Wanchese
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $450
Captain
Captain Fann's Fish Advisor Charters
Wanchese, United States
Federal waters
100+ reviews
I've been an active crew member onboard some very successful charter operations in South Florida, as well as the outer Banks of NC. I was raised in the sport fishing industry from a very young age and have followed my father's footsteps. I originally started as a 'boat wash kid' where I tried to get my foot in the door in the industry. It's a rough neck industry for a young kid but I pushed my way through and eventually became a 2nd mate, first mate and after 15 years as a mate, I set a course for sea school where I would graduate with a 100 ton masters credential. I have been blessed and privileged to learn under some very well known captains who were very demanding and I feel that pressure helped me to become the captain I am today. As a captain and owner I have made honesty my highest aim. That's my personal policy and I stand by it. Now that I've climbed the ladder to the helm of my own boat, I get to teach people from all walks of life about fishing, boating and the marine world! Thanks for reading and let's go fishing!
Charters
- Fort LauderdaleInstant ConfirmationTrips fromUS $400
Rating
4.8
211 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.8
Captain & Crew
4.7
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (201)
What anglers say
88%
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
94%
Recommend this charter
90%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
84%
Caught fish
All reviews (211)
Showing 1 – 5 of 211 reviews
Matias CaloRepeat angler
Switzerland•Member since 2026•2 trips5.0VerifiedUnforgetable fishing experience !!!
3 Hour Trip • 2 adults • 1 childTogether with my son (11 yr old), we were looking for a great fishing morning by hoping to catch some Mahi's since that was his dream. Then, as soon as the fishing session begun... his dream came true! He caught some Mahi's , a black fin tuna and finally big hammer shark was in one hook. We could managed to feel his power and then we released it, safely and healthy. This was a perfect fishing morning managed by the so experienced Capt Matthew. We really appreciate his support and service by sharing the expertise in a children friendly environment into the ship. I fully recommend it. Thanks Capt Matthew for this unforgetable fishing experience. Matias !
Reported catch:
Response from CaptainMatias, outstanding! thank you very much for a fantastic review and for coming out with me! As you know, I great up fishing with my Father and he was my original introduction and Inspiration to become a full time fisherman. You and your son are building a similar bond and I appreciate that! keep him on the water and one day, he'll return the favor to your grandkids. safe travels going back over seas and till next time, Capt Matt
Shawn LawlorRepeat angler
New York, US•Member since 2024•2 trips5.0VerifiedNEWSpanish Mackerel & One Bluefish
3 Hour Half Day Trip • 5 adultsGood catch with a decent amount of Spanish Mackerel and one Bluefish, but I think it is time for Capt. Matt to retire or at least take a vacation . All he did was complain the entire trip. He is a very experienced and knowledgeable fisherman but he doesn’t really want you to touch the gear, which doesn’t make for a very hands on experience. Again, he is good fisherman.
Response from CaptainShawn, great review and it's true, I'm blessed as a fisherman and perhaps could take a vacation. where would I go? perhaps fishing? 😂 nah, I do that every day. Thanks for coming out and I appreciate the review and recommendations. regarding the tackle, and the future crowd that can read this. I recommend minimizing picking up the rod when trolling planers as it's very likely they will reset and shake off the fish. I've seen it countless times and when it's a little slow I'd rather stack up the fish in the box. I'd also find it hard to believe that a person would recommend a guy who "complained the entire time"? I vividly remember your teenage boys that seemed entirely disinterested from the jump, but hey that's kids and I've got two teens. anyway, thanks again. Capt Matt
Cyndy HuberSouth Dakota, US•Member since 20264.3VerifiedNEWHere's to Captain Matt!
Half day near shore • 3 adultsWe had an excursion booked for August 18, 2026. Decided on 7am thinking we would beat the heat of the day. That really did not work😊! We caught some Spanish Mackerel soon after we left...fun! Then came the heat...'feels like' temp of 106 degrees and no wind...quite unbearable! Captain Matt however made this trip very enjoyable regardless of ability to catch a lot of fish. He even took us out a little farther to try for a shark or two...swear it was even to hot for the fish! We were able to see a number of dolphins although Captain Matt mentioned he tries to steer clear of them. They are 'fishing' also! I would rate Captain Matt as a very fun, kind and competent Captain and would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Captain for this experience!
Reported catch:
Response from CaptainCindy, thanks for your kind words and recommendation! it certainly has been extra hot lately and even the early trips are subject to the heat if there isn't a breeze. thanks again and I do hope you all enjoyed your fish dinner. 😊 regards, Capt Matt
Stephanie EllisColorado, US•Member since 20264.7VerifiedHad a great time!
3 Hour Trip - 2:00 PM • 4 adultsWe had our hearts set on catching some fish to bring back to our rental to cook... and we were not disappointed! Captain Matt was very knowledgeable and professional. This was the first time we tried to fish by trolling. He took the time to educate us on the equipment and the environment. We caught a couple that didn't meet legal length requirements, but we caught so many, it didn't matter that we had to release the two back! I would strongly advise you to listen to him when he says take an Uber! We were glad we did when we saw the parking area and how many of the spots were reserved or permit parking. Highly recommend Captain Matt :)
Reported catch:Response from CaptainStephanie and family, thank you, once again for coming out with me and for a great review! I hope you enjoyed your grilled Mahi! till next time, Capt Matt
Wesley LibertRepeat anglerPennsylvania, US•Member since 2017•2 trips5.0VerifiedNEWFun day on the water
Mid day 5hr near shore (noon) • 3 adultsWe didnt have the greatest day of fishing but Capt. Matt got us on a few Bluefish and Spanish Mack. All 3 of us had a great time and really enjoyed our time on Fish Advisor. The weather was absolutely beautiful and would have had a great time even if we didnt catch anything. Would definitely do this trip again.
