Right out of high school, Charles stepped into the world of charter fishing. He began by helping a friend who owned one of the top boats in the area—cleaning the vessel while learning the business, the customers, and the craft. Over time, he earned opportunities to run trips on days off and during tournaments. Those experiences became the foundation for the charter business he runs today, where he now shares the thrill of fishing and the beauty of the Crystal Coast with visitors from all over.

Tourism plays a vital role in that work. “Tourism is absolutely essential to the success of the charter fishing industry here,” Charles explains. Without the steady flow of visitors who come to fish, explore, and experience life on the water, the demand simply wouldn’t be strong enough to sustain charters year-round. Winters are especially challenging, so many local watermen—including Charles—turn to commercial fishing for tuna, shellfish, and other species to support their families during the off-season. That combination of charter and commercial fishing is part of what gives the Crystal Coast its reputation for offering some of the freshest seafood anywhere—even compared to much larger coastal destinations.

Tourism’s impact reaches far beyond the docks. “When visitors book trips, eat at restaurants, and buy local seafood, they’re supporting countless jobs,” Charles says. Around 80% of area restaurants serve fresh, locally caught seafood, much of it harvested by watermen just like Charles. Without tourism, that connection would weaken, and the community would rely more heavily on imported seafood—changing not only the local economy but the identity of the Crystal Coast.

There’s a reason the sign heading into town reads “Fisherman’s Paradise.” For Charles, that phrase captures the heart of Carteret County. “If you love being on the water, there’s just something special about this place,” he says. “The energy, the landscape, the fish—it’s one of a kind. I’m proud to be part of this industry, and I hope every visitor walks away with a deeper appreciation for the people, the work, and the waters that make this place so unique.”

Through his charters and his commitment to the local seafood industry, Charles helps preserve a way of life that has defined the Crystal Coast for generations—sharing its beauty, its history, and its unmatched coastal character with everyone who steps aboard.