Captain's License - Andrew Jackson, Atlantic Blue Charters

What the License Covers

Captain Andrew Jackson holds a captain's license for passenger vessels as defined in coastal waters. The license lists him as the holder and was issued with serial number 00007 2020. This credential authorizes him to operate fishing charters in the waters off North Carolina, where he runs Atlantic Blue Charters with his experienced crew.

The license reflects his qualifications to captain vessel trips that carry paying passengers. Whether you're heading offshore for tuna and mahi-mahi or staying inshore to target flounder and redfish, Captain Jackson operates under this authority. His familiarity with the North Carolina coast—from the deep blue water to the shallow sounds—is backed by the training and vetting required to hold this class of license.

Your Offshore and Inshore Options

Atlantic Blue Charters runs a range of fishing trips tailored to different experience levels and target species. On a 6-hour offshore trip, Captain Jackson will take you out from Snead's Ferry into deeper water to pursue Spanish bonita, sailfish, mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and yellowfin tuna. The boat is a 28-foot Sportsman center console with dual 300-horsepower Yamaha engines, built in 2020, so you'll get out to the grounds quickly and fish in comfort.

If you prefer staying closer to shore, inshore trips target red drum, black drum, sheepshead, trout, and flounder when in season. These 4-hour and 6-hour runs fish the creeks, sounds, and coastal areas around Topsail Island and beyond. Captain Jackson and his first mate will use live bait, artificial lures, or a combination depending on conditions and what you want to catch. Every charter includes a fishing license, drinks, live bait, and quality tackle, so you show up ready to fish.

Flounder gigging is a seasonal specialty when North Carolina opens the season—usually for two weeks in early September. This hands-on technique gives you a shot at some genuinely big fish when few others are allowed to keep them. Sunset cruises through the Intracoastal Waterway offer a different pace, with the chance to relax and take in the colors as the sun drops.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

The charter includes a fishing license, so you don't need to buy a separate one before you book. Bring casual, weather-appropriate clothes and plan to get wet—offshore spray is part of the adventure. Sunscreen is essential, and a hat with a strap will stay on better in the wind. If you're prone to seasickness, take your medication before departure; the Atlantic can run rough depending on conditions.

For offshore trips, you'll want to eat a solid breakfast and bring snacks and water. Deep sea fishing is physically engaging, especially if you're targeting heavier species on heavy tackle. Inshore trips in the sounds are typically calmer, but mornings can be chilly even in summer, so layer up. Ask Captain Jackson about what species are biting that week and what techniques he'll focus on—he adjusts his plan based on recent reports and your skill level.

If you're fishing for the first time, tell the crew. They'll show you how to hold the rod, set the hook, and work a fish on the line. Light tackle fishing rewards finesse and feel; heavy tackle is more about raw power and holding on. Both are rewarding in different ways, and Atlantic Blue Charters offers both so you can pick the style that appeals to you.

The Boat and the Crew

The 28-foot Sportsman is designed for up to 5 guests, which means you're not crowded and there's room to move between rods. The twin Yamahas get you to prime fishing grounds fast—the boat runs up to 60 knots—so you spend more time fishing than commuting. The center console layout keeps sightlines clear and puts you close to the action.

Captain Jackson is supported by a knowledgeable first mate who handles rigging, baiting, finding structure, and teaching technique. They know the water, the fish, and how to read conditions. Their goal is to get you on fish and make sure you have a good day, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.