Testimonials
Come join USCG Licensed Captain Dave Lusk for a great day on the water. Salt Minded Fishing Charters is the premiere light tackle inshore & nearshore fishing guide service on the OBX!
Great Captain and Boat
Highly recommend Dave Lusk and his boat Salt Minded. In the morning, Dave made the right weather calls and held us back till storms passed. Once we got out, nobody was catching anything, anywhere. However, Captain Lusk kept us moving and searching till we hit 'the' spot and then it was busy; caught our limit and had a great time . Just the kind of captain you want.July 6, 2023
Anthony C
Another Great Day with Captain Dave
Had another amazing day out fishing with Captain Dave Lusk of Salt Minded Fishing charters. This was our 5th year going out with Captain Dave and never disappoints. Captain put us on fish throughout the entire day. Will see you again next year! Thank you!!September 19, 2021
michaelg71
Amazing
you will not be disappointed going out with Captain Dave. Extremely down to earth, great with kids and knows how to find the fish. There Is a reason his phone blows up with other captains calling him asking where the fish are. Been with him 4 years in a row now. Do yourself a favor, book Dave ASAP.August 1, 2021
Rachel Lewis
Multiple Amazing Fishing Experiences!
Salt Minded with Captain Dave has been some of the best fishing experiences we’ve had. Extremely knowledgeable and knows just where to go to find fishing hotspots. We’ve been with him on amazing blue sky days as well as dreary cold rainy days and yet we still get into the fish! Captain Dave is great with any level angler from very beginners to the advanced! This is definitely one fishing trip you won’t want to miss out on!April 22, 2021
Jordan
Great captain
I have been out with Captain Dave multiple times. Each time has been in different seasons, weather and fishing conditions. Every time, Dave has put us on the fish. He is very knowledgeable of the fishery and the area. We caught fish for a couple hours every other cast and left them biting to go try something else and produced fish there as well. Easy to talk to and ask questions. Dave is always willing to help and makes the trip enjoyable.April 22, 2021
Ross E
Great time fishing with Captain Dave!
This was our second time out with Dave and Salt Minded Charters. Last time was about 5 years ago. Unfortunately I lost access to my Trip Advisor account so starting fresh. Went out on March 14th. Not the best time of year to fish inshore in the sound, but Dave did some scouting before we arrived and put us on the fish! Caught mostly Trout, but we did lose a couple decent redfish at the by boat and had few more that came off. Got lucky on the weather for our day on the water.Dave is a super nice guy and an awesome guide. Definitely recommend him for anyone looking to fish in the outer banks. Will be looking him up again the next time we visit.
March 30, 2021
Chuck K
3rd Times a charm
This was our third trip out with Captain Dave and did not disappoint! proved to be another great fishing trip. My boys ages 11 & 16 caught 8 to 10 speckled trout and each caught a drum in the 25 lb or more range. Greatly enjoyed spending day out with Capt Dave. I would highly recommend him as he was very patient and worked well with my boys. Thank you Capt. Dave hope to see you again next year!August 17, 2019
michaelg71
Caught the biggest fish of my life
Took my daughters (ages 10 and 13) and myself on a half day trip. From the start Dave was awesome. He made us feel welcome. He was easy going and well organized. We all caught fish. As the trip was about to wrap up Dave said "do you want to try one more spot and go for a big fish?" I said of course. Captain Dave helped me catch the biggest fish I have ever caught. It was a 53lb Cobia! Fantastic experience. I am even getting a plaque from the state for a record catch. We got back to the dock and everyone wanted to see the Cobia! Completely recommend Captain Dave and SaltMinded.February 12, 2019
Norm O
Fun for everybody
Our family recently went on a trip with Captain Dave. He took us to a spot where all 5 of us caught fish. We had a blast! He was extremely kind and helpful. We also got to see dolphins where Captain Dave gave us a great view of them. Overall it was an amazing experience that I would definitely reccomend!August 1, 2018
kdouglas099
Stand up guy!
My father, brother and I went fishing with Captain Dave in July 2017. We had such a great trip, we decided to book two trips with him this year. Our first trip had to be cancelled due to a tropical storm off the coast. Dave did not want to see us leave without some fish, so he added a day for us-on his day off. Although the weather was ok those next two days, Dave called to let us know that even though we could go out, we wouldn't catch anything. This goes to show that not only is Dave an expert in fishing the OBX waters, but a real stand up guy as well. If you are looking for a Captain with integrity and knowledge, book a trip with Dave. Hopefully we will be able to get out on the water with Dave next year!July 15, 2018
Jason G
AWESOME TIME
This is the first time I took my 19, 15 and 11 year old out on a boat to fish. Plenty of fishing on the shore in the past witch usually ended up skipping rocks for the younger and the older using his phone doing what 19 year olds do on a phone... Snapchat, Facebook whatever it is but it surely wasn't fishing. So when my wife and I thought about a day on the water, I had alittle, no alot of apprehension. This was a grip of money to put out for not being sure if all involved will enjoy it. Since the first correspondence with Capt Dave I knew I was in the right direction. Decided to take the day off work and allow the kids to take the day. Made the drive from Chesapeake VA, about 2 hours. From the minute we got on the boat smiles never left my boys faces. Dave was so knowledgeable about where to get something on the hook, before too long we all had caught something. Not only did he know where to catch the fish but also how to interact with kids. To a parent that goes just as far. After it was all said and done and we returned to the marina, I had absolutely no issue paying the balance and leaving a tip. When asked by Dave what species I was looking to catch, I told him I don't care, just wanted to make memories, and that is exactly what he gave to us. A day none of us will forget.May 15, 2018
jbofo
Capt. Dave knows his stuff!!
Had an awesome day on the water w/ Capt Dave in July. He was really great helping & encouraging my 2 kids, had us try lots of different areas for different species. He's very professional & we felt very safe on the boat. A great day to remember & would highly recommend his expertise in the OBXSeptember 25, 2017
mike l
Great day on the water
Greatly enjoyed spending day out with Capt Dave. I would highly recommend him as he was very patient and worked well with my boys. Thank you Capt. Dave hope to see you again next year!September 5, 2017
michaelg71
Great day out!
My husband and his friends had a great day out with Captain Dave. They highly recommend chartering a trip out with him while visiting OBX.August 9, 2017
lizzz1883
Awesome day of fishing!
Our day fishing with Captain Dave was a day to remember. Captain Dave was very professional, and his knowledge of fishing and the local waters was impressive. The boat was comfortable and was a great platform to fish from. Captain Dave asked us what we would like to catch and he did not let us down! We did everything from catching puppy drum on the grass flats to sight fishing for Cobia of the coast. The icing on the cake was Captain Dave putting us on a school of big Red Drum and my son caught a Citation Red Drum and will receive a certificate from NC. This ranks as one of the best days of fishing I have ever had, and my son said it was the highlight of his vacation and is still talking about it. Captain Dave knows where the fish are and worked hard to make sure we caught them. We will definitely be back!July 19, 2017
awdemo1
Specks and Blues
Great Captain who works his boat off getting you on the fish. Very knowledgeable of the waters, wind, weather and fishing reports. Great rods and reels with assistance if needed. Will book again for sure as we habe been out twice with him already first in 2015 then just today.April 29, 2017
Mark E
Great Adventure
Capt. Dave was great! We traveled with a child and he was patient and explained everything to our son. He knew the area and was able to hit up several areas to ensure we caught something. It also made for a great tour on the water. He was very prepared with plenty of poles and gear needed for the adventure. Definitely a 5 star!! This is the charter to use for sure! Guanranteed fun on the water!April 2, 2017
Amy B
Great day on the water!
