Captain Harvey Releasing a Bull Drum

Chasing Trophy Bull Redfish in Ocean Isle Beach

Bull redfish fishing charters in Ocean Isle Beach, NC give anglers a chance to target true trophy red drum each fall. These dedicated bull redfish charters run exclusively in October, when giant bull drum migrate along the beaches and inlets of Brunswick County, including Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach.

We target oversized bull reds (old drum) that routinely push past 40 inches by fishing the oceanfront and major inlets like Shallotte Inlet, Tubbs Inlet, and Little River Inlet. Using fresh bait and medium-heavy tackle in 12 to 40 feet of water, anglers can expect powerful, hands-on fights during one of the most exciting seasonal fisheries on the Carolina coast.

Bull redfish charters are catch-and-release only and recommended for anglers ages 10 and up. These trips are a great fit for families, first-time anglers looking to battle a big fish, or experienced fishermen chasing trophy red drum. I provide all rods, reels, bait, and fishing licenses (NC & SC), backed by over 25 years of guiding experience on North Carolina waters.

Every trip is focused on safety, conservation, and giving anglers a real shot at landing one of the largest redfish they’ll ever encounter.

Best Time to Catch Bull Reds in Ocean Isle Beach

Bull redfish arrive along the Ocean Isle Beach coastline in late September, with peak action in October. During this short fall window, mature bull reds stage near inlets, beaches, and nearshore structure to feed —making October the best time of the yeat to target trophy-sized red drum.

Ocean Isle Beach Bull Redfish Fishing Charter Details

Bull Redfish Charter Info

Trip Length: 4 Hours or 6 Hours
Start Time: 10:45 AM
4 Hour Trip Price: $550 (+$50 for the 4th angler)
6 Hour Trip Price: $825 (+$50 for the 4th angler)
Maximum Anglers: 4
Season: October 1st thru October 31st
Prices are All-Inclusive

What's Included in My Charter?

Top-quality fishing gear, bait, and tackle
NC & SC Fishing licenses for everyone on boardFishing 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

If you’ve got questions about the trip, check out the FAQs below or give me a call/text at (910) 250-8459.

BOOK MY TRIP

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 — **Bull Redfish released during peak October fishing.**

Fat Bull Red caught near Shallotte Inlet, October 2025 — **Fat Bull Redfish caught near Shallotte Inlet, October 2025**

Old Drum / Bull Redfish caught near Ocean Isle Beach NC — **An awesome Old Drum / Bull Redfish caught near OIB & Holden Beach**

Our Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter Customer Reviews

Still wondering if Salty Dawg Fishing Charters is the right choice? Here’s what real guests have to say:

Recent 5-Star Google Reviews

Google Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 93 reviews.

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 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.

Do you run bull redfish charters in Holden Beach and Sunset Beach?

Yes — a large portion of my October bull drum trips take place around the inlets and beachfront waters of both Holden Beach and Sunset Beach. These areas give us fast access to the same migration routes and staging zones where giant redfish gather each fall.

If you’re staying on either island, we can often meet at a nearby dock so you spend less time riding and more time fishing during this short, peak-season bite.

For details on how trips are set up in each location, visit my Holden Beach fishing charters and Sunset Beach fishing charters pages.