocean, but close to shore. Typical targets on this trip are Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Ribbonfish, False Albacore, Cobia, Red Drum, and others. Catches vary daily, dependent upon weather, ocean conditions, and seasons.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 11:00 AM
    US $650
    Half day trips are popular with families and kids, available every day. Common catch includes Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Ribbonfish, False Albacore, Cobia, Red Drum, and assorted bottomfish. Catches vary daily, depending on the weather, ocean conditions, and seasons.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $1,100
    Extend your half day trip for a few hours and allow yourself some additional time for continued action. The extra time will allow you to get more specific in terms of the species you're targeting and are more likely to land a catch worth bragging about. Some of the possible targets include Cobia, Bluefish, False Albacore, Spanish Mackerel, Red Drum, and various bottom fish. As always, catch depends on conditions that particular day.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,500
    If you feel like half a day just isn't enough or you want a little tougher of a fight, the full day trip is right for you. Full day trips usually take place anywhere from just off the beach to 30 miles out, depending on species available, weather conditions, and time of year.
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FAQs about Fish-N-Fool Charters

Fish-N-Fool Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $650 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (6 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Fish-N-Fool Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Enclosed head
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Fish-N-Fool Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • First Mate (Highly experienced mate)
  • Fishing License (All fishing licenses included.)

Fish-N-Fool Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Fish-N-Fool Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Fish-N-Fool Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Bluefish
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tilefish
  • Triggerfish (Gray)

Meet the Captain

Bobby Smith
Nags Head, North Carolina, United States
187 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2017
Capt. Bobby Smith has proudly operated out of Oregon Inlet for 38 years. He began at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center pumping gas before climbing his way up the ladder to Captain, eventually building one of the marina's quality fishing businesses. Captain Bobby is joined by his mate Russell who has also fished out of Oregon Inlet for over 20 years. Together they will guide you to the fish you've always dreamed of!

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Bass (Striped) Striped Bass
Bluefish Bluefish
Cobia Cobia

Boat specs

Custom built boat (Sportfishing) originally built in 1971, and restored in 2010. Powered by 2 300HP Cummins engines.

Length
36 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Enclosed head
Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
First Mate
Highly experienced mate
Fishing License
All fishing licenses included.

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Children welcome
You Keep Catch
Disabled Accessible

Payment

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 1% charge will apply.

Nags Head Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 187 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (115)
Making the most of the weather
Making the most of the weather
Good trip
+112
Angler rating
157
18
3
2
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
79%
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Showing:
5 of 187 reviews
Brian Y.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing trip in August

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on August 3, 2023
Brian Y. recommends Fish-N-Fool Charters
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Janice C.
Newark, Delaware
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Wonderful half-day trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on June 19, 2023
Wonderful weather and great support from Captain Bobby Smith and the First Mate made for a lovely trip on our annual vacation...
Janice C. recommends Fish-N-Fool Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
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Janice C. recommends Fish-N-Fool Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Dave L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome trip!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on July 5, 2023
There were 6 of us (ages 47, 21, 17, and 18) and we all caught about 20 Ribbonfish and about 8 Spanish Mackerel in about 3...
Dave L. recommends Fish-N-Fool Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Dave L. recommends Fish-N-Fool Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Elizabeth S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Making the most of the weather

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on November 21, 2023
My family had a great time even when the ocean wasn’t cooperating! Spending a few hours on the sound catching fish, although...
Elizabeth S. recommends Fish-N-Fool Charters
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  Bobby Smith Captain replied

Bo L.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Bobby

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore on May 29, 2023
Bo L. recommends Fish-N-Fool Charters
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Bo L. recommends Fish-N-Fool Charters
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