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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Climb aboard with Captain Ryan for a fast-paced, fish-filled adventure off the North Carolina coast! With over 12 years of professional offshore and nearshore experience—and a fishing career that started when he was just 12 years old—Captain Ryan knows how to put you right on the bite in no time.

These 3- to 5-hour trips are designed to maximize action in a short amount of time, perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a fun, flexible fishing trip. You’ll work the nearshore and offshore waters for local favorites like King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and even hard-charging Little Tunny (False Albacore) when they’re in season. Captain Ryan uses a mix of trolling, bottom fishing, drift fishing, and deep-sea techniques to keep the rods bending and the coolers filling.

The main difference between the trip lengths comes down to range and variety—the 3-hour trip is a quick-hit fishing mission, perfect for staying close to the action and getting a taste of North Carolina fishing. The 4- and 5-hour trips give you extra time to push out a bit farther, try multiple techniques, or stick with a hot bite when the fish are feeding.

You’ll be fishing aboard a comfortable, well-outfitted boat featuring a toilet, GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, outriggers, and radar to keep you safe and in the zone. All rods, reels, tackle, lures, and fishing licenses are included, and a friendly first mate will be on hand to assist (a 15–20% gratuity is customary for their hard work).

Whether you book three, four, or five hours—morning or afternoon—you’ll enjoy a smooth ride, expert guidance, and the chance to reel in some of the Carolina coast’s most popular and hard-fighting nearshore species.

Amenities

Water Type

Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	3 hours	4 hours	5 hours
1 Person	$550.00	$700.00	$850.00
2 People	$550.00	$700.00	$850.00
3 People	$550.00	$700.00	$850.00
4 People	$550.00	$700.00	$850.00
5 People	$550.00	$700.00	$850.00
6 People	$550.00	$700.00	$850.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Ryan C.

Independent Guide

Captain Ryan has over 12 years of professional offshore and nearshore fishing experience in North Carolina. He started his career as a local waterman when he was just 12 years old commercial fishing, then as a mate on a charter boat for years until becoming an owner and captain himself.

About Your Guide

Ryan C.

Independent Guide

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Nearshore Trolling/Drifting Trips

Boat Type: Down East Cruiser
Boat Manufacturer: Custom
Year Built: 1984
Boat Length: 40'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Down East Cruiser
Boat Manufacturer: Custom
Year Built: 1984
Boat Length: 40'
Boat Restroom: Yes
Engine Manufacturer: Caterpillar
Total Horsepower: 500
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Outriggers, Radar

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

All gear is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.