Duck Hunting Guide Services

Trophy Hunter Charters operates out of Pirates Cove Marina in Manteo, NC under Captain Kenneth Brown—a native Outer Banks guide whose family has been showing people these waters since his grandfather Aycock Brown's days with the Dare County Tourist Bureau. Kenneth started fishing at age eight as a first mate for his father, worked Gulf Stream charters under Captain Omie Tillett starting in 1990, and has spent 45+ years on local waters. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from North Carolina State University but chose to return to fishing full-time after eight months in Virginia.

"It is hard to call what I do work." — Captain Kenneth Brown

The Trophy Hunter is a custom-built charter boat constructed by boat builder and captain Buddy Cannady specifically for the charter fishing industry. Modern equipment throughout with continuous upgrades.

• •Climate Control: Dometic 24,000 BTU and 16,000 BTU AC/Heat systems
• •Electronics: Full navigational suite with Sirius satellite marine weather interface
• •Comfort: Galley with microwave, TV viewable from salon, iPod/DVD-ready sound system
• •Power: 5kw generator

Yellow fin tuna fishing runs in full swing through fall before duck season arrives. Trophy Hunter Charters available for major East Coast tournaments including:

• •Morehead City Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
• •Pirates Cove Alice Kelly Ladies Tournament
• •Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament
• •Ocean City White Marlin Tournament
• •Oregon Inlet Tuna Round Up
• •Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament
• •White Marlin Open

• •Day Length: 5:00 am to 4:30-5:00 pm
• •Price: $2,700 per trip (2021 rates)
• •Included: All licenses, tackle, and bait
• •Deposit: $500 required (refundable if weather cancels)
• •Gratuity: 15-20% for first mate typical

Eastern North Carolina's waterfowl season runs November through end of January. Package deals available including lodging, meals, and guided services.

Hunts commonly target multiple species in a single outing:

• •Greenwing teal
• •Bluewing teal
• •Ring necks
• •Woodducks
• •Shovelers
• •Pintail
• •Gadwall
• •Widgeon
• •Black duck
• •Mallards

Multi-species days are common—guides report killing up to five different duck species on single hunts

• •Large blinds designed for comfort
• •Backs and roof for weather protection
• •Hot breakfast standard on every hunt
• •Boots optional (focus is on the ducks)

• •Address: 2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo, NC 27954
• •Phone: (252) 216-9463
• •Dock: Pirates Cove Marina (opens 5:00 am daily)

• •Fish Cleaning: Oregon Inlet offers paid cleaning, bagging, and cold storage
• •Taxidermy: Partnership with Gray's Taxidermy for mount work; Captain Kenneth available for questions
• •Makeup Charters: Available through Pirates Cove Marina if you want to share costs with other anglers

Captains at Pirates Cove are recognized not just for fishing skill but for teamwork and service quality. Kenneth takes pride in promoting both his business and the broader sportfishing industry. Many out-of-state captains comment specifically on the cooperative culture within this fleet.