Catch More Fish and Create Unforgettable Memories in Ocean Isle Beach



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

Looking to catch your personal best fish during your Ocean Isle Beach vacation? Want a stress-free family fishing adventure where everyone has fun, regardless of experience level? I'm glad you found me, I can help!

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

Angler with redfish caught inshore at Ocean Isle Beach NC - Salty Dawg Charters

Inshore Fishing Charters


Light-Tackle Fishing in Calm Waters

  • Target species: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Sheepshead
  • Perfect for all skill levels and families
  • Fish protected waters, no sea-sickness
  • Fishing charters available year-round
  • Trip Length: 4 or 8 Hours
  • Start Times: 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM
  • Prices: $450 to $900
Child holding a fish caught during a fishing charter in Ocean Isle Beach

Kids Fishing Charters


Perfect Family Fishing Trip with Children

  • Target Species: Easy-to-catch fish like Black Drum, etc...
  • Perfect introduction to fishing
  • Fish protected inshore waters, no sea-sickness
  • 2 Hour trips keeps kids attention and limits sun exposure
  • Fishing charters available year-round
  • Trip Length: 2 Hours
  • Start Times: 3:00 PM
  • Price: $275
Fisherman holding a Spanish Mackerel caught on a nearshore fishing charter

Nearshore Fishing Charters


Deep Sea Fishing just in Ocean Isle, Little River

  • Target Species: Bigger fish like King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia
  • Fish 1-10 miles offshore around reefs and wrecks
  • Bottom-fishing and trolling techniques
  • More intense action with bigger fish
  • Trolling: Available Spring through Fall
  • Bottom-Fishing: Available year-round
  • Trip Length: 4 or 6 Hours
  • Start Times: 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM
  • Prices: $550 to $750
Fisherman holding a hammerhead shark caught in Ocean Isle Beach NC

Shark Fishing Charters


Nearshore Shark Fishing for Thrill Seekers

  • Target Species: Blacktip, Sandbar, Sharpnose, Bull, and Hammerhead Sharks
  • Fish 0-3 miles off the beaches around inlets and reefs
  • Specialized heavy-duty tackle
  • Perfect for thrill-seekers and shark enthusiasts
  • Fish of a Lifetime Opportunity
  • Available May through November
  • Trip Length: 4 or 6 Hours
  • Start Times: 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM
  • Price: $550 or $750

What to Expect on Your Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter



Salty Dawg Fishing Charters Logo

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
TIMES SEASON
Kids Fishing Charter 2 $275 4 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Year-Round
Inshore Fishing Charter 4 $450 4 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM or
10:45 AM - 2:45 PM
Year-Round
8 $900 4 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Shark Fishing Charter 4 $550 4 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM or
10:45 AM - 2:45 PM
May thru November
6 $750 4 10:45 AM - 4:45 PM
Nearshore Fishing Charter 4 $550 4 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM Trolling: April thru November
Bottom: Year-Round
6 $750 4 10:45 AM - 4:45 PM

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 Captain with 25 years of guiding 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 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

Our Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter Customer Reviews


Ocean Isle Beach Fishing: Exploring the Top Local Fishing Spots



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

Local Rivers, Creeks, and Marshes Fishing: The Shallotte River and Calabash River offer Brunswick County's best fishing for Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. Our protected backwaters like Jinks Creek and Saucepan Creek are perfect for family fishing and kids charters. These areas around Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach deliver year-round action with seasonal highlights like Summer Redfish and Winter Trout.

Little River Jetties Fishing Charters: The famous Little River Jetties at the NC / SC state line offer exceptional fishing near Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach. These man-made rock structures are prime spots for Fall Bull Redfish, Winter Speckled Trout, year-round Black Drum, and Summer Sheepshead. The jetties also provide some of Brunswick County's best inshore shark fishing opportunities.

Artificial Reefs & Wrecks Fishing Charters: Ocean Isle Beach's nearshore reefs and wrecks, within 10 miles of shore, hold King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel in Summer, offer excellent shark fishing from May through November, and awesome fishing for Black Sea Bass in the Winter. These structures deliver exciting big-fish action without traveling far offshore.

Areas I Serve - Ocean Isle Beach and Surrounding Areas


Ocean Isle Fishing Charters


Ocean Isle Beach is one of my favorite places to fish, and I'm lucky to call it home. It's beautiful here, the fishing is fantastic, and there's always something exciting to catch year-round!

  • Charters Offered: Inshore, Nearshore, Kids, Sharks
  • Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Trout, Black Drum, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Sharks
  • Ideal For: Families, All Skill Levels
  • Locations Fished: Intracoastal Waterway, Shallotte Inlet, Jinks Creek, Tubbs Inlet, Nearshore Reefs, area marshes and backwaters

Holden Beach Fishing Charters


Holden Beach, like Ocean Isle Beach, offers a great mix of Inshore and Nearshore fishing opportunities for a wide range of fish. Holden is scenic, laid-back, and has very good fishing.

  • Charters Offered: Inshore, Nearshore, Kids, Sharks
  • Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Trout, Black Drum, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Sharks
  • Ideal For: Families, All Skill Levels
  • Locations Fished: Intracoastal Waterway, Shallotte Inlet, Lockwood Folly Inlet, Shallotte River, Nearshore Reefs, area marshes and backwaters

Sunset Beach Fishing Charters


Sunset Beach, between Tubbs Inlet and Little River Inlet, is a special place with a ton of creeks and marshes that offer great fishing opportunities year-round.

  • Charters Offered: Inshore, Nearshore, Kids, Sharks
  • Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Trout, Black Drum, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Sharks
  • Ideal For: Families, All Skill Levels
  • Locations Fished: Intracoastal Waterway, Bonaparte Creek, Nearshore Reefs, area marshes and backwaters

Little River Fishing Charters


Little River Inlet, from the inshore jetties to the nearshore reefs, always has great fishing action for a wide range of gamefish -year-round!

  • Charters Offered: Inshore, Nearshore, Kids, Sharks
  • Target Species: Redfish, Trout, Blues, Sharks, Black Drum, Sheepshead
  • Ideal For: Families, All Skill Levels, anyone wanting wanting to fish the Jetties and Reefs
  • Locations Fished: Little River Inlet, Nearshore Reefs

Shallotte Fishing Charters


Shallotte is a quiet little town that is a greatly underrated fishing destination. The Shallotte River is an awesome fishery for Redfish and Flounder.

  • Charters Offered: Inshore, Kids
  • Target Species: Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum
  • Ideal For: Families, All Skill Levels, anyone wanting a quiet, laid-back fishing experience
  • Locations Fished: ICW, Shallotte River, Saucepan Creek, area marshes and backwaters

Calabash Fishing Charters


Calabash NC, known as "the seafood capitol of the world," is one of those places that feels like it was made for fishing. You'll love the beautiful Calabash River.

  • Charters Offered: Inshore, Kids
  • Target Species: Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum
  • Ideal For: All Skill Levels wanting a quiet, laid-back fishing experience
  • Locations Fished: ICW, Calabash River, area marshes and backwaters

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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