Release
Excellent Year Round Fishing off World Famous Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina
About the Crew
Hi, I'm Captain Rom Whitaker, a native of Kinston, NC. I first started fishing with my father and grandparents at the age of three. I can remember my grandmother, Attwood Cameron, taking me fishing from dawn to dusk on the piers at Atlantic Beach. She loved to catch flounder. I always told her if I could get out in that ocean I could really catch some big fish. My father and grandfather spent many hours teaching me how to catch bass and speckled robin in Broad Creek on the lower Neuse River. My first trip to Hatteras was in 1970 in a 19' Thunderbird boat where I quickly realized there were some big fish out there and I needed bigger tackle. Over the next few years, I purchased a 23' SeaCraft and took it to Hatteras fishing just
about every weekend. Finally with my wife's blessings, I moved to Hatteras in 1986 and started fishing for a living. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, Elaine, and two great sons, Rom IV and Cameron. Fishing has really been good for me. I owe my success to all my loyal and supportive customers from all over the US. After 29 years of fishing as a vocation, I am often asked, "Don't you get tired of fishing?" Fishing is what makes my job so much fun. I can truly say that every morning when I get up I am excited and ready to go to work. Fishing is truly unique at Hatteras because you never know what your next big bite is going to be.
Here is a list of the Billfish Tournaments in which I participate.
Name of the Tournament Date Past History Winnings
Hatteras Village Offshore Open May 11-14 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Swansboro Rotary Club Bluewater May 28-29 3rd place
Big Rock Tournament June 13-18 Meatfish category
Hatteras Marlin Club June 27-July1 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Meatfish
Hatteras Grand Slam July 7-9 2nd, 3rd place and Meatfish
Tred Barta Boy's Club Tournament July 14-16 5th place
Ducks Unlimited Billfish Tournament July 29-30 3rd place and Meatfish category
Alice Kelly August 14 Meatfish category
Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament August 16-19 3rd place and big fish category
Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament August 25-27
I like to fish tournaments for marlin. Some last two days with $2,500 entry fees and some are 5 and 6 days with $12,000 entry fees. Of course, your winnings are based on the entry fees. If you are interested in participating, please give me a call (252-986-1031) or email me (Contact Us above) and we can discuss details.
Below is a photo of my wife, sons and me receiving my 5th Governor's Cup Billfish Conservation Series Award from the governor of North Carolina. Click here to learn more about this award.
My name is Wheeler Ballance, and I’m a native of Hatteras Island. I have been fishing these waters since I could walk. I started offshore fishing at 12 on the same boat my great-grandfather once captained, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Fishing isn’t just a job for me—it’s a way of life passed down through generations.
When I’m not out on the water, I work part-time as an EMT. I’ve also worked as a firefighter and continue to volunteer with the Frisco Fire Department.
As your mate I will work hard and do the best I can to make sure you have an unforgettable offshore experience. I look forward to fishing with you and being part of a successful day aboard the Release!
Captain Rom Whitaker PO Box 150 Hatteras, North Carolina 27943 Docked at Hatteras Harbor Phone 252-986-1031 & 252-216-6106