Response from CaptainWesley, thanks for a great review! I'm happy you all had a great time and I look forward to that next trip! Till then, Capt Matt
Real catches shared by our community
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
- Fish Advisor - WancheseWanchese, NC
Our Fishing Locations
What's biting with Fish Advisor - Wanchese in Wanchese
Change is a-coming as the pelagics start to leave the Gulf Stream. But fear not, monstrous Kingfish are on their way and the inshore season is just around the corner.
Top catches for September
Fishing reports
Hot fishing during May!
Apr 27, 2026 • Fort Lauderdale
As April comes to an end, many good things are in place for a great may season.
We had a 2+ week blow during the first half of April, pushing the Gulfstream in even closer than normal. Deep blue waters which are pushed in from the deep, have come closer to the coast and with it, lots of bait fish!
May is typically one of the best months throughout the entire year. You'll still have a few sails around however you'll have more consistent tuna, mahi ,wahoo and King mackerel.
All of the best eating fish are just 1-2 miles off the coast where are waters reach depths of over 200 feet!
We are very close so travel times are greatly reduced as compared with other fishing destinations.
Live bait fishing is good however trolling will still be one of the best methods due to the advantage of covering ground.
You keep what you catch and we have a nearby restaurant that is happy to cook it for you!
Let's go!!
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Mahi madness!
Mar 22, 2026 • Fort Lauderdale
March has been good to us. The higher winds the came through midway after a late cold front have paid on dividends.
The sea conditions were a little higher but still tolerable yet the mahi were showing up in better numbers and sizes. The last few days have shown a strong number of sailfish coming through as many boats are reporting good numbers on half day trips.
Kites, live bait trolling or even dead bait trolling have all been productive and at only 2 miles from shore, you get to the fishing grounds quickly.
Reminder, we have a local restaurant that will cook fish for you. Anything that is edible can be harvested (legal size requirements do apply) and you can have it cooked for lunch/dinner!
Capt. Matt Fann.
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Cold fronts have improved the fishing!
Feb 9, 2026 • Fort Lauderdale
In recent weeks, we've set a new record for low temperatures. Those cold fronts are always the driving force behind all fish migration and if we have enough cold, consistently, the fish end up well into the southern tip of fla and beyond!
That being said, conditions have shown a good improvement from January, bait fish are more plentiful and the water temps are more ideal to see pelagic fish staying with us for a while.
When trying to decide what type of charter to book, think more in terms of time and less about what type of fish can be caught. More time, offers more opportunities to try various methods (IF NEEDED) and or travel.
A 5hr trip would be ideal for experienced anglers looking to catch a sailfish, black fin tuna or mahi and a 3hr charter is still the perfect fit for a novice client looking to dip their toe in the water.
Many captains like to use kites with live bait however I prefer the use of live ballyhoo.
The live ballyhoo is the only live bait that cannot be purchased and must be caught in person however they are a fantastic bait due to their ability to be "slow trolled" in longer distances.
Kite fishing is a lot of fun however when the current slows to a crawl it stops then you'll want to be able to cover territory and various depths of water.
Here's to a great Feb!
Capt Matt Fann
"Fish Advisor"!
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There is a strong sailfish season coming
Dec 1, 2025 • Fort Lauderdale
In the past few weeks, I have come across something that I consider a very good sign. Small sailfish!!!
Over the many years I have been a professional fisherman, seasons that start with a run of smaller sized fish, end up being great seasons.
Sailfish are a very fast growing fish, just like mahi. They are known for growing around 4ft in length in their first year! In the weeks gone by, I've caught quite a few smaller sized fish that indicate we've had a large spawn of fish.
Now with a few cold fronts to push the bait south and a little current, we could see high numbers indeed!
Last week, we tried pulling live ballyhoo around which is one of my favorite methods over kite fishing and we managed to raise over 7 sailfish in an hour. Later that day, during our afternoon trip, we raised a few more, only this time it was on dead bait while trolling!
Very exciting stuff!
If you're planning a fishing trip, follow the cold front patterns and try to book a trip with a minimum of 4hrs, 6 being optimal.
See you soon,
Capt Matt.
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Mahi on the move!
Oct 13, 2025 • Fort Lauderdale
Oct is a great time to fish. The weather is cooling off a tad from the summer heat and the fish are starting to move south.
My charter is unique in that I fish two locations. Summer months, I'm fishing in the outer banks, NC and back home in fort Lauderdale FL during the winter months.
We've had an outstanding summer up north this year and those fish are starting to move south. It's getting cold up north and that's the driving force that moves the fish.
The mahi have been around in decent numbers as well as a few nice king mackerel, black fin tuna and a few wahoo.
Fort Lauderdale international boat show is set to arrive at the end of the month and with it, large crowds will travel into the area. Sign up to fish with me and let's have a blast!
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The Spanish mackerel are here!
Jun 11, 2025 • Wanchese
Great mackerel fishing lately with good near shore action just a mile off the obx coast.
Spanish mackerel are a migratory species and they are currently pushing through the obx area and will be for a few more months.
Trolling is the best method to see higher numbers and that method can offer decent action. Perfect for families!
There are also blue fish moving through as well as the occasional bonito.
Let's go fishing!
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