Top Rated Inshore Fishing Adventure in Cedar Point Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure in Cedar Point watersSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximumProfessional charter service exploring local coves and islands
Looking for some serious fishing action around Cedar Point? This 4-hour inshore charter with Lizardfish Charters puts you right in the heart of North Carolina's best fishing waters. We're talking about those productive flats, grass beds, and structure-rich areas where the fish actually live - not just where they might be passing through. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're gonna put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back for more.
Your morning starts at the Swansboro docks where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on the day's game plan. The boat's rigged and ready - we're talking about a setup that's built for inshore fishing, not some generic tourist boat. You'll have room for up to 6 anglers, so bring the crew or join up with other fishing folks. The beauty of Cedar Point's inshore waters is the variety - one minute you're working oyster bars for redfish, the next you're drifting grass flats for trout. Your captain reads the conditions daily: tide, wind, water temp, bait movements. They're not just driving you around hoping for the best - they're putting you where the fish are feeding right now. Four hours gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and really dial in what's working, but it's not so long that you're worn out by the end.
This is real inshore fishing - we're using the techniques that actually produce fish in these waters. Depending on conditions and target species, you might be throwing soft plastics on jig heads, working live bait under popping corks, or casting topwater plugs early in the morning. The captain provides quality tackle that's matched to the fishing: medium-light spinning gear that lets you feel every bite but has enough backbone to handle a bull red. When we're targeting sea bass around structure, we'll drop down with bottom rigs and fresh cut bait. For trout on the grass flats, it's all about finesse - light jigs with paddle tails or live shrimp under corks. The boat's equipped with a trolling motor for those quiet approaches to spooky fish, plus all the nets, tackle, and ice you need. You can bring your own gear if you've got favorites, but everything's provided and ready to go.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter around Cedar Point's inshore structures. These chunky fighters love hard bottom, oyster beds, and any kind of vertical relief. They're not huge - most run 1-3 pounds - but they fight hard and taste even better. Bass are pretty cooperative year-round in our warmer waters, though spring and fall see the biggest concentrations. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters and they usually travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch.
White Weakfish, or "weakies," are making a real comeback in these waters after being pretty scarce for years. They're silver-sided beauties that can run anywhere from a pound up to 4-5 pounds for the bigger ones. These fish love current and structure - think channel edges, inlet mouths, and drop-offs. They've got soft mouths (hence the name), so you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them. Fall is prime time for weakfish around here, and they're one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Sea Trout are what most folks think of when they picture inshore fishing down here. Speckled trout, or "specks," are gorgeous fish with distinctive spotted sides and a real attitude. They're ambush predators that love grass beds, oyster bars, and shallow flats. Spring through fall is prime time, with early morning and evening being the hot bites. A good trout runs 2-4 pounds, but the bigger "gator trout" over 5 pounds are real trophies. They're smart fish that can be finicky, which makes them even more satisfying to catch.
Redfish are the kings of the inshore game around Cedar Point. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. A typical red drum runs 20-30 inches and fights like a freight train. They're year-round residents, but fall brings the big schools when they're fattening up. Reds are sight fishing at its finest - you'll see their backs and tails in skinny water, and the takes are explosive. They're also one of the smartest inshore fish, so fooling a big red takes some skill and a little luck.
Cedar Point's inshore fishing is as good as it gets on the North Carolina coast, and this 4-hour charter hits the sweet spot for both time and budget. You're getting local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to productive waters that you just can't reach from shore. The fishing here is consistent enough that you're gonna catch fish, but wild enough that you never know when that trophy red or monster trout is gonna eat your bait. Whether you're looking to put together a guys' trip, introduce the family to saltwater fishing, or just get your fix of quality inshore action, this charter delivers. Don't wait around - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Get your dates locked in and get ready for some real North Carolina inshore fishing.
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Cedar Point aboard our 202 Pioneer Sportfish! This well-equipped boat handles inshore conditions beautifully while keeping your crew of up to 6 anglers comfortable throughout your 4-hour charter. You'll have plenty of room to move around when fighting fish, plus essential gear like our fish finder to locate schools and structure where the action happens. Keep your catch fresh in the live well and your drinks cold in the icebox. The GPS keeps us on the best spots while the sound system adds to the fun between bites. With USCG safety equipment, convenient onboard toilet, and experienced local knowledge of these waters, you can focus on what matters most – landing fish and making memories with your group on the North Carolina coast.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky fighters that love hanging around structure. Most of what we catch runs 1-4 pounds, but they can push 8+ pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them on wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottoms in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn - that's when the big males turn bright blue with a hump on their heads. They hit bottom rigs hard with squid or fish strips, but don't expect much fight once they break the surface. What makes them special is they're great eating and pretty reliable when you find the right spot. Pro tip: use a two-hook rig and keep it moving slightly off bottom - they'll often hit on the drop.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water thrill with their distinctive black spots and copper-bronze backs. Most run 20-35 inches around here, but we see plenty of slot fish in the 18-27 inch range that are perfect for the table. They love cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily before seasonal moves. What makes them special is that explosive strike on topwater lures and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. Plus, they taste fantastic with mild, sweet meat. Watch for their tails and wakes in skinny water, and when you spot one, cast ahead of where they're going - not right on top of them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are speckled beauties that make our shallow waters come alive. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with their distinctive black spots covering a silvery body. They love grass flats and shallow bays, often feeding in just 2-3 feet of water, especially at night. Spring through fall is peak season, but winter brings big schools to deeper channels. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics, plus they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They fight well on light tackle and make great targets for both beginners and experienced anglers. My go-to tip: fish the grass edges during moving water with a popping cork and live shrimp - the sound drives them crazy.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite Weakfish aren't actually found in our North Carolina waters - they're a West Coast species that lives from Alaska to Baja California. These massive croakers can hit 5 feet and 88 pounds, though most run around 28 inches. They prefer cooler waters between 58-65°F and hang in depths up to 400 feet. Peak season is late spring to early summer during spawning. Despite being called "weakfish," they're strong fighters that anglers love targeting with live squid and anchovies. They communicate using five distinct sounds and can live decades. Since they're not native to our Atlantic waters, you won't encounter them on our Cedar Point charters, but they're legendary gamefish on the Pacific side.
Cedar Point, NC