Q: What do we need to bring with us on a OBX fishing trip?

A: Food, beverages, sunscreen, sunglasses (polarized lenses if possible), cameras and plenty of film. You may want to bring along a small cooler to take your beverages on the boat and a large cooler to take your catch home. Your captain furnishes all bait and tackle.

Q: May I bring an observer along as an extra person?

A: No, US Coast Guard regulations limit the number of passengers to no more than 6 people, whether they are fishing or not. The only exception is our head boat, which is licensed to carry 50 guests.

Q: Will you guarantee that we'll catch fish?

A: If there was a guarantee, they'd call it "catching" not "fishing"! Our Captains and Mates are trained professionals. Sport fishing is not their hobby, it is their chosen profession. While we constantly produce fine catches there are never any guarantees in fishing. However, the waters off the Carolina coast are famous for their bountiful catches.

Q: What happens to the fish we catch?

A: You get to keep the fish. However, we must comply with all size & creel limits.

Q: Are fish cleaning services available?

A: Yes, experienced fish cleaners are available to clean and bag your catch upon your return to the dock. They will clean your fish for a reasonable fee. Please note - All fish caught during a make-up trip are to go to the fish cleaner. The cleaning bill, as well as the catch is equally divided among the party.

Q: What is a customary tip for the Mate?

A: Mates depend on tips to augment their income. As a general rule, tip like you would in a restaurant 15% - 20%+ of the charter price, more or less depending on the service.

Q: Do we need a fishing permit?

A: No. All of Sharky's OBX Charter Boats have what is called a blanket license, this license covers every one fishing on board the vessel. However if you are going to fish on the beach or some other places you will need one.

Q: Can we buy beer the morning of our trip?

A: North Carolina law prohibits the sale of alcohol before 7:00 AM daily and Noon on Sundays. There is a ship's Store at the marina that stocks just about anything you will need for a day on the water.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: A deposit is due within 10 days of making a reservation. Trips may be cancelled at the discretion of the Captain, due to inclement weather. Every effort will be made to inform parties traveling to fish with us of possible bad weather. Party is expected to be at the dock ready to fish, unless otherwise notified. Trips must be cancelled prior to two weeks of fish date in order to receive deposit refund. Cancellations due to weather will be rescheduled or a full refund will be issued. Please remember we may need to contact you so give us a local number or a cell phone. 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.