Swansboro NC Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing charter accommodates six guests maximum.Cedar Point waters offer trophy catches and hidden cove exploration.Lizardfish Charters provides complete water adventure fishing experience.
Picture this: you're out on the crystal-clear waters around Cedar Point, NC, with your line in the water and the North Carolina coast stretching out behind you. This 4-hour inshore fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the best fishing grounds on the East Coast. Captain and crew from Lizardfish Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on the fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to land your personal best or bringing the family for a day they'll never forget, this trip delivers the goods.
Your day starts at the dock in Swansboro, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on what's been biting lately. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. We're targeting the productive inshore waters around Cedar Point, where grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths create perfect ambush spots for hungry gamefish. The captain reads the water conditions, tide charts, and recent reports to put you on the most productive spots. Some days we're working the shallow flats, other times we're hitting deeper channel edges – it all depends on what the fish are telling us. Don't worry about bringing tackle; all rods, reels, and terminal gear are provided, along with fresh bait and a variety of lures that have been proven winners in these waters.
Inshore fishing here is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. We'll be using medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that's perfect for the species we're targeting. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself casting soft plastics along grass beds, bouncing bottom rigs over oyster bars, or working topwater plugs in the early morning calm. The captain will show you the ropes if you're new to these techniques, or let experienced anglers work their own magic. Live bait is often the ticket – fresh shrimp, mud minnows, and finger mullet are local favorites that these fish can't resist. Artificial lures like paddle tails, spoons, and jigs also produce great results, especially when the bite gets finicky. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one cast you might be working a shallow flat in two feet of water, the next you're dropping down to fifteen feet along a channel drop-off.
Black Sea Bass are one of the most reliable fighters you'll tangle with on this trip. These chunky bottom dwellers love structure – think oyster bars, rock piles, and hard bottom areas. They're active year-round but really turn on during the cooler months. Don't let their size fool you; a good sea bass will put a serious bend in your rod and make multiple runs for cover. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
White Weakfish, also called gray trout, are making a serious comeback in these waters after years of being scarce. These silvery speedsters are ambush predators that love to cruise grass flats and channel edges looking for baitfish. They hit hard and fast, often taking drag on the initial run. Spring and fall are prime time for weakfish, especially around moving water. They're beautiful fish with distinctive canine teeth and a mouth soft enough that you need to keep steady pressure – no jerky movements or you'll lose them.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout, are the bread and butter of North Carolina inshore fishing. These gorgeous fish with their distinctive spots are found year-round, though the bigger "gator trout" show up more in the cooler months. They're structure-oriented fish that love grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs. Sea trout are incredibly fun on light tackle, making blistering runs and jumping clear of the water. The state has excellent size and bag limits that help keep the fishery healthy while still providing great action.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Cedar Point's waters hold some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their bulldogging fights and tendency to head straight for the nearest structure when hooked. Reds can be found in everything from skinny water flats to deeper channels, often cruising in small schools. They're sight-fishing targets when conditions are right – there's nothing quite like watching a red drum slowly cruise up to your bait and inhale it. They're also one of the most photogenic fish in the water, with their bronze coloration and distinctive black spots.
This 4-hour adventure gives you the perfect taste of what North Carolina inshore fishing is all about. You're getting local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the coast. The crew at Lizardfish Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while ensuring everyone has a safe, enjoyable day on the water. Whether you're looking to check a new species off your list, introduce someone to the sport, or just get away from it all for a few hours, this trip delivers. The calendar fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons, so don't wait around. Book your spot today and get ready to experience why so many anglers consider the waters around Cedar Point and Swansboro to be some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast.
Get ready to hit the waters off Cedar Point aboard our 202 Pioneer Sportfish! This solid fishing machine comfortably seats up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water. We've got you covered with a reliable fish finder to locate those productive spots, GPS to navigate the coastal waters, and a live well to keep your catch fresh. Two coolers keep your drinks cold and bait ready, while the onboard restroom means no cutting trips short. USCG safety gear is standard, and our sound system keeps the mood upbeat between bites. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or chasing flounder around the structure, this boat handles the inshore waters like a champ. The spacious layout gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines, and there's plenty of storage for tackle boxes and gear.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky fighters that love hanging around structure - wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but you might hook into something pushing 8+ pounds if you're lucky. They're active from late spring through summer when they move inshore, and the fishing really picks up. What makes them fun is they'll hit just about anything - jigs, live bait, even plugs - and they fight hard until they break the surface. The meat is fantastic, white and flaky. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and fish it right on the bottom near structure. They're bottom feeders by nature, so keep that bait down where they live.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water warriors around Cedar Point. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and the long, powerful runs afterward. Plus, they're excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Local tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your bait slowly into their path.
Salmo TruttaOur local Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout) are some of the most popular inshore targets around Cedar Point. They typically run 14-24 inches and love shallow grass flats, especially during low-light periods. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water around oyster bars and creek mouths. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. What guests love is the variety - they'll smash topwater plugs at dawn or sip soft plastics worked slow over grass beds. The meat is excellent, white and flaky, but delicate so don't overcook it. Pro tip: when working shallow flats, look for nervous water or slight surface disturbances - that's often trout feeding just under the surface.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite Weakfish aren't actually common in our North Carolina waters - they're mainly a West Coast species found from Alaska to California. The description provided appears to be for White Seabass, which are Pacific fish. In our Cedar Point area, you'd be targeting Spotted Seatrout (also called Speckled Trout) instead. These are completely different fish from the croaker family that run 14-24 inches and love grass flats and shallow waters around here. They hit topwater plugs and soft plastics worked slowly. If you're looking for quality table fare with a good fight, our local seatrout are what you want to target on these waters.
Cedar Point, NC