Topsail Island Fishing Charters
Topsail’s charter boats leave from three places: the docks on Roland Avenue in Surf City, the sound side of Topsail Beach, and the marinas in Sneads Ferry, just across New River Inlet from North Topsail Beach. Most run trips for every level, from a three-hour family run within sight of the beach to a full day in the Gulf Stream.
Families with young kids usually do best on a short nearshore trip. Serious anglers should look at the offshore and Gulf Stream days. Charters here are booked for your own group, and each boat sets its own group-size limit, so give the captain your headcount when you book.
At a glance
| Provider | Departs from | Published trip lengths | Family option | Boat notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topsail Fishing Company | 910 S. Anderson Blvd., Topsail Beach | 3, 6 and 8 hours; captain for hire 4 to 8 | 3-hour Kids & Family Nearshore trip | 33-ft catamaran with a bathroom; up to 6 |
| Grassy Sound Charters | Surf City Crab docks, 508 Roland Ave., Surf City | 3 and 4 hours nearshore; 6, 8 and about 10 offshore and Gulf Stream | 3-hour Family Nearshore trip (April to October) | 31-ft Cape Horn with a porta-potty; up to 6 |
| Bad Habit Sportfishing | 121 Hall Point Rd., Sneads Ferry | Not published (half, three-quarter and full day; Gulf Stream) | No kids policy published; nearshore Shark & Spanish trip | 30-ft Contender; up to 6, buddy boat for more |
| Dock Shocker Fishing Charters | 122 Gull Dr., Sneads Ferry | 4, 6 and 8 hours inshore and offshore; 12-hour Gulf Stream; 2-hour cruise | Half-day nearshore and offshore trips, marketed as most popular for kids | 31-ft boat with a bathroom; up to 6 (inshore up to 4) |
| One More Cast Fishing Adventures | 104 James St. marina, Sneads Ferry | Not published | Not published | Inshore trips priced for 2 or 3; 31-ft Pursuit offshore |
| Topsail Intracoastal Adventures | 104 James St. marina, Sneads Ferry; dock pickup by arrangement | 4, 6 and 8 hours; 2- and 4-hour fish-and-cruise | Infant to senior, within boat limits | No toilet on board; up to 6 (inshore skiff 2 adults or 3 with a child) |
“Not published” means the company doesn’t state it online; ask when you book.
Photo: Topsail Fishing Company Topsail Fishing Company
Fishing charters from Topsail Beach on a catamaran with a bathroom, including a three-hour kids and family trip.
View guide →Photo: Grassy Sound Charters Grassy Sound Charters
Nearshore, offshore and Gulf Stream charters from Surf City with a Coast Guard veteran captain, including a three-hour family trip.
View guide →
Photo: Bad Habit Sportfishing Bad Habit Sportfishing
Fishing charter: nearshore sharks to the Gulf Stream with a captain licensed since 2005. Departs Sneads Ferry.
View guide →Photo: Dock Shocker Fishing Charters Dock Shocker Fishing Charters
Inshore, nearshore, offshore and Gulf Stream charters plus sunset cruises from Sneads Ferry, with veteran captains who welcome kids.
View guide →Photo: One More Cast Fishing Adventures (business photo) One More Cast Fishing Adventures
Inshore, offshore and night flounder gigging trips from Sneads Ferry with a Coast Guard-licensed captain who’s great with first-timers.
View guide →Photo: Topsail Intracoastal Adventures Topsail Intracoastal Adventures
Captained pontoon trips for dolphins, shelling and sunsets, plus fishing charters, from a veteran-run Sneads Ferry outfit.
View guide →
How to choose
Nearshore, offshore or Gulf Stream?
Nearshore trips stay within a few miles of the beach and usually last three or four hours: the easiest choice for kids and first-timers, with Spanish mackerel, bluefish and bottom fish. Offshore trips run six or eight hours, 15 to 40 miles out, for king mackerel, mahi, grouper and snapper. Gulf Stream days are long, often 10 to 12 hours, for wahoo, tuna and billfish.
Pick the departure point closest to you
Staying in Topsail Beach? Topsail Fishing Company leaves from the sound side of town. In Surf City, Grassy Sound departs from the Roland Avenue docks. North Topsail guests are a short drive from the Sneads Ferry marinas, where Bad Habit, Dock Shocker, One More Cast and Topsail Intracoastal Adventures are based.
Fishing with kids
Ask for the family or kids trip by name: Topsail Fishing Company and Grassy Sound both run three-hour family trips, and Dock Shocker markets its half-day nearshore and offshore trips as the most popular for kids. A boat with a bathroom makes a real difference with children; ask before you book.
Budget for the extras
The trip price covers the boat for your group. Plan to tip the mate, often 15 to 20 percent of the trip, and ask whether fish cleaning is included. Some captains clean your catch at the dock at no charge.
Before you book
North Carolina requires a Coastal Recreational Fishing License for anglers 16 and older in coastal waters. Many charter boats carry a blanket license that covers their passengers, but not every for-hire boat does, so ask your captain whether your group is covered. NC recreational fishing licenses
Questions guests ask
Do I need a fishing license on a charter?
Anglers 16 and older need a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License, but many charter boats hold a blanket license that covers passengers. Ask the captain when you book.
How far ahead should I book a fishing charter?
Each boat carries one group per trip, so summer weekends and holiday weeks fill first. Book as soon as your dates are set, and ask about the weather policy.
What’s the best trip for young kids?
A three- or four-hour nearshore trip. It stays close to land, keeps the action steady and is easier on short attention spans.
What should we bring?
Food, drinks, sunscreen (many boats ask for non-aerosol), sunglasses and a cooler for your fish. Most boats provide rods, tackle and bait.
Plan the rest of your stay
Businesses listed here are independent and not affiliated with Treasure Rentals; book directly and check each company’s terms. Checked October 2026. Services, seasons and policies change, so confirm details when you book.