NAGS HEAD BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Be Your Own Captain on the Roanoke: 17' Outboard Skiff Rentals in Nags Head
Self-drive 17' outboard skiffs for fishing, cruising and dolphin watching with flexible 2–8 hour rental options and on-site bait and tackle.
Be Your Own Captain on the Roanoke: 17' Outboard Skiff Rentals in Nags Head.
On the glassy expanse of the Roanoke Sound, a nimble 17-foot skiff puts the work in your hands: cast for inshore species, teach kids to crab from the bow, or cut a line of wake and scan for dolphins as you head toward Roanoke Island Festival Park. Rentals come with a 40hp Yamaha outboard and a maximum four-person capacity, making these boats a compact, capable choice for short excursions and full-day outings alike.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Nimble 17' Skiffs with 40hp Yamaha Outboards
These Carolina-style skiffs are fitted with 40hp Yamaha four-stroke engines and rated for up to four people, ideal for inshore fishing, crabbing and relaxed cruising on the Roanoke Sound.
Dolphin Sightings and Inshore Fishing
Spend your rental watching for dolphins, casting for local inshore species, or teaching kids to catch blue crabs—activities the operator highlights as perfect uses for these boats.
On‑Site Tackle, Bait and Licenses
Stock up before you go: the tackle shop stocks rods, reels, line, a full assortment of fresh, frozen and artificial bait and carries leading brands—licenses for anglers 16+ can be purchased on arrival.
What the day feels like
What Being Your Own Captain Feels Like
You’ll walk from the tackle shop to a compact skiff, push off and navigate shallow sound waters at throttle, turning the outing into a hands-on lesson in inshore seamanship. Depending on your rental length you can punch out for a quick two-hour run, spend a half day setting lines and traps, or take a full-day loop of the sound and shorelines—always with the convenience of bait, ice, and tackle on hand.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are offered in 2, 4, 6 and 8 hour options—choose according to fishing plans or how long you want to cruise the sound.
Bring weather‑appropriate clothing, sunscreen and anything you want to eat or drink; the shop supplies bait, ice, tackle and sells rods, reels and line if needed.
Everyone 16 and older must have an NC fishing license to fish from the boat; youth life jackets are provided and children 13 and under must wear a life jacket.
The tackle shop is open 6am–6pm; boats operate between 7am and 5pm—plan your arrival accordingly to check gear and purchase licenses if needed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the rental durations and rates?
Rentals are available for 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours with set rates for each duration.
How many people can ride on the 17' skiff?
Each 17' outboard skiff has a maximum capacity of four persons.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes—everyone 16 and older must have a North Carolina fishing license to fish from the boats; licenses can be purchased at the shop upon arrival or online in advance.
Are life jackets provided?
Youth life jackets are provided and children 13 and under must wear a life jacket; personal jackets are acceptable if they are U.S. Coast Guard approved.
Is there an age requirement to rent?
Renters must be 21 years old to rent a boat.
Can I buy bait and tackle on site?
Yes—the shop stocks a full line of tackle, rods, reels, fishing line and fresh, frozen and artificial bait, and is an authorized dealer for leading brands.