Quick Fishing Trip- North Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesExpert Captain Ryan guides anglers of all skill levelsFlats boat accommodates up to six guests comfortably
When you're looking for a solid half-day on the water without breaking the bank, Captain Ryan Dolph's got you covered. This 3-hour inshore fishing trip out of Cedar Point puts you right in the middle of some of North Carolina's most productive nearshore waters. You'll be targeting three species that'll keep your rod bent – Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Spotted Weakfish – all from the comfort of a Hewes Redfisher that knows these waters like the back of your hand. At $320 for up to 2 anglers, it's a top-rated choice for anyone wanting to get away from the crowds and into some real fishing action.
Captain Ryan runs his operation from 106 Cedar Point Blvd, where you'll meet bright and early before heading out on the Hewes Redfisher. This flats boat is built for inshore work – shallow draft, stable platform, and room for up to 6 people when you want to bring the whole crew. The Cedar Point area gives you access to some primo inshore structure where these target species hang out year-round. You're looking at grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges that hold fish consistently. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat based on tide, wind, and what the fish have been doing lately. Don't worry if you're new to this – Ryan works with anglers of all skill levels and actually enjoys teaching folks the ropes. Bring your NC fishing license because you'll need it, and if you want lunch on the water, just ask ahead of time since meals aren't automatically included.
Inshore fishing around Cedar Point means you're working with medium-light to medium tackle most of the time. Captain Ryan's got the boat rigged with quality gear, but if you've got your own setup, bring a 7-foot medium action rod with a 3000-series spinning reel spooled with 15-20 lb braid. You'll be using a variety of techniques depending on what's biting – live bait fishing with shrimp or small baitfish, throwing soft plastics on jig heads, and sometimes working topwater when the conditions are right. The key around here is reading the water and adjusting your approach. Structure fishing means you're bouncing baits along oyster bars and drop-offs where these species ambush prey. When the tide's moving, you'll drift and cast to likely spots. When it slacks off, you might anchor up and work a specific area more thoroughly. The captain handles boat positioning and navigation, so you can focus on feeling for that telltale thump on the line.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers hang around structure year-round, with the best action typically from late spring through early fall. They're not huge – most run 12-16 inches – but they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare. What makes them fun is how they hit – no tentative nibbling, just a solid thump that lets you know you're connected. They've got those big mouths and will eat just about anything you put in front of them, from live bait to jigs to small spoons. The key is getting your bait down to where they live, usually 15-40 feet of water around hard bottom and structure.
Bluefish are the speed demons of this trip, and when they're around, you'll know it. These silver bullets travel in schools and can turn a quiet morning into chaos in seconds. Spring and fall are prime time when they're moving through the area in big numbers, but you'll find resident fish throughout the warmer months. They hit fast and fight dirty – lots of runs and head shaking that'll test your drag settings. Most of the blues you'll encounter run 2-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle fun. They're also excellent eating when handled properly, despite what some people say. The trick is bleeding them immediately and getting them on ice.
Spotted Weakfish, or "specks" as locals call them, are the most finicky of your target species but also the most rewarding when you dial them in. These silvery gamefish love grass flats and soft bottom areas where they can ambush small baitfish and shrimp. They're most active during spring and fall, with early morning and late afternoon being prime time. What makes them special is their delicate mouth – you've got to play them carefully or you'll pull the hook. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Specks can be picky about presentation, so having a captain who knows their habits makes all the difference.
This quick fishing trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality time on the water without committing to a full day. Captain Ryan's built his reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, and the Hewes Redfisher gives you the perfect platform to work Cedar Point's productive inshore waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a fun half-day or someone new to saltwater fishing who wants to learn from a pro, this trip delivers. At $320 for two people, you're getting professional guide service, local knowledge, and access to some of North Carolina's best inshore fishing. The boat's comfortable, the captain knows his stuff, and the fish are there waiting. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when these species are most active.
Meet the 21' Hewes Redfisher, your ride for chasing Black Sea Bass and Bluefish around Cedar Point's productive inshore waters. This classic flats boat got a full makeover in 2022, keeping all the fishing-focused design that made these hulls legendary while adding modern reliability. The 250HP Yamaha pushes her to 55 knots when you need to cover water fast, but the real magic happens when you flip on that wireless trolling motor for silent approaches to spooked fish. Captain Ryan knows these backwaters like his own backyard, and this boat's shallow draft gets you into those skinny spots where the big Spotted Weakfish like to hang out. The fish finder helps mark structure and bait schools, while the GPS keeps track of productive spots for return trips. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 3-hour trip. With room for 6 anglers but limited to just 2 guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room for casting and fighting fish without tangled lines.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that love structure - old pilings, rocky areas, and any hard bottom they can find. Most run 1-3 pounds and 10-15 inches, but we catch some nice 4-5 pound males during peak season. They're curious fish that hang around the same spots, making them pretty reliable targets. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move into shallower water around 20-60 feet deep to spawn. What guests love about sea bass is their steady, determined fight and the fact that they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. These fish are also pretty unique since they start life as females and change to males as they grow larger. My go-to method is dropping squid strips or cut bait right to the bottom near structure. Keep your bait moving just slightly - a dead-still bait often gets ignored, but a little movement drives them crazy.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters during the warmer months, typically late spring through fall. These blue-green torpedoes average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ when we hit the bigger schools. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water, around structure, or right in the surf - they're not picky about where they feed. What sets them apart is their feeding frenzy behavior. When bluefish are on the bite, they attack schools of menhaden and anchovies like there's no tomorrow, often continuing to feed even when they're full. The fight is solid and consistent - they'll make runs and put a good bend in your rod. For eating, the smaller ones are excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you see diving birds working over baitfish, head that direction fast. Blues often feed just below the commotion, and fresh cut bait works better than anything fancy.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish, also called speckled trout, are one of our most reliable targets in these Cedar Point waters. They typically run 12-16 inches, though we see some nice 3-4 pounders when conditions are right. These silver beauties with dark spots love shallow grass flats and sandy bottoms, especially around 10-20 feet deep. They're ambush predators with soft mouths, so you'll find them lurking near structure waiting to pounce on baitfish. Spring through fall are prime time when they move into the estuaries to spawn. What makes them special? They fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - some of the best eating you'll find. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook too hard. Their mouths are delicate, so a steady pressure works better than yanking. Use circle hooks and keep steady tension once hooked.
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