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Captain’s Choice Fishing Charter

Let Captain Harvey Choose the Best Trip Based on Conditions and the Bite.

29 inch flounder caught in Ocean Isle Beach NC

The Captain’s Choice Fishing Charter is a flexible trip where I choose the best fishing plan on the day of your charter based on weather, water conditions, and what’s biting around Ocean Isle Beach. Instead of forcing you to choose between an Inshore Fishing Charter or Nearshore Fishing Charter ahead of time, we’ll fish where the odds are best for the day — giving you the best chance at a great day on the water.

This trip is ideal if you want action and results without worrying about the details. When the nearshore bite is hot, we’ll run to reefs or wrecks for species like Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Sea Bass, or Cobia. When inshore fishing offers better conditions, we’ll target Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, or Black Drum.

Captain’s Choice Fishing Charters are 4 hours long and designed to put you in the best possible position to catch fish that day. No experience is required — I’ll adjust the game plan and techniques to fit your group.

If you’re visiting Ocean Isle Beach and want the smartest fishing option without guessing which trip to book, Captain’s Choice lets me do what I do best — read the conditions, follow the bite, and put you on fish.



Why Choose a Captain’s Choice Fishing Charter?

Fishing conditions around Ocean Isle Beach can change quickly with wind, tides, water clarity, and seasonal patterns. A Captain’s Choice Fishing Charter removes the guesswork by letting me decide on the day of your trip whether inshore waters or the nearshore ocean offer the best fishing conditions and most reliable bite. Instead of locking yourself into a plan weeks in advance, this trip gives you flexibility. We’ll fish where the odds are best that day — simple as that.

The Captain’s Choice trip is ideal for families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike who care more about action and results than a specific species or technique. The focus is putting you on fish.

Captain's Choice Fishing Charter Details


Captain's Choice Trip Details


  • Trip Length: 4 Hours
  • Start Time: 6:30 AM or 10:45 AM
  • Price: $550   (+$50 for the 4th angler)
  • Priced per group, not per angler
  • Maximum Anglers: 4
  • Season: Year-Round
  • Location: Inshore or Nearshore, chosen day-of your trip

What's Included in My Charter?


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

Common targeted species may include redfish, trout, flounder, sea bass, kingfish, snapper, grouper, and more — depending on conditions.

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


Captain's Choice Fishing Charter Photos


Angler with a nice Triggerfish caught offshore of Ocean Isle Beach NC
Bull Redfish caught near Ocean Isle Beach
Female angler with a keeper sea bass caught in Ocean Isle Beach
22-inch speckled trout caught on an inshore fishing charter in Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Red Snapper caught near Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
26-inch redfish caught on an Ocean Isle Beach inshore fishing charter
Fishing charter client with a nice Gray Trout (Weakfish) caught in OIB
Shallotte River Flounder
Angler with a keeper Gag Grouper caught on an OIB nearshore fishing charter

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 85 reviews.

Captain's Choice Fishing Charter FAQ


What is a Captain’s Choice fishing charter?

A Captain’s Choice charter is a flexible trip where you book one charter option and I, as the Captain, choose the best fishing plan on the day of your trip based on weather and sea conditions, seasonal patterns, and what’s biting. That could mean fishing protected inshore waters or running nearshore if ocean conditions and the bite line up.

Do you decide between inshore and nearshore on the day of the trip?

Yes — that’s exactly how Captain’s Choice works. On the morning of your charter, I’ll decide whether inshore waters or the nearshore ocean offer the best fishing based on wind, seas, water clarity, tides, and the most reliable bite. You show up ready to fish, and I’ll put you where the odds are best that day.

Can I request inshore or nearshore if I have a preference?

Absolutely. If you have a strong preference, just let me know ahead of time and I’ll take that into consideration. That said, Captain’s Choice works best when I have full flexibility to follow conditions and the bite, which gives you the best chance at a productive and enjoyable trip.

What types of fish can we catch on a Captain’s Choice charter?

Captain’s Choice is designed to target whatever’s producing best that day. Inshore fishing often includes Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum. If we run nearshore, we may target Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, Sea Bass, Grouper, Red Snapper (when in season), and other seasonal species. What we target depends entirely on conditions and what’s biting.

What happens if weather or conditions change during the trip?

Changing conditions are part of fishing, and adapting to them is my job. If weather, wind, or seas shift during your trip, I’ll adjust locations, techniques, or fishing style as needed to keep the trip safe, comfortable, and productive. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of a Captain’s Choice charter.

Is the trip good for kids or beginners?

Yes — Captain’s Choice trips are family-friendly and great for beginners, while still offering plenty of action for experienced anglers. I tailor the pace, techniques, and expectations to your group. If you’re looking for a shorter trip specifically designed for younger kids on calmer water, I also offer 2 Hour Kids Fishing Charters.

Do I need a fishing license for the charter?

No — you don’t need a fishing license. Your charter includes all required fishing licenses for both North Carolina and South Carolina waters, so you can focus on enjoying your day on the water.

What should I bring on the fishing trip?

I recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and weather-appropriate clothing. I’ll provide all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and safety equipment. I also keep a cooler with ice on the boat — just show up ready to fish.

Why should I book Captain’s Choice instead of choosing a specific charter?

Captain’s Choice is the smartest option if you want the best possible fishing without guessing which trip to book. Instead of locking into inshore or nearshore weeks in advance, you let me read the conditions, follow the bite, and put you on the most productive water available that day — giving you the best chance at a successful trip.


How to Book Your Captain's Choice Fishing Charter

Angler holding a flounder caught near Ocean Isle Beach nearshore reefs

Booking your Trip with Salty Dawg Fishing Charters is easy! Here’s how:

  • Option 1:

  • Option 2: (If you have questions or don't want to book online)

    Call / text Captain Harvey directly at (910) 250-8459.

Have questions? Feel free to Contact Captain Harvey or call anytime. He is happy to help you plan the perfect fishing trip for you!