North Carolina

431 Fishing Charters

North Carolina Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in North Carolina

Top North Carolina Destinations

North Carolina: 431 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(323 reviews)
Wanchese
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(73 reviews)
Wilmington
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $275
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(32 reviews)
Morehead City
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Wrightsville Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(23 reviews)
Cedar Point
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(8 reviews)
Oriental
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(246 reviews)
Carolina Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(58 reviews)
Carolina Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $198
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(151 reviews)
Carolina Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(57 reviews)
Hampstead
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in North Carolina

According to customer reviews, **Cutawhiskie Charters** #1, Rising Sun Fishing- Wrightsville, and Drum Roll Charters are some of the most popular fishing charters in North Carolina. Full list of top fishing charters in North Carolina.

The average price for a private 4 hour North Carolina fishing trip is $521, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,273 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

**Cutawhiskie Charters** #1, Rising Sun Fishing- Wrightsville, and Drum Roll Charters all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in North Carolina.

The most popular fish species you can target are Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, and King Mackerel (Kingfish). Top fishing techniques include Light Tackle, Trolling, and Bottom Fishing. Nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and wreck fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

The outstanding fishing that the Tar Heel State has to offer needs no introduction. Nor do the North Carolina fishing charters that take you to the action! Whether you’re in the mood for deep sea fishing, inshore excursions, or freshwater escapades, you’ll find everything you need in these prolific waters.

The inshore bite is fantastic year-round. Anglers regularly test their skills and luck against Bull Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Flounder, and Bluefish. Exciting fishing battles and trophy catches are always a possibility. The same goes for superb offshore fishing, where anything from Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and Amberjack to Sailfish, Marlin, and Tuna are but one cast away.

Freshwater anglers are in love with fishing in North Carolina, and how could they not be? The abundance of lakes and rivers is a dream come true for just about every fisherman. Bass in all shapes and sizes are the main catch, be it Smallmouth, Largemouth, Spotted, or Striped. White Perch, Crappie, Catfish, and Sunfish are all on the menu.

So which fishing trip should you choose? Short half day options are perfect for enjoying the inshore bite, and the same goes for freshwater trips. If you’ve got deep sea fishing on your mind, you’ll need more time to get to the fishing grounds (20–60 miles offshore). Because of this, 10- or 12-hour trips are the best solution.

Competitive fishermen have a lot to do in NC, with the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in summer and dozens of fishing derbies all over the state. In short, there’s a bit of something for everyone!

Rules & Regulations

If you’re going out fishing with a charter guide, you’re covered when it comes to fishing licenses. Solo anglers aged 16 and older need to have a valid North Carolina fishing license, whether they’re fishing from boats, piers, or shore.

North Carolina
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 27746 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

The beaches might be empty, but the waters are definitely not! You’ll find plenty of Bluefin Tuna swimming around offshore, while Redfish, Black Seabass, and Flounder rule the waters inshore. You can also go clamming if you’d like.

February

Bluefin Tuna are still going strong, but you’ll need to wait if you want to get your hands on some Yellowfins. Inshore, the bite is exploding, with plenty of Spotted Seatrout, Bluefish, Stripers, and Flounder there for the taking. Scalloping and clamming are very productive.

March

While not as delicious as their Bluefin cousins, Yellowfin Tuna will give you a fight to remember. You can also hook into some Wahoo these days. Inshore, Cape Lookout is the home of big Redfish, with Spotted Seatrout and Stripers following close behind.

April

Mahi Mahi is making an entrance over at Hatteras, closely followed by more Wahoo and bigger Yellowfin Tuna. The Redfish and Trout bite remains steady, and you also might stumble upon some Weakfish (Gray Trout).

May

May is known as the best Cobia time in all of North Carolina. Depending on your fishing style, jigs or live eels should yield the best results. You are also likely to see Tarpon make an appearance. Offshore, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and Yellowfins are biting.

June

Hatteras is known as the Blue Marlin Capital of the World. If you’re a skeptic, come on down in June and see for yourself. Also, expect White Marlin and Sailfish this time of year. Grouper are active in June, as are Tuna, Mackerel, and Wahoo.

July

July marks the peak of the tournament season! You’ll find Billfish tournaments in every town and village with access to the ocean, from Nags Head to Hatteras and beyond. Even crabs and clams are abundant these days – the guarantee of a delicious seafood feast.

August

The tournaments might be over, but the fish are still there. There’s good action everywhere, whether you want Billfish or Tarpon, Grouper or King Mackerel, Redfish and Black Drum. All yours for the taking. Even Sharks come out to play.

