Meet Captain Randy Thornton

Captain Randy Thornton grew up on the Outer Banks, where his passion for fishing started at an early age. Spending his childhood exploring the beaches, sounds, and backwaters with his dad, he developed a deep appreciation for the waters surrounding Wanchese, NC. That passion led him to earn his Captain's license and pursue a career in fishing, running offshore charters for over a decade. While he enjoyed the challenge of deep-sea fishing, his love for Nearshore and Inshore fishing never faded. Whether targeting red drum in the shallows or trolling for king mackerel just offshore, Captain Randy has built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and experienced Outer Banks fishing guides.

Now, as the owner of RipTide Charters, Captain Randy focuses on providing unforgettable fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels. He takes pride in offering Wanchese family fishing charters, ensuring kids and beginners feel comfortable while seasoned anglers can chase trophy fish. His charters include everything from affordable half-day fishing trips in Wanchese, NC, to private deep-sea fishing adventures for tuna and mahi-mahi. Whether you're looking for light tackle action, nearshore trolling, or Outer Banks sportfishing, Captain Randy is dedicated to making every trip a success. His goal is simple—to create lasting memories for his clients, just like the ones he made growing up on these waters.

Captain Randy Thornton utilizes a variety of fishing techniques to ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for every angler. His expertise includes light tackle fishing for precision and finesse, as well as heavy tackle for targeting larger offshore species. He is skilled in bottom fishing, perfect for catching grouper, snapper, and other deep-dwelling fish, while trolling is a go-to method for landing king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and tuna in the Outer Banks. Captain Randy also incorporates spinning and jigging, offering an exciting way to entice aggressive fish like amberjack and cobia. For topwater action, he employs popping to create explosive strikes from predatory fish, while drift fishing allows for a natural presentation when targeting red drum and flounder. No matter the conditions, Captain Randy adapts his approach to maximize success on every RipTide Charters trip.

Boat Details:

Captain Randy Thornton’s 25-foot Mako center console is built for performance, comfort, and versatility on the water. Powered by a 300HP Suzuki engine, this boat reaches a cruising speed of 30 knots, ensuring quick access to prime fishing spots in the Outer Banks. Designed for both inshore and nearshore fishing, the vessel provides a stable and spacious deck, accommodating up to five guests for an action-packed day on the water. The center console layout allows for 360-degree fishability, making it perfect for techniques like trolling, jigging, popping, and bottom fishing. Whether targeting red drum in the shallows or chasing king mackerel offshore, this well-equipped boat delivers a smooth and efficient ride for every RipTide Charters adventure.