4 Hour Crabbing & Shrimping Trip in Manns Harbor
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon crabbing and shrimping adventure in Manns HarborAll equipment provided by experienced captain from Croatan ChartersFamilyfriendly inshore trip accommodates up to six guests
Looking for a laid-back afternoon on the water that the whole family can enjoy? This noon departure crabbing and shrimping trip out of Manns Harbor is exactly what you need. While most folks think of fishing with rods and reels, there's something special about working the shallow waters for these tasty crustaceans. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you pulling up crab pots and running shrimp nets in no time. Just grab some snacks and drinks, and let Croatan Charters handle the rest – all gear and equipment is provided.
This top-rated afternoon trip kicks off right at noon when the sun's warming up the shallows and the crabs are getting active. You'll be working the productive inshore waters around Manns Harbor, where the mix of fresh and salt water creates perfect conditions for blue crabs and shrimp. The captain will have all the crab pots, dip nets, and shrimp nets ready to go – no need to worry about bringing your own gear. With space for up to six guests, this is a customer favorite for families and small groups who want to try something different from traditional rod-and-reel fishing. The four-hour window gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and really get the hang of reading the water for signs of crab and shrimp activity.
Crabbing and shrimping is all about patience and knowing where to look. Your captain will set you up with wire crab pots baited with chicken necks or fish heads – the smellier the better when it comes to attracting blues. You'll learn to read the tides and understand why certain grass beds and drop-offs hold more crabs than others. For shrimping, it's all about working the cast nets or push nets along the grass lines where these little guys like to hide. The captain will show you how to spot shrimp movement in the water and the proper technique for throwing a net. Don't worry if you've never done it before – most guests pick it up quickly, and even the kids can get involved with the smaller nets. The shallow waters around Manns Harbor are perfect for this type of work, with plenty of structure and grass beds that hold both species.
Blue crabs are the stars of the show in these waters, and for good reason. These feisty crustaceans can reach impressive sizes, with the big males often measuring over seven inches across the shell. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but you'll find them active year-round in the warmer shallows. What makes blue crabs so exciting is their attitude – they'll fight you every step of the way, claws snapping as you bring them up. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling up a pot full of keepers. The meat is sweet and versatile, perfect for crab cakes, steamed whole, or picked for salads.
Shrimp add another dimension to this trip, and the waters around Manns Harbor produce some beautiful specimens. During peak season from late summer into fall, you'll find grass shrimp and white shrimp in good numbers along the grass beds and shallow flats. These translucent little guys are masters of camouflage, but once you learn to spot their movement, you'll start seeing them everywhere. Fresh shrimp taste completely different from what you get at the store – sweeter and more delicate. Many guests are surprised at how much fun it is to work the nets and see what each cast brings up.
This world-class crabbing and shrimping experience offers something you won't find on traditional fishing charters. It's hands-on, family-friendly, and gives you a real taste of how locals have been working these waters for generations. The noon departure time is perfect for families with kids, and the four-hour duration means you'll have plenty of time to work multiple spots without wearing out the little ones. With all equipment provided and a knowledgeable captain showing you the ropes, this trending trip is filling up fast. Whether you're looking to try something new or want to introduce the family to a different side of being on the water, this Manns Harbor adventure delivers. Book your spot with Croatan Charters and get ready to work the shallows for some of the best eating the coast has to offer.
Your floating base for this afternoon crabbing and shrimping adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed to handle the productive waters around Manns Harbor. With room for up to 6 anglers, this vessel gives everyone plenty of space to work the crab pots and shrimp nets without getting tangled up. The onboard fish finder helps locate the best spots where crabs cluster along the bottom structure, while GPS keeps you on the most productive grounds throughout your 4-hour trip. An ice box ensures your catch stays fresh from trap to table, and the head means no cutting trips short. The captain knows these local waters like the back of their hand and provides all the gear you'll need - from crab pots to shrimp nets and bait. Just pack your cooler with drinks and snacks, and get ready to fill it with blue crabs and fresh shrimp. Perfect setup for families wanting to experience the bounty of North Carolina's coastal waters without needing any prior experience.
Manns Harbor, NC