Captain

Jim Hardy

Hampstead, United States

50+ reviews

Captain Jim caught twelve-pound Bluefish on the Chesapeake Bay when he was six years old and has been obsessed ever since. Growing up, his time on the water was split between fishing and fly fishing for Bass and Trout in freshwater and saltwater, fishing for anything whenever he had the chance. Throughout his life, going through school, careers, and raising a family, Captain Jim has always come back to fishing and life on the water as his sanctuary. He now feels lucky enough to call this paradise his home and fishing and boating life his occupation. He has always enjoyed the teaching and coaching aspect of helping an angler catch their first or biggest fish and living vicariously through the eyes of a child when that bobber goes under and they hold their first prized catch. Captain Jim especially wants the younger anglers to experience this same thrill so they can carry on this great tradition of responsible angling and conservation.

Charter

Blue Heron Guide Service

Hampstead

Instant Confirmation

Trips from

US $450

Rating

4.9

92 reviews

4.9

Boat & Equipment

4.9

Captain & Crew

4.8

Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (75)

What anglers say

96%

Good experience

100%

Friendly captain

96%

Recommend this charter

96%

Appropriate for children

98%

Satisfied with the boat

80%

Caught fish

All reviews (92)

Showing 1 – 5 of 92 reviews

Don Gilbert
Connecticut, US
•
Member since 2018
5.0
Verified
October fishing trip
Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on October 14, 2025 • 4 adults
Capt Jim was friendly, fun, and very knowledgeable, we had a great time. We caught some Redfish, a very nice flounder (release) and enjoyed the morning, even if it was a bit cool. Thanks Capt, we will do this again.
Reported catch:
Michael Wallace
Repeat angler
South Carolina, US
•
Member since 2022
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Top Notch Guide
Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on July 22, 2025 • 3 adults
Captain Jim tired his hardest to get us on fish to day with bad weather and wind sneaking in on us. He never gave up and kept us entertained with his amazing personality. He came through for my son’s birthday and on the very last line of bait in the rain got him his first red drum! He is a very patient and knowledgeable individual. 10/10 would book him again!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
July 23, 2025
Thanks for the kind words Michael! Man, we had to work to get a good one today but I’m glad we got one on the last cast of the day 😂. I’m happy Owen got one on his birthday. You all are great and are welcome back anytime. Thanks again!
Bob Roll
Repeat angler
Virginia, US
•
Member since 2022
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Jim
Half Day Trip – Inshore (PM) on August 15, 2023 • 6 adults
Jennifer Parillo
New York, US
•
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Jim
Half Day Trip – Inshore (PM) on April 12, 2023 • 6 adults
Angie Brown
Wisconsin, US
•
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Half Day Trip with Captain Jim
Half Day Trip – Nearshore Ocean on June 19, 2023 • 3 adults
"A bad day fishing is better than a good day at the office." Captain Jim went above and beyond trying to get us a catch, visiting multiple locations on the Intercoastal. Despite our best efforts, we were unsuccessful in snagging any flounder or drum but did catch a lizard fish and a bluefin. He was an excellent teacher, as one of our group had never cast a reel before, and was very knowledgeable about the area. We had such a great time and would absolutely book another trip with Captain Jim if we make it back to Surf City. 1,000 percent would recommend!
Reported catch: