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Ralph Craddock
Captain

Ralph Craddock

Wanchese, United States
Federal waters
Angler's choice
250+ reviews
Capt. Ralph and his crew are native to the Outer Banks. Along with his mate, Igg, he's been fishing the waters in and around Wanchese his entire life and they have been charter fishing together for 15 years. They promise to do their best to put you on the fish all the while making sure you enjoy your trip.

Charter

Rating

5.0
261 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

99%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish

All reviews (261)

Showing 1 – 5 of 261 reviews
  • Jessica Brannan
    Jessica Brannan
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Ten out of ten!

    3/4 Day Trip • 6 adults • 2 children

    If you’re considering booking with Hayden Express, DO IT! We had a mix of experienced anglers and complete first timers, and Captain Ralph and Mate Mason made the entire experience incredible from start to finish. The fishing was unbelievable. Both kids had already put over 20 fish in the bucket before 8 a.m.! Watching them reel in fish after fish and seeing how excited they were is something we’ll never forget. Mason deserves a special shoutout. He was knowledgeable, patient, incredibly helpful, and genuinely went above and beyond with the kids. You could tell he wanted them to have the best experience possible, and he absolutely made that happen. Captain Ralph was just as fantastic. His years of experience and knowledge of the area really show. He knew exactly where to take us and made the whole day feel easy, fun, and memorable. There are plenty of charters to choose from, but I am SO glad we chose Hayden Express. We would book with Captain Ralph and Mason again in a heartbeat. This wasn’t just a great day of fishing. It was one of those experiences our kids will be talking about for years. Truly a memory of a lifetime for our family!

    Reported catch:
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Spanish Mackerel
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Response from Captain

    thanks we really enjoyed fishing with y'all and looking forward to doing it again 🎣

  • Michael Rowen
    Michael Rowen
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Third Time's the Charm—Hayden Express Delivered the Fishing Trip We'd Been Waiting For

    Half Day Trip • 6 adults

    After two straight years of disappointing fishing trips and even having another charter cancel on us because of the weather, booking with Hayden Express completely turned things around. Captain Ralph and Mason were absolutely amazing from start to finish. We headed out, and at first I started getting a little worried because we weren't catching anything. That didn't last long! Captain Ralph quickly found the fish, and before we knew it, we were reeling them in nonstop. Several times we had all four lines hooked up at once, with a couple of double-ups! Mason worked tirelessly, running from one rod to the next, helping bring fish in, resetting the lines, and then turning right back around because someone was yelling, "Fish on!" again. His energy and hard work kept the action going all day. Captain Ralph and Mason made the trip unforgettable for our group of three adults and three teens. They also made six other people very happy when we got home with plenty of fresh fish to share! The Hayden Express is an incredible boat, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a first class fishing charter, I highly recommend Captain Ralph and Mason. We'll definitely be booking another trip with Hayden Express the next time we come back down!

    Reported catch:
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Spanish Mackerel
    Response from Captain

    thanks for fishing with us enjoyed having y'all looking forward to doing it again 🎣

  • John Taylor
    John Taylor
    Repeat angler
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2022
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    last minute… turned into a great experience

    3/4 Day Trip - 12:30 PM • 2 adults

    We booked our time with Capt. Ralph the night before because our plans changed last minute. we arrived on time and the crew was ready to go. Within minutes they had us on spanish mackerel and blue fish. We fished for 6 hours and while it wasnt all screaming reels, my son and I had a good time. We’ve used the same charter for years but I’d be happy to fish with Hayden Express Charters any time! very professional and personable with both my 15 year old son and myself. We had a great time!

    Reported catch:
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Spanish Mackerel
    Response from Captain

    thanks enjoyed having y'all on broad 🎣

  • Steven Muth
    Steven Muth
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip - family of 5

    Half Day Trip - 10:30 AM • 5 adults • 3 children

    Captain Ralph was great, and First Mate Mason was knowledgeable, helpful, and wonderful with the kids. They encouraged us to get involved and showed us exactly what to do. We had an amazing four-hour fishing trip and caught 32 Spanish mackerel, two albacore, and 22 flounder—although none of the flounder were large enough to keep. The boat was clean and comfortable, and we enjoyed motoring out beneath the Marc Basnight Bridge. It was a fantastic experience for the entire family!

    Reported catch:
    Spanish Mackerel
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Response from Captain

    thanks enjoyed having y'all on broad looking forward to doing it again 🎣

  • Elyse Potter
    Elyse Potter
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Hammerheads galore!

    Half Day Trip • 4 adults • 1 child

    We had such a wonderful trip with Captain Ralph and his deckhand, Mason. They are a super personable and knowledgeable pair. Both of them were great with our 6-year-old son, but Mason literally made his trip! Mason was so attentive and made absolutely sure he felt like HE was the one reeling in the sharks! Boat was incredibly clean and the air-conditioned cabin was a really nice feature. Thanks again guys- we will see you next summer for a LONGER trip!

