If you have never been offshore before, it is normal to have questions.
What time do we leave? What should we bring? Will we get seasick? Can we keep the fish? What happens if the weather is bad?
At Speechless Sportfishing, we want you to feel prepared before you ever step onto the boat.
This page walks you through exactly what to expect so there are no surprises.
Speechless is located at Slip #92 at Pirate’s Cove Marina.
Address:
2000 Sailfish Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
When you turn into Pirate’s Cove, stay on the main road until you get past the first set of condos.
Turn right into the parking lot and park there for the day.
Once parked, walk back down the docks and you will find Speechless at Slip #92.
Unless told otherwise by Captain Ron, the boat leaves no later than 5:00am.
We ask that you arrive by 4:45am so everyone is settled in and ready to go.
From the marina, it takes about 25 minutes to get to Oregon Inlet Bridge and roughly another two hours to reach the fishing grounds, depending on where the fish are.
Most days, fishing wraps up around 2:00pm and we return to the dock between 4:30pm and 5:00pm.
Once we get back, we will take photos with your catch and help point you in the right direction for fish cleaning.
Your charter includes:
The only things not included are the mate tip, fish cleaning costs, and any food or drinks you want to bring.
We recommend bringing:
Alcohol is allowed, but please do not bring glass bottles.
There is a microwave on the boat if you want to warm something up.
If possible, try to combine food and drinks into one cooler rather than bringing multiple coolers onboard.
If you have never been offshore before, we strongly recommend taking Bonine Non-Drowsy or Dramamine the night before your trip.
Do not wait until the morning. By then, it is often too late.
The ocean affects everyone differently. We have had first-time offshore anglers feel great all day, and we have also had experienced boaters get seasick.
Taking something the night before gives you the best chance to enjoy your day.
What you catch depends on the season, water temperatures, and where the fish are.
Some of the most common species we target include:
Fishing changes throughout the year. Bluefin tuna are most common in the winter. Yellowfin tuna are often best in the spring and fall. Mahi, marlin, sailfish, and wahoo are more common during the summer months.
Yes.
You are welcome to keep your catch as long as it falls within the legal size and quantity limits.
Some fish may need to be released depending on regulations, quotas, seasonality, or conservation rules.
Fish cleaning is available back at the dock through the filet house. They charge by the pound, so it is a good idea to bring a little cash for that.
Local restaurants, including Blue Water Grill at Pirate’s Cove, will cook your catch for you.
Yes.
There is a head, or bathroom, in the lower cabin area of the boat.
We take pride in keeping the boat clean and organized.
Please only flush toilet paper and avoid putting anything else in the commode, as marine toilets can clog easily.
Safety comes first.
If the weather does not look safe or fishable, Captain Ron will cancel the trip.
Most weather decisions are made one to three days before the charter date.
If Speechless cancels the trip due to weather, mechanical issues, or boat-related issues, your deposit is 100% refundable.
You will also have the option to reschedule if another date works.
If there is a remaining balance on your trip, please settle up with Captain Ron at the end of the day.
We do accept credit cards, but cash is appreciated.
The mate works incredibly hard and spends long hours helping make your day successful.
The customary mate tip is 18% to 20% of the charter cost.
The mate does accept Venmo, but cash is appreciated.
Speechless can take up to six passengers.
If your group size changes after booking, you do not need to let us know as long as you still have six people or fewer.
We are happy to take younger children and older adults, but it is important that everyone is mobile enough to move around the boat and use the cabin stairs if needed.
Captain Ron: (804) 398-9157
Email: info@speechlesssportfishing.com
Captain Ron will usually reach out the day before your trip to confirm details and answer any final questions.
Want everything in one place? Download our Passenger Guide for parking instructions, what to bring, fish seasonality, weather policies, fish cleaning information, and more.
No. We welcome everyone from first-time anglers to experienced offshore fishermen.
Yes. Kids are welcome as long as they are able to safely move around the boat.
Yes, but please do not bring glass bottles.
Yes. All rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are included.
Yes, as long as the fish falls within the legal regulations for size and quantity.
It happens. We strongly recommend taking Bonine or Dramamine the night before to help avoid problems.
If we cancel due to weather or boat-related issues, your deposit is fully refundable.
Fish cleaning is done at the filet house back at the dock and price depends on the amount of fish.
