Every year, Hatteras Island attracts countless offshore charter fishermen who take advantage of the island’s proximity to the Gulf Stream to enjoy a long day of some hard fishing. But fishing beginners and families who just want a taste of the charter experience, don’t have to plan a full day in the Gulf Stream to get their feet wet.
A number of local charter businesses, like locally renowned Got ‘Em Charters, based in Hatteras Village, offer inshore charter fishing trips for a full or half day of fishing in the ocean or sound waters.
Lead by Captain Jerry Teel, a 30 year veteran of professional fishing and boating, and his first mate, Brinklie, a young Golden Retriever who’s quickly learning the business, Got ‘Em Charters has a wide range of fishing trips available.
Depending on what fishing spots are best for the day, and also depending on the parties’ preference, Captain Teel ventures out to waters by the inlet, in the sound behind Ocracoke Island, and can even plan offshore or wreck fishing, as well as scenic trips to neighboring Portsmouth Island.
What’s biting varies by season, and fishermen on an inshore fishing trip can look forward to catching a number of species, including Red Drum, Flounder, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, White Trout, Bluefish, Red Snapper, Cobia, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Atlantic Bull Croaker.
If your family would rather just relax than fish, there are also a number of specialty trips to enjoy on board, like clamming with Brinklie on the sandy flats of Hatteras Island or going to see what the Porpoise are up to. Captain Teel can even simply provide a water taxi to one of the many sandy private beaches for relaxation and sun.
“One of the great things about inshore fishing trips,” says Teel, “is that everyone can enjoy a trip, from beginners to experienced fishermen, and the rates are quite reasonable.” Indeed, inshore fishing trips are generally less expensive than offshore, since a smaller boat can be used, and less gas is needed. Not to mention, the sheer variety of locales a family can go, from Portsmouth to the Diamond Shoals Lightship, means that every fishing trip can be veritably customized to make every adventure on board unique and a perfect fit for every family.
For more information on Got ‘Em Charters, or to make a reservation, visit them online or call Captain Teel at (252) 987-3143.
Capt. Jerry Teel and First Mate Brinklie get ready to cast