Do I Need to Bring My Own Fishing Gear?

No, all fishing equipment is provided on my charters, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen (cream type, not spray on), snacks, and any personal items you might need.

Do I Need a Fishing License?

No, I provide NC & SC fishing licenses and all necessary permits.

What's the Best Time of Year to Fish in Ocean Isle Beach?

Ocean Isle Beach offers excellent fishing year-round. Redfish and Speckled Trout are available in all year long, providing consistent action regardless of when you visit. During January and February, we target Black Sea Bass and Black Drum in our Nearshore Reefs. Sheepshead are abundant in March. As temperatures rise in the spring, our fishing opportunities expand with King Mackerel and Flounder join the mix in April, followed by Cobia appearing nearshore in May. By June, Spanish Mackerel become abundant, marking the beginning of our prime fishing season that remains exceptional through Thanksgiving. For anglers seeking trophy catches, October stands out as the highlight of our calendar when massive Bull Redfish (exceeding 40 inches) migrate to our nearshore reefs and congregate around Shallotte Inlet and Little River Inlet. And Smoker Kings are consistently caught in November. By December, I focus my fishing charters on Puppy Drum (Redfish under 18 inches) and Slot Redfish (18 to 27 inches) that school up Inshore and just off the beach. That's what I love about guiding in this area, the waters around Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach, and Little River hold fish year-round! No matter when you book your trip with me, I'll find something biting and put you on the action!

Are Your Fishing Charters Suitable for Children?

Absolutely! I offer specialized 2-hour Kids Fishing Charters designed specifically for families with children 12 and under. These trips focus on easy-to-catch fish in protected waters with minimal waves, making it a perfect introduction to fishing.

Can We Keep the Fish We Catch?

Yes, you can keep fish that meet legal size and bag limits. I also encourage catch-and-release for certain species to help maintain healthy fish populations. Make sure to bring a cooler with ice, but leave it in your vehicle. I'll keep your catch fresh until we get back to the dock.

What Happens if the Weather is Bad?

Safety is 100% my top priority. I monitor weather conditions closely (before and during your trip) and I will make the final determination of whether or not it is safe to fish. I'll never ask you to fish when it's unsafe or if it will be miserable. Refunds are electronic and are credited to the original means of payment. Inshore Fishing Charters that are cancelled due to weather conditions will be able to re-schedule (if you're able to do so) or you'll receive a full refund. Nearshore Fishing Charters & Shark Fishing Charters, when the weather or sea conditions aren't safe on the ocean, will fish Inshore if it is safe to do so. If it's not possible to fish Inshore then Captain Harvey will re-schedule your charter (if you're able to do so) or you'll receive a full refund.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

I understand that things come up, so I have one of the most customer-friendly cancellation policies for fishing charters. If you need to cancel greater than 3 days before your fishing charter, you can -at your discretion- either re-schedule or receive a full refund. Bookings that cancel less than 3 days before their charter can reschedule, but do not receive a refund unless I am able to re-book that spot on my calendar. No-shows cannot reschedule or receive a refund.

Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Reports Blog: Recent Catches

Welcome to your source for up to date Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Reports! Here you'll find detailed updates and pro tips straight from my daily charter trips around Brunswick County's waters. From flounder fishing in Shallotte and the ICW, to chasing red drum near Tubbs Inlet and Shallotte Inlet, to targeting speckled trout in the backwater creeks around Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach - these reports and fishing blog posts share exactly what's biting and how to catch them.

Each article combines seasonal patterns, proven techniques, and specific locations to help you have more successful fishing trips on our local waters. Whether you're fishing from a boat, kayak, or pier, my detailed reports cover everything from bait selection and tide patterns to specific spots and effective techniques. Check out my latest reports below for the current bite!

Ocean Isle Beach NC Fishing Reports and Fishing Blog

How to Catch Fiddler Crabs in the Winter

This article gives Captain Harvey's tactics for finding and catching fiddler crabs in the Winter in Ocean Isle Beach NC. Learn the best locations, optimal timing strategies, and proven fishing methods for using fiddler crabs to target sheepshead, black drum, and redfish when most anglers struggle to find quality bait.

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How to catch Sea Bass in the Winter in NC

How to Catch More Sea Bass in NC this Winter

Want to catch more Sea Bass this Winter? Check out my latest guide covering the best spots just 3-10 miles off Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach! I'm sharing my favorite nearshore reefs (with GPS coordinates), proven baits and rigs, and exactly how I put my charter clients on keeper Sea Bass all Winter long. From finding the right structure to landing more 2-3 pounders, this guide covers everything you need for a successful Winter Sea Bass trip.

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How to catch Redfish in the Winter in NC with Salty Dawg Fishing Charters

How to Catch Winter Redfish in NC

Winter is here in full force in Ocean Isle Beach. I'm sitting here staring out of my home office window at 4 inches of snow. The local kids are happy, but I'd rather have a 65 degree day on a warming trend and go after some Redfish. But instead, since it is so cold out and I'm off today anyway, then let's chat about how to catch Redfish in the Winter in NC.

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Black drum caught in Ocean Isle Beach with Salty Dawg Fishing Charters

How to Catch Black Drum in Ocean Isle Beach

Black Drum are one of my favorite inshore species to target, particularly on my Kids Fishing Charters. But don't be fooled, these fish are fun for everyone, from beginners to experienced anglers, as we also fish for them on my Inshore Fishing Charters. They are also a great tasting fish that literally anyone can go out and catch.

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How to Catch Spanish Mackerel in NC

Nearshore fishing for Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina offers fast-paced action, hard-hitting bites, and plenty of excitement for anglers of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wondered how to catch Spanish Mackerel in NC, you’re in for a thrilling experience.

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How to Catch Sharks in NC - Shark Fishing Guide

"How to Catch Sharks in North Carolina" is a popular question, especially during the Summer tourist season here along the NC beaches. Captain Harvey Wall walks you through the pro tips needed for a successful shark fishing trip.

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How to Catch Flounder in NC

Flounder Fishing in North Carolina has been on Fire in 2024 and I fully expect it to be even better in 2025! Read this fishing blog post to learn how to catch flounder in NC.

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The Complete Guide to Flounder Fishing in Ocean Isle Beach NC

Everything You Need to Know About Fishing for Redfish in North Carolina

Fishing for Redfish in NC can be a wide-range of experiences, from small Puppy Drum on marsh flats, to catching big Bull Drum in the ocean or in our inlets.
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Black Drum caught in Ocean Isle Beach in July

Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Report for July

July fishing around Ocean Isle Beach offered plenty of action for my charter fishing customers, but adapting to the Summer heat was key. Early mornings or overcast afternoons were best for Redfish in shallow waters, with topwater lures performing well during cooler hours.

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June 2024 Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Report

Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Report for June

June fishing in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, offered my charter fishing customers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area's fantastic inshore and nearshore fishing for Redfish, Trout, Flounder inshore, as well as Sharks and Spanish Mackerel nearshore.

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