Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab 

4.9
(93 reviews)
 708 Harbor Road - Outer Banks Marina, Wanchese, NC 27981, United States–

Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab 

Wanchese, NC, United States
–
40 ft
6
4.9
(93 reviews)

Grandpa Charters operates out of the historic fishing town of Wanchese, NC, offering exciting fishing experiences that everyone can enjoy. The species you will be focusing on during time aboard are Shrimp and Crab. These guys are as fun to catch as they are great to eat, and they make for the perfect fishing day for family groups or friends.

Every year during the summer and fall, incredible numbers of these tasty critters come swarming into the sheltered waters which surround the town. To make the most of this, Grandpa charters offer trips to suit any schedule, with charters ranging from 2 through 8 hours allowing everyone to get their fill of these armored delicacies. PLEASE NOTE: Shrimp typically are not caught until after July 1st and usually stay around through the Fall. 

Capt. Russell's 40' Northshore fishing boat is the perfect vessel for an enjoyable and productive day catching tasty Shrimp and Crab. Built for a life of hard service on the high seas, the vessel provides a safe and stable environment that is perfect for kids. It comes equipped with everything you will need for your day on the water, and features a comfortable interior and a head for extra comfort on longer trips.

The captain comes from a long line of commercial fishermen, and has spent his entire life at sea. He knows these waters like no other captain around, and has the experience and the skill to assure you spend a trouble-free day on the water. Add to that his great boat, and the sheer number of delicious seafood just waiting to be hauled in, and you have the recipe for a truly special day out.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your cooler, grab your camera, and head over to Wanchese for some action-packed fun – you'd better make space in the freezer, though, because you will be coming back with more than even the whole family can eat at once!

Explore the waters of North Carolina with Grandpa Charters and have an unforgettable fishing adventure!

Grandpa Charters operates out of the historic fishing town of Wanchese, NC, offering exciting fishing experiences that everyone can enjoy. The species you will be focusing on during time aboard are Shrimp and Crab. These guys are as fun to catch as they are great to eat, and they make for the perfect fishing day for family groups or friends.

Every year during the summer and fall, incredible numbers of these tasty critters come swarming into the sheltered waters which surround the town. To make the most of this, Grandpa charters offer trips to suit any schedule, with charters ranging from 2 through 8 hours allowing everyone to get their fill of these armored delicacies. PLEASE NOTE: Shrimp typically are not caught until after July 1st and usually stay around through the Fall. 

Capt. Russell's 40' Northshore fishing boat is the perfect vessel for an enjoyable and productive day catching tasty Shrimp and Crab. Built for a life of hard service on the high seas, the vessel provides a safe and stable environment that is perfect for kids. It comes equipped with everything you will need for your day on the water, and features a comfortable interior and a head for extra comfort on longer trips.

The captain comes from a long line of commercial fishermen, and has spent his entire life at sea. He knows these waters like no other captain around, and has the experience and the skill to assure you spend a trouble-free day on the water. Add to that his great boat, and the sheer number of delicious seafood just waiting to be hauled in, and you have the recipe for a truly special day out.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your cooler, grab your camera, and head over to Wanchese for some action-packed fun – you'd better make space in the freezer, though, because you will be coming back with more than even the whole family can eat at once!

Explore the waters of North Carolina with Grandpa Charters and have an unforgettable fishing adventure!

Russell Firth
Captain
Russell Firth
24 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
2 hr. Shrimp and crab
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
2 hour trip multiple starting times (10:30 AM, 1:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Jul 1 - Aug 31 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Crab
Shrimp
US $440
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip (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)
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Sep 30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Sep 30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (99)

What anglers say

99%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
99%
Caught fish

Reviews (93)

  • Daniel Durrbeck
    Daniel Durrbeck
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great half day on the water

    4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 2, 2026 • 3 adults

    Wanted a quick trip for me and my two sons. Something that guaranteed some action, not sitting around watching the tip of a fishing pole. This shrimping trip was perfect! Everyone was busy pulling the net in, sorting the catch, feeding baitfish to the birds. Captain and mate were knowledgeable and did a great job explaining the process! I highly recommend!

  • Jason Peoples
    Jason Peoples
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Can’t Wait to Go Back!

    4 Hour Trip (10.30AM) on May 26, 2025 • 6 adults • 1 child

    Typically, getting crabs is not something one talks about. However, we left with a bushel and a half of blue crabs, and a few fish after our 4 hour tour with Grandpa (Russell) and Mike, the mate. Can’t share enough how enjoyable the charter was and how much my family preferred it over other charters we’ve taken. We learned a lot about crabbing, why we could t keep the flounder, and the OBX in general. Highly recommend him and will be going back for shrimp soon.

  • Mae Alexander
    Mae Alexander
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2024
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    4 Hour Trip (10.30AM) on June 28, 2024 • 4 adults

    We arrived at location a little early. Greeted warmly by staff at the ship store. We left on time had great detailed instruction. Great working relationship between captain and first mate. Great experience wish the review could be a 10 not just the 5 star. Will definitely be returning for another trip, hopefully in the fall when the shrimp are running better.

  • Robert Mezzelo
    Robert Mezzelo
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Sooooo many shrimp

    4 Hour Trip (AM) on September 11, 2024 • 6 adults

    Captain Russell and Mate Mike were great!!!!!! We never expected to catch the amount of shrimp we caught. If you are looking to fill your freezer. Chances are these guys will take care and do their best to overwhelm you with the amount of shrimp!!!! Our wives loved sorting thru the catch. Give these guys a go!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Greg Jenkins
    Greg Jenkins
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Lots of SHRIMP!!!

    4 Hour Trip (10.30AM) on July 24, 2025 • 5 adults

    Russell and Mike was very knowledgeable and professional.

  • Joyce  Falba
    Joyce Falba
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2020
    5.0
    Verified

    4 hour trip with captain Russel

    4 Hour Trip (10.30AM) on July 26, 2023 • 4 adults • 1 child

    We had a blast, I had been shrimping before but my husband and 4yr old daughter have not. They truly loved the experience and we will be back!

  • Dan Drago
    Dan Drago
    Repeat angler
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2020
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    4-Hour Trip

    4 Hour Trip (10.30AM) on July 14, 2022 • 6 adults • 4 children

    Trip was great. Russ and Mike were awesome. The kids had a fantastic time. Ending with 10 gallon bags of de-headed shrimp. Did a boil with shrimp and crabs later that afternoon. Nine frozen bags headed home. Trip was fun and educational. Would recommend and will do next visit to OBX.

  • Kevin Brown
    Kevin Brown
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    4 hour shrimping charter

    4 Hour Trip (10.30AM) on July 11, 2022 • 6 adults

    We had an outstanding trip with Captain Russell and first mate Mike. It was our first time shrimping and we had an outstanding experience. We would highly recommend Grandpa’s Charters and will definitely be back for another charter! Thank you for a great day!

  • Kristine Wolf
    Kristine Wolf
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2021
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Russell

    4 Hour Trip (10.30AM) on July 6, 2022 • 4 adults

    Had a great time on our shrimping and crabbing excursion. Captain Russell and Mate Mike were awesome. We didn’t just catch a nice amount of seafood but, also learned a lot about different fish in the sea. Thanx for a great day!

  • Lori Scears
    Lori Scears
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    2 hour tour

    2 Hour Trip (PM) on July 27, 2021 • 6 adults

    Our first time trolling for shrimp and crab. So happy with the boat and having a covering during the heat of the day. The captain and mate were very accommodating. Thoroughly enjoyed our experience! Would highly recommend to others and plan to book again on our next trip to the Outer Banks. Would definitely do the 4 hour next time - 2 hours did not seem quite long enough.

