General information
We are prepared to help you have a great day on the water, regardless of whether you are a seasoned pro or just a beginner taking your first trip to the blue. I am able to customize our packages to allow for whatever you want to do.
Our preferred trip is a full day of offshore fishing, which is where I spend the majority of my time. The boat is fast enough to allow us to run to wherever the fish are biting. Our primary offshore targets will be yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi. We can and will gladly chase a billfish for you, but all billfish will be tagged and released! A mate will be provided on all trips. Daily charter rates do not include a tip for the mate. This guy will be working very hard for you all day trying his best to keep the fish chewing at the back of the boat. The recommended tip for a mate is 15-20% of the charter rate. We can also provide fish cleaning for you at an additional charge.
We will provide all the tackle, bait and ice needed for the days fishing. We use 30, 50 80 and 130# class tackle as well as some spinning tackle for pitching baits. A North Carolina Blanket Recreational Fishing License is provided for all passengers aboard James Joyce II, so it will not be necessary for you to purchase a license.
The only items you will need are:
- Sun screen, hat and good sunglasses
- soft sole shoes
- light jacket, and maybe a pair of waterproof pants or bibs
- All food and drinks you may want in a cooler - minimal amounts of beer will be allowed (in cans)
- camera
- a couple of your favorite CD's
- cooler and ice to take home your days catch
- NO BANANAS!!!!!!!
We do everything possible to ensure a fun, safe day on the water. We enjoy discussing techniques with others, and will gladly teach you what we know. You are always welcome to pitch in as much as you like for a more hands-on experience, or you can just sit back and wait for the reels to start screaming - its your choice. Our goal is for you to have a great day. Seasickness can strike anyone at anytime, and can make for a miserable day. It is best to do everything possible to be properly prepared for your trip. If you are experienced with fishing offshore then you likely already know what you need to do to prevent seasickness. If you are not sure, then we would make a few suggestions:
- Get a full nights sleep and show up at the boat fresh
- Do not eat a heavy, greasy meal the night before or for breakfast. A light breakfast is best.
- Take your preferred seasick medication, starting the night before. Then you can take another that morning. Our preferred medication is Bonine, which can be found over the counter at most grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, etc... If you are overly concerned with seasickness, please consult your physician about a Scopolamine patch. As always, we recommend you consult with your physician before taking any new medication - or at least try it out before you come for your trip.
- Take it easy on the alcohol the night before, and during the trip
- Bring along some Ginger Ale to drink - ginger is a natural anti-nausea agent
Deposits and Cancellations
We require a $250.00 deposit to reserve your requested date. We will gladly refund this deposit as long as you provide at least a 2 week (14 days) notice of cancellation.
The Captain has the right to cancel any charter due to severe weather or threat of severe weather. In the event of a Captains call due to weather, you will have the option of a full refund or you may reschedule - whatever your preference may be.
Charter rates and options
Packages and Options:
- Gulf Stream (full day offshore - tuna, mahi, wahoo and billfish) - $1500.00 + 7 % fuel surcharge - approx $1600 total
Leave the dock at 5:30 am, return approximately 4:30 pm
- Make-up trips (full day offshore) - $270.00 per person
(minimum group size required - only applies when we offer this type trip)
- 1/2 day near shore - $650.00 (spanish, blues, etc...)
Leave the dock at 6:00 am, return approximately noon
***Depending on availability! We only offer this trip at certain times of the year.
- Bluefin Tuna - call for rates (recreational catch and release only!)
- Cruises - $TBA (3 hour minimum )
- Tournaments - call for rates and information (Swansboro Rotary, Big Rock, Ducks Unlimited, Pirates Cove, Barta, etc...)
- Custom Trips - travel to Ocracoke for a day or a long weekend, spend the day at Cape Lookout, etc...
- Help learning to fish on your new boat! Call to discuss rates!
- Boat deliveries!! Call to discuss rates and availability
***Call to discuss availability and arrangements for special trips