I'm a retired Outer Banks Charterboat Owner and Captain. For years, I've answered quite a few Fishing Questions on this site. Lust wanted to let you know that if you are considering doing a Fishing Charter this year, make reservations now. Don't be disappointed, get your desired date. Last year was the busiest for our Charter Fleets in many years. I know that 2023 Reservations are "Off The Hook". FYI, the most popular Summer days are Tuesday and Wednesday. Most people don't like to go right after they get here and right before they go home. "Let The Buyer Beware" I realize that sounds funny for a Fishing Topic, but for those inexperienced or no knowledge of the Outer Banks it's good advice. There are over 100 Charterboats between the Fleets using Oregon and Hatteras Inlet. These boats are of all Shapes and Sizes. There are many Types of Trips, both Ocean and Sound. Do you want Full or Half Day. Don't just say you want to go fishing without fully discussing your Fishing Expectations, your Party Make Up and of course your Budget. One last thing, there has been an influx of a lot of small, Sound Fishing Skiffs. They do offer a purpose, but don't be confused with Ocean going , full sized boats. Get out and enjoy and save a fish for me.

I've done a few offshore charter trips over the years and most were pretty awesome, but the most recent two trips I've done were considered "nearshore" and those were the best. We started off trolling around the Bonner bridge for bluefish and kept them in a live well. We then went to the towers and caught Amberjack using the bluefish which was an absolute blast! We then went deeper and caught tilefish and trolled around a bit and picked up a wahoo, a sailfish, and some dolphin. We could see the offshore boats a couple miles off on the horizon and we were way out of sight of land. It's not at all what I thought nearshore would be and I wish I had discovered it sooner. It was a good bit cheaper than the offshore trips, too. Now... this was 10 years ago so I'm sure it's changed some and I've heard the amberjack are not around like they used to be, but I would definitely consider nearshore as a primary option if I were to go again. Those were the only trips where I've caught amberjack and although we didn't keep any it was the best and hardest boat fishing I've experienced in my life. Catching 25-40 lb fish on heavy spinning reels really beats you up and was much more of a fishing experience than anything I've had offshore trolling before. Plus when we dropped the bluefish over you could see the amberjack coming up from the depths to devour them.

Thanks Pickle! Good advice from someone who would know. One other thing to think of is the distance. You've only got two options for charter locations. Oregon or Hatteras Inlets, and those two inlets are over an hour apart. If you're in Rodanthe or Nags Head don't call one of the Hatteras boats, and if you're in Buxton or Frisco don't call one of the Oregon Inlet boats.

Thank you for remembering the old days. The Outer Banks Charter Fishing world 10 years ago was extremely different. That type of trip is long gone. It is gone both Financially and Fish wise. The cost of Fuel would not permit doing what you experienced, at least not significantly less than an Offshore Trip. As you said, you could see the Offshore Boats in the distance. Tilefishing is generally done a minimum of 30 miles up to 35 miles from the Inlet. Actually right before the Gulfstream. A few years ago with Diesel Fuel $6 Gallon at the Docks, going 35 Miles on a Full Sized Twin Diesel Boat could cost $900. Next the Amberjack are basically gone due to heavy Commercial Fishing pressure, but even the small Blues used for bait are scarce. That Trip, if you were to bait Tower Jacks, Deep Drop for Tiles and then Troll for Offshore Gamefish would cost you an Offshore (Gulfstream) upwards of $2400 Today, if you could find a boat to do all three types of fishing. Nearshore in todays world is Trolling Outside the Inlet for Spanish Mackerel, Ribbonfish, small King Mackerel, False Albacore and Bluefish. Maybe Cobia in Season. These are 4 or 6 Hour trips and some boats will do a Full Day (8 Hours). If you get agreement from the Captain on an 8 Hour trip you might get a chance for Jacks, if there are any. The Towers are between 15 miles and 35 Miles. We used to do our TnT Combo Trip, where you catch Tuna first and then go off and catch Tiles. However due to the everchanging location of Tuna, you might be 15 miles or more from Good Tilefishing. You can't afford to run 15 miles, then find yourself way North and longer ride home. Things have changed.

Thanks for the update, Pickle. I was thinking nearshore might still be a good option to experience "big time" fishing on a smaller scale, but it sounds like not so much. I know prices have increased dramatically over the past 15 years. I said 10 years, but it was probably about 2010. It was definitely after 2008. IIRC the cost of the trip was $900 excluding tip/cleaning and offshore trips were pushing $1800 or so. We were blown away by the trip and did it again the following year. We went with Capt'n Duke both times. I've been priced out of offshore trips for quite a few years I'm afraid. The last time I did those was on Bite Me out of Hatteras where some buds and I would go down every April for a few years for tuna. Fun times! An offshore trip is definitely a must try for anyone who hasn't done it just for the cool factor. Seeing flying fish, sea turtles, and whatever else the ocean surprises you with is a very awesome time.

I chartered a tuna trip last summer and made the reservation in January to be sure to get my day of the week, like Pickle suggested. Unfortunately, the day of the trip weather fx called for a big shift in wind direction by early afternoon. Per the captain's advice, we changed to an inshore trip strategy and had a great time with spanish macs, mahi and then moved in and picked up a few other species off the wrecks. By then the fx was correct and I almost got dumped onto the deck when a big wave hit the side so we headed back to the barn. So be flexible and take the seasoned advice if you go. I was disappointed about not getting out to the blue water but we had a full cooler and great day anyway.

Just wanted to say that some Captains will and some won't extend themselves a bit. I always suggest booking Directly with the Captain and discuss your Trip and Your Expectations. For instance, most Summer Nearshore Trips, especially a 4 Hour Half Day will be strictly Trolling for Spanish etc. However, if you discuss a 6 or 8 Hour Nearshore you can possibly go to some Inshore Wrecks for very small Sea Bass or Triggers, plus especially on an 8 hour trip you can potentially try for a Jack or troll further South for a King and small Dolphin might show up in August. Some Captains will troll a bit on a Deepwater/Bottom Wreck trip (normally 8 Hours). You have to understand that the Tilefish regs is 3 per person. Depending on Weather, Current and Captain's knowledge you can get your limit in a few hours or less. Then what? You are out 35 Miles so your ride is at least 1 1/2 hours each way, a 3 hour plus commute, 3 hour on the Bottom that leaves several hours. If you discuss it with the Captain you can troll for several hours. Not every Captain will do that because you have to completely change your tackle, get out offshore trolling bait etc. However, you may get a Bonus of Offshore Fish such as Dolphin, Sails even a Tuna or Wahoo.

Pickle: Always appreciate your words and advice !

Always makes me think of the "good old days" of much lower charter fares - catching lots of tuna - Billy Baum and the " Dream Girl"
and the ships' Captains' "colorful language" about the fishing skills of us northern guys !

Just a quick note real old timer Captain Billy Baum now lives in Florida. The Dream Girl was out of the water for awhile and was sold fairly recently. If you remember it had a "Tower" similar to Florida Boats. It was cut off since the new owner thought it was useless. Undergoing "rehabilitation".

The Dream Girl "tower" was the reason we chose Baum's boat for our first offshore trip ! We figured the captain could better locate the bait that the tuna were after !!!