September

The weather might be cooler, but that doesn’t mean that fishing is slowing down. White Marlin are still present offshore, while Spotted Seatrout, Redfish, Bluefish, and Black Drum are solid choices inshore.

October

Great “Smoker Kings” hog the spotlight in October. This is the time to be on the water if you want to fight hordes of King Mackerel, both in the Outer Banks and along the Crystal Coast. Looking for variety? Add Little Tunny, Grouper, Snapper, and Tuna to your to-catch list.

November

If you’ve longed for Bluefin Tuna, this is your time! Bluefins are back, and they’re spoiling for a fight. Artificial reefs are your go-to for filling the cooler with bottom feeders. Inshore, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, and Striped Bass are ready for the taking.

December

As is customary for wintertime, Redfish are holed up in the backcountry, making for some awesome sight casting trips. The Gulf Stream is the “ Bluefin Tuna Central,” with trophy catches in the cards. There’s no rest for passionate fishermen in North Carolina!

North Carolina Fishing Calendar

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The wind and weather can effect the fishing this time of year but when its good its really good
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The wind and weather can effect the fishing this time of year but when its good its really good
Bill  L.
Bill L.
kids are fine. bring warm clothing. if you don't bring food, the captain has some on board that you can purchase.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
kids are fine. bring warm clothing. if you don't bring food, the captain has some on board that you can purchase.
Palmer  R.
Palmer R.
Remember in North Carolina, the weather is very unpredictable. Last relax and very a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Remember in North Carolina, the weather is very unpredictable. Last relax and very a great time.
Scott  D.
Scott D.
Any trip can catch lots of fish to very few bites, but a bad day of fishing and being on the water is better than a lot of other things, so enjoy your day regardless.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Any trip can catch lots of fish to very few bites, but a bad day of fishing and being on the water is better than a lot of other things, so enjoy your day regardless.
LARRY  C.
LARRY C.
Absolutely Itโ€™s a perfect first time fishing experience. Pleasant relaxing day.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely Itโ€™s a perfect first time fishing experience. Pleasant relaxing day.
Nancy  T.
Nancy T.
Be open and flexible if things don't go as planned. And don't get discouraged if the bite isn't as good as was hoped for. Being on the water on a beautiful day is the cake and catching fish is the icing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be open and flexible if things don't go as planned. And don't get discouraged if the bite isn't as good as was hoped for. Being on the water on a beautiful day is the cake and catching fish is the icing.
Constant  C.
Constant C.
Go to Jack Hatters tackle shop and have them rig you up with whatโ€™s working at the moment.
Very good
4.0 / 5
Go to Jack Hatters tackle shop and have them rig you up with whatโ€™s working at the moment.
Jared  T.
Jared T. Hatteras, North Carolina
It's off the tourist season so there are definitely less people here. As far as the fishing itself, I think circumstances today were unique as there was a tropical storm a couple days before. Didn't seem to negatively impact anything, and I saw other people were successful out on the water during this time as well.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's off the tourist season so there are definitely less people here. As far as the fishing itself, I think circumstances today were unique as there was a tropical storm a couple days before. Didn't seem to negatively impact anything, and I saw other people were successful out on the water during this time as well.
Alex  B.
Alex B.
I would recommend you try a little of every thing. Inshore fishing was great and offshore was great!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would recommend you try a little of every thing. Inshore fishing was great and offshore was great!
Gary  K.
Gary K. Raven, VA
This was the first time fishing in the ocean - it was a calm day and we caught enough fish for many meals. Sound fishing in the past was excellent as well - but we were very satisfied being on the ocean side of the OBX.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was the first time fishing in the ocean - it was a calm day and we caught enough fish for many meals. Sound fishing in the past was excellent as well - but we were very satisfied being on the ocean side of the OBX.
Christine  F.
Christine F.
Morning trips in September produce a little more from what I understand. But we caught some and missed alot on our evening charter. Not used to having bait sucked off the hook being a bass guy from Pa. Lol
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Morning trips in September produce a little more from what I understand. But we caught some and missed alot on our evening charter. Not used to having bait sucked off the hook being a bass guy from Pa. Lol
David  H.
David H.
Contact captain Mason for a great day on the water and also check out the Musicman he will put you on fish also!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Contact captain Mason for a great day on the water and also check out the Musicman he will put you on fish also!
Bob  R.
Bob R. Kenova, WV
fishing on a boat your best bet but for fishing has lots of fun bites. used artificial cut bait
Excellent
5.0 / 5
fishing on a boat your best bet but for fishing has lots of fun bites. used artificial cut bait
Clifton  G.
Clifton G. Lake Frederick, VA
Have realistic expectations. Somedays the fishing is amazing and others youโ€™re lucky to get a bite. I highly suggest having and experienced local as your guide.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Have realistic expectations. Somedays the fishing is amazing and others youโ€™re lucky to get a bite. I highly suggest having and experienced local as your guide.
Krystle  S.
Krystle S.
Go out with Capt. Jesse, Lumina Fishing Charters. Youโ€™ll have a great time and youโ€™ll feel like a pro.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go out with Capt. Jesse, Lumina Fishing Charters. Youโ€™ll have a great time and youโ€™ll feel like a pro.
Diane  K.
Diane K. Wilmington, NC
Book an all day trip if you can because you wonโ€™t want to get off the water! Hydrate hydrate hydrate
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book an all day trip if you can because you wonโ€™t want to get off the water! Hydrate hydrate hydrate
Karen  B.
Karen B. Madison, WI
Be flexible. We fished for albie but we saw others catching flounders and drum. We did catch a dozen small fish in the surf.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible. We fished for albie but we saw others catching flounders and drum. We did catch a dozen small fish in the surf.
Darrel  J.
Darrel J. Sioux Falls, SD
Find an experienced guide and let them show you the local rigs, tactics and bait. Split the cost with several friends or family and a fishing trip can be relatively inexpensive.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find an experienced guide and let them show you the local rigs, tactics and bait. Split the cost with several friends or family and a fishing trip can be relatively inexpensive.
Jim  D.
Jim D. Mohnton, PA
Be ready for some fun. If your new to this take motion sickness medication before you leave.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Be ready for some fun. If your new to this take motion sickness medication before you leave.
Brian  K.
Brian K. Kernersville, NC
The best time to fish Manteo is April May and June. You might need to dodge high winds and hurricanes after July through November. Good news though, Manteo has inshore opportunities in the sound for anglers who love to bring home tasty catches. Speckled Trout and Red Drum are GREAT eating fish. So are sheepshead and Striped Bass.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The best time to fish Manteo is April May and June. You might need to dodge high winds and hurricanes after July through November. Good news though, Manteo has inshore opportunities in the sound for anglers who love to bring home tasty catches. Speckled Trout and Red Drum are GREAT eating fish. So are sheepshead and Striped Bass.
Robert  M.
Robert M. Crossville, TN

