5.0(1 Reviews)Private Inshore Fishing Adventure in Cedar Point
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore fishing charter for up to 6 guestsTarget redfish and speckled trout in Cedar Point marshesCaptain John provides expert guidance aboard 26foot Pathfinder
Picture yourself casting into the productive waters around Cedar Point, where the marshes come alive with feeding fish and every bend in the creek holds promise. This private 4-hour charter puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best inshore fishing grounds from January through April, when cooler waters concentrate baitfish and the fishing can be absolutely stellar. Captain John runs a tight ship on his 26-foot Pathfinder – a boat that's built for these shallow waters and designed to get you to spots other charters can't reach. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore game, this charter delivers the goods without breaking the bank.
Your day starts early at the Cedar Point launch, where Captain John will have the Pathfinder loaded and ready to roll. This isn't some rushed cattle-boat operation – with just six anglers max, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to fish. The 26-foot Pathfinder is the perfect platform for inshore work, drawing just enough water to access the back creeks while staying stable enough for kids and beginners to feel comfortable. You'll spend your four hours working through a variety of structure – from oyster bars and dock pilings to grass flats and channel edges. Captain John reads these waters like a book, and he's not shy about sharing what he knows. Expect to move around and fish different spots depending on the tide, wind, and what's biting. The winter and spring months offer some of the most consistent fishing of the year, with less boat traffic and fish that are eager to feed after the cooler weather pushes baitfish into predictable patterns.
Inshore fishing in Cedar Point means adapting your approach to match the conditions and target species. Captain John keeps the boat stocked with quality spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky trout to bruiser redfish. You'll primarily be working with live and cut bait – shrimp, mullet, and mud minnows are the go-to choices that consistently produce fish in these waters. Depending on what's happening, you might find yourself bottom fishing around structure, working topwater plugs over grass flats, or even sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows. The beauty of a four-hour trip is having enough time to try different techniques without feeling rushed. Captain John will set you up with the right gear for each spot and walk you through the presentation. Whether you're learning to read your rod tip for subtle bites or perfecting your cast accuracy around docks, you'll pick up techniques that will make you a better angler long after the trip ends. The Pathfinder's shallow draft opens up water that bigger boats can't access, giving you shots at fish that rarely see lures.
"Fishing may require a boat and some rods, but what sets Captain John apart is his unmatched expertise! Not only does he have top-notch equipment, but his knowledge of fishing and the best hidden spots is second to none. What truly stands out is his friendly and polite personality, always focused on ensuring his customers have the best possible experience. Trust me, I've been on charters I regret booking, but every trip with Captain John is nothing short of amazing. If you're looking for a fantastic fishing adventure, he's the one to call!" - David
Redfish are the crown jewel of Cedar Point's inshore fishery, and during the cooler months, they school up in impressive numbers. These copper-colored fighters typically run anywhere from 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the occasional overslot fish pushing the 35-inch mark. January through April finds them concentrated around oyster bars and creek mouths, where they ambush baitfish in the moving water. What makes redfish so special is their attitude – they hit hard, fight dirty, and test your drag like few other inshore species. You'll hear them before you see them, slurping bait off the surface or crashing through schools of mullet. The shallow flats around Cedar Point are perfect redfish habitat, and Captain John knows exactly where to find them when the conditions line up.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of winter inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots and prominent canine teeth love the cooler water temperatures and become very aggressive feeders from January through March. Most of the trout you'll encounter run between 14 and 20 inches, perfect eating size with some real quality fish mixed in. They're structure-oriented fish that love to hang around dock pilings, channel edges, and grass lines where they can ambush prey. What makes trout fishing so addictive is the way they hit – a sharp tap followed by a head-shaking fight that keeps you guessing until they're in the net. The creeks around Cedar Point hold some serious populations of keeper trout, and on the right day, you might find yourself into a bite where every cast produces a fish.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and Cedar Point's waters hold some bruisers that will test your tackle and your patience. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses can range from 20-inch "puppy" drum all the way up to 40-plus-pound giants that look more like small sharks when you first see them. Spring is prime time for big drum, as they move into the shallows for their spawning runs. What makes drum fishing so exciting is the anticipation – long periods of waiting punctuated by screaming runs that will have you questioning whether you're connected to a fish or a submarine. