Grandpa Charters 

4.8/5 (53 reviews)
 Harbor Road 708, Wanchese, NC 27981, United States

Grandpa Charters 

4.8/5 (53 reviews)
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Harbor Road 708
Wanchese, NC, United States

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!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 53 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
4.8/5
Experience
4.7/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (58)

July fishing trip
Halk day trip with Captain Russel.
1/2 day trip
+55

Angler rating

47
3
2
0
1

Anglers claimed

Good experience

89%

Appropriate for children

93%

Friendly captain

98%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

84%

Showing 1 - 5 of 53 reviews
Showing: 5 of 53 reviews
Thomas M.
Thomas M.
5.0/5

Jul 3, 2025

Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM)

July fishing trip

VERIFIED

 

Captain replied
 Thomas M. recommends Grandpa Charters
 Thomas M. recommends Grandpa Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 7, 2025
Review media 0

Brandy H.
Brandy H.
2.7/5

May 20, 2025

Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM)

Disappointing

VERIFIED

We have taken numerous private charter fishing trips along the Atlantic and Pacific coast. Although the captain and crew can’t guarantee you will catch fish I do expect them to know how to use their equipment and at least put us in an area where larger fish are biting. The captain tells us he “doesn’t know how to read his depth finder, that his son knows how to do all of that”. We begin fishing in the inlet harbor what I am initially thinking is for our bait fish which we have done on previous charters. To my surprise we never leave the harbor and never catch anything more than just bait fish. We could have saved ourselves the money and caught the same fish if not bigger from the peer. This was the worst fishing trip that we have ever been on.

We have taken numerous private charter fishing trips along the Atlantic and Pacific coast. Although the captain and crew can’t...  

Captain replied
 Brandy H. does not recommend Grandpa Charters
 Brandy H. does not recommend Grandpa Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on June 5, 2025
Hi Brandy, we apologize that you were disappointed with your experience. After speaking with my mate, he said you tipped well and made multiple comments about coming back with us. If there was an issue, a discussion with me would have been greatly appreciated. If you are familiar with the Outer Banks, you know our Inlet to the ocean can be very dangerous, we based the decision to stay in the sound on two reasons, the ocean was rough and the fish the prior days in the sound were actually larger than those being caught nearshore off the beach. We gave it everything we had, as we always do. The day just didn't pan out for good fishing, mother nature at her finest. As far as my new bottom machine, I am fully aware of how to operate it, as it was built on the old platform style, however its normal chipper banter, for me and many others, to give credit to the younger generation, my son included, on how well they are at operating new technology. We wish the best for you on your next fishing adventure. Sincerely, Capt Russell

Julie B.
Julie B.

Stafford, VA

5.0/5

Jul 6, 2022

Half Day Trip – Nearshore (6AM)

4 hour inshore trip

VERIFIED

We started off just outside the Oregon inlet. After catching 1 blue fin and getting no other bites, we then moved to the sound. Capt. Russell decided that since nothing was biting that was the way to go. Once in the sound, we started catching. Not a lot of keepers, but everybody, including our 4 y/o granddaughter, started catching. We hit on croakers, spots, grey trout, and blue fin. It was a great time! I would highly suggest Capt Russell and Mike of Grandpas Charters to anyone who wants to fish or shrimp!!! They really know the business!!!!

We started off just outside the Oregon inlet. After catching 1 blue fin and getting no other bites, we then moved to the sound....  

 Julie B. recommends Grandpa Charters
 Julie B. recommends Grandpa Charters

Jacob W.
Jacob W.

Avon, NC

5.0/5

May 18, 2022

3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (PM)

6 hour 3/4 day

VERIFIED

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!!!

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...  

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 Jacob W. recommends Grandpa Charters
 Jacob W. recommends Grandpa Charters

Heather W.
Heather W.

United States

5.0/5

Jul 7, 2021

Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM)

Half day trip with Captain Mike

VERIFIED

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!

It was a fun trip and Captain Mike and Russell were great! They tried hard to find good fishing spots for us! Unfortunately,...  

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Captain replied
 Heather W. recommends Grandpa Charters
 Heather W. recommends Grandpa Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 8, 2021
Thank you so much Heather! It was great meeting yall! Be safe during the storm, looks like it will pass quick today. Thank you too for understanding fishing sometimes stinks but so glad yall still had fun!

