15 Best Fishing Charters in the Outer Banks (Complete Guide)

The Outer Banks has excellent fishing spots to fulfill an entire day’s worth of adventure. There are a handful of fishing charters to consider if you want to explore.

OBX Inshore Charters, X-Spearmint Sportfishing, and Blue Chip Sportfishing are examples of quality fishing charters in the Outer Banks. Price ranges vary depending on the season, but typically range between $120 to over $1,000 per person.

The Outer Banks has a famous reputation for saltwater fishing with many areas to explore. Below you can see which charters best suit your budget and experience.

OBX Inshore Fishing 

OBX Inshore Fishing is one of the best charter options for anyone looking for a day packed with exciting inshore fishing. With half and full-day trips available, up to four guests can experience some of the best fishing that Stumpy Point has to offer. Expect to catch redfish, flounder, spotted seatrout, and even grouper.

Costs: Half-day trip is $450; Full day trip is $925

This Charter is recommended for: Inshore fishing for smaller parties

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Black drum, redfish

Mar-May: Speckled trout

Jun-Aug: Black drum, spotted seatrout

Sep-Nov: Redfish, flounder

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Redfish, striped bass, grouper

Private Trips offered? Yes

OBX Inshore Fishing – Stumpy Point (Manteo) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

X-Spearmint Sportfishing

With a variety of fishing excursions to choose from, X-Spearmint Sportfishing is a great charter to choose for both novice and veteran fishers alike. Captain Ryan is extremely knowledgeable and willing to help the younger generation get into fishing with their half-day trips. Longer trips offer a lot more options, and anglers can really decide how they want to spend their day out on the water.

Costs: Half-day trip is $625; ¾ day trip is $925; full-day trip is $1325

This Charter is recommended for: Children and novice fishers

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Black drum, redfish

Mar-May: Speckled trout, little tunny 

Jun-Aug: Spanish mackerel, cobia

Sep-Nov: Bluefish, redfish

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: King mackerel, cobia

Private Trips offered? Yes

X-Spearmint Sportfishing (Manteo) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

Blue Chip Sportfishing

The Blue Chip is a beautiful 53’ Custom Carolina sport fishing vessel that is equipped with all of the state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a safe yet action-packed day at sea. With space to comfortably fit up to 6 guests, Blue Chip Sportfishing is the perfect charter for private parties and family fishing trips. They only offer 12-hour offshore trips, making it a great choice for experienced anglers looking for the catch of a lifetime.

Costs: 12-hour trip is $2800

This Charter is recommended for: Experienced anglers looking for comfort along with exciting fishing action.

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: King mackerel, bluefin tuna

Mar-May: Yellowfin tuna

Jun-Aug: Blue marlin, mahi-mahi, cobia

Sep-Nov: Sailfish, mackerel, tuna

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Cobia, blue marlin, mahi-mahi

Private Trips offered? Yes

Blue Chip Sportfishing (Manteo) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

Riptide Charters 

Based out of Wanchese, NC, Riptide Charters promise to provide the fishing trip of a lifetime. Captain Randy grew up fishing the Outer Banks area and knows all the best fishing spots to ensure their goal becomes reality. Whether new to fishing or an experienced angler, they have a fishing excursion that is perfect for anyone. Expect to catch redfish, speckled trout, cobia, and king mackerel.

Costs: 2-hour trip is $325; 4-hour trip is $425; 6-hour trip is $575; 8-hour trip is $900

This Charter is recommended for: 

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Black drum, redfish

Mar-May: Spotted seatrout

Jun-Aug: Cobia, seabass

Sep-Nov: King mackerel, redfish

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Redfish, flounder, cobia, sheepshead

Private Trips offered? Yes

Riptide Charters (Wanchese) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

Bonehead Charters 

Captain James Holmes of Bonehead Charters invites you to an exciting day of fishing in the Outer Banks. Their spacious 38’ saltwater fishing vessel can accommodate up to 6 anglers, and they offer a variety of different tips to choose from. All bait, tackle, and equipment are provided by the crew and guests can expect to catch mackerel, bluefish, redfish, and cobia.

Costs: 2-hour trip is $400; Half day trip is $700; 9-hour trip is $1600

This Charter is recommended for: Family fishing trips, novice, and experienced anglers

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: King mackerel

Mar-May: Little tunny

Jun-Aug: Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, wahoo

Sep-Nov: Bluefish

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Bluefish, mackerel, redfish, cobia

Private Trips offered? Yes

Bonehead Charters (Hatteras) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

Poacher Sportfishing Charters

With a variety of fishing excursions and fishing styles available, Poacher Sportfishing Charters are ready for anything. The knowledgeable captain and crew offer assistance to any newer anglers and know all the local secrets to help more experienced fishers make the catch of a lifetime. Their 42’ Bruno boat is made for ocean sportfishing and can comfortably fit up to 6 guests. 

Costs: Half-day trip is $650; Full day trip is $1450

This Charter is recommended for: Longer fishing trips where anglers can cast, drift, troll, and bottom fish.

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Striped bass, King mackerel

Mar-May: Bluefish, amberjack

Jun-Aug: Spanish mackerel, little tunny

Sep-Nov: Seabass, redfish

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Cobia, mackerel, seabass, shark

Private Trips offered? Yes

Poacher Sportfishing Charters (Nags Head) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

Captain Froggy’s Charter Fishing

Captain Froggy’s Charter Fishing is one of the most popular fishing charters in the Outer Banks. Their 5’ Carolina Skiff center console fishing vessel can fit up to 6 guests and travel at speeds of 35 knots. This means Captain Froggy can get you to the best fishing spots in Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Redfish, cobia, tuna, and amberjack are just a few of the species that anglers can expect to land.

Costs: 2-hour trip is $300; 4-hour trip is $425; 6-hour trip is $750

This Charter is recommended for: Anyone looking for a short fishing trip at great value.

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Striped bass, king mackerel

Mar-May: Bluefish, redfish

Jun-Aug: Cobia, seabass

Sep-Nov: Little tunny, king mackerel

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Redfish, flounder, amberjack, cobia

Private Trips offered? Yes

Captain Froggy’s Charter Fishing (Manteo) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

Carrisma Sportfishing 

Carissma Sportfishing offers a unique and inclusive fishing experience during their many excursions to choose from. Guests can expect to get involved every step of the way, from baiting hooks to gaffing fish. Carissma is a 55’ Ocean sportfisher that offers a comfortable yet efficient day on the sea. With a variety of longer trips to choose from, they aim to provide the fishing experience of a lifetime.

Costs: Half day trip is $1000; ¾ day trip is $1400; 8-hour trip is $2000; Full day trip is $2600

This Charter is recommended for: Unique hands-on approach to fishing charters.

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Amberjack, bluefin tuna

Mar-May: Yellowfin tuna

Jun-Aug: Spanish mackerel, marlin, sailfish

Sep-Nov: Seabass, yellowfin tuna

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Amberjack, mahi-mahi, Marlin

Private Trips offered? Yes

Captain Duke Charters

Captain Duke charters are the perfect option for an exciting family fishing trip. Their knowledgeable fishing crew is extremely helpful and know all the best fishing spots in the Outer Banks. Up to six guests will fish aboard a 35’ Bruno stillman that is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and fishing equipment, and has all the amenities for a comfortable ride. Expect to catch spanish mackerel, bluefish, grouper, and many other exciting species.

Costs: Half-day trip is $650; ¾ day trip is $1000; full-day trip is $1400

This Charter is recommended for: Hands-on fishing experience

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Striped bass, king mackerel

Mar-May: Bluefish, amberjack

Jun-Aug: Spanish mackerel, cobia

Sep-Nov: Speckled trout, bluefish

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Seabass, tilefish, grouper

Private Trips offered? Yes

Reel Thang Charters OBX 

Anyone looking for some light tackle fishing in the Outer Banks should consider booking a charter with Reel Thang Charters. Their 27’ Parker center console has space for up to 6 guests, and has all of the equipment necessary for a safe trip. The crew is knowledgeable and family-friendly, making their half-day trip the perfect option for a family fishing trip.

Costs: Half-day trip is $525; ¾ day trip is $750; Full day trip is $1000

This Charter is recommended for: Light tackle fishing

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Striped bass, black drum

Mar-May: Black drum, redfish, speckled trout

Jun-Aug: Cobia

Sep-Nov: Flounder, redfish, speckled trout

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Striped bass, seatrout, redfish

Private Trips offered? Yes

Chasin’ Tyde Charters

With the opportunity to catch all types of fish, Chasin’ Tyde Charters aims to provide an exciting fishing experience for any and all fishers. Their  26’ Privateer Center Console allows up to four guests, making this charter perfect for smaller parties and family fishing trips. Anglers can expect to catch redfish, bluefish, cobia, and mackerel.

Costs: Half-day trip is $500; ¾ day trip is $700; Full day trip is $900

This Charter is recommended for: Small parties, family fishing trips

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Striped bass, redfish

Mar-May: Amberjack, little tunny

Jun-Aug: Spanish mackerel. seabass

Sep-Nov: Speckled trout, redfish

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Redfish, amberjack, speckled trout

Private Trips offered? Yes

Carolina Style Sportfishing 

Carolina Style Sportfishing is a charter that offers both inshore and offshore fishing excursions. This family-owned business has a friendly and experienced crew that can assist newer anglers that are looking to get into fishing. More experienced fishers can expect to catch marlin, mahi-mahi, and tuna on one of the offshore fishing trips that Carolina Style has to offer.

Costs: Half-day trip is $650; ¾ day trip is $1000; full-day trip is $1200

This Charter is recommended for: Family fishing trips, inshore and offshore options are available.

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Amberjack, redfish, bluefin tuna

Mar-May: Redfish, amberjack

Jun-Aug: Cobia, marlin, tuna

Sep-Nov: King mackerel, redfish

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Redfish, amberjack, tuna, marlin

Private Trips offered? Yes

Waymaker Charters

Waymaker Charters is so much more than just an average fishing charter. Guests can expect to spend hours on the beautiful waters surrounding the beautiful Albemarle Sound, catching fish, dolphin watching, or just relaxing on the sea. Their pontoon has space for up to 6 guests and while it isn’t the fastest ship in the Outer Banks, it sure is one of the coziest. Expect to catch sheepshead, black drum, redfish, among other exciting species.

Costs: 2-hour trip is $275; 4-hour trip is $450; half day AM trip is $450

This Charter is recommended for: Family fishing trips, relaxing dolphin watching

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Speckled trout, redfish

Mar-May: Black drum, sheepshead

Jun-Aug: Cobia, speckled trout

Sep-Nov: Redfish

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Redfish, flounder, black drum, sheepshead

Private Trips offered? Yes

Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters

Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters have a variety of different excursions to choose from, offering both half-day inshore and full-day offshore fishing trips. Depending on which trip they choose, anglers can expect to catch king mackerel, blue marlin, tuna, and speckled trout. Up to six guests can comfortably fit making this charter perfect for private parties.

Costs: Half-day trip is $895; 6 hour King mackerel trip is $1675; Full day trip is $1850

This Charter is recommended for: Targeting king mackerel and other exciting offshore sportfish.

Monthly Breakdown:

Dec-Feb: Bluefin tuna, king mackerel

Mar-May: Amberjack, yellowfin tuna

Jun-Aug: Marlin, sailfish, cobia

Sep-Nov: Amberjack, tuna

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Amberjack, marlin, tuna, king mackerel

Private Trips offered? Yes

For a complete breakdown of the cost of fishing charters in the Outer Banks, check out this guide.