Outer Banks Fishing Charters

Looking to get out on the water? Crystal Dawn, docked at Pirate's Cove Marina on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, is a comfortable, 65-foot, double-decker party boat / head boat that's all about good times on the water. Whether you want to take the kids fishing in the sound and around Oregon Inlet or gather up your friends and family for a party cruise around Roanoke Island, they have got you covered. For sightseeing on the sound, Sunset Cruises are offered from 6 to 8 pm nightly in April, May, September and October. During the summer season in June, July, and August cruises are from 7 to 9 p.m. Along the way you'll see lighthouses, historic sites, working watermen and wildlife like birds and dolphin. Crystal Dawn is available for private charters for birthday and anniversary celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, small weddings, school groups, ashes at sea ceremonies, family functions and more. The boat can accommodate up to 97 passengers. On one of their half-day head boat fishing trips, you'll catch fish such as flounder, croaker, spot, trout, sea mullet, sea bass and more, depending on the season and conditions. All bait, tackle and licenses are furnished, and this is a great way to introduce kids to fishing. The on-board mate can help with everything. Ask about other tours, including the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Purple Martin Excursions in late July and early August.

Looking to get out of the house and on the water? Take a fishing trip on the Miss Oregon Inlet II head boat. With the shortest drive time to fishing grounds around Oregon Inlet, they catch many different species of fish, such as spot, croaker, trout, bluefish, puppy drum, sea mullet and more, and they’re known as the “flounder pounder.” They have everything you need to fish, and everyone is covered under their fishing license. The head boat takes two half-day inshore trips a day. They also offer a Twilight Fishing Cruise most days that includes two hours of fishing and sunset viewing. Most every trip includes dolphin and shorebird sightings as well as views of Savage Inlet Oyster Farm, sound islands and Basnight Bridge. Phone chargers onboard ensure you’ll capture all the memorable moments. The experienced local captain and crew cater to anglers of all ages and skill levels. Advance reservations are recommended, and booking is through Kitty Hawk Kites. Coupons, group rates, military and first responder discounts and private charters are available.

Just about every afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m., a dozen or more sport fishing boats return from the Gulf Stream to the Pirate’s Cove Marina to unload their catches of tuna, dolphin, wahoo and other deep-sea fish. If you’re interested in seeing the fish before they’re cleaned, head down to the docks and watch the mates hurl the whopping creatures onto the docks. Kids love this, and the anglers are friendly about sharing their experiences of the day.

If you’re more of a hands-on type, escape from the same old beach routine and head over to Pirate's Cove Marina and Yacht Club to experience the thrill of a lifetime fishing from one of their offshore charter boats. Your adrenaline will be pumping listening to the scream of the drag while you are reeling in your tuna, dolphin, wahoo and marlin. Or book a near-shore trip and drop deep to catch tile fish, sea bass, trigger fish and grouper, or troll for Spanish mackerel and bluefish. No matter what you choose, Pirate's Cove’s charter fleet will show you a great time. Back at the docks you can stop by the Pirates Cove Ship's Store, where you'll find a great selection of t-shirts, resort wear, gifts and one of the best selections of sunglasses on the Outer Banks. Or you can visit Mimi's Tiki Hut, a dockside bar open in the warmer months, and Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, a full-service restaurant on the second floor overlooking the marina.  

The Pavilion at Pirate's Cove Marina is home base for three renowned summer fishing tournaments – Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament, Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament and Dare County Boat Builders Foundation Tournament – as well as other events. The Pavilion is the largest venue on the Outer Banks and is available for rental, including 24-hour rental, for weddings and other events. A variety of accommodations are available on-site through Pirate's Cove Realty.

With more than 30 years of commercial and charter fishing experience, Roanoke Island native Captain Hank Beasley has the chops to put you on the fish. His boat, the 54' Paul Mann-built True Grit, is a proven offshore fishing machine with all the latest fishing technologies and comforts like a luxurious, air-conditioned interior cabin. Captain Beasley and his crew provide all bait and tackle and offer friendly, expert guidance for all levels of anglers. You'll fish for offshore species like yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, dolphin, wahoo, white and blue marlin, sailfish, king mackerel and more. 

With more than 30 years of fishing guide experience, Captain Brian White offers unforgettable fishing adventures on his 56-foot fishing machine, Waverunner. Captain White's understanding of fish behavior, local habitats and fishing techniques makes him a highly sought-after Outer Banks charter captain. All levels of anglers, including families with children, trust him to give them the inshore or offshore fishing adventures of a lifetime. The captain and mate supply everything you will need except food and drinks. Online booking is available for trips year-round, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. Waverunner Charters is known for having the most reasonable rates of any of the Outer Banks charter boats.