What type of Outer Banks fishing charters do you offer?

From Memorial through Labor Day, I run the Kid's Soundside Adventure, the Family Fishing Adventure, and the Birding Boat Tour.

In addition, I provide a four-hour, inshore fishing charter May through November.

Do you offer "make-up" fishing charters?

No, I do not provide make-up trips (sharing the cost of a charter with strangers).

Do you take fishing charters to the ocean?

What I normally offer is inshore fishing charters. I fish in either the Albemarle, Croatan, Roanoke, or Pamlico Sound. For a reference, this article provides an aerial map of the Outer Banks sounds.

On exceptionally calm days, I might take parties to the Atlantic Ocean, just outside Oregon Inlet. Contact me if you are interested in a nearshore, ocean fishing charter.

Which species do you target?

Saltwater Game Fish

In addition to these fish, expect to pull in some recreational by catch as well.

Is the charter rate for one person?

No, the charter rates* cover up to four passengers for the Kid's Soundside Adventure, Family Fishing Adventure, and four-hour inshore fishing charter. For the OBX Birding Boat Tour, the rate covers up to six people.

On the Kid's Soundside Adventure, I normally take up to four people but I might accept one or two extra guests for an additional charge*. Please contact me for more information.

What is your refund policy?

Cancellation by the Captain

If I cancel your trip due to dangerous weather or for any other reason, I will refund your deposit or prepayment. Of course, I will happily reschedule your charter, if possible.

Cancellation by You

Please cancel by phone—no emails—at least seven days before the date of your trip. I will then mail you a refund of your deposit or prepayment, minus a processing fee*.

If you cancel too late to receive a refund or you do not show up for your charter, you will forfeit your deposit or your prepayment.

*Rates, fees, and conditions are subject to change without notice.

How many people may fish at one time?

Up to four passengers may fish at any one time. The captain reserves the right to fish a fifth rod to check on the bite.

What time do your charters begin?

Departure Times:

Which boat ramps do you launch from?

I launch from the following public boat ramps:

I will let you know where and when we will meet one or two days before your charter.

If I am allergic to seafood, may I still go on a charter?

Yes, if your party wishes to sightsee. If we fish, you might suffer a reaction to the bait we use or the fish we catch.

Do I need a fishing license?

If you pay to go fishing with me, you do not need a license.

Do I need to bring my own bait and tackle?

No, I supply ice for the fish coolers, bait, and tackle. However, each angler is welcome to bring her or his favorite rod and reel.

Will you clean the fish we catch?

No, but I will gladly teach you how to clean your fish or offer suggestions on who might do it for a fee.

At what age can a child begin fishing from a boat?

A child can safely fish from a boat when he or she is old enough to walk and big enough to wear a personal flotation device.

Do you supply life jackets?

I supply coast guard-approved life jackets for toddlers, kids, and adults. However, if you are bringing an infant, please arrive at the boat ramp with a well-fitted life jacket as I do not carry one.

May I bring food and beverages on the boat?

Yes, I encourage you to bring snacks and water—no glass containers, please.

Do I need to bring a cooler?

Yes, bring one empty cooler to leave in your vehicle for fish, if you plan to keep your catch. I provide a cooler for your snacks and water, and ice for your fish cooler.

Do you offer fly fishing trips on the Outer Banks?

Yes, fly rod anglers are always welcome to bring their equipment—I supply spinning and casting tackle but not fly rods.

The front and back decks of the Kingfisher have loads of space for casting and stripping. If you are interested, I can suggest effective fly fishing patterns to target the species for this area.

Is there a toilet on your boat?

No. However, there is a portable restroom at the Bowsertown Road boat ramp and the Washington Baum Bridge boat ramp in Manteo (the Manns Harbor public boat ramp does not provide this facility).

I will do my best to accommodate you but sometimes we have to get creative.

Sunscreens stain my clothes. What do you suggest for sun protection?

Sunscreens with a high SPF will leave an orange stain on clothing, furniture, car upholstery, and boat interiors.

I recommend a lotion with SPF 30 or lower. Remember that the SPF number on the bottle does not indicate strength; these numbers define the relative length of effectiveness. For example, an SPF of 30 will work twice as long as an SPF of 15.

Bring sunscreen lotion with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or lower. No aerosols or sprays, please. Aerosols and sprays coat other passengers, fishing gear, and the interior of the boat. These products leave an orange stain that remains for months, and make the deck and seats slippery.

How bad are the mosquitoes during an inshore charter?

The Outer Banks hosts numerous species of insects, and some of them bite. Mosquitoes can be a problem, but they will not be your only worry. Deerflies, greenheads, and stable flies thrive in this environment and can sometimes be a nuisance. Be prepared with repellent and a head net.

If you are concerned about insects, feel free to contact me just before your charter—I will tell you what is biting and what to do about it.

What do we wear on a Kid's Soundside Adventure or Family Fishing Adventure?

I encourage passengers to wear a hat, sunglasses, swim trunks, and wading shoes. Your wading shoes should have a closed toe, heel strap, and thick soles. Apply sunscreen lotion—no sprays or aerosols, please—with SPF 30 or lower before and during the charter.

Keep in mind that a moving boat creates a wind-chill factor so I suggest that you bring a jacket.

Will I get wet on the Kingfisher?

There is always a chance you will get wet due to spray, small waves, and/or rain. Bring a jacket. Protect phones and cameras in water-proof cases or stow your devices in a dry bag.

If you have other questions about my Outer Banks fishing charters, feel free to call or text 252-202-6191 or email me.

Captain Lenny