    Reported catch:
    Spanish Mackerel
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Response from Captain

    thanks enjoyed having y'all on broad looking forward to doing it again 🎣

Real catches shared by our community

  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    Young angler displays a freshly caught fish aboard a recreational fishing boat with an adult companion offshore.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Christopher N.
    Christopher N.
     captain Ralph and Mason made it awesome. Mason is the best!!!! We had no idea it would be so fun. Mason is also very good with kids and makes it enjoyable for everyone. From storytelling to catching fish, it was awesome!
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    Family group posing behind multiple freshly caught fish arranged on a marina dock, with charter boats visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Lindsey S.
    Lindsey S.
    We caught blue fish and spanish mackerel! Had our fish cleaned and then cooked for lunch!
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    A variety of fish, including Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, neatly laid out on a wooden dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Jacqueline M.
    Jacqueline M.
    Captain Ralph and Mate Mason were amazing! Even though we dropped some fish back in the ocean for next time 😂
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    A variety of fish displayed on a dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip with a group of anglers.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Branden D.
    Branden D.
    We have used them twice both years were excellent. The captain and mate go above and beyond.
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of multiple fish on a dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Dawson S.
    Dawson S.
    Spent 6 hrs out on the water with Ralph and Mason. Both of them were very friendly and knowledgeable and were able to put us onto mackerel non-stop. Highly recommend this fishing charter!!
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of multiple Spanish Mackerel on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Fall Spanish mackerel fishing at it's finest
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Great fishing
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    A family poses proudly on the dock with their catch of the day, featuring a variety of fish displayed neatly on the wooden board after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    Steven M.
    Steven M.
    Captain Ralph was great, and First Mate Mason was knowledgeable, helpful, and wonderful with the kids. They encouraged us to get involved and showed us exactly what to do. We had an amazing four-hour fishing trip and caught 32 Spanish mackerel, two albacore, and 22 flounder—although none of the flounder were large enough to keep. The boat was clean and comfortable, and we enjoyed motoring out beneath the Marc Basnight Bridge. It was a fantastic experience for the entire family!
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    A young angler proudly displaying a caught fish while fishing on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Jessica B.
    Jessica B.
    If you’re considering booking with Hayden Express, DO IT! We had a mix of experienced anglers and complete first timers, and Captain Ralph and Mate Mason made the entire experience incredible from start to finish. The fishing was unbelievable. Both kids had already put over 20 fish in the bucket before 8 a.m.! Watching them reel in fish after fish and seeing how excited they were is something we’ll never forget. Mason deserves a special shoutout. He was knowledgeable, patient, incredibly helpful, and genuinely went above and beyond with the kids. You could tell he wanted them to have the best experience possible, and he absolutely made that happen. Captain Ralph was just as fantastic. His years of experience and knowledge of the area really show. He knew exactly where to take us and made the whole day feel easy, fun, and memorable. There are plenty of charters to choose from, but I am SO glad we chose Hayden Express. We would book with Captain Ralph and Mason again in a heartbeat. This wasn’t just a great day of fishing. It was one of those experiences our kids will be talking about for years. Truly a memory of a lifetime for our family!
  • Hayden Express Charters
    Hayden Express ChartersWanchese, NC
    A family poses proudly on the dock with a large catch of fish, neatly arranged on a wooden board after a successful fishing trip.
    Bout as good as it gets if action what u like better book a trip

What's biting with Hayden Express Charters in Wanchese

While many may want to stay close to shore during November to try to fill the boat with Drum, Trout, and Bass, there's still plenty going on offshore, where the Tuna bite is in its prime!

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of multiple Spanish Mackerel on a dock after a successful fishing trip.

Fall Spanish Mackerel Slam

Sep 20, 2026 • Wanchese
Fall Spanish mackerel fishing at it's finest
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A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip.

Fishing in Wanchese

Sep 16, 2026 • Wanchese
Great fishing
Show more
A family poses proudly on the dock with a large catch of fish, neatly arranged on a wooden board after a successful fishing trip.

Top-Notch Action — Book a Trip

Aug 29, 2026 • Wanchese
Bout as good as it gets if action what u like better book a trip
Show more
Group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of fish, including several large specimens, on a dock after a successful fishing trip.

Blues, Spanish Mackerel & Sharpnoses

Aug 25, 2026 • Wanchese
Good action nearshore last two trips blue's and Spanish mackerel for the most part made a drift just to change things up came up with Atlantic sharp noises
Show more
A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of multiple fish on a dock after a successful fishing trip.

Blues, Spanish Mackerel & Albacore Bites

Aug 20, 2026 • Wanchese
Blues Spanish mackerel and albcore fall fishing seems to be showing up
Show more
Group of anglers actively reeling in a fish while fishing offshore, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.

Mahi, Sails and Albacore with Barracuda

Aug 18, 2026 • Wanchese
Mahi and sails and a few albcore with a kicker barracuda today
Show more