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, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead.

My Kids Fishing Charters are designed specifically for children ages 4–12. Around 3 to 4 years old is usually the youngest I recommend. Younger children 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 Shark Fishing Charter instead. Those trips are better suited for older anglers and groups interested in targeting larger fish.

Yes. Adults are welcome to fish alongside the children, but this trip is designed specifically for kids ages 4–12. The children always come first and will receive my primary instruction and assistance throughout the trip.

If everyone in your group wants equal fishing time and instruction, or you're hoping to target larger fish, I'd recommend booking my 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter instead.

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. The shorter trip limits sun exposure while still providing plenty of time for children to learn, catch fish, and enjoy being on the water.

Safety always comes first, especially on Kids Fishing Charters. We fish calm, protected saltwater around Ocean Isle Beach, including the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Shallotte River, Calabash River, nearby backwaters, and saltwater marshes. These protected waters provide the ideal setting for young anglers.

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.

A maximum of four guests may come on the trip. Kids Fishing Charters are designed for small family groups, allowing Captain Harvey to give each child plenty of hands-on instruction and personal attention. Adults count toward the four-person maximum and are welcome to fish, but the children remain the focus of the trip.

Kids Fishing Charters are 100% catch and release. The focus is on learning, building confidence, enjoying the outdoors, and creating lasting memories—not bringing home fish. Every fish is carefully released so it can be caught again another day. If your child is comfortable holding their catch, they'll have the opportunity to hold it for a photo before personally releasing it.

No. We're not trying to catch Moby Dick on this trip. The goal is to keep kids involved, help them learn the basics of fishing, and give them a fun and memorable experience during their family vacation. We focus more on steady action and participation than targeting the biggest fish in the area.

No. When you fish with me, everyone onboard is covered under my North Carolina and South Carolina charter fishing licenses. There's nothing extra to purchase—just show up ready to fish.

Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, and a hat for your kids. Light layers are also a good idea depending on the weather. A cooler isn't 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 Charters take place in the calm backwaters of Holden Beach and Sunset Beach because those areas are perfect for younger anglers.

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.