Our day with Captain Dave was one of the best days we've ever had on the water. Captain Dave is super friendly and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the waters around Croaton sound. After a fun day on the sound and in the ocean, my 14 YO son and I came away with a pair of Cobia, which Dave spotted (and hooked) from his flydeck, I always wanted to get a Cobia and the fish lived up to its reputation as a strong fighter! Fish cleaning was available at the Wanchese dock for an extra charge.September 11, 2016
Adelmad
Great time with Captain Dave
We spent a morning with Captain Dave fishing in the Sound in August 2016. Our family had a great day catching speckled trout! Brought home 13! Boys said it was the best part of our trip!August 18, 2016
mtlindy
Fun morning on the water with Capt. Dave
Booked a 6 hour trip for 8/6/16 for my 15yo son and me. Dave met us at the marina on time. Caught a few Trout early but it was a little slow so we tried trolling in the ocean. Picked up several bluefish and a surprise blacktip shark! Ran across a school of giant redfish but couldn't get one on. My son was amazed to see 5 40lb+ fish chasing his jig back to the boat. Finished up the day in the sound slamming a bunch of trout. Dave put in extra effort to get us on fish. Much appreciated! We will be looking him up again if we come back to this area in the future.August 7, 2016
ck11600_2016
Great 1/2 Day Fishing Trip in the Sound
We went Sound fishing with Captain Dave on 7/20/16. It was a great time! Captain Dave was pleasant, helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable about fishing and the area. He pointed out different species of fish and helped get our lines set up and in the water quickly and efficiently. There were 4 in our party (mostly beginners) and Dave was very accommodating to us as beginners. We caught one keeper and had several released fish that were either too small or out of season. Dave had us try several spots to see if our luck would increase. My only suggestion is to be sure to ask Dave how to do certain things (if you are interested) like casting, baiting a hook, using your fishing pole, etc. as he is more than happy to give you a quick lesson. I would definitely go fishing with Captain Dave again and definitely recommend him whether you are a beginner or seasoned angler. Also, the boat was comfortable and in good condition, which helped us to feel safe on the water. Overall, a great time!!July 22, 2016
Richard L
Excellent
Captain was enthusiastic and open to teaching us how to fish. Loved what he does and lives to share his knowledge and passion.April 25, 2016
trojanmlb024
A great trip for my son and I
My only challenge for Dave was to get my son hooked up on a 30lb amberjack.Well he not only accomplished that but he put my son on a 40lber!!
And he got me hooked up to a 30lber..........Great Trip!!................Thanks Dave!!
April 5, 2016
Thomas C
Awesome
Capt. Dave is awesome. He knows how to put you on fish and is as excited as you are if not more about the fish you are fighting. The new boat is comfortable and fast. It handles really well in skinny water as well as miles out. I've used Salt Minded several times now and he's always put me on fish. We've caught Reds, Amber Jacks, Cobia, and Mahi. He knows where the fish are and how to catch them!April 2, 2016
pailor97
Fun fishing in the Sound
We were down in the area for some R&R back in Sept. '15 and Capt. Dave showed us a good time out on the water. Despite the looming threat of an approaching tropical storm and some less than ideal fishing conditions we had a great time spending a half-day looking for fish. Our expectations were low because of the conditions, but Capt. Dave managed to sight us some schools of red drum and we hooked into three good sized fish (up to 35"). Lots of fun - Capt. dave is friendly and professional, and we'd definitely go out with him again if we're in the area.April 1, 2016
ecsimms
As good as it gets!
I've fished with Saltminded twice and have a 3rd trip booked this Spring. Dave's knowledge and expertise is unmatched, and you'll be plenty comfortable aboard his versatile Coastal Bay boat. Regardless of the season or what the weather is doing, rest assured that Dave will have you on whatever is biting, with trophy fish a definite possibility!March 26, 2016
craigmcandrew
Cobia Trip
Dave is a first class captain. He is extremely skilled and knowledgeable on Cobia as well as many other species. I caught plenty of fish including a 54 pound Cobia to end the day. He is a top inshore guide hands down. I highly recommend him.March 26, 2016
jarrod315
Excellent Day on the Ocean !
Captain Dave Lusk is : friendly/hospitable/a good teacher/answers your questions and produces fish. He went "beyond the call of duty" to make our day memorable. I have booked two dates for 2016 and have recommended him to my friends. If you fish with Dave you will NOT be disappointed.March 26, 2016
Revnevsev
Fishing at its best
Captain Dave is the hardest working Captain on the OBX. He does his homework and puts you on the fish. He consistently posts about his daily catch on his website. Awesome guy. If you have kids this is the charter boat for you!September 9, 2015
Shawn M
Solid
I've had the pleasure of fishing with Capt. Dave for the last two summers and can whole heartedly recommend SaltMinded charters. Aside from knowing how to find fish - his positive demeanor and obvious enthusiasm for what he does really shines through. I charter with my two boys (ages 9 and 7) and Dave does a great job with the kids. We're headed out again in a few weeks for year # 3 and can't wait to check out the new boat! Prior to booking, I asked the boys if they wanted to go out again with Capt. Dave this year and their reply was unanimous - "why wouldn't we want to". If you want the truth - ask a kid....July 11, 2015
Larry K
Experience of a lifetime.
Have had the pleasure to go on several trips with captain Dave. He goes the extra mile to make sure you leave with the biggest smile and a memory of a lifetime. Highly recommended for any level of experience, novice or expert, you will not be displeased.November 25, 2014
rally0789