Michael Rosso
Captain

Michael Rosso

Wanchese, United States
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
Captain Michael started Old School Fishing Charters in 2004, a year after he earned his USCG Certified Captain's License. He got it so he could earn money during the summers off from his teaching position in Currituck County Schools. Captain Michael has retired from teaching and has now combined his two passions – teaching and fishing, by running a fishing charter boat.

Charter

Rating

4.9
206 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

98%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
89%
Caught fish

All reviews (206)

Showing 15 of 206 reviews
  • Yoichi Koyama
    Yoichi Koyama
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Honest, Reliable, and a Fantastic Fishing Experience with Captain Michael!

    Half Day Trip 7 AM 4 MAX (copy)4 adults

    I first got in touch with Captain Michael about two months before this trip. In early May, I took a week off and drove 10 hours to North Carolina to target Sheepshead. However, I wasn't having any luck. Even at the local bait shops, no one was hearing about Sheepshead being caught—only a few Bluefish here and there. I didn’t want my long-awaited vacation to end without catching anything, so even though I hadn't originally planned on hiring a charter, I decided to reach out to a few captains. While some didn't even bother to reply, Michael responded right away. More importantly, he was incredibly honest and told me that even the boats weren't catching much at that time. Since I knew I would be returning to the area for work in July, I told him I’d love to book a trip then if the timing worked out. Once I coordinated the schedule with my friends for July, we finally made the trip happen. Leading up to the day, I had so many questions, but Michael always replied instantly and gave us complete peace of mind. Since Sheepshead can be very tricky to catch, I asked if we could switch targets if things got tough. He happily agreed and took us to several great spots throughout the day. For the big catches, one of my friends landed a 25-inch Black Drum, and Michael himself caught a 24-inch one, which he generously let us keep and take home! We also caught plenty of smaller fish and had a blast. I will absolutely book with Michael again next time. Thank you so much for an unforgettable trip!

    Reported catch:
    Black Drum
    Response from Captain

    Yoichi! You and your friends were great to fish with! I wish everyone woild have hooked big fish! thank you so much for the kind review! I really enjoyed the morning with y’all! Safe travels and come back and see me soon, please! 

  • Janice Hower
    Janice Hower
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Captain

    Half Day Trip MAX 2 Crew2 adults

    We are first timers visiting OBX, I was looking to book a fishing trip to gift my boyfriend for his birthday. After searching so many pages I found Old School Charters and Captain Mikes video. From the time of booking Mike was very responsive and helpful even contacted me the day before because the day we were set to go was going to be windy for the trip. We chose another day and set out on our trip. Captain Mike was very friendly,. knowledgeable and accommodating. We caught a few fish before an unfortunate downpour arrived and had to cut our trip short. Despite the weather changes we had a blast. Definitely recommend and hope to return for another trip in the future

    Response from Captain

    I had a blast Janice and Tim! You now will always ahve a friend in the OBX! I am so happy for you both and wish you the best!🙏

  • Peter Kline
    Peter Kline
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2025
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Good day fishing

    Half Day Trip/ 4 Hours/Party of 22 adults

    Was a good day on the water ,caught several species.Mike did a good job of moving around and getting us fish. Was very pleasant and knowledgeable about the area.Would book again next time we come down to OBX . Thanks

    Response from Captain

    Great fishing with Peter and Susie today. We caught a few few different species of fish, but none were large enough to go in the cooler. We’ll get them next time. 

  • Tia Norwood
    Tia Norwood
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun day on the water

    Half Day Trip (3:00 PM) MAX 2 Crew2 adults

    Booked with Captain Mike as a gift for my boyfriend’s birthday. Captain Mike was great, tried many spots to put us on fish. He told us about a couple of trails to ride our scooters on and where we could fish from while we were in town too. No luck on the fish but it was still fun being out on the water. Will definitely book again when back!

    Response from Captain

    Thank you so much for fishing with me Johnathan and Tia. Despite, the poor fishing I enjoyed our morning on the water. It was great meeting and hanging with you. Hope you come back to the OBX and fish with me again!

  • Richard Crossley
    Richard Crossley
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    A great trip out with Captain Michael

    Half Day Trip MAX 2 Crew - 11:00 AM2 adults

    Had a great afternoon out with Capt Michael - a very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating person indeed. Boat was well equipped and tackle was well up to the task. Got a few bites too. My son thinks it was the highlight of our time on OBX. Will be booking again next opportunity.

    Response from Captain

    Thanks so much! Cant wait to see you next time!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    Good day fishing
    Peter K.
    Peter K.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    Fishing with Michael
    Matthew W.
    Matthew W.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    Inland fishing
    Chris M.
    Chris M.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    July fishing trip
    Herbert S.
    Herbert S.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    Windy day fishing in
    Karl B.
    Karl B.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    Great trip
    Andrew C.
    Andrew C.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    Fishing with Michael
    Kyle S.
    Kyle S.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    even though the conditions were not favorable,  we still caught fish.
    Derak D.
    Derak D.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    Honest, Reliable, and a Fantastic Fishing Experience with Captain Michael!
    Yoichi K.
    Yoichi K.
  • Old School Fishing Charters
    Old School Fishing ChartersWanchese, NC
    Great trip
    Andrew S.
    Andrew S.

What's biting with Old School Fishing Charters 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

Angler proudly displaying a large Speckled Trout while fishing on a boat in coastal waters.

Speckled Trout, Grey Trout & Blues Bite

Aug 24, 2026 • Wanchese
Its getting towards the end of the summer and the past few weeks and we have finally started catching some Speckled Trout and along with them some Grey Trout also known as Weakfish. The Blues have been ever present but Flounder Season is quickly approaching and starts September 1!
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A proud angler holding a large Black Drum at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

Catching Summertime Bridge Monsters

Jul 11, 2026 • Wanchese
The Sheepshead and Black Drum have been abundant the last few weeks around the Croatan Sound bridges. The bite at these bridges has been pretty consistent and the shade is a constant relief from the heat of Sun.
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Angler proudly displaying a large Black Drum while fishing on a boat in coastal waters.

Almost Summer and It Is On

Jun 10, 2026 • Wanchese
Fishing has been improving everyday! Sheepshead, Black Drum, Bluefish, and other species are feeding ravenously. The Winter did a number on the Speckled Trout population but as they say there are plenty of fish in the sea!
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Fall Fishing is Outstanding

Oct 25, 2025 • Wanchese
As the temperature is cool the fishing bite is heating up! If it changes in temperature are triggering fish, migrations, and feeding. We have been catching a wide variety of fish, including trout, sheepshead, flounder, striped bass, redfish, and more. Last year, we caught fish well into the winter time. This year, we hope to do the same! Let’s go fishing!
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A young angler proudly displaying a Flounder while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful catch.

Super Summer Season of Fishing

Aug 15, 2025 • Wanchese
The summer is flying by and we’ve had a great season thus far! The speckled sea trout fishing has been exceptional and steady. We’re also catching flounder, red fish, blue fish, sheep’s head, and an assortment of other species. Book a trip to get in on the action!
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Angler proudly displaying a large Speckled Trout while fishing on a sunny day.

Peak Season for Trout Is Here

Jul 12, 2025 • Wanchese
The Speckled Trout are here in vast numbers. We have been catching limits on daily basis and it appears this bite is endless. Once the limit has been put on ice we have been having some success with Reds and Sheepshead when the conditions allow. Book a trip and plan for a fish fry now!
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