Cedar Point Inshore Fishing Adventure
Get ready for some serious action in the shallow waters around Cedar Point! Our 5-hour morning or afternoon charters run from May through September when the inshore bite is absolutely on fire. Captain John knows these marshes, rivers, and creeks like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler, this trip delivers the goods every single time.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll spend your day aboard our rock-solid 26' Pathfinder – she's built for these skinny waters and handles like a dream when we're chasing schools through the grass flats. Captain John will have you fishing multiple spots throughout the trip, from oyster bars where the sheepshead love to hang out, to grass edges where redfish cruise looking for an easy meal. The scenery alone is worth the trip – pristine marshland stretching as far as you can see, with herons and pelicans keeping us company. We keep our groups small at just 6 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of attention and rod time. Don't worry about experience level either – we've had 8-year-olds outfish their grandfathers on these waters!
Tactics and Hot Spots
We fish light tackle here, typically spinning gear with 15-20 pound braid that can handle the structure and give you that direct connection to the fish. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we'll work everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics bounced along the bottom. The captain reads the tides like a book – we'll hit the moving water when the trout are feeding actively, then slide into the shallows during slack tide when the reds are tailing in knee-deep water. Oyster bars are absolute magnets for black drum and sheepshead, especially on the falling tide when baitfish get flushed out. We carry all the terminal tackle you'll need, from circle hooks for the bottom feeders to jig heads for working the grass lines. Just bring your fishing license and get ready to learn why Cedar Point has such a reputation among Carolina anglers.
Customer Stories
"What a fantastic day on the water! We caught flounder, sea bass, and a huge redfish. Everyone had a blast. Big thanks to the captain and first mate! Can't wait for the next trip!" - Joseph
"We had great success with red drum fishing, catching a couple at every spot the captain took us to." - James
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the absolute stars of this show, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in our waters and fight like they're twice that size. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day – early morning and late afternoon – when they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes reds so special is their attitude; they'll eat just about anything you throw at them if you present it right, and once hooked, they'll make runs that'll test your drag settings. Peak season runs from May through August when the water temps are perfect and bait is abundant.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around Cedar Point. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots hit hard and fight smart, often jumping clear out of the water when first hooked. They school up around grass beds and drop-offs, especially during moving tides. Most of our specks run 14-18 inches with plenty of keeper fish in the mix. They're also fantastic table fare – sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The bite typically peaks in early morning and again around sunset.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they'll sure test your tackle and technique. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses can range from 2-pound puppy drum up to 20-pound slobs that'll make your arms burn. They love to hang around oyster bars and bridge pilings, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. The fight is all about endurance – they don't make flashy runs but instead use their broad sides to pull straight down toward structure. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move into the shallows to feed.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge for technical anglers. These black-and-white striped fish have small mouths but incredible bite detection – they'll steal your bait before you even know they're there. They school around any kind of structure, especially oyster bars and dock pilings where they feed on barnacles and small crabs. A good sheepshead runs 12-16 inches and provides some of the finest eating you'll find in saltwater. The key is using small hooks and staying alert – when you feel that subtle tick, you better set the hook immediately!
Bluefish bring pure aggression to every fight. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit anything that moves and fight dirty – long runs, head shakes, and aerial acrobatics are all part of the program. Our blues typically run 2-5 pounds and are perfect for anglers who want constant action. They're most active during moving tides when they corral baitfish against structure. Just watch those teeth when handling them – they're sharp enough to do real damage!
Time to Book Your Spot
Cedar Point's inshore fishing scene is absolutely world-class from May through September, and spots fill up fast during peak season. Captain John's local knowledge and dedication to putting clients on fish has made this one of the most requested charters in the area. Whether you're after your first redfish or looking to add some variety to your logbook, this 5-hour adventure delivers the