Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charters

If you’re planning a fishing trip in Ocean Isle Beach, you’ve come to the right place. This is my home base, my backyard, and the water I’ve fished for more than 25 years. Every charter I run starts right here at 67 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach NC -in the heart of OIB, and within minutes we’re working the marshes, or slipping out of Shallotte Inlet to chase nearshore fish.

Ocean Isle Beach sits perfectly between the calm marsh creeks of Brunswick County and the nearshore structure that holds Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and sharks all summer and fall. Whether you’re booking an inshore light-tackle trip, a family-friendly outing, or a nearshore adventure, this is where it all begins.

My goal is simple: give you a fun, relaxed, productive day on the water while showing you why OIB is one of the best fishing destinations on the North Carolina coast.

Why Fish Ocean Isle Beach with Captain Harvey?

Ocean Isle Beach offers something special that a lot of coastal towns don’t: variety. We can fish deep marsh channels, oyster points, creeks, the Intracoastal, the inlet, and nearshore reefs all from the same launch — without wasting half your trip running around.

Because I’ve spent my life fishing these waters, I know how the tides move through the marsh, where trout stage up in the winter, where reds tuck in behind oyster bars on lower tides, and how bait flows through the inlet throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

• Quick access to both calm inshore water and productive nearshore reefs
• Short travel times — more fishing, less riding
• Protected options when the ocean is bumpy
• Great for beginners, families, and kids
• Excellent trout and redfish habitat year-round
• Peak shark and mackerel fishing right off the beach

No matter your experience level, I tailor the day to you — teaching, coaching, and helping you enjoy fishing the same way I fell in love with it as a kid.

The Ocean Isle Beach Fishery — What’s Biting and When

Ocean Isle Beach offers year-round action, and each season has its highlights. Here’s a quick rundown to help you plan the perfect trip:

Spring (March–May)

As temperatures warm, redfish begin spreading across the marsh, trout stabilize in creek mouths, and flounder start making their way back inshore from offshore wrecks. The bite really starts to turn on during late spring.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is prime time for families and light-tackle anglers. The marsh is alive with mullet and shrimp, and we target redfish, trout, and flounder in the creeks and ICW. Out front, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, sharks, and even early-season kings make nearshore fishing a blast.

Fall (September–November)

Fall is my favorite time of year. Big reds move into the marsh and around the inlets, trout feed aggressively, and nearshore fishing peaks. King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bull redfish are all possible within a couple of miles of the beach.

Winter (December–February)

Cold months concentrate fish into deeper channels. Trout stack up, black drum settle into the ledges, and redfish school tight. These are some of the best finesse days of the year for anglers who enjoy slower, more technical presentations.

Charter Types Departing from Ocean Isle Beach

Because this is my home launch, every charter I offer runs from here. Each trip is a little different, and I customize the day based on conditions, tides, and what you want to catch.

Inshore Fishing Charters

Light-tackle inshore trips focus on redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum in the marsh creeks, oyster points, and ICW. These trips are great for anglers who want steady action, teaching, and variety without heading offshore.

Nearshore Fishing Charters

Nearshore trips are a quick run outside the inlet to fish structure, reefs, and bait balls for Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bluefish, cobia, and more. They’re perfect for anyone who wants bigger fish and more intense action without the commitment of a long offshore run.

Shark Fishing Charters

Summer and early fall bring great shark action just off the beach. These trips are some of the most exciting charters I run, especially for families and groups who want a fun battle with a strong fish. We’ll target species like blacktip, sharpnose, and other coastal sharks using heavy-duty tackle.

Kids and Family Fishing Charters

Kids and family trips are short, simple, and fun by design. We fish calm waters, keep the action steady, and focus on making sure everyone is comfortable and having a good time. I love running these trips because kids get genuinely excited — and it often becomes a core vacation memory for them.

Where We Fish in Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach gives us access to a ton of productive water. Depending on conditions, we might fish:

The Intracoastal Waterway Behind OIB

The ICW offers great year-round action with protected options on windier days. It’s a consistent producer for redfish, trout, black drum, and the occasional flounder.

Marsh Creeks and Oyster Points

These are classic inshore spots around OIB. On the right tide, they can load up with redfish, trout, and black drum. We’ll work the current seams, oyster bars, and creek mouths where fish ambush bait.

Shallotte River

The Shallotte River offers excellent trout and redfish fishing and some of my favorite winter stretches. When the water cools down, we can often find fish grouped tightly along ledges and deeper bends.

Tubbs Inlet and Sunset Beach Marshes

Tubbs Inlet and the nearby marshes are seasonal goldmines for flounder, reds, and trout. On the right tides, we’ll slide in and work channels, creek mouths, and sandy pockets where fish like to feed.

Little River Inlet

Little River Inlet gives us quick access to bait pods, Spanish mackerel, and fall bull reds. It’s a flexible area that lets us adjust quickly if conditions change.

Nearshore Reefs and Structure

When conditions allow, we’ll run to nearby artificial reefs like Jolly Mon Reef (AR 460), Caudle Reef (AR 425), and other nearshore structure. These areas can hold sea bass, flounder, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and sharks.

Every day is different, and I let conditions dictate where we go to give you the best chance of success.

What to Expect on Your Charter

We’ll meet at 67 Causeway Drive in Ocean Isle Beach. I’ll help you load your belongings, store your drinks in the Yeti cooler, and get everyone settled on the boat. Before we leave the dock, I’ll give a quick rundown of where we’re going, what the conditions are like, and what we’ll be targeting.

From there, we’ll make a short run to the first spot — usually just a few minutes away. I’ll coach you through casting, working lures, feeling the bite, and fighting the fish. Beginners are absolutely welcome, and I take pride in teaching people how to fish with lures instead of just soaking bait.

The boat is fast, quiet, and rigged specifically for charter fishing. I keep everything well-maintained and clean so you can focus on enjoying the day.

At the end of the trip, I’ll fillet your catch for you and get you ready for lunch or dinner at one of my favorite local spots in Ocean Isle Beach.