Surf/Shore Fishing

North Carolina is one of the premier surf/shore fishing sites in the United States, with over 300 miles of barrier islands and the second largest estuary in our country. Fishing is an extremely popular recreational activity for people, whether they visit or live coastal North Carolina. The Crystal Coast has miles of beautiful beaches and estuarine shorelines for people to try to catch fish.

Crystal Coast Ecotours offers personal lessons on how to fish from the shore to enhance people’s experience at the coast. Capt. Jess Hawkins of Crystal Coast Ecotours has over 50 years of fishing experience in North Carolina and fishing is his passion. He taught surf fishing lessons for the North Carolina Aquarium for almost 10 years and studied the conservation of fish for over 30 years.

Capt. Jess will teach people the basics of rod and reel fishing from the shore. He will cover basics such as optimal baits, effective gear, and prime fishing locations. Crystal Coast Ecotours will provide bait and tackle for participants for participants can bring their own gear. Call for availability and rates. Participants need to have a North Carolina fishing license.

Personalized Experiences

Your Outer Banks adventure will depart from the Beaufort Hotel.

Capt. Jess Hawkins has fished recreationally in the waters of coastal North Carolina for over 50 years. Also, he studied fish his entire career as a marine biologist and has taught fishing classes to people of all ages. He loves sharing his passion for fishing with others and specializes in having fun with individuals or families while fishing the nearshore waters and sounds. So, don’t worry about any lack of experience!

Half-day Ecotour: $400 – 4 hours
Full-day Ecotour: $500  – 6 hours

Payment is accepted by cash or personal check.

Contact Capt. Jess directly to make your arrangements during your stay for this once in a lifetime experience.

Advance Reservations Only

Call Crystal Coast Ecotours directly to book at (252) 808-3354 or (252) 241-6909. Be sure to tell them you are staying at the Beaufort Hotel. You can also email Capt. Jess at crystalcoastecotours@gmail.com

Please note that these are individualized experiences so they are in high demand and book up very fast.

Person smiling while holding fish with large fins

Locals Recommend

“A day on the water with Captain Jess has been the highlight of all our trips. My son caught not only his first fish, but his first three fishes ever! We can’t wait to schedule a trip (or two) when we come back next year!”

Where your Outer Banks adventure begins.

Situated on ten acres, the Beaufort Hotel is offers the privacy of a boutique hotel within minutes to some of the best experiences you’ll enjoy on the Southern Outer Banks.

During your stay, discover, experience, and explore Beaufort – named the Best Small Town for Adventure in America by USA Today.

The Beaufort Hotel is a private escape that’s close to every kind of adventure you can imagine. We encourage you to explore like a local, as we give you a slice of what it’s like to live here on the Crystal Coast.

Attraction Details

Experience Beaufort North Carolina’s Attractions

Discover 300 years of Beaufort’s history and step back in time and experience some amazing local attractions during your stay.