What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina for the first time?

Charter to avoid: Reel Time Charters with Captain Cody Garner. The captain’s response to my husband’s review was unprofessional and falsely based. My husband hadn’t had a thing to drink with alcohol the entire time we’ve been here since the Saturday before and the charter was on a Wednesday with a small craft advisory for that day through Friday. The captain said my boys were on their phone the whole time. My youngest son doesn’t even own a phone he’s too young and my oldest never once got his out. My brother-in-law got his phone out once to check on his wife and two young daughters back at the hotel (ages 1 1/2 & 5). The charter started at 6am and they were back in their hotel rooms by 7:15 so the captains comment that it was more than half done was it true. We booked a 4 hour charter so it wasn’t supposed to end until 10am. The first mate on the charter with them even comment they weren’t out an hour and got paid. The captain’s response shows his true colors and what he thinks of clients that aren’t so easily able to handle the rougher seas. Because my husband felt unwell and requested to back he is apparently a “Loser” that needs to stay on the beach. if you aren’t a God of the Sea and have a chance of feeling ill if it’s choppy don’t book because you too will be a loser per the captain and he doesn’t appreciate losers on his charter boat.. Good thing our last two years of charters the captain’s were much friendlier and we had a wonderful time. They also received positive reviews from us to prove it. If all captains attitudes were like this we’d never book one again. A simple “sorry you didn’t enjoy the trip out and you were not satisfied. We tried our best to provide a good experience” would have been much more tasteful and professional.

Please understand that the Captain cannot control the weather or the fish. His job is to do his best to put you on fish, regardless of the weather and if the fish are biting. Your safety will be his First concern!

Relax and have a good time, To make sure you let the Charter know how many of the fish you're going to keep so any extras can be realised. No need to kill 25 fish if you're only going to keep 12 of them.

Be ready for any kind of weather. Ocean water temperature was about 70 degrees in mid-October. Air temperature experienced during our mid-October visit was from 45-82. But, in-shore, near shore, and offshore fishing should be available most days.

Make sure to bring sun screen since you’ll be out in the direct sun. The boat has an inside area that’s spacious where you can store your coolers, food, etc. The boat has a bathroom and the deck has plenty of room to stand, sit, etc. Mostly what we saw while fishing nearshore were Mackeral. You keep what you catch and the deck hand was nice enough to cut and filet the fish for us

Understand the weather forecast for your time on the water so you can be prepared. If you’re chartering a boat, plenty of good ones out there but remember they are not miracle workers. Just like anything else there are good days and not so good days when it comes to “catching” fish.

This time of year is tricky due to the weather. Bring a positive attitude. I would recommend rain gear. You may get wet on the way out depending on the ocean. Gloves , hat, jacket will be needed in the cold months.

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.

Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish are what you're going to catch in August. Atlantic Beach is a family friendly town with a laid-back feel. The men went fishing this morning while the women had a spa day. A small price to pay for a summer day on the water.

Take snacks and water. Only fish with the locals recommended because they are experienced and know where the fish are. If its early take a light wind breaker because it is a bit chilly in the morning.

11 hour trip...Disappointed only 2 small fish were caught for the price of the trip. Had hoped for a wonderful first trip for husband and 4 sons. We do realize it isn't the fault of the captain if the fish don't bit. A lot of money for no fish.

Be prepared! Thankfully, we had a calm day and all was well, but be prepared for those days that are not calm. If you've never been out before- you never know if you will get sea-sick. Bring Dramamine just in case!

Research and contact several charters and speak with them. I had a captain ask me why I didn't choose him and I explained why and he asked who I chose and when I told him he replied told me we would have a great time on Corbett's boat.

Head out in the morning before the heat sets in. 6am is early but worth it as the fish start disappearing later in the morning.

Prepare for the weather. Bring sun screen and lots of water. We brought snacks on hand to keep up our energy with all the fishing

Make sure you find out the conditions of the ocean before you step foot on the boat. The captain will take you out and charge you full price anyway if you don’t.

Book Family Times fishing charter. I did the half day fishing trip with my three grandsons and we had the best time and great memories to share forever.

Great fishing the key to any good fishing day is planning and communicating with the captin witch we did Turing into a great experience!

If available book with Family Time Fishing Charters you won’t be disappointed. They are very knowledgable, they communicate well and client satisfaction are their priority!

Talk to the captain before your trip and know what to expect and what to bring with you.

Make sure you take motion sickness medicine, even if you think you won’t need it

Trust a true fisherman like Jared and his son Spencer. They know how to catch fish

Go expecting to have fun, don't expect trophy fish unless you book a trip for that

The half day trip was perfect for our first timers, especially my son who got a little sea sick and had to come back about an hour early.

Booking a longer trip increases your chances of catching bigger fish because you have more time to travel to deeper waters.

Sure would recommend fishing in the Atlantic, know what months your fish are biting and book a trip.

Take the 3/4 day trip if you can. Cost extra but we thought it was worth the trip to go further out.

You can’t go into fishing expecting to catch anything. That’s why they call it fishing. So anything that you catch just makes for a bonus.

As expected it was a hot day and the seas were rough due to incoming summer storms. But the crew found us a spot sheltered behind an island. Was a gorgeous spot…

It would be good idea to have a guide - knowing where, when and what opportunities there is a plus with only minimal time available.