5.0(2 Reviews)Private 4-Hour Seasonal Inshore Cedar Point Trips
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore fishing charter in Cedar Point watersTarget redfish and speckled trout with experienced Captain JohnAccommodates up to six guests on comfortable 26foot Pathfinder
Step aboard Captain John's 26' Pathfinder and get ready for some seriously good inshore fishing in Cedar Point's best-kept spots. From May through September, these waters come alive with redfish, speckled trout, and plenty of other feisty species that'll keep your rod bent. We're talking about fishing the kind of marshes, creeks, and backwater havens that make North Carolina's Crystal Coast famous among serious anglers. This isn't your typical crowded fishing scene – it's just you, your group of up to six people, and some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain John at the dock, coffee in hand and tackle ready to go. The Pathfinder is built for these shallow waters – she'll slide right into those skinny spots where the big reds like to hang out without spooking every fish in the creek. We'll spend four solid hours working different areas depending on the tides, weather, and what's biting that particular day. Some mornings we might start by throwing topwater plugs along grass lines at first light, watching the water explode as hungry trout attack. Other days, we'll head straight to the oyster bars where black drum and sheepshead stack up like cordwood. Captain John reads these waters like a favorite fishing magazine – he knows exactly where to find fish when the bite gets tough. The best part? This trip works for everyone, whether you're teaching your kids to cast or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique.
Inshore fishing here is all about adapting to what Mother Nature throws at you. We'll be using medium-light spinning gear most of the time – perfect for feeling every bump and nibble when you're working soft plastics along the bottom. When the redfish are cruising shallow flats, we switch to sight fishing with spoons and topwater baits that'll get your heart pumping when you see that signature red tail following your lure. For the deeper creek channels where the bigger trout hang out, we'll drop down to jig heads with paddle tail baits, bouncing them just off the bottom where these fish like to ambush their next meal. The marshes around Cedar Point are maze-like, with countless little cuts and pockets that hold fish year-round. Captain John knows which spots produce during different tide phases – high tide means we can sneak into the back creeks where nobody else can reach, while low tide concentrates baitfish in the deeper holes where predators wait. Live bait fishing with shrimp under popping corks is deadly effective here, especially when the fish get picky during those hot summer afternoons.
"Our group had an amazing time! The crew went above and beyond to get us on the fish, even arranging for a friend to bring extra shrimp for bait. They were super friendly, and the boat was excellent. We highly recommend them! Thanks again for a fantastic trip!" - Andrew
"Captain Keel was incredibly flexible with my schedule when I couldn't make his usual trip times. After a quick conversation, he kindly offered a night charter for me and my friend. He was extremely knowledgeable, and we ended up catching a great number of redfish and trout." - Aaron
Redfish are the crown jewel of Cedar Point's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from schooling "rat reds" around 16-20 inches all the way up to bull reds that'll test your drag system and your arm strength. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when they flood the shallow grass flats and oyster bars in impressive numbers. What makes reds so special is their fighting spirit – they'll make long, powerful runs and use every oyster bar and grass bed to try breaking you off. Plus, they're not line-shy, so you can use heavier tackle when targeting the bigger fish around structure.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots are most active during the cooler parts of the day, making them perfect targets for early morning and late evening fishing. They typically run 14-18 inches in these waters, with occasional "gator trout" pushing the 20-inch mark. Specks are ambush predators that love to hang around creek mouths and grass points, waiting for schools of baitfish to sweep by on the current. They're also one of the most cooperative fish when it comes to artificial lures, eagerly attacking everything from soft plastics to topwater plugs.
Black drum don't get the publicity of their red cousins, but they're absolute tanks when you hook into them. These fish stack up around oyster bars and bridge pilings, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and oysters. Most of the drum we catch run 3-8 pounds, but don't be surprised if something much bigger grabs your bait. They fight deep and strong, using their broad bodies to stay glued to the bottom. Black drum are most active during the warmer months and respond well to fresh shrimp and crab baits fished right on the bottom.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world – these black-and-white striped rascals will steal your bait faster than you can blink if you're not paying attention. They hang around any kind of structure, from dock pilings to oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to pick barnacles and crabs off the rocks. Catching sheepshead requires patience and a quick hook set, but once you dial in their bite, you can catch them one after another. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Our 26'2" Pathfinder HPS is built for serious inshore fishing in Cedar Point's productive waters. The reliable Yamaha 300 HP 4-stroke engine gets you to prime fishing spots quickly and quietly, perfect for stalking redfish in shallow marshes and tracking speckled trout along creek mouths. The boat's shallow draft design lets Captain John navigate tight waterways where bigger boats can't reach the fish. On board, you'll find everything needed for a successful day on the water. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot summer afternoons. Our GPS navigation system ensures we hit the most productive fishing grounds, while the fish finder helps locate schools of baitfish and the predators that follow them. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. This Pathfinder handles Cedar Point's varied inshore waters with ease - from open sounds to narrow creek channels where the best action often happens. The stable platform makes fighting fish comfortable, whether you're reeling in your first redfish or battling a bull red in the shallows.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. These bottom-dwellers have powerful jaws designed for crushing oysters and crabs, making them serious fighters that will test your tackle. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, but we catch them all summer long. They're known for that distinctive drumming sound they make underwater. Fresh crab and cut bait work best - keep it on the bottom and be patient. The smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Here's my go-to trick: when you feel that steady weight and head shake, don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out first.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in our waters during summer months, typically running 3-10 pounds with some reaching 15+ pounds. These silvery predators have razor-sharp teeth and hit baits hard - they're known for going on feeding frenzies that turn the water into a washing machine. You'll find them around baitfish schools in open water and near structure. They love cut bait, especially oily fish like menhaden, but will smash topwater plugs and spoons too. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to catch. While bluefish make decent table fare when handled properly, they're really about the fight - these fish will bend your rod and test your drag. Here's a local tip: when you hook into a school, work fast because they'll move on quickly once spooked.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, with their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-32 inches and 3-15 pounds, though we see bigger ones occasionally. These fish love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges where you'll often see their backs out of water while they're feeding. They're year-round residents but really active during spring and fall. What makes them special is that explosive strike and strong fight - they'll make multiple runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs and spoons. The sight fishing is incredible when conditions are right. Here's a pro tip: approach quietly and cast past a feeding fish, then work your bait back through their path - spook them and the whole school disappears.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 12-20 inches with some reaching 6+ pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats, creek mouths, and deeper holes during different tides and seasons. Spring through fall are peak times, with early morning and evening producing the best action. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. What guests love is their willingness to bite and their delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for dinner. They're not the hardest fighters, but they're reliable and fun for all skill levels. During summer, look for them in deeper water during the day, then moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. My local tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp - the noise draws them in, and the natural presentation seals the deal.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're absolute masters at stealing bait with those human-like teeth. These crafty fish typically run 2-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure - docks, pilings, oyster bars, and bridge supports. They're year-round residents but really active during spring spawning season. What makes them special is the challenge - they'll nibble your bait clean off the hook if you're not paying attention. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and get as close to structure as possible. Here's the key: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook immediately and hard. These fish have bony mouths that require a solid hookset.
5.0 out of 5.0Our group had an amazing time! The crew went above and beyond to get us on the fish, even arranging for a friend to bring extra sh...
Captain Keel was incredibly flexible with my schedule when I couldn’t make his usual trip times. After a quick conversation, he ki...
Greenville