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
September 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip – Nearshore (6AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 31
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US $770 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 10:30 AM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Loading...
US $770 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Aug 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Loading...
US $770 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 31
Loading...
US $1,100 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Aug 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Loading...
US $1,100 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 31
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US $1,500 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Extended Full Day – Ocean Wreck
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Aug 31
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US $2,400 
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 53 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
4.8/5
Experience
4.7/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (58)

July fishing trip
Halk day trip with Captain Russel.
1/2 day trip
+55

Angler rating

47
3
2
0
1

Anglers claimed

Good experience

89%

Appropriate for children

93%

Friendly captain

98%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

84%

Showing 1 - 5 of 53 reviews
Showing: 5 of 53 reviews
Thomas M.
Thomas M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM) on July 3, 2025

 

 Thomas M. recommends Grandpa Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 7, 2025
Review media 0

Brandy H.
Brandy H.
2.7/5

Experience:

3.0/5

Boat

3.0/5

Crew

2.0/5

Overall

Disappointing

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip – Nearshore (10:30AM) on May 20, 2025

We have taken numerous private charter fishing trips along the Atlantic and Pacific coast. Although the captain and crew can’t guarantee you will catch fish I do expect them to know how to use their equipment and at least put us in an area where larger fish are biting. The captain tells us he “doesn’t know how to read his depth finder, that his son knows how to do all of that”. We begin fishing in the inlet harbor what I am initially thinking is for our bait fish which we have done on previous charters. To my surprise we never leave the harbor and never catch anything more than just bait fish. We could have saved ourselves the money and caught the same fish if not bigger from the peer. This was the worst fishing trip that we have ever been on.

We have taken numerous private charter fishing trips along the Atlantic and Pacific coast. Although the captain and crew can’t guarantee you will catch fish I do expect them to know how to use their equipment and at least put us in an area where larger fish are biting. The captain tells us he “doesn’t know how to read his depth finder, that his son knows how to do all of that”. We begin fishing in the inlet harbor what I am initially thinking is for our bait fish which we have done on previous...  

 Brandy H. does not recommend Grandpa Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on June 5, 2025
Hi Brandy, we apologize that you were disappointed with your experience. After speaking with my mate, he said you tipped well and made multiple comments about coming back with us. If there was an issue, a discussion with me would have been greatly appreciated. If you are familiar with the Outer Banks, you know our Inlet to the ocean can be very dangerous, we based the decision to stay in the sound on two reasons, the ocean was rough and the fish the prior days in the sound were actually larger than those being caught nearshore off the beach. We gave it everything we had, as we always do. The day just didn't pan out for good fishing, mother nature at her finest. As far as my new bottom machine, I am fully aware of how to operate it, as it was built on the old platform style, however its normal chipper banter, for me and many others, to give credit to the younger generation, my son included, on how well they are at operating new technology. We wish the best for you on your next fishing adventure. Sincerely, Capt Russell

Julie B.
Julie B.

Stafford, VA

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

4 hour inshore trip

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip – Nearshore (6AM) on July 6, 2022

We started off just outside the Oregon inlet. After catching 1 blue fin and getting no other bites, we then moved to the sound. Capt. Russell decided that since nothing was biting that was the way to go. Once in the sound, we started catching. Not a lot of keepers, but everybody, including our 4 y/o granddaughter, started catching. We hit on croakers, spots, grey trout, and blue fin. It was a great time! I would highly suggest Capt Russell and Mike of Grandpas Charters to anyone who wants to fish or shrimp!!! They really know the business!!!!

We started off just outside the Oregon inlet. After catching 1 blue fin and getting no other bites, we then moved to the sound. Capt. Russell decided that since nothing was biting that was the way to go. Once in the sound, we started catching. Not a lot of keepers, but everybody, including our 4 y/o granddaughter, started catching. We hit on croakers, spots, grey trout, and blue fin. It was a great time! I would highly suggest Capt Russell and Mike of Grandpas Charters to anyone...  

 Julie B. recommends Grandpa Charters

Jacob W.
Jacob W.

Avon, NC

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

6 hour 3/4 day

VERIFIED

3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) on May 18, 2022

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!!!

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!!!  

Review media 0
Review media 1
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Review media 4
 Jacob W. recommends Grandpa Charters

Heather W.
Heather W.

United States

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Half day trip with Captain Mike

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) on July 7, 2021

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!

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...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Review media 4
Review media 5
Review media 6
 Heather W. recommends Grandpa Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 8, 2021
Thank you so much Heather! It was great meeting yall! Be safe during the storm, looks like it will pass quick today. Thank you too for understanding fishing sometimes stinks but so glad yall still had fun!

FAQs about Grandpa Charters

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The fish you can target

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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
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