5.0(2 Reviews)Private 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in Cedar Point
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutSpacious 26-foot Pathfinder vessel accommodates up to six guestsProfessional guide explores Crystal Coast marshes and productive spots
Looking for some serious inshore action on North Carolina's Crystal Coast? This private 6-hour charter puts you right in the heart of Cedar Point's best fishing waters from May through September. Captain John knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and he'll get you on fish whether you've been casting lines for decades or just picked up your first rod. The 26' Pathfinder gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work, and trust me—you're going to need it when the reds start hitting.
Cedar Point's inshore waters are where the magic happens. We're talking pristine marshes, winding creeks, and river systems that hold some of the healthiest fish populations on the entire East Coast. Your captain will have you working everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in just two feet of water to deeper creek mouths where the big speckled trout hang out. The scenery alone is worth the trip—osprey nests towering over spartina grass, dolphins rolling in the distance, and that classic North Carolina marsh smell that lets you know you're in fish country. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip where everyone gets the same experience. Captain John reads the water, checks the tides, and adjusts the game plan based on what's biting that day.
We fish light tackle here, which means you'll actually feel every head shake and tail slap when you hook up. Most of the action happens with live bait—mud minnows, shrimp, and finger mullet that we'll rig on Carolina rigs or under popping corks depending on the structure we're fishing. When the fish are aggressive, we'll break out the artificials and work soft plastics like Gulp shrimp or Z-Man paddletails around oyster bars and dock pilings. The key to Cedar Point fishing is staying mobile and reading the signs. Birds working bait, nervous water from fleeing shrimp, or that telltale redfish wake cutting through shallow water—Captain John spots it all and positions the boat for your best shot. The Pathfinder's shallow draft lets us get into places the bigger boats can't reach, putting you on fish that haven't seen a lure all week.
"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
Redfish are the crown jewel of Cedar Point's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers fight like they're twice their size, making screaming runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. During summer months, you'll find them tailing in shallow grass beds during high tide or stacked up around oyster bars when the water drops. Most Cedar Point reds run between 18 and 27 inches—perfect slot fish that bend rods and create lasting memories. What makes them special here is how aggressive they are. Unlike some areas where redfish get picky, Cedar Point reds will crush live shrimp, slam cut bait, and absolutely demolish a well-placed soft plastic.
Bluefish bring the chaos factor to your Cedar Point adventure. These toothy predators show up in schools that can stretch for hundreds of yards, turning calm water into a feeding frenzy that'll get your heart pumping. Summer is prime time for blues here, especially when they're chasing bait balls in the deeper creek channels. They hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. Most Cedar Point blues range from 2 to 8 pounds, with the occasional chopper pushing double digits. Fair warning—these guys have teeth that'll slice through leaders like butter, so we always use wire when the blues are around.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the water, but they're absolute bulldogs that'll give your arms a workout you won't forget. Cedar Point's black drum population peaks during the warmer months when they move into shallow water to feed on crabs and oysters. These fish can range anywhere from 5-pound "puppy drum" to 30-pound monsters that'll make you question your tackle choices. They're bottom feeders that require patience—black drum take their time inspecting bait before committing—but once they grab on, it's game on. The fight is all power and determination as they try to get back to the safety of deeper water.
Sheepshead are the craft beer of inshore fishing—an acquired taste that becomes an obsession once you figure them out. These black-and-white striped bandits hang around structure like dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster bars where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Cedar Point's sheepshead fishing peaks during late spring and summer when water temperatures climb into the 70s. They're notorious bait thieves with a bite so subtle you'll think you're snagged on the bottom, then suddenly your rod loads up with 4 to 8 pounds of pure stubborn fish. Local anglers call them "convict fish" because of their stripes, and landing one is a badge of honor that proves you've got the touch.
White weakfish, also known as sea trout in these parts, are the speed demons of Cedar Point's inshore waters. These silvery rockets prefer deeper grass beds and channel edges where they can ambush schools of baitfish. Summer months bring the best action as weakfish move into the sounds to feed heavily before their fall migration. They typically run 12 to 20 inches here, with the occasional 3 to 4-pounder showing up to make things interesting. Weakfish have soft mouths that require finesse—too much pressure an
Our 26'2" Pathfinder HPS cuts through Cedar Point's inshore waters with serious fishing power. The reliable Yamaha 300 HP 4-Stroke motor gets you to prime redfish and speckled trout spots quickly and quietly. This proven fishing platform handles shallow creeks and open flats with equal confidence, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools hiding in the marshes. Keep your catch fresh in the spacious icebox, along with cold drinks for the crew. GPS navigation ensures we hit the most productive holes where flounder stack up. Built for serious anglers, this boat accommodates up to 6 fishermen comfortably with plenty of casting room. The stable hull design means you can focus on setting the hook instead of fighting choppy water. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working structure for trout, this Pathfinder delivers the performance and reliability that puts fish in the boat on North Carolina's Crystal Coast waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some real giants pushing 50-plus. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll have your best shot at multiple hookups. They're bulldogs on the rod, making long, steady runs that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster structure - the sound of their feeding often gives away their location.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our Cedar Point waters during summer months, typically running 3-15 pounds with those razor-sharp teeth that'll remind you to handle them carefully. These blue-green speedsters love to hunt in schools, often creating feeding frenzies near the surface when they're chasing baitfish. You'll find them around inlets, near structure, and in open water where the current brings food. They put up a solid fight and make decent table fare if you bleed them right away and keep them cold. My tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, get there fast - that's a bluefish blitz and the action can be wild for about 20 minutes before they move on.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, with those copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near the tail making them easy to identify. Most of our fish run 18-30 inches, and they're absolute bulldogs that'll take you into the backing. Look for them on shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in the marshes where they tail-feed like saltwater bonefish. Summer months are prime time when they're actively feeding in our warm, shallow waters. They hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll ever experience. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: watch for nervous water and wakes in skinny areas - that's usually reds pushing through looking for an easy meal.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the pickpockets of the fish world, famous for stealing bait with those human-like teeth they use to scrape barnacles off dock pilings. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we see some nice 8-10 pounders around the better structure. They hang tight to any hard bottom - bridges, docks, rock piles - where they can feed on crabs, barnacles, and shrimp. Spring through early summer is your best bet when they're most active in shallow water. They're tricky to hook but fight harder than you'd expect, and the meat is some of the best you'll taste - sweet and flaky. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, get right up against the structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish, or sea trout as most folks call them, are one of our most popular inshore targets, typically running 1-4 pounds with occasional fish pushing 6-8 pounds. These silvery fighters prefer grass flats, creek mouths, and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked - plus they're fantastic on the dinner table with delicate, flaky meat. Spring through fall is prime time here in Cedar Point waters. My go-to tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp over grass beds during an incoming tide - the sound draws them in from a distance.
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