FAQs about Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab

Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $440 per group - 2 hr. Shrimp and crab (2 hours)
  • US $440 per group - 2 hr. Shrimp and crab - 1:00 PM (2 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip (10.30AM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 6 Hour Trip (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 6 Hour Trip (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • First mate
  • Fishing license
Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Bottom fishing
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab include:
  • Crab
  • Shrimp

Your captain

Russell Firth
Russell Firth
Wanchese, North Carolina, United States
68 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
150 Customer reviews
Typical response within 2 hours
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
~2h
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

Crab
Crab
Shrimp
Shrimp
Crab
Crab
Shrimp
Shrimp

Real catches by this captain

  • Two young anglers working together on a fishing boat, preparing for their next catch in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Scup (Porgy)
    Daniel D.
    Daniel D.
    Wanted a quick trip for me and my two sons. Something that guaranteed some action, not sitting around watching the tip of a fishing pole. This shrimping trip was perfect! Everyone was busy pulling the net in, sorting the catch, feeding baitfish to the birds. Captain and mate were knowledgeable and did a great job explaining the process! I highly recommend!
  • An angler proudly displaying a large stingray caught during a fishing trip, surrounded by a variety of smaller fish in a net.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Skate
    Greg J.
    Greg J.
    Russell and Mike was very knowledgeable and professional.
  • A family poses on the boat with their catch, showcasing colorful life jackets and a sunny day at the dock.
    Gary H.
    Gary H.
  • Two individuals are handling a fishing net filled with various marine life, including crabs and fish, in a waterway setting.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Jason P.
    Jason P.
    Typically, getting crabs is not something one talks about. However, we left with a bushel and a half of blue crabs, and a few fish after our 4 hour tour with Grandpa (Russell) and Mike, the mate. Can’t share enough how enjoyable the charter was and how much my family preferred it over other charters we’ve taken. We learned a lot about crabbing, why we could t keep the flounder, and the OBX in general. Highly recommend him and will be going back for shrimp soon.
  • Group of anglers posing on a marina dock beside several baskets and buckets of harvested seafood, with coolers and boats in the background.
    Robert M.
    Robert M.
    Captain Russell and Mate Mike were great!!!!!! We never expected to catch the amount of shrimp we caught. If you are looking to fill your freezer. Chances are these guys will take care and do their best to overwhelm you with the amount of shrimp!!!! Our wives loved sorting thru the catch. Give these guys a go!!!!!!!!!!!
  • A bucket filled with freshly caught shrimp, showcasing a successful day of fishing.
    Mae A.
    Mae A.
    We arrived at location a little early. Greeted warmly by staff at the ship store. We left on time had great detailed instruction. Great working relationship between captain and first mate. Great experience wish the review could be a 10 not just the 5 star. Will definitely be returning for another trip, hopefully in the fall when the shrimp are running better.
  • Young angler holding a small fish aboard a boat, with a large tray of assorted baitfish visible in the foreground.
    Fish 1
    Atlantic Croaker
    Joyce  .
    Joyce .
    We had a blast, I had been shrimping before but my husband and 4yr old daughter have not. They truly loved the experience and we will be back!
  • A family poses proudly with their catch of fish displayed on a dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Ashley P.
    Ashley P.
    Capt. Russell & Mate Jesse landed us right on the fish! 22 Bluefin and & 2 Spanish mackerel, all of us had a great day and would 100% recommend:) Thanks again!
  • Children and adults gather around a boat-side fillet table covered with a large display of small coastal fish and baitfish.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Atlantic Croaker
    Dan D.
    Dan D.
    Trip was great. Russ and Mike were awesome. The kids had a fantastic time. Ending with 10 gallon bags of de-headed shrimp. Did a boil with shrimp and crabs later that afternoon. Nine frozen bags headed home. Trip was fun and educational. Would recommend and will do next visit to OBX.
  • A group of young anglers interacting with a guide on a fishing boat, showcasing a lively atmosphere during a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Atlantic Croaker
    Kevin B.
    Kevin B.
    We had an outstanding trip with Captain Russell and first mate Mike. It was our first time shrimping and we had an outstanding experience. We would highly recommend Grandpa’s Charters and will definitely be back for another charter! Thank you for a great day!

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
18.5 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Bottom Fishing
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live bait well
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
First mate
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab
Grandpa Charters – Shrimp & Crab
4.9
(93)
40 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $700