Kids Fishing Charters in Ocean Isle Beach

On kids fishing charters, the goal is simple: keep the action steady and the excitement high. Rather than targeting one specific species, I focus on catching numbers to keep kids engaged and having fun.

We most commonly catch sea bass, whiting, croakers, and puffer fish, but it’s not uncommon to also hook into inshore gamefish like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, black drum, and sheepshead.

My kids fishing charters are designed for families with at least one child age 12 or under in the group. As for minimum age, around 3 to 4 years old is usually the youngest I recommend. Younger kids are welcome to come along, but at that age they’re typically riding and watching more than actively fishing.

If your children are 13 or older, I’d recommend booking an Inshore Fishing Charter, Nearshore Fishing Charter, or even a Shark Fishing Charter instead. By that age, teens and older anglers usually prefer targeting bigger fish rather than the smaller, fast-action species we focus on during my much shorter kids fishing charters.

My kids fishing charters are 2 hours long, which is the perfect amount of time for keeping kids engaged without wearing them out or losing their attention. Shorter trips mean more action and a better overall experience for younger anglers.

Safety always comes first, especially on kids fishing charters. We typically fish calm, protected waters like the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Shallotte River, Calabash River, and nearby backwaters and saltwater marshes. All fishing is done in saltwater. We will only head into the ocean on a kids fishing charter if conditions are extremely calm and everyone onboard is comfortable with it.

Absolutely. Life jackets are provided for everyone onboard and are required for anyone under 13 years old. For safety and compliance, all children must wear the USCG-approved life jackets that I provide, as charter regulations require specific types of PFDs.

4 people maximum. Kids fishing charters are designed for small family groups so everyone has room to fish comfortably and get hands-on help and instruction from Captain Harvey. If you have a larger group or special requests, just reach out ahead of time and I’ll help you choose the best option. I may be able to set up a multi-boat trip, if needed.

Just let me know at the start of your trip if you’d like to keep any fish. If so, we’ll usually target black drum or sheepshead since they’re easy to catch and make great table fare. Kids love seeing the full process from boat to table, and it gives them a real sense of pride knowing they helped catch dinner for the family. I promise you, there will be stories for a solid year afterward when a small child catches dinner!

No. When you fish with me, your fishing license is covered under my charter licenses with NCDMF (North Carolina) and SCDNR (South Carolina). You’re fully legal and ready to fish—just show up and enjoy the trip.

Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen, drinks, snacks, and a hat for your kids. Light layers are also a good idea depending on the weather. A cooler is not required (I have one onboard with ice for your use), but if you choose to bring one, a small soft-sided cooler works best on the boat.

I provide all required safety gear, fishing licenses, fishing gear, bait / tackle, and a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water.

Safety always comes first, especially on kids fishing charters. I monitor marine forecasts, radar, and local conditions daily, but weather decisions can only be made the day of your trip when the most accurate information is available. We can safely fish through light rain or passing showers when conditions allow, but I will never take families out in weather that’s unsafe or simply uncomfortable—especially with kids onboard.

If I have to cancel your trip due to weather, you will always receive a 100% refund. I’ll also do everything I can to help reschedule while you’re in town, because I know how much kids look forward to their day on the boat. My goal is to keep your vacation safe, fun, and stress-free.

Absolutely. A lot of my kids fishing trips take place in the calm backwaters of Holden Beach and Sunset Beach because those areas are perfect for younger anglers and first-time fishermen.

If your vacation rental is on either island, I can meet you at a nearby dock so you spend more time fishing and less time riding.

You can see how these trips work on my charters near Holden Beach and Sunset Beach fishing trips pages.