Top-Rated Family Friendly Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter



Captain Harvey Wall, Ocean Isle Beach fishing charter captain and local guide with 25 years experience

Are you dreaming of catching your personal best fish on your Ocean Isle Beach vacation? Or looking for a family-friendly fishing charter where everyone can enjoy a fun, stress-free day on the water? You’ve come to the right place.

Hi there! I'm Captain Harvey Wall, a full-time (year-round), professional Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter Captain with 25 years of experience as a local NC fishing guide. As a U.S. Army Veteran, U.S. Maritime Academy graduate, and a licensed USCG Captain, I'm dedicated to providing safe, enjoyable, and memorable fishing charters in the local Ocean Isle Beach waters. My extensive knowledge of local fishing spots, tides, and seasonal patterns ensures anglers of all ages and skill levels have the best possible experience on our local charter trips.

Based at 67 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, I offer a variety of family-friendly fishing adventures throughout Brunswick County NC. Whether you're staying in Ocean Isle Beach NC, Holden Beach NC, Sunset Beach NC, or Little River SC, I'll get you on the fish with specialized Inshore, Nearshore, Shark, and Kids Fishing Charters.

My local expertise means we target the hottest seasonal bites: Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, and Sharks. Scroll down to find and book the perfect charter fishing trip for you!

Choose Your Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter

Child holding a fish during a kids fishing charter in Ocean Isle Beach

Kids Fishing Trips


Perfect Fishing Trip for Children

  • Trip Length: 2 Hours
  • Start Time: 3:00 PM
  • Price: $275 (up to 3 anglers; +$50 for 4th)
  • Calm inshore waters • Easy bait fishing • Year-round
  • Target: Easy to catch species to keep kids entertained
Angler with a redfish on an inshore charter in Ocean Isle Beach

Inshore Fishing Charters


Calm-water action in the ICW, Creeks, & Marshes

  • Trip Length: 4 or 6 Hours
  • Start Time: 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM
  • Price: $450 or $650 (up to 3 anglers; +$50 for 4th)
  • Calm inshore waters • No Experience Needed • Year-round
  • Target: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum
Triggerfish caught on a nearshore fishing charter off Ocean Isle Beach

Nearshore Fishing Charters


Fish in the Ocean up to 1–10 miles offshore

  • Trip Length: 4 or 6 Hours
  • Start Time: 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM
  • Price: $550 or $750 (up to 3 anglers; +$50 for 4th)
  • Trolling (spring, summer, fall) • Bottom fishing (year-round)
Nearshore shark fishing charter catching a hammerhead in Ocean Isle Beach

Sharks & Bull Reds (Big Fish)


Your best shot at a giant

  • Trip Length: 4, 6, 8 Hours
  • Start Time: 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM
  • Price: $550, $750, $950 (up to 3 anglers; +$50 for 4th)
  • Sharks (May thru October) • Bull Redfish (October)
  • Heavy tackle • Beaches, inlets & nearshore reefs

What to Expect on Your Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter



Angler holding a red snapper in Ocean Isle Beach

You will meet Captain Harvey for your Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter at 67 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, at the boat ramp directly under the Ocean Isle Beach Bridge. We're just a 2-minute walk from Ocean Isle Fish Company (OIFC), Sharky's Waterfront Bar and Grill, and Sheffield's Seafood and Grocery, and only 0.6 miles (3-minute drive) from the Ocean Isle Beach Pier. This central location puts us within 5 minutes of all of Ocean Isle Beach's public beach accesses and makes us one of the most accessible fishing charter services in town.

My Inshore Fishing Charters typically use lures (but sometimes use natural bait) in the ICW, local rivers, and backwater marshes for Redfish, Trout, Flounder, etc.... My Ocean Isle Beach Kids Fishing Trips also fish these same areas, but always use natural bait.

My Nearshore Fishing Charters offer the perfect opportunity for deep sea fishing Ocean Isle Beach waters. These trips will troll or bottom fish reefs and wrecks from 3 to 10 miles offshore using lures and natural bait (bait only for Sharks).

Your Fishing Charter Includes:

  • USCG Certified Captain with first-aid and CPR certifications
  • Vessel certified with annual safety inspection
  • All fishing rods, reels, lures, tackle, and bait
  • Fishing licenses covered
  • Fishing instruction
  • Bottled water and soft drinks

What Fish Are Biting Now in Ocean Isle Beach, NC?

Ocean Isle Beach offers excellent fishing year-round. Plan your trip based on the species you want to target!

SEASON TARGET SPECIES FISHING QUALITY
Spring
(Mar-May)
  • Puppy Drum / Redfish (all season)
  • Speckled Trout (all season)
  • Flounder (Apr-May)
  • Sheepshead (Mar-Apr)
  • King Mackerel (Apr-May)
  • Cobia (May-June)
Very Good

Spring offers diverse fishing with many species becoming active as waters warm. Excellent time for Sheepshead and early King Mackerel.

Summer
(Jun-Aug)
  • Puppy Drum / Redfish (all season)
  • Flounder (peak season)
  • Spanish Mackerel (peak season)
  • King Mackerel (all season)
  • Sharks (peak season)
  • Black Drum (all season)
Excellent

Peak fishing season with abundant action both inshore and nearshore. Ideal for families with great weather and most diverse fishing options.

Fall
(Sep-Nov)
  • Bull Redfish Migration (Oct is peak)
  • Smoker King Mackerel (Oct-Nov)
  • Speckled Trout
  • Flounder
  • Spanish Mackerel (until Oct)
  • Sharks (until Nov)
Trophy Season

The most exciting time for trophy hunters! Massive Bull Redfish migrate to our inlets and nearshore reefs, Smoker Kingfish are abundant nearshore, and monster flounder are abundant inshore. October is prime time to catch the fish of a lifetime in Ocean Isle Beach!

Winter
(Dec-Feb)
  • Speckled Trout (all season)
  • Puppy Drum / Redfish (all season)
  • Black Drum (all season)
  • Black Sea Bass (nearshore reefs)
Good

Surprisingly good fishing continues through winter. Protected waters offer consistent action for Trout and schooled-up Redfish, with Sea Bass providing great action at the reefs.

Our Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter Prices



My Ocean Isle Beach fishing charter rates are all-inclusive with no hidden fees. All charters are private (not shared with anyone outside of your party), and include the Captain, the charter boat, all fishing gear, bait, licenses, and expert guidance. Whether you're looking for a 2-hour kids trip or a full-day adventure, I offer options to fit every schedule and budget. For more details about what's included, visit my Fishing Charter FAQ page or contact me directly.


CHARTER TRIP LENGTH
(HOURS)
RATES MAX
ANGLERS
START TIMES SEASON
Kids Fishing Charter 2 $275 4 3:00 PM Year-Round
Inshore Fishing Charter 4 or 6 $450 - $650 4 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM Year-Round
Nearshore Fishing Charter 4 or 6 $550 - $750 4 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM Trolling: April thru November
Bottom: Year-Round
Shark Fishing Charter 4, 6, or 8 $550, $750, $950 4 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM May thru November
Bull Redfish Fishing Charter 4 or 6 $550 - $750 4 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM October 1st - 31st

Why Choose Salty Dawg Fishing Charters?



When you book with Salty Dawg Fishing Charters, you're getting 25 years of local knowledge and a proven track record of putting clients on fish. Whether we’re fishing the Shallotte River, Little River Inlet, the ICW, or the nearshore reefs, I know where to go based on tides, time of year, and what’s biting now.

7 pound Black Drum caught while fishing in Ocean Isle Beach NC

What Sets Me Apart

  • Veteran-Owned – US Army Veteran and USCG-Licensed Master / Captain with 25 years of fishing guide experience
  • Family-Friendly – Safe, patient, and fun for anglers of all ages and skill levels
  • Light Tackle Focus – I specialize in fishing with lures for a more active, hands-on experience
  • Clean, Organized, and Ready – Boat and gear are fully prepped before you arrive
  • Top-Rated – 5-star reviews on Google, Facebook, and FishingBooker

Local Expertise That Delivers

  • Tide-specific game plans for every trip
  • Custom techniques for targeting redfish, flounder, trout, and more
  • Safe, productive fishing options even in windy conditions
  • Educational, interactive trips that teach you how to catch fish on your own

Our Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter Customer Reviews


Our Ocean Isle Beach Charter Fishing Boat


Meet the "Salty Dawg" - our custom-rigged 23 foot Sea Hunt bay boat, perfect for both inshore and nearshore fishing charters. Her 200HP Yamaha engine will get you to the fish fast while keeping you comfortable. More info about the: Salty Dawg Charter Boat.


Boat Features

  • Front and Rear Casting Decks
  • Advanced Simrad Fish-Finder
  • GPS-controlled Trolling Motor
  • Dual Livewells and Fish-Boxes
  • Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor
  • 75-quart Yeti Cooler
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters boat - Ocean Isle Beach's top local fishing charter vessel

Safety and Comfort

  • USCG required safety equipment
  • VHF radio with AIS tracking
  • EPIRB / PLB emergency locator
  • Private bathroom in console
  • Comfortable seating for 4 passengers and Captain


Fishing the Waters Around Ocean Isle Beach



Trophy flounder caught on an Ocean Isle Beach fishing charter in the Shallotte River

My Inshore Fishing Charters cover the calm backwaters of the Shallotte River, Calabash River, Little River Jetties, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), and our local area backwaters and saltwater marshes. With our productive inshore waters and nearshore reefs just off the beach, Ocean Isle Beach offers some of the most diverse fishing opportunities on the Carolina coast. My nearshore trips depart out of Shallotte Inlet and Little River Inlet, and I always adjust our plan with the tide and season to give you the best possible experience on the water.

Brunswick County’s coastal waters — especially around Ocean Isle Beach — offer great year-round opportunities for exciting fishing action.

Depending on the time of year, we target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder inshore, or head nearshore for Black Sea Bass, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Red Snapper, and Gag Grouper.

I proudly offer guided fishing charters in Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach, Shallotte, Calabash, and Little River, SC — all within a short drive of Ocean Isle Beach. No matter where you’re staying, you’re only minutes away from great fishing.

No matter what kind of fishing you’re after, there’s always an adventure waiting just minutes from the dock here in Ocean Isle Beach.

My Fishing Charter FAQ


Do I Need to Bring My Own Fishing Gear?

No, all fishing equipment is provided on my charters, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen (cream type, not spray on), snacks, and any personal items you might need.


Do I Need a Fishing License?

No, I provide NC & SC fishing licenses and all necessary permits.


What's the Best Time of Year to Fish in Ocean Isle Beach?

Ocean Isle Beach offers excellent fishing year-round. Redfish and Speckled Trout are available in all year long, providing consistent action regardless of when you visit. During January and February, we target Black Sea Bass and Black Drum in our Nearshore Reefs. Sheepshead are abundant in March. As temperatures rise in the spring, our fishing opportunities expand with King Mackerel and Flounder join the mix in April, followed by Cobia appearing nearshore in May. By June, Spanish Mackerel become abundant, marking the beginning of our prime fishing season that remains exceptional through Thanksgiving. For anglers seeking trophy catches, October stands out as the highlight of our calendar when massive Bull Redfish (exceeding 40 inches) migrate to our nearshore reefs and congregate around Shallotte Inlet and Little River Inlet. And Smoker Kings are consistently caught in November. By December, I focus my fishing charters on Puppy Drum (Redfish under 18 inches) and Slot Redfish (18 to 27 inches) that school up Inshore and just off the beach. That's what I love about guiding in this area, the waters around Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach, and Little River hold fish year-round! No matter when you book your trip with me, I'll find something biting and put you on the action!


Are Your Fishing Charters Suitable for Children?

Absolutely! I offer specialized 2-hour Kids Fishing Charters designed specifically for families with children 12 and under. These trips focus on easy-to-catch fish in protected waters with minimal waves, making it a perfect introduction to fishing.


Can We Keep the Fish We Catch?

Yes, you can keep fish that meet legal size and bag limits. I also encourage catch-and-release for certain species to help maintain healthy fish populations. Make sure to bring a cooler with ice, but leave it in your vehicle. I'll keep your catch fresh until we get back to the dock.


What Happens if the Weather is Bad?

Safety is 100% my top priority. I monitor Ocean Isle Beach weather and tide conditions closely (before and during your trip) and I will make the final determination of whether or not it is safe to fish. I'll never ask you to fish when it's unsafe or if it will be miserable. Refunds are electronic and are credited to the original means of payment.

Inshore Fishing Charters that are cancelled due to weather conditions will be able to re-schedule (if you're able to do so) or you'll receive a full refund.

Nearshore Fishing Charters & Shark Fishing Charters, when the weather or sea conditions aren't safe on the ocean, will fish Inshore if it is safe to do so. If it's not possible to fish Inshore then Captain Harvey will re-schedule your charter (if you're able to do so) or you'll receive a full refund.


What is Your Cancellation Policy?

I understand that things come up, so I have one of the most customer-friendly cancellation policies for fishing charters. If you need to cancel greater than 3 days before your fishing charter, you can -at your discretion- either re-schedule or receive a full refund. Bookings that cancel less than 3 days before their charter can reschedule, but do not receive a refund unless I am able to re-book that spot on my calendar. No-shows cannot reschedule or receive a refund.


What Makes Ocean Isle Beach Special for Fishing Charters?

Ocean Isle Beach offers exceptional fishing charter opportunities due to its strategic location between Shallotte Inlet and Tubbs Inlet. This prime positioning provides immediate access to both protected inshore waters and productive nearshore fishing grounds. The diverse ecosystems around Ocean Isle Beach support year-round fishing, with the Intracoastal Waterway, local marshes, and nearby reefs all within minutes of our dock at 67 Causeway Drive. Ocean Isle Beach fishing charters benefit from the area's unique geography that concentrates baitfish and gamefish in predictable patterns, allowing experienced local captains to consistently put clients on fish regardless of season.


When is the Best Time of Year for Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charters?

While Ocean Isle Beach offers excellent fishing year-round, each season presents unique opportunities for charter fishing. Spring (March-May) brings Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and the arrival of King Mackerel and Cobia to Ocean Isle Beach waters. Summer (June-August) is peak season for family fishing charters with abundant Flounder, Redfish, and nearshore action for Spanish and King Mackerel. Fall (September-November) offers the most spectacular fishing with Bull Redfish migrations around Shallotte Inlet and Little River Inlet and the best chances of the year for a smoker Kingfish. Winter (December-February) provides surprisingly good fishing for Speckled Trout and schooled-up Puppy Drum in the protected backwaters around Ocean Isle Beach, as well as Sea Bass on our local nearshore artificial reefs. Local knowledge of these seasonal patterns is what makes Captain Harvey successful for your Ocean Isle Beach fishing charters year-round.


Still have questions? Check out my full FAQ list using the below button. You're also welcome to call or text Captain Harvey at (910) 250-8459


FISHING CHARTER FAQ

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