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Bull Redfish Fishing Charters in Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Huge Bull Redfish caught in Ocean Isle Beach NC

Come experience the excitement of North Carolina Bull Redfish (Old Drum, Bull Drum, Bull Red) Fishing this fall in Brunswick County, NC. My Bull Redfish Charters run only during October, when giant bull drum gather along the beaches and inlets around Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach, NC. These trips are all about battling trophy-class red drum that routinely push past 40 inches.

We’ll fish the oceanfront and near the inlets — prime staging areas like Shallotte Inlet, Tubbs Inlet, and Little River Inlet — where Bull Reds migrate each fall. Using fresh bait and medium-heavy tackle, we'll target schools of bull drum in water from 12 feet to 40 feet where the action is fast, hard, and unforgettable.

Perfect for families, beginners, or seasoned anglers, my bull drum charters are catch-and-release only and recommended for kids ages 10 and up. I provide everything you need — rods, reels, bait, fishing licenses (NC & SC), and 25 years of guiding experience on North Carolina and South Carolina waters.

I promise you a safe, family-friendly adventure where landing a true trophy fish is always possible. Trips run daily in October, starting at 11:15 AM from Ocean Isle Beach, with both 4-hour and 6-hour options available. Book your Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, or Sunset Beach Bull Redfish Charter today and come see why this is one of the most exciting fishing experiences on the Carolina coast!



Best Time to Catch Bull Reds in Ocean Isle Beach

Every fall, big bull redfish migrate into the Ocean Isle Beach area as the water cools, usually arriving in late September and staying through early November. This short window is when the action peaks — schools of mature red drum gather near the inlets, beaches, and nearshore structure to feed and spawn. That’s why we offer our dedicated bull redfish fishing charters in October, when conditions are perfect for trophy-sized reds. For the most up-to-date timing each year, contact Captain Harvey to find out when the bulls start showing up in force.

Ocean Isle Beach Bull Redfish Fishing Charter Details


Pricing, Trip Length, and Start Times for Bull Drum Fishing Charters


  • Availability: October 1st thru 31st
  • 4 Hours: $550 (Starts: 11:15 AM)
  • 6 Hours: $750 (Starts: 11:15 AM)
  • Prices for 1-3 Anglers - Add $50 for 4th Person
  • Prices are All-Inclusive

What's Included in Your Bull Drum Fishing Charter?


  • Top-quality fishing gear, bait, and tackle
  • Fishing licenses for everyone on board
  • Bottled water and soft drinks to keep you refreshed
  • An experienced USCG-Certified Charter Captain with local expertise and 25 years of experience as a NC Fishing Guide.
  • An awesome Charter Boat

Bull Drum Fishing Charter Photos


Check out a few of the catches from our Ocean Isle Beach Bull Drum Fishing Charters! Whether you're fishing with family or friends, I'm ready to help you create memories just like these during your next adventure on the water!

38 inch bull drum caught in Ocean Isle Beach (OIB) NC
38-Inch Bull Drum caught with Salty Dawg on an OIB fishing charter.
40 inch bull redfish released near Ocean Isle Beach NC
Kid’s Trophy Catch — 12-year-old lands a 40-inch bull redfish in OIB.
35 inch bull drum caught in Ocean Isle Beach NC
Classic OIB Moment — bull redfish released during peak October fishing.
Fat Bull Red caught near Shallotte Inlet, October 2025
Fat Bull Red caught near Shallotte Inlet, October 2025
Old Drum caught near Ocean Isle Beach NC
An awesome Old Drum caught between Ocean Isle and Holden Beach

Bull Drum Fishing Charter FAQ


I've answered some of the most common questions to help you plan your Bull Redfish / Bull Drum fishing charter. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me! -Captain Harvey


Do I need a fishing license for the charter?

No, you don’t need a fishing license. Your charter includes both North Carolina and South Carolina licenses, so you’re fully covered.

What should I bring on the fishing trip?

Bring non-spray sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and weather-appropriate clothing. I’ll provide all fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment you’ll need. I'll also provide a cooler for any drinks and snacks that you bring.

What types of fish can I expect to catch?

These trips focus on giant bull drum (bull redfish). You can learn more about Bull Redfish and how big they can get on my World Record Redfish blog. That world record bull drum was caught right here in NC!

Is the trip suitable for kids or beginners?

Absolutely. My trips are family-friendly and beginner-friendly. I recommend them for kids ages 10 and up since we’ll be fishing near the inlets and on the ocean. For younger kids, I also offer 2-Hour Kids Fishing Charters. One of the above images shows a 12 year old with a nice 40 inch bull redfish!

What is included in the cost of the charter?

Your charter includes all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and both NC & SC licenses. I also provide safety equipment, bottled water, and a cooler with ice for your drinks and snacks. Just show up ready to fish.

When is the best time to book a bull drum charter?

My bull drum charters only run from October 1st through 31st each year. The whole month can be productive, with mid-October often the most consistent. These trips book up early—grab your date as soon as you’re ready. You can also check out my Bull Drum Fishing in Ocean Isle Beach blog for seasonal patterns and photos from past trips.

Can I keep the bull redfish that I catch?

No — these trips are 100% catch-and-release. Bull drum are typically over the slot size, so we focus on safe handling, quick photos, and healthy releases. For details on current regulations, see my Red Drum Size Limit in NC guide.
If you’d like to learn about the Bull Redfish Rigs we use, which aid in the safe catch and release of Redfish, check out my Redfish Live Bait Rig article.

What happens if the weather or ocean is rough?

Your safety and comfort come first. If ocean or inlet conditions aren’t suitable, I’ll adjust the plan or reschedule your trip. I closely monitor weather and tides to make the best call. If we have to cancel for weather, you’ll receive a 100% refund.

How is a bull drum charter different from inshore or nearshore charters?

Bull drum trips are specialized and run only in October, using fresh bait and medium-heavy tackle to target giant redfish over 40 inches. Inshore and nearshore charters run year-round and usually focus on light-tackle fishing for a variety of species. If you’re visiting outside of bull drum season, my Inshore Fishing Charters are a great way to target redfish year-round.

How strong are bull drum — will I be able to land one?

Bull drum are powerful fighters, but I provide the right tackle and coaching so anglers of all experience levels can handle them. With patience and guidance, even first-timers can land these trophy fish. Want to see what it’s like? Visit my YouTube Channel for recent bull redfish releases.

Fishing Charter Customer Reviews



Check Availability & Reserve Your Ocean Isle Beach Bull Drum Fishing Charter Today!


Don't miss your chance to experience the best Bull Drum fishing charter in Ocean Isle Beach and surrounding areas. Book your Bull Redfish fishing charter now for an unforgettable day on the water!

To Book Your Bull Drum Fishing Charter:

  • Call or text Captain Harvey at (910) 250-8459
  • Click / tap the "Book My Trip" button below to view my availability calendar and choose your booking options.

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