Come summer 2026, I decided to upgrade my booking system to a more modern system. I teamed up with VallyPro to use a a brand new reservations software designed specifically for the nuanced fishing industry.  This program  allows you to see my live, updated calendar and allows you reserve your trips immediately and pay your deposit all in one go. I am really excited for this as this is a win for all me and all my customers. The biggest change you’ll notice is that there is a booking fee associated with this service (which includes the credit card service fee).  And as always, you can always reach me by phone, text or email if you want to book directly or have any questions.

WaterDog Guide Service prides itself on its versatility. With two customized boats, we can offer the best in inshore and nearshore ocean fishing. This also allows us to better customize the experience and price for all of our clients. As a full time charter service, we pride ourselves on our good customer service. That means we pride ourselves on good communication and selling the right trip. In the end, that means we don’t waste each others time and money.

The balance, minus the deposit, will paid be upon completion of the trip. For your convenience, WaterDog Guide Service accepts all major credit cards, Venmo, zelle, cash, etc.  Electronic receipts can be provided upon request.

Note: All Credit Card transactions with incur a 3% service fee.

NOTE – NEW Contender 28T for 2023! For the serious anglers who want to travel aways and “get to the good spots” we specialize trips to the occasion. Fishing offshore is an expensive endeavor for both the guide and the clients, so in order to offer the fairest possible situation, we customize the rate to the individual trip taking into consideration gasoline, etc. Nearshore trips are usually run within 15 miles (weather depending), but offshore trips are outside that range and are typically run in the 25miles to gulf stream range.

Offshore trips are traditionally broken down into two categories. Offshore bottom fishing (within ~35 miles) and Gulf Stream/Bluewater Offshore trolling and, deep-dropping bottom fishing  (typically 40miles+ offshore).

Offshore trips are FULL DAYS ONLY and are longer than the normal full day (8-10hrs).

Offshore trips are designed and priced for 3 people. A 4 person (max) is an extra $200.

The Neuse River and Pamlico Sound offers world class fishing for the big Old Drum (often called “Bull”) in the late summer months. We primarily leave early in the morning to target these fish using popping corks and other artificial lures. Late August through mid September is prime time.

The Cape Lookout false albacore fishery is famous and we have been catering to both novice and serious anglers since 2003. For prime dates, weekends, multiple boats or multiple days we encourage you to book as far in advance as possible. However, last minute dates, particularly singles, are often available.

We require a deposit of  $200, per day, to hold your date. Deposits can be made with a credit card via email invoice OR with a personal check through the mail. Checks can be made out to WaterDog Guide Service. Please inquire for our mailing address.

Deposits must be received within five days of making the reservation. If a deposit is not received in that time we reserve the right to cancel the trip without notice.

WaterDog Guide Service has an industry-standard cancellation policy of 30 days. If you decide to cancel the trip, on your own accord, within that 30 day period your deposit will be forfeited. The exception to the 30 day cancellation period is all Roanoke River trips (March, April and May) and any October or November booking are subject to a 60 day cancellation period. All trips cancelled within 60 days will be subject to forfeiture of deposit. In addition, given high demand, all Roanoke River and Oct/Nov trips cancelled by the customer within a 14 day period will be charged 50% of the trip balance and all trips cancelled by the  customer with 7 days will be charged the full balance of the trip.

We are very fair in applying this policy.

Weather cancellations – the captain, and only the captain, reserves the right to cancel the trip due to inclement weather. Trust me – i hate fishing in horrible weather. We are very fair.

Without question, if a trip is cancelled due to weather or mechanical problems, the will be refunded within 10 days of the date. Due to extreme weather (such as a hurricane), we reserve the right to refund the deposit within 30 days of the cancellation.

No shows will charged the full amount of the trip.

All Gift Certificates and trips purchased through charity events (for example – CCA) have an expiration date of one year from date of purchase.