The Tuna Duck is a 50' custom built Cape Hatteras charter fishing boat, designed specifically for fishing the offshore waters off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The Tuna Duck was built in 1985 by Captain Buddy Cannady of Manteo, North Carolina. She was launched in April '85 and purchased in October of that year by Capt. Jerry Shepherd, the sole owner until 2007 when Capt. Dan Rooks joined Jerry as co-owner. Capt. Rooks has been her captain since that time. Captain Rooks is now the sole owner and manager of the Tuna Duck.

Cannot mistake that Carolina flare.

The cockpit is roomy enough for 6 anglers to fish quite comfortably. It is configured with 2 fiberglass sailfish chairs and a Scopinich Bluefin Unlimited fighting chair. It is equipped with a large kill box, bait station, and large ice box.

The air-conditioned and heated salon has 2 large bench seats with thick cushions that encompass the entire starboard and port sides. There is plenty of room for coolers and other gear.

Below, there are 2 smaller berths, boat storage, and of course, the head.

Why the name "Tuna Duck"?
The boat was named for the Cory's Shearwater gull which is often seen feeding over schools of tunas. Her original captain, Jerry Shepherd, who loves ducks and is quite a bird watcher, began calling those magnificent birds "tuna ducks". When he got his boat, he wanted an unusual name that everyone would remember. Hence the name Tuna Duck.

CAPTAIN RONALD DAWSON
A lifetime waterman, Capt. Ron has the experience needed to provide your crew a safe, productive, and enjoyable day at sea.  

Contact Captain Ron at
252-216-6160 or Mary at 772-219-9592 to book a trip.
info@tunaduck.com

MATE NIK SITTERLY
Born in 1995, raised in the Carolinas, Nick Sitterly has fished offshore from Hatteras for seven years and is raising his family locally.

OWNER/MANAGER CAPTAIN DAN ROOKS
Captain Dan Rooks has worked the boats and waters off Hatteras for over three decades and strives to keep the personnel and equipment in place, to provide your safe , enjoyable offshore experience aboard the Tuna Duck.

BOOKING PERSON MARY SHEPHERD
If you call 772-219-9592, you will speak with Mary, the booking person and website designer/manager. She made the first Tuna Duck website "a hundered years ago," back in 1998-ish, and loves taking your calls. She is available to answer your calls from 9 AM to 9 PM.

"FOUNDING FATHER" JERRY SHEPHERD
The Tuna Duck has only had 2 owners since Tuna Duck Sportfishing began. Captain Jerry Shepherd began the business back in 1985 and ran the boat until Captain Rooks took over in 2007.This continuity has insured that the Duck has been well-maintained and always respected.