USCG Captain Todd Burns

Captain Todd has been fishing the blue waters off of Morehead City, NC for decades. He knows these waters-not just as a charter captain, but as someone who genuinely enjoys being on the ocean. This is where he is most at home. He is in his element when heading offshore. He has spent years of his free time, researching the best lures, and the right gear to catch the best fish.

Salt Water Fishing has been in Todd's family for generations. His grandfather, Gene Burns, built a beach cottage in Yaupon Beach, NC on Oak Island in the 1950's. He fished the waters off Southport, NC for decades. After retiring, he worked with his good friend, Captain Rob, who had a Charter Boat in Southport. The pair made quite the team! Todd always loved being at the dock when the boat came in. He couldn't wait to see what they caught! It never got old.

Todd's Dad, Larry, loved to king fish off the pier in his younger years. Family beach vacations were always on Oak Island. Papaw Burns called Larry anytime "the fish were biting" so he could bring the grandkids down to fish. Papaw probably used that as an excuse to see his grandkids!

Todd's parents decided to visit the Crystal Coast in the mid 1980's for Fall fishing. They instantly fell in love with the area, especially the beautiful blue water. They were hooked. The rest of the Burns family beach trips were spent there. It became a family tradition to vacation the week of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Todd fished here for years with his Dad, his best friend, his sons and nephews, and anyone else they knew that wanted to fish. He spent most of his free time for years, driving down to fish offshore. They learned a lot navigating these waters. Todd learned a lot about life from time spent with his Dad.

Todd and his fiance' relocated to Carteret County in 2021. Todd's oldest son lives here with his family and is a Marine Mechanic. Todd decided to stop putting off his dream of becoming a Charter boat captain and obtained his USCG Captain's license. Todd's parents retired from ministry and relocated in the fall of 2021.

Todd fished in the Big Rock Tournament in 2024 & 2025. His dad was so excited! Todd's Dad passed away in November, 2025 with his family by his side. He was 80 years old. He and his highschool sweetheart Joyce, had just celebrated their 61st anniversary in August. Grampy is in heaven with Jesus now, awaiting the day his family will be reunited. He will always and forever be a part of everything we do. His legacy lives on in his family.

It's not just about the fishing. Todd is passing down all the wisdom he gleaned from his Dad to his sons, nephews and granddaughter for future generations. Salt water flows through his veins-it's in his DNA. Today, he's sharing that passion for the NC coast with his guests at Hook Line and Sandbar Charters.

Named after his 2 sons, the Noah-J is a 2260 Bayrider, perfect for boat rides down the ICW, This vessel has comfortable, cushioned seats-you're not just sitting on fiber glass! It has a great sound system that adds to the experience. The Noah-J is great for Eco Tours searching for dolphin pods and wild horses roaming the barrier islands or a Sunset Cruise to end the day. It is named after his sons.