Grandpa Charters 

4.8
(56 reviews)
 Harbor Road 708, Wanchese, NC 27981, United States–

Grandpa Charters 

Wanchese, NC, United States
–
40 ft
6
4.8
(56 reviews)

Grandpa Charters is a family-owned and operated business, which offers fun-focused fishing experienced running May through October, fishing both inshore and offshore for a huge variety of species, from Redfish and Sheepshead all the way up to Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Marlin.

The 'Grandpa' is a 40' Northshore fishing boat which has served faithfully since 1998, and still makes for a world-class fishing platform. Equipped with everything from the latest electronics, to outriggers and a fighting chair, it's easily adaptable to any style of fishing.

Having been designed and built specifically as a fishing vessel, the boat excels both inshore and offshore, and has plenty of space on deck for up to 6 guests. The vessel also has a large flybridge for you to take in the view, and a head for extra comfort on longer trips.

With trips ranging anywhere from two to ten hours, and targeting species as diverse as Flounder and Tuna, you would expect a variety of equipment to tailor each trip to the fish you are after. That is exactly what you get, with light and heavy tackle, and the option to troll, drift, bottom fish, spin, and even spearfish to make sure you land what you are after!

Most of all, the thing that makes the crew special is the level of experience and skill with which each trip is run. Captain Russell is a 3rd generation captain, and he and his mate have over 50 years of experience between them. This means you are in safe and capable hands, that you can trust them to make sure you have a fun and productive trip every time.

All trips come with tackle, bait, and licenses for everyone on board, so all you have to do is turn up and have fun!

Join Grandpa Charters and experience a North Carolina fishing adventure you won't forget!

Grandpa Charters is a family-owned and operated business, which offers fun-focused fishing experienced running May through October, fishing both inshore and offshore for a huge variety of species, from Redfish and Sheepshead all the way up to Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Marlin.

The 'Grandpa' is a 40' Northshore fishing boat which has served faithfully since 1998, and still makes for a world-class fishing platform. Equipped with everything from the latest electronics, to outriggers and a fighting chair, it's easily adaptable to any style of fishing.

Having been designed and built specifically as a fishing vessel, the boat excels both inshore and offshore, and has plenty of space on deck for up to 6 guests. The vessel also has a large flybridge for you to take in the view, and a head for extra comfort on longer trips.

With trips ranging anywhere from two to ten hours, and targeting species as diverse as Flounder and Tuna, you would expect a variety of equipment to tailor each trip to the fish you are after. That is exactly what you get, with light and heavy tackle, and the option to troll, drift, bottom fish, spin, and even spearfish to make sure you land what you are after!

Most of all, the thing that makes the crew special is the level of experience and skill with which each trip is run. Captain Russell is a 3rd generation captain, and he and his mate have over 50 years of experience between them. This means you are in safe and capable hands, that you can trust them to make sure you have a fun and productive trip every time.

All trips come with tackle, bait, and licenses for everyone on board, so all you have to do is turn up and have fun!

Join Grandpa Charters and experience a North Carolina fishing adventure you won't forget!

Russell Firth
Captain
Russell Firth
24 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Half Day Trip – Nearshore (6AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 31
US $770
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 10:30 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $770
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Aug 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $770
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 31
US $1,100
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Aug 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $1,100
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 31
US $1,500
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Extended Full Day – Ocean Wreck
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Aug 31
US $2,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
56 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (60)

What anglers say

89%
Great experience
94%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
96%
Recommended
85%
Caught fish

Reviews (56)

  • Bryan Morrow
    Bryan Morrow
    us
    Delaware, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    5 kids and me!

    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (6AM) on July 5, 2026 • 6 adults • 5 children

    Did a 4 hour trip with 5 kids and myself (adult). Captain Russel and Mike were very accommodating to make the environment great for the kids. We also caught fish and got a great recipe from the Captain that everyone loved. Thanks for a great morning on the water.

  • Jacob Weyer
    Jacob Weyer
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    6 hour 3/4 day

    3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) on May 18, 2022 • 6 adults • 4 children

    We had an excellent time on the Grandpa with captain Russell and first mate Mike..caught well over 30 fish...we had a group of 4 kids and 2 adults and let me tell you captain Russell is awesome..the kids started getting a little green so he made a suggestion to pull up and get in some smoother waters...and it was great..the kids absolutely loved it!!! We will be back next year guaranteed!!!

  • Heather Weber
    Heather Weber
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip with Captain Mike

    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) on July 7, 2021 • 4 adults • 1 child

    It was a fun trip and Captain Mike and Russell were great! They tried hard to find good fishing spots for us! Unfortunately, because of impending Tropical Storm Elsa, the fish weren’t plentiful. But we still had a blast and would do this trip again! Highly recommend it. There’s plenty of shade and seating on the boat. Captain Mike was fantastic with my 9-year-old-son! He was great with instructing and encouraging him. He was knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the wildlife and area. Thanks again for a memorable and fun time!

  • Dennis Creech
    Dennis Creech
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2020
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great service

    3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) on September 25, 2020 • 5 adults

    My family of 5 booked with Grandpa’s charter and had a great experience. The fish were not biting much possibly due to a couple storms that had previously come thru the area but we still had a super time and our kids enjoyed their first deep sea fishing experience. Captain Russell was very professional and his first mate was awesome at his job! We will definitely book here again next year. The store at the dock where we boarded our charter is a MUST visit while your there. We met a woman named Holly who worked there and she is the sweetest person who makes you feel very welcome and right at home!! All in all I give this charter a A+ for all your charter needs.

  • Josh Taylor
    Josh Taylor
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    1/2 day trip

    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) on July 21, 2022 • 6 adults • 4 children

    Captain, crew, and trip couldn’t have been any more perfect. We took 4 children and totaled about 40 fish in 1/2 day trip. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else! Thanks, Captain

  • Staci Callahan
    Staci Callahan
    us
    Iowa, US
    Member since 2019
    5.0
    Verified

    Am fishing with Capt Russell

    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (6AM) on July 13, 2021 • 4 adults

    We had a great morning with Capt Russell and Mike! We reeled in 23 Ribbon fish. They made sure everyone got turns reeling in fish and were easy to talk with during our downtime waiting for the fish. They made sure we got photos of our fish after we got back and told us about the fish cleaners on-site. GREAT EXPERIENCE!

  • Jonathan Porostosky
    Jonathan Porostosky
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Halk day trip with Captain Russel.

    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM) on September 2, 2022 • 6 adults

    Had the best day ever. This crew was awesome and helpful. Got us into the fish very fast and we kept cranking them in. I cannot recommend them more.

  • Jeanette Marino
    Jeanette Marino
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip!

    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM) on June 15, 2021 • 3 adults • 1 child

    The weather was amazing, captain and crew are so awesome! The fishing was spotty for everyone that day but we managed to catch about 8 fish! Highly recommend this crew for anyone of any age!

  • Andrew Bjorklund
    Andrew Bjorklund
    Repeat angler
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2021
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome 3/4 day trip

    3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) on May 3, 2021 • 6 adults

    Captain Russell and mate Mike put us one some fish right away from the 30lb cobia to the 6 black drum 35-60 lbs. They were a great crew and the best charter I have done. Highly recommended

  • Nita Harp
    Nita Harp
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Russell

    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) on August 12, 2021 • 6 adults

    Had a great time thanks

FAQs about Grandpa Charters

Grandpa Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $770 per group - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM) (4 hours)
  • US $770 per group - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (6AM) (4 hours)
  • US $770 per group - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group - Full Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore (8 hours)
  • US $2,400 per group - Extended Full Day – Ocean Wreck (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Grandpa Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Air conditioning
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Grandpa Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • First mate (20% customary tip not included in trip price)
  • Fishing license
Grandpa Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Grandpa Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Drift fishing
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Grandpa Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Russell Firth
Russell Firth
Wanchese, North Carolina, United States
68 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
150 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since May 2017
I started commercial fishing with my grandfather and fell in love with it. My family goes way back, with many generations working as fishermen. I became a charter captain so I could show others how to fish and enjoy the bounty of our oceans.
Russell Firth
Russell Firth
Fully verified
68
reports
150
reviews
2017
member since
~1h
response
I started commercial fishing with my grandfather and fell in love with it. My family goes way back, with many generations working as fishermen. I became a charter captain so I could show others how to fish and enjoy the bounty of our oceans.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Real catches by this captain

  • Multiple freshly caught saltwater fish arranged on a boat cleaning and fillet table.
    Fish 1
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Bryan M.
    Bryan M.
    Did a 4 hour trip with 5 kids and myself (adult). Captain Russel and Mike were very accommodating to make the environment great for the kids. We also caught fish and got a great recipe from the Captain that everyone loved. Thanks for a great morning on the water.
  • A family proudly displays their catch of several fish on the dock, holding a sign for Grandpa's Charters after a successful fishing trip.
    Had a wonderful time with thos family from Va.
  • A group of young anglers proudly posing with their catch of fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip, showcasing a variety of species.
    Thomas M.
    Thomas M.
  • Group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of several fish on a dock, with a charter sign in the background indicating a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Striped Bass
    Good friends and great fishing Tuesday morning
  • A young angler proudly displaying a caught fish while fishing on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Good catches of fish amd crabs
  • Fishing charter boat cruising across calm coastal water, with a tall antenna and outriggers visible and passengers aboard.
    We are up and running. Fishing has been really good. The crabbing has also been amazing.
  • A group of young anglers proudly displaying their catch of several fish on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    It was a great half day trip on the water keeping this crowd entertained! Fun group. Yall get on the books, looks like the fishing is gonna be good this summer!
  • Family group with children posing behind a large display of freshly caught fish arranged on a marina dock beside a charter boat.
    Fish 1
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    .
  • Adult angler holding a large mackerel aboard a fishing boat in a coastal waterway.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Jonathan P.
    Jonathan P.
    Had the best day ever. This crew was awesome and helpful. Got us into the fish very fast and we kept cranking them in. I cannot recommend them more.
  • A young angler joyfully displaying a long fish, likely an eel, at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Josh T.
    Josh T.
    Captain, crew, and trip couldn’t have been any more perfect. We took 4 children and totaled about 40 fish in 1/2 day trip. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else! Thanks, Captain

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Cabin cruisers
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
40 ft
Year built
1998
Boat manufacturer
Northshore
Boat type
Pilothouse
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
1 x 450HP
Max cruising speed
21 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Drift Fishing
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Air conditioning
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live bait well
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
First mate
20% customary tip not included in trip price
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 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
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% 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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Wanchese right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
CobiaCobia
FlounderFlounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
SheepsheadSheepshead
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
WahooWahoo

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