Cedar Point Inshore Fishing: 6-Hour Private Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and speckled troutSpacious 26foot Pathfinder navigates Crystal Coast marshes and creeksCaptain John guides families through Cedar Point's productive fishing spots
Picture this: you're drifting through Cedar Point's pristine marshes at sunrise, rod in hand, watching the water come alive with feeding fish. That's exactly what you'll get on this top-rated 6-hour private charter with Southern Voyage Fishing Charters. Captain John knows these Crystal Coast waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some North Carolina species to your logbook, this trip delivers the goods every single time.
Your day starts aboard our spacious 26' Pathfinder – plenty of room for up to six anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. We'll cruise through Cedar Point's maze of creeks, rivers, and marsh grass flats, hitting the spots that are firing based on tide, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-fishing shallow flats for redfish, the next you're working deeper creek mouths for speckled trout. Captain John reads the water conditions and adjusts our game plan accordingly, so you're always fishing where the action is hottest. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but when you add consistent fish catches to the mix, you've got a world-class fishing experience that keeps customers coming back season after season.
We'll match our fishing approach to what's working best during your trip dates. Light tackle spinning gear is the name of the game for most of our inshore targets – it's perfect for feeling those subtle trout bites and handling the drag-screaming runs that big redfish are famous for. Depending on conditions, we might be throwing soft plastics on jig heads around oyster bars, working topwater plugs over grass flats during dawn and dusk, or drifting live bait through deeper channels. The 26' Pathfinder gives us the versatility to fish shallow skinny water one minute and run to deeper structure the next. All tackle, bait, and licenses are included, so you just need to bring yourself and get ready to learn some proven techniques that work in these Crystal Coast waters. Captain John will have you fishing like a local by the end of the day.
Bluefish are absolute blast to catch on light tackle, and Cedar Point's waters hold some quality fish, especially during the cooler months of this seasonal trip. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit just about any lure you throw at them, making them perfect for first-time anglers or kids who want constant action. Blues average 2-5 pounds in our area, but don't let their size fool you – they fight hard and taste great when prepared fresh.
Black drum are the bruisers of the inshore flats, and Cedar Point has some real quality fish that'll test your drag system. These bottom-feeders love to hang around oyster bars and creek mouths, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They're not the fastest fish, but what they lack in speed they make up for in pure power. A 20-30 pound black drum will give you a workout you won't forget, and the bigger fish are surprisingly good eating when prepared right.
White weakfish, also called sea trout by locals, are one of the most underrated fighters in our waters. They prefer slightly deeper water than their speckled cousins and have a tendency to school up in good numbers during the spring months. These fish have soft mouths, so keeping steady pressure without horse-fighting them is key. They're excellent table fare and provide steady action when we locate a good school.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of Crystal Coast inshore fishing. These beautiful spotted fish are abundant in our grass flats and creek systems, especially during the spring months when they're feeding heavily before the spawn. They're incredibly fun on light tackle, with acrobatic jumps and strong runs. Specs are also one of the best eating fish in the ocean – their firm, white meat is perfect for the dinner table.
Redfish are hands-down the most exciting target species we chase in these waters. These copper-colored bulldogs can grow to impressive sizes and are famous for their drag-screaming runs. Cedar Point's shallow flats and marsh edges provide perfect redfish habitat, and during spring months, we often spot them tailing in super shallow water – sight-fishing doesn't get much better than that. Reds are catch-and-release only over 27 inches, but the slot-sized fish make fantastic table fare, and the oversized bulls provide trophy photos you'll treasure forever.
This seasonal trip runs January through April, hitting some of the best months for inshore fishing along the Crystal Coast. Spring fishing in Cedar Point is legendary among local anglers – the water's warming up, baitfish are moving, and predator species are feeding aggressively before spawning season kicks into high gear. With only six spots available on each charter, this customer favorite books up fast, especially on weekends and during peak spring months. Captain John's local knowledge and the Pathfinder's versatility give you the best shot at a memorable day on the water. Don't wait – reserve your dates now and get ready to experience why Cedar Point is considered one of North Carolina's premier inshore fishing destinations.
Our 26'2" Pathfinder HPS is built for serious inshore fishing along North Carolina's Crystal Coast. This spacious boat handles the shallow waters around Cedar Point with ease, powered by a reliable Yamaha 300 HP 4-stroke that gets you to productive fishing grounds quickly and quietly. The wide deck gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work lures and land fish without getting tangled up. Captain John relies on the onboard fish finder to locate schools of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the marshes and creeks. GPS navigation keeps us on track to the hottest spots, whether we're working oyster bars at first light or drifting grass flats during the afternoon bite. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long winter and spring fishing days when the fish are biting but the weather's still cool. This Pathfinder cuts through chop and handles tight turns in narrow channels where big fish like to hide. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to saltwater fishing or experienced anglers looking to target winter reds and early season trout.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are bottom-dwelling powerhouses that can range from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to massive 50+ pound fish. These dark, barrel-shaped bruisers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're bulldogs once hooked, using that broad body to pull hard and steady. Smaller drum under 15 pounds make great table fare with white, flaky meat. My go-to setup is fresh crab or cut mullet on a Carolina rig, fishing right on the bottom. Keep your bait still - these fish are deliberate feeders, not chasers.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters during cooler months, typically ranging 5-15 pounds with some reaching 20+. These blue-green backed fighters love chasing baitfish in feeding frenzies that'll churn the water white. You'll find them in deeper channels and around structure where current brings food. They hit hard and fight harder, making long runs that test your drag. The meat's excellent when fresh - flaky and mild, though bigger fish can be stronger tasting. Best fishing happens when you see birds working or notice that telltale commotion on the surface. Pro tip: use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. They're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and a fish that actually fights back.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, running 18-40+ inches with that distinctive black spot near their copper-colored tail. These drum prefer super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they root for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but they bite year-round here. What makes them special is that explosive strike followed by a bulldog fight - they'll peel drag and make multiple runs. Plus, they're beautiful fish and excellent eating when kept within slot limits. My favorite technique is sight-fishing with topwater plugs or soft plastics. Pro tip: approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait into their path - spook them and you're done.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular inshore targets, averaging 14-24 inches with plenty of spots decorating their silver sides. These grass flat specialists love shallow water over sandy bottoms, especially around creek mouths and oyster bars. They're most active during spring and fall, though our winter months can produce some trophy fish in deeper holes. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp all work great. The fight is spirited but not overwhelming, making them perfect for kids and beginners. Table fare is outstanding - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Fish early morning or late evening around structure, and remember these fish have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure without jerking.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish, despite their name, are actually strong fighters in the croaker family that can reach impressive sizes up to 28 inches and 7+ pounds. These silvery fish with speckled sides prefer deeper waters around structure and drop-offs where they hunt squid and small baitfish. They're most active during spring and fall when water temps are moderate. What makes them special is their ability to "talk" - you'll actually hear them croaking when you boat one. The meat is white, flaky, and considered excellent table fare. They tend to be lazy feeders, so live squid or cut bait works better than lures. My best tip: use a fish finder to locate suspended schools, then drop your bait just below them and wait patiently. These fish are worth the effort.
Greenville