Q. Do we need to purchase a fishing permit for inshore, near shore or back country charters?
A. Speck-Tackler has what is called a blanket license. This license covers every one that is fishing onboard our vessel whether near shore, inshore or back country. However if you are going to fish on the beach or some other place during your stay you will need a license for that.
Q. What species do you fish for on your charters?
A. Our two main species are Speckled Trout and Red Drum. However the inshore waters around Cape Hatteras are very prolific. We also catch Cobia, Bluefish, Gray Trout (Weakfish), Spanish Mackerel, Flounder and several more species.
Q. What do we need to bring to the boat with us on our Outer Banks charter fishing trip?
A. You may want to consider bringing along food and beverage in the smallest cooler possible, sunglasses (polarized lenses if possible), cameras in protective cases. Capt. Rick keeps a couple light rain jackets onboard but suggests if rain is in the forecast or it is windy to please bring along your own rain gear to handle the boat spray. In the colder months we suggest everyone bring top and bottom rain gear (pants and jackets). Please keep your larger coolers in your vehicle to take your catch home.
Always apply your sunscreen before you leave for the boat and then wash hands thoroughly. Sunscreen on your lures or bait will definitely cost you fish. Bring lotion sunscreen only to refresh but please no spray-on onboard the boat!
Q. What will the boat provide for our trip?
A. We provide a blanket fishing license as well as a guide, captain, boat, outboard motor, fuel, all rods and reels, line, lures, tackle, bait and onboard coolers with ice.
Q. What is the maximum number of anglers I can bring on my charter trip?
A. Our USCG license covers a maximum of six paying guests onboard the boat at any time. However, we have found through many years of experience that four anglers is really the maximum comfortable capacity for fishing on our charter boat.
Q. Will you guarantee that we'll catch fish?
A. Our Captain is a highly trained professional and native Hatteras guide. Sport fishing is not his hobby, it is his chosen profession. While he has an outstanding reputation of producing great daily catches, in fishing there are never any guarantees. The waters around Cape Hatteras are famous for their bountiful fish catches and Capt. Rick always works above and beyond to produce well each and every charter.
Q. Can we keep the fish we catch?
A. Yes, you will be able to keep all edible fish that comply with the legal size and creel limits.
Q. Are fish cleaning services available?
A. Yes, experienced fish cleaners are available at Teach's Lair to clean and bag your catch upon your return to the dock. They will filet and bag your fish for a reasonable fee. Or you may just elect to toss your fish in a cooler to clean at home.
Q. What is a customary tip for the boat captain and mate in NC?
A. On our charters Captain Rick is both the captain and mate and he works extremely hard to catch fish on every charter. He wants you to know that he does not expect a tip for doing his job. If you feel that he has gone above and beyond on your charter trip and you feel compelled to show your appreciation, any tip is humbly received with much gratitude. On the other hand, if your were upset for any reason with Capt. Rick's efforts on your behalf he wants to know about it so that he can remedy the situation.
Q. Do you allow guests to bring beer on your charter trips?
A. Yes, please limit beer to reasonable amount. Smoking is allowed.
Q. What is the cancellation policy?
A. A deposit is due within 10 days of making a reservation. Trips may be cancelled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances at the discretion of the Captain only. Every effort will be made to inform parties traveling to fish with us of possible bad weather as soon as the decision is made. If you haven't heard that it has been canceled your entire party is expected to be at the dock ready to fish, unless otherwise notified. Already scheduled trips must be cancelled by the customer prior to two weeks of fish date in order to receive a deposit refund. Captain cancellations due to weather will be rescheduled or a full refund will be issued. Please remember we may need to contact you so please remember to provide us with a local phone number or a cell phone number. If there are any special needs that you may require before or during the trip please contact us, we will do what we can to accommodate you.
Q. What marina and inlet do you fish out of?
A. Speck-Tackler is docked near the building at Teach's Lair Marina in Hatteras Village. We fish in and around Cape Hatteras and its back country waters. Click HERE to view a live webcam of the location where we dock.
Q. Can we bring bananas?
A. There is an old long standing maritime superstition that it is bad luck to bring bananas on a boat so let's not take any chances!!!
