Fishing Charter FAQ
Do you provide fishing instructions for beginners?
Absolutely! As a local Ocean Isle Beach fishing guide, I love sharing my expertise with anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're new to fishing or want to refine your techniques, I’ll provide personalized instruction to ensure a fun and successful trip. For beginners, I’ll cover everything from casting to reeling in your catch. Experienced anglers can count on me to guide them to the best fishing spots around Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach. Just share your experience level and goals, and I’ll make sure your fishing charter is unforgettable!
Do you offer private charters?
Yes! All of my fishing charters are private tours, ensuring it's just you, your party, and me, Captain Harvey Wall, on board. Whether you're fishing in the waters around Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, or Holden Beach, you'll have the boat all to yourselves for a personalized fishing experience.
Do you also offer non-fishing trips?
Absolutely! I can customize any trip to your preferences. Enjoy a scenic boat tour along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and explore North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, including Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, and Oak Island. I also offer cruises to destinations like Southport, Myrtle Beach, Carolina Beach, and Wilmington, with optional stops at waterside restaurants or other points of interest. Need a ferry to Bald Head Island? I can provide that, too. Call or text me at
(910) 250-8459 to plan your perfect non-fishing adventure!
What species of fish can I expect to catch?
The species you can catch depends on the time of year, your preferences, and whether you’ve booked an inshore, nearshore, or shark fishing trip. Here's a breakdown of what we typically target:
- Flounder: Best in Spring, Summer, and Fall.
- Speckled Trout: Caught year-round; best in late Fall and Winter.
- Red Drum (Redfish, Puppy Drum): Year-round; Bull Drum peak in Late September, October, and early November.
- Spanish Mackerel: Late Spring through Summer.
- King Mackerel: Spring to late Fall.
- Sea Bass: Available year-round on reefs, wrecks, and rock piles.
- Cobia: Peak in Spring and Summer.
- Barracuda: Spring to early Fall.
- Grouper: Offshore from late Spring through late Fall.
- Sharks: Abundant along the NC coast in Summer.
What is included in the fishing charter?
Your fishing charter includes everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water: the Captain, the boat, all safety gear, fishing gear, bait, tackle, and your fishing license. If you'd like to use your own fishing gear, please call or text Captain Harvey at (910) 250-8459 to ensure it's suitable for the trip. I also provide bottled water, and you're welcome to bring additional beverages or snacks to store in the onboard Yeti cooler (no glass bottles, please). Everything is designed to make your experience stress-free and enjoyable!
How far in advance do I need to book a fishing trip?
I recommend booking your fishing trip as soon as you have your vacation dates or know when you'll be in the area. My calendar fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. You can easily check availability and book online by clicking the "Book My Trip" button on any page of this website. Don’t wait too long—secure your adventure today!
How do I book a trip?
The easiest and most secure way to book your fishing trip is online. My website features an up-to-date schedule and rates, and you can book by clicking the "Book Now" button at the top or bottom of any page. A deposit is required at the time of booking, and you can pay using debit, credit, or Apple Pay. Prefer to book by phone? You can also call me, Captain Harvey, at
(910) 250-8459 to reserve your trip!
How many people can come on a fishing charter?
All fishing charters can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Please note that there is an additional $50 charge for the 4th guest. Whether you're fishing with family or friends, I'll ensure a personalized experience for everyone on board.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! I proudly offer a 10% military discount as a thank-you for your service. To book with this discount, call or text me at
(910) 250-8459. A valid military ID is required, and this discount cannot be combined with other offers.
Do you provide transportation to the boat?
I’ll meet you at the boat launch in Ocean Isle Beach unless we’ve made other arrangements. If you’re staying at a vacation home in Brunswick County—Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, or Oak Island—with an accessible boat dock, I can discuss the option of picking you up and dropping you off directly at your dock by boat. Contact me to coordinate!
What should I bring on a charter trip?
For fishing charters, bring a light, packable rain jacket, sunglasses (required for safety), a camera, and any snacks or drinks you’ll need. I have a 75-quart Yeti cooler onboard for storing your refreshments (no glass bottles, please). If you plan to keep fish, leave a cooler with ice in your vehicle to store your catch after the trip. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable fishing adventure!
Can I bring a cooler?
Yes, if you plan to keep fish, I recommend bringing a cooler with ice—but leave it in your vehicle. The Salty Dawg Charter boat has plenty of space onboard to store your fish, snacks, and drinks during the trip, ensuring a comfortable and organized fishing experience.
Can I bring my own fishing gear?
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own fishing gear, but please discuss it with me beforehand. This ensures your gear is suitable for the trip and that we have enough space on board to accommodate it. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared for a great day on the water!
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on board?
No, alcoholic beverages, drugs, and smoking of any kind are not allowed onboard. Safety is my top priority, and ensuring a safe environment is key to an enjoyable trip.
Is the charter boat wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the Salty Dawg Charter Boat is not wheelchair accessible. If you have any physical impairments or needs, please contact me directly at
(910) 250-8459. I'll do my best to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
Yes, the Salty Dawg Charter Boat has a small emergency-use restroom located in the console. Additionally, there are plenty of spots along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and local rivers with access to full restrooms. Just let me know, and I’ll make it happen without any worries!
Can I keep the fish I catch?
While I prefer catch-and-release fishing, you're welcome to keep any fish caught within legal size and creel limits. Be sure to bring a cooler with ice, but leave it in your vehicle. I'll keep your fish fresh during the trip, and bag your fish for you at the end of the trip to ensure they're ready to take home.
Do you offer fish cleaning services?
If time allows, I’m happy to demonstrate fish cleaning techniques during your trip. However, I do not provide full fish cleaning services for your entire catch. Let me know if you’d like a quick tutorial!
What if I get seasick?
If you’re prone to seasickness, consult your doctor about taking medication like Dramamine before your trip. For inshore fishing charters, the calm waters of the ICW greatly reduce the chances of seasickness. On nearshore charters, seasickness is more likely, but I’ll make every effort to keep you in the calmest waters possible. Let me know your concerns, and I’ll do my best to ensure a comfortable experience!
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my fishing trip?
I will assess the weather conditions to determine if it’s safe to start or continue your trip. If the trip is canceled entirely due to weather, you’ll receive a 100% refund to your original payment method. Your safety is always my top priority!
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your trip, please notify me as soon as possible. Cancellations made 3 or more days in advance will receive a 100% refund. Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 3 days before the trip are not eligible for a refund but can be rescheduled up to 12 months in advance. Thank you for understanding!
Is the gratuity/tip included in the price?
Tips are not included in the price of your fishing charter. While they’re not required, gratuities are greatly appreciated for exceptional service!
Do you offer Gift Cards?
Yes! I offer gift cards for fishing charters. You can purchase them directly on my website by visiting the
Gift Card page.
Must I sign a liability waiver?
Yes. All guests are required to accept and sign a liability waiver before the trip begins. This is a standard practice to ensure everyone’s safety and understanding of responsibilities while onboard.