Half Day
$6504-hr trolling / reef
Nearshore reefs and trolling close to the beach. The easiest introduction to offshore fishing, and the best fit for younger kids. A 5-hour version adds a final hour of shark fishing for $800.
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Three generations
Three generations
on the same water
The Batson family has run charters out of Carolina Beach since 1956. Step aboard the Cheerio Lady — a 40′ custom sportfisherman — for reef, bottom and Gulfstream trips with everything you need already on the boat.
1956
Fishing since
100+
Years combined experience
60 mi
Range offshore
40′
Custom sportfisherman
Batson Charter Boats
A full-service charter, not a headboat
Every trip is a private charter — your group, your boat, no strangers on the rail. Capt. John and his crew have been putting people on fish out of Carolina Beach their whole lives, and they run trips for first-timers and serious anglers alike.
You show up with a cooler and what you want to eat. We handle the rest: custom rods and reels, bait, tackle, ice, and a blanket fishing license that covers everyone aboard. Want your fish cleaned, washed and bagged before you leave the dock? We do that too.
- Private charters only
- Beginners and kids welcome
- Custom rods & Penn/Shimano reels
- License covered for all aboard
- Head and bunks below deck
- Fish cleaning available
Charters
Pick your water
Four ways to fish, from a half day on the nearshore reefs to a full run at the Gulfstream. All rates are per boat, not per person.
3/4 Day
$1,2006-hr amberjack
Run out to the wrecks and ledges for amberjack, or take the 8-hour trolling and bottom-fishing trip at $1,600 for a mixed bag of grouper, snapper and king mackerel.
Full Day Offshore
$2,400Deep bottom & trolling
A full day on the deeper structure — grouper, snapper, big amberjack and whatever is trolling well that week. The trip most groups book when they want a serious box of fish.
Gulfstream
$2,600Blue water
The full 60-mile push to blue water for mahi, wahoo and tuna. Weather dependent, and worth every mile when it lines up.
Included on every trip
Custom rods and reels · Bait · Tackle · Ice · Fishing license for everyone aboard. A credit card deposit holds your date; the balance is due the day of the charter.
On the line
What you're fishing for
The Boat
The Cheerio Lady
A fully customized 40′ fiberglass sportfisherman with a big cockpit, high sides and enough room that nobody is fishing on top of anybody else.
| Length & hull | 40′ solid fiberglass |
|---|---|
| Power | Single 430 hp Cummins Marine turbo diesel |
| Cruise | A smooth 17 knots |
| Electronics | Full complement of Garmin and Humminbird |
| Below deck | 6 bunks, private head, rod storage |
Reviews
What our anglers say
★★★★★
“Best experience ever. We were new to fishing and had no idea what we were doing. John and Brandon taught us everything we needed to know.”
★★★★★
“If you’re looking for a fishing charter this is the place to go!! My family took me out on the Cheerio Lady and we had an incredible time.”
★★★★★
“Capt Drake and Pete took us for a great trip. 56 Spanish Mackerel. Nice boat. Fun time. John met us before and after. Highly recommend.”
★★★★★
“Captain John and the Cheerio Lady crew are awesome. Very care free vibe on the boat.”
★★★★★
“We hit fish right out of the inlet and we had a busy afternoon… Captain Drake found the fish again and again. There is nothing better than the panic of several reels going off at once!”
★★★★★
“We have our Father’s Day fishing trip every year and Batson Charters have served us well for the last 13 years!!”
Dates go fast in season
Call Capt. John to check availability, or send your preferred date and we'll get right back to you.