Are you coming out to the Outer Banks of North Carolina in 2024 and wondering how much you’re going to spend on an offshore fishing charter? Well, look no further, because we’re here to give you an honest answer as to what to expect, as well as other considerations you should make.
Not only will we look at pricing, but we’ll discuss the difference between getting your charter in the Nags Head area (leaving from the famous Oregon Inlet) or instead out of Cape Hatteras. And hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll have a clear sense of what you’ll need to budget so as to experience that fishing trip of a lifetime.
Offshore Vs Nearshore Vs In-shore Fishing Charters in NC (IMPORTANT!!!!)
Before we dive into what you can expect for pricing, you MUST understand the difference between the types of charters you can do on your trip to the OBX. In North Carolina waters, the difference between “offshore” and “near-shore” or “inshore” fishing charters is primarily defined by the distance from the coast and the type of species targeted.
Offshore, or deep-sea fishing charters venture far out into the ocean, in most cases at least 20 miles from shore, targeting such species as marlin(blue and white), tuna (blackfin, yellowfin, big eye, bluefin), wahoo, sailfish, and mahi-mahi. These trips navigate to depths exceeding 100 feet (because you travel out to the Gulf Stream, where the continental shelf is located) and require a full-day commitment.
In contrast, near-shore and inshore charters stay closer to land, within a few miles of the coastline, focusing on shallower waters. Inshore fishing targets species like red drum, flounder, cobia, ribbon fish and speckled trout, often in estuaries, bays, and near the surf.
Each type offers a unique fishing experience, with offshore charters providing an adventure into the deep blue sea and inshore charters offering a more accessible, often shorter, excursion into the rich biodiversity of coastal waters.
This being said, be VERY CAREFUL to make sure to ask the charter captain BEFORE your trip if it’s a true offshore charter. Some folks advertise offshore, but it’s actually near-shore, meaning you will NOT be targeting the offshore species (like tuna) mentioned above.
Every year in North Carolina, vacationers book charters thinking they are going offshore for tuna and billfish when in reality they are actually going near shore. So don’t make this mistake.
Factors to Consider when Going on an Offshore Charter
Like everything else in this world, the cost of a fishing charter will vary depending on many factors. Here are some you should consider:
Boat Type and Size: The charter’s cost significantly depends on the boat’s size and type. Larger boats with advanced navigational and fishing equipment offer comfort and efficiency but at a higher price. Generally, most (true) offshore fishing charters in the Outer Banks will range in the 35-55’ range. Most charter boats in NC are licensed for up to 6 passengers. There are a few that can hold a crew greater than 6 people, but they are quite rare.
Trip Duration: Charter duration ranges vary, but as previously mentioned, if you’re going offshore, then you’re looking at a full day in most cases. This means you’ll likely be out at least 12 hours (with a +/-two hours run time on each end). Most captains leave around 4-5am and return to the docks around 4-5pm in the afternoon.
Season and Demand: Prices can fluctuate with the season, peaking during the summer when demand is highest. For example, June tends to be an incredibly popular month for offshore charters in the Nags Head area, mainly because that’s when the Yellowfin and Big Eye tuna tend to run the hardest, where as booking are much slower later in the year, especially in the December/November timeframe
Fishing Techniques and Equipment: The type of fishing you plan to do (e.g., trolling, deep-sea fishing) and the equipment required can affect the cost. Some charters specialize in specific techniques and include high-quality gear, impacting the price. To give you an example, on our boat Speechless, we generally run 7-11 rods at one time while trolling, but also have other rods if bailing for Mahi Mahi. The cost of just one solid quality offshore fishing rod/reel setup is generally over $1,000.
One other piece of equipment that can affect pricing is a boat that is equipped with a gyrostabilizer. These modern devices are incredibly expensive to install, but eliminate the majority of “roll” the boat experiences, meaning if someone does tend to get seasick, it’s less likely on a vessel with a gyrostabilizer.
