5.0(2 Reviews)Private 6-Hour Inshore Charter in Cedar Point, NC
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing aboard spacious 26foot Pathfinder vesselTarget redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in scenic watersFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to six guests comfortably
Picture this: you're cruising through pristine North Carolina marshes at first light, the smell of salt air filling your lungs while our 26' Pathfinder cuts through mirror-calm water. That's exactly what you'll get on this top-rated 6-hour inshore fishing adventure 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 fish in some of the most productive spots around Cedar Point. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to bend some rods, this charter delivers the goods from May through September when the fishing is absolutely on fire.
Your day starts with Captain John giving you the lowdown on conditions, tides, and where the fish have been biting. The 26' Pathfinder gives us plenty of room to spread out – no elbow-bumping here with space for up to six anglers. We'll work the shallow flats when the tide's right, drift the deeper channels when it's not, and hit structure where the big boys like to hang out. The best part about inshore fishing around Cedar Point is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to a school of reds tailing in two feet of water, the next you're working a creek mouth where the trout are stacked up waiting for bait to wash out. Captain John reads the water conditions and adjusts throughout the day, so you're always fishing the most productive spots. The scenery doesn't hurt either – Cedar Point's marshes and creeks are some of the prettiest you'll find along the Crystal Coast.
We keep it simple but effective out here. Most of the day you'll be working with medium-action spinning rods spooled with 15-20 pound braid – perfect for feeling those subtle trout bites and strong enough to turn a bull red away from structure. Captain John switches up techniques based on what's working: live shrimp under popping corks when the fish are suspended, soft plastics on jig heads when they're hugging bottom, and topwater plugs during those magic morning and evening hours when everything with fins goes crazy. You'll learn to work different water columns, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise with their backs out of water to deeper channel edges where flounder lay in ambush. The captain provides all tackle and bait, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one – just make sure it can handle saltwater.
"I've been out with Captain Keel several times, and each trip has been a blast—plenty of fish, lots of laughs, and an overall great time!" - Graham
"Had an awesome time on the water! Plenty of fish and lots of fun." - Gavin
Bluefish are the bar fighters of the inshore world – when you hook into a school, get ready for some serious arm-burning action. These aggressive predators show up in big numbers during spring and fall, often feeding so aggressively they'll hit just about anything you throw at them. Blues typically run 2-8 pounds in our waters, and they fight way above their weight class. What makes them special around Cedar Point is how they herd baitfish against the shoreline, creating feeding frenzies that'll have you casting into churning water while birds dive all around your boat.
Black drum are the bulldogs you'll remember long after the trip ends. These bottom-dwellers can range from puppy drum around 5 pounds all the way up to giants pushing 40+ pounds that'll test your drag and your patience. Peak season runs May through early fall, and they love hanging around oyster bars and structure where they can crush crabs and shellfish. The big ones are notorious for long, powerful runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked a small shark. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but pound-for-pound, few species will give you a better workout.
Sheepshead might just be the smartest fish swimming in our local waters. These black-and-white striped convicts are famous for stealing bait off hooks, but when you finally outsmart one, you've earned every bit of that fight. They typically run 2-6 pounds around Cedar Point's docks and pilings, with occasional slabs hitting double digits. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallow water to spawn. What makes catching sheepshead so satisfying is the chess match – you need perfect timing, the right bait presentation, and a quick hook set to beat them at their own game.
White weakfish, also called sea trout locally, are the bread-and-butter species that keep action steady throughout your trip. These beautiful silver-sided fish typically range from 12-20 inches, with occasional gator trout stretching past the 24-inch mark. They're most active during moving tides, especially around creek mouths and grass edges where they ambush shrimp and small fish. What anglers love about weakfish is their willingness to bite and their spectacular gill-rattling jumps when hooked. They're also excellent eating, making them a customer favorite for shore lunch discussions.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Cedar Point, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll leave your arms shaking, especially the bull reds that can push 30+ pounds. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) provide consistent action from May through September, while the oversized bulls show up in big schools during fall months. What makes reds special is their versatility – you might catch them sight-fishing in skinny water, working structure in deeper creeks, or even on topwater plugs during low-light periods. Their distinctive black spot and bronze coloring make them one of the most phot
Our 26'2" Pathfinder HPS cuts through Cedar Point's inshore waters with confidence, powered by a reliable Yamaha 300 HP 4-stroke that gets you to the fish quickly and quietly. This fishing machine handles the shallow marshes and winding creeks where redfish and speckled trout love to hide. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain John relies on the onboard fish finder to locate schools and structure, while GPS keeps us on the most productive spots along the Crystal Coast. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot summer days on the water. Whether you're working the grass flats for flounder or drifting oyster bars for reds, this Pathfinder delivers the stability and performance serious fishing demands.
Pogonias CromisThese are the heavyweights of our marshes, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. Black drum have powerful jaws designed for crushing oysters and crabs around structure. You'll find them on oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they root around the bottom like underwater vacuum cleaners. Spring during spawning season brings the best fishing when they school up in shallow water. Their distinctive drumming sounds help locate schools. Anglers appreciate their bulldogging fight and the challenge they present. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating. My local trick: use fresh blue crab or fiddler crabs on a Carolina rig, and listen for their croaking sounds to pinpoint the school.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive feeders show up in our waters during the warmer months, typically ranging from 3-15 pounds with occasional giants hitting 20+. Bluefish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth and feeding frenzies that can turn the water into a washing machine - we call it a "bluefish blitz." They hunt in schools along the surf, inlet mouths, and around baitfish concentrations. Summer through early fall offers the best action when they're actively chasing menhaden and anchovies. Guests love the hard pulls and acrobatic fights these fish deliver. The smaller "cocktail blues" make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader - their teeth will slice through mono in seconds. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools.
Sciaenops OcellatusThe crown jewel of our inshore fishery, redfish are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but oversized "bull reds" can exceed 40 inches. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and grassy areas where they tail and cruise in water barely covering their backs. Peak season runs May through October when they're most active in the shallows. Anglers get hooked on sight fishing these beautiful fish and their powerful runs that test your drag. Slot-sized fish are outstanding table fare with firm, mildly sweet meat. Watch for tailing fish in skinny water, and remember - they spook easily, so approach quietly and make accurate casts to feeding fish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThe "convict fish" with black stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are structure lovers that hang around docks, pilings, and oyster bars. Most run 2-8 pounds, but 15+ pounders lurk around the best spots. They're notorious bait thieves with a delicate bite that can clean your hook without you knowing. Spring through summer offers consistent action when they're feeding heavily on barnacles and crabs. Anglers enjoy the challenge of outsmarting these finicky feeders - they're like underwater pickpockets. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to technique: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crab, get tight to structure, and set the hook at the slightest tap.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish, part of the croaker family, are aggressive predators that cruise our deeper channels and inlet mouths. These silver-sided fighters typically run 2-6 pounds but can surprise you with 10+ pound specimens. They prefer areas with moving water where they ambush baitfish and squid. Late spring through summer provides the most consistent action, especially during moving tides. Despite their name, they're anything but weak - expect strong runs and head shakes. Their delicate white meat has excellent flavor when cooked fresh. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Focus your efforts around channel edges and drop-offs where the current brings food to them.
5.0 out of 5.0I've been out with Captain Keel several times, and each trip has been a blast—plenty of fish, lots of laughs, and an overall great...
Had an awesome time on the water! Plenty of fish and lots of fun.
Greenville