Ali-Kat Too
Ali-Kat Too
Fishing charter in Emerald Isle
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(4 reviews)
Pretty strong winds out of the NE limited our options, but Capt. Jason and mate Doug put us on the fish (bluefish, spanish mackerel, and little tunny) pretty consistently throughout the day.
James  P.
James P.
Old North State Fishing
Old North State Fishing
Fishing charter in Wanchese
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(22 reviews)
Captain did his best for us today. He had tough weather day, but we did catch a few. Couldn't ask for a better day.
William  M.
William M.
Waymaker Charters - Gratitude (22' Pontoon)
Waymaker Charters - Gratitude (22' Pontoon)
Fishing charter in Wanchese
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(178 reviews)
Lewis was amazing, he was very helpful and really tried to get us on the fish. I highly recommend him for your fishing trip!
Angela  D.
Angela D.
Reel Time Charters
Reel Time Charters
Fishing charter in Atlantic Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(115 reviews)
Captain Cody and his mate were amazing. Caught plenty of Spanish Mackerel, our limit of Blue Fish, and a few false Albacore very quickly! Right onto the fish, amazing help, the boat has everything you need. Awesome time
James  C.
James C.
Reel Time Charters
Reel Time Charters
Fishing charter in Atlantic Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(115 reviews)
Crew was very knowledgeable, very friendly and very helpful. I would 100% recommend Cody and crew
Justin  D.
Justin D.
Lucky Strike Charters
Lucky Strike Charters
Fishing charter in Calabash
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(517 reviews)
They managed to keep all the kids on the boat happy and engaged. They were extremely friendly! They pivoted plans when the fish werenโ€™t bitting and stayed longer to let the kids land two sharks!
Cory  F.
Cory F.
Salty Southern Adventures
Salty Southern Adventures
Fishing charter in Holden Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Captain Aaron is awesome and the boat is very nice. He loves helping the kids catch fish and my 8 year old caught a very nice King Mackeral and can't stop talking about it. Will definately book another trip next year. Thanks again Captain Aaron
Matthew  G.
Matthew G.
Grassy Sound Charters
Grassy Sound Charters
Fishing charter in Hampstead
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(38 reviews)
My wife and I went deep sea fishing with Grassy Charters and it was incredible. Captain Anthony and first mate John were awesome. We caught tons of fish and will be back again with them for our next fishing trip!
Matthew  E.
Matthew E.
Old School Fishing Charters
Old School Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Wanchese
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(103 reviews)
Our trip was scheduled when there was unusual northwinds... Captain Mike took his boat out of wanchese and up to Kitty hawk Bay so we could go out fishing. We had a really good day. I caught two red drum One of which was 23 in, 2 speckled trout . Captain Mike was great- very knowledgeable and helpful. This was my first fishing charter and I'm so glad we chose Captain Mike. We will definitely be going back out with him hopefully next year when we come down.
Sue  L.
Sue L.
Set'n Hooks Guide Service
Set'n Hooks Guide Service
Fishing charter in Mooresville
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(73 reviews)
I had a very enjoyable fishing trip. Capt Will knows where the fish are for sure!
Ralph  T.
Ralph T.
Reel Emโ€™ Up Charters
Reel Emโ€™ Up Charters
Fishing charter in Oak Island
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(21 reviews)
We were surprised that the Captain (Steve) wanted to stay out long than what we had for. Captain Steve is all about catching fish. Captain Steve will tell what is running and what is not. We caught several different fish, but ended up with a large King Mackerel. (which is a great fighting fish), We will definitely be calling Captain Steve on our next charter.
Robert  K.
Robert K.
Carolina Charters
Carolina Charters
Fishing charter in Wilmington
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Had a great time with Captain Victor. He was well prepared for the trip and was ready and waiting for our arrival. The tide was extra high during our trip time which made finding the fish more challenging, Victor continued until he got us on some fish. We caught some really nice flounder, grouper, and red drum. We had a great time on our trip.
Tamara  K.
Tamara K.
Green Creek Outfitters - Oriental NC
Green Creek Outfitters - Oriental NC
Fishing charter in Oriental
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Had a wonderful time fishing today. Really had a lot of fun! Enjoyed the fishing and conversations. Will be back to ish again soon :)
Jason  E.
Jason E.
Grandslam Inshore Fishing Charters
Grandslam Inshore Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Carolina Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(246 reviews)
Mason was a great captain,knowledgeable and put us on quite a few good fish,definitely recommend him
Michael  M.
Michael M.
Green Creek Outfitters - Oriental NC
Green Creek Outfitters - Oriental NC
Fishing charter in Oriental
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Were hoping to find some bull reds, didnโ€™t happen. BUT nobody we talked with caught any. We did get some trout and had a great time and will book again.
Jay  S.
Jay S.
S. S. Fish Witch II Charters
S. S. Fish Witch II Charters
Fishing charter in Carolina Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(260 reviews)
Seas were bumpy and made it difficult for fishing however Nick and Shane sure did work hard to put us on fish and we caught amberjack, black bass. grouper, triggerfish and some snapper. We had a blast and canโ€™t wait to get back down here to fish with them!
Mack  J.
Mack J.
Leverdrag Charters
Leverdrag Charters
Fishing charter in Wilmington
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(216 reviews)
Was a tough day fishing according to all the captains asking Joe over the radio. But we managed to get 2 kings in the box, and we lost others. Nothing like seeing a king mackerel hit live bait.
Frank  A.
Frank A.
Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
Fishing charter in Manteo
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(39 reviews)
The crew and the boat were great. we went to about five tupper locations and caught five fish between 25 people. apparently they were not biting today
Palmer  R.
Palmer R.
Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
Fishing charter in Manteo
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(39 reviews)
We booked this charter to have some fishing fun. Unfortunately, the water was way too choppy and rough to catch anything. It was cold and rainy. The trip should have been cancelled and rescheduled. But since we paid and could not get a refund, we went. Of course no fish but we did have great views of the sounds and channels. The staff was very knowledgeable and great. Just wish the weather would have cooperated with us or we could have rescheduled.
Carol  Q.
Carol Q.
Prop-Wash Charters
Prop-Wash Charters
Fishing charter in Morehead City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(19 reviews)
We had a great time! Captains Tripp and Ashley had good knowledge of the area and took us to the fish!
Garth  H.
Garth H.