Crew Expertise: The experience and expertise of the captain and crew can influence the charter’s cost. Ideally, whoever you choose for your charter has a solid group of peers he or she can rely on so as to communicate throughout the day of your charter, ideally working together so as to find where the fish are located.
Licenses and Permits: Most charters include the necessary fishing licenses and permits in their prices, but this is still something you should check on before going. At Speechless, this is included as part of your charter experience.
Location Matters: Cape Hatteras vs. Nags Head Offshore Charters
Choosing between Cape Hatteras and Nags Head depends on your fishing preferences and objectives. Hatteras is closer to the gulf stream, so that’s its biggest advantage. This is one reason why you’ll generally find the price for an offshore charter in Hatteras are a couple hundred dollars cheaper than in Nags Head.
This being said, fishing off Nags Head (out the Oregon Inlet) lends itself to catching a lot more Yellowfin and Big-eye tuna during the summer season, as well as Billfish in general.
Ultimately, both spots have their benefits but if you’re targeting a cooler for of red meat (tuna) to take home, you should be going out of Oregon Inlet.
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center vs Pirate’s Cove Marina vs Wanchese Marina
There are three main marinas for the offshore charter fleet in the Nags Head area. Oregon Inlet Fishing Center has the most charter boat options to choose from, and some legendary captains as well. One advantage of leaving from the Fishing Center is that it’s about 7 miles closer to Oregon Inlet Bridge, which means you might leave slightly later in the morning (as compared to Pirates Cove or Wanchese) and get back to the dock a few minutes earlier.
In the past, the fishing center didn’t have much more than boat slips and the fish filet house, but it has recently added a restaurant (opening later 2024) and has invested quite a bit to make the area more than just a parking lot and boat slips. This will be a wonderful addition to the entire community when completed, and will allow for a true catch/clean/cook experience for charter participants (once open).
Just as the Fishing Center has its benefits, so does the famous Pirate’s Cove Marina, one of the most renowned marinas on the entire East Coast, and home of the annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish tournament.
What stands out the most with Pirate’s Cove is its tremendous energy. It’s constantly having events, the restaurant is amazing, and the community amenities are top notch. These were the reasons we chose to buy a slip at Pirates Cove (#92) and because we get quite a few visits from our YouTube community, it’s nice to be located at a location that is so easy to drive to and is in the middle of so much action.
The final marina where you’ll see more offshore charters is at Wanchese Marina. Although not as known as the other two, it’s a great facility as well.
Average Pricing for Offshore Charter in the OBX
Now that we’ve laid the foundation for the difference factors and considerations, let’s look at what you can expect in 2024 for a full-day, offshore trip.
If you’re fishing out of Hatteras, you’ll likely find a range of $1900-$2500. (again, nearshore trips will be less.)
If you’re fishing out of Nags Head (Oregon Inlet), than you can expect to spend $2300-$3500, although you can certainly find more expensive options.
Here at Speechless, our full-day offshore price is $2400 if booked direct on our website.
Other Expenses to Remember when Taking a Charter
Once you’ve paid for the charter, you still have some expenses to keep in mind. For example, the typical tip for the mate is 15-20%. Mates get paid little to nothing outside of this tip, and so you’ll want to make sure you treat them well, especially considering their day starts so early and ends very late—as well as prep on off days.
Another potential expense to consider is fish cleaning. This is a requirement if you use the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and many other captains use the filet house at their marina as well. Depending on the total weight of the fish you catch, this will dictate what you’ll spend. But if you have an amazing day on the water, it can easily be in the hundreds of dollars to filet your fish.
Hopefully you now have a sense for all the costs associated with an offshore charter in the OBX. Although it’s not a cheap endeavor, it often becomes a memory of a lifetime.
Catching a monster tuna or billfish with family and friends is an utterly unique and rewarding experience.
If you have further questions as to what to expect for your charter, please call us and let us know what’s on your mind. We want you to have an amazing experience, and we want you to be as informed as possible.
Captain Ron’s cell phone number is 804-398-9157 if you’d like to have an immediate chat with an incredible Captain.