Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks Fishing Charters on Harper's Folly

Anglers prefer chartering out of Cape Hatteras because it's the shortest ride to the Gulf Stream on the east coast for all your big game fishing dreams. On average you will be fishing the gorgeous blue Gulf Stream waters in less than an hour and a half compared to the three plus hour ride anywhere else. This means less of a boat ride and more fishing time! Many years of sportfishing tradition in our quiet Hatteras Village has resulted in the creation of a well designed convenient all-inclusive fishing experience for every island guest.

Our Cape Hatteras styled offshore sportfishing will target species such as mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, bluefin tuna, king mackerel, grouper, triggerfish, gray and golden tilefish, sailfish, white marlin and the "King of the Gulf Stream" blue marlin. Our inshore and near shore charters usually target bluefish and spanish mackerel with species like red drum, striped bass and cobia sometimes available in certain seasons when the weather and sea conditions are just right.

We want to invite you to spend an enjoyable day offshore or inshore fishing aboard the Cape Hatteras tradition named Harper's Folly. Everything will be fully prepared and pre-arranged before you arrive. Allow our professional charter fishing team make your vacation a sportfishing experience of a lifetime. Supporting tourism on Hatteras and Ocracoke island as well as the rest of the Outer Banks.

Capt. Dunn holding out a colorful yellowfin tuna.

Capt. Tom Harper

Offshore sport fishing with highly experienced Capt. Tom Harper aboard Harper's Folly operating out of Teach's Lair Marina in Hatteras Village has been a part of the Cape Hatteras tradition for many years. Capt. Harper is USCG Licensed and has been fishing out of Hatteras for 35 years. He is also a founding member of the NC Watermen United.

Capt. Shaun Dunn

It is very rare to find one charter boat with two USCG Licensed Captains aboard. Capt. Shaun Dunn is a Hatteras born and raised native son. He has over 30 years of Cape Hatteras fishing experience. After finishing college in Wilmington NC he went to work for a Cummins and Mann diesel repair company where he worked for several years gaining knowledge in the repair field. Next he received his Captain's license and he has been working on the water ever since. When it comes to fishing Capt. Shaun makes one very powerful statement, "I sincerely want to catch fish even more than you do!"

Our boat Harper's Folly is a custom Carolina built 42' fiberglass sportfisher

Our Charter Boat - Harper's Folly

Harper's Folly is a North Carolina custom built legend 42' fiberglass sportfisher. She has twin Cummins Clean Burn Diesel engines and a Northern Light 5kw generator. The Folly is rigged with the latest top of the line electronics and all Coast Guard prescribed necessary safety equipment. Harper's Folly is USCG licensed for 6 passengers. Our charters include all well maintained fishing tackle and bait (from 20# class to 80# class.) All of your fishing licenses will be included in our inclusive price while fishing on Harper's Folly.

We've Made Many Improvements Recently

New Tuna Greenstick
New Cabin AC/Heat
32' Flat Screen TV with DVD Player
Refrigerator
Microwave Oven
Keurig Coffee Machine

Pack a Lunch and Come Expecting the Time of Your Life!

Call For Our Hatteras Fishing Charter Prices

Reserve your trip with a $250 deposit made with a credit card by calling either Capt. Dunn at 252-305-0799 or the Marina at 252-986-2460

Full Day Offshore Gulf Stream Charter

Come aboard the Harper's Folly and enjoy eight hours of quality Cape Hatteras sportfishing. We offer one of the shortest rides to the Gulf Stream on the East Coast. We normally leave the dock from Teach’s Lair Marina by first light and return by 5 pm. Fishing the Gulf Stream could land you catches like mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, bluefin tuna, king mackerel, sailfish, white marlin or blue marlin depending on what is in season during your stay.

Half Day Near shore / Inshore Charter (am or pm)

Whether you’re here on vacation or just live near by, half day inshore charters are the perfect way to spend the morning or afternoon fishing off Cape Hatteras. These charters can be enjoyed by the entire everyone simply because families and children are our specialty! Your inshore and near shore charter catches can include spanish mackerel, bluefish, red drum, striped bass or cobia.

3/4 Offshore Bottom Fishing Charter

This popular charter trip targets grouper, tilefish and triggerfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to purchase a fishing license?

All fishing licenses are provided by the boat while you are fishing on Harper's Folly.

Do you filet our catch?

You can take your fish home with you or have it processed here. Teach's Lair Marina maintains a top quality professional fish cleaning and packaging service on site at a per pound fee. Remember to bring along a cooler if you intend to take home fish but due to limited space please leave it in your vehicle while you are out fishing.

Who do I call for a reservation?

Please call Capt. Shaun Dunn at 252-305-0799 or the booking desk at Teach's Lair Marina/Hatteras Landing at 252-986-2460. Deposits can be paid by credit card over the phone or by credit card or cash in person at the boat or marina office.

What if it is necessary to cancel a trip due to weather?

Only the captain can make that call. If Capt. Dunn considers the weather unsafe for your trip he will give you the choice of returning your deposit or applying it to rescheduling another charter date. Even if you believe that your trip will be canceled you absolutely must show up at the dock ready to fish in order to receive a refund. Often the weather at the dock may seem unfishable but the weather in the Gulf Stream can be very different and quite comfortable.

What food and drinks can we bring?

Please bring your own food and beverages of choice on your charter. We do request that you do not bring glass containers onto the boat. We allow alcoholic beverages in moderation but keep in mind that for safety reasons the captain reserves the right to terminate the charter at any time when he considers that the charter group is unruly and not being responsible.

Will I get seasick?

Every person is different and unless you have already been offshore fishing you will not know beforehand. If you don't know your own situation please consider taking an over the counter motion sickness medicine before your charter. Also avoid a large greasy breakfast and coffee as these are known to cause issues in some people. If you prefer to not use any of the various pills and deal with their side effects, we suggest considering a product called Reliefband. Originallt these were only available by prescription for pregnant ladies with morning sickness but now they are available to everyone. I have found safer or better for dealing with seasickness.

What should I wear?

Please wear layered clothing. Sometimes it can be chilly leaving the dock but the balmy Gulf Stream waters will warm you quickly. We highly recommend non-slip sneakers or deck shoes and polarized sunglasses. Consider wearing a cap or wide brim hat will help keep the sun off the top of your head and neck. The sun reflecting off the waves can get very intense so we recommend bringing along plenty of good sun block.

Should I tip the first mate?

On your charter trip it will soon become obvious that the most important and the hardest working person contributing to your fish catching success is the first mate. He works hard for you because he is paid by your tips. In North Carolina it has always been traditional to tip your mate 20% of the charter fee. Please also let the captain know how you felt about the first mate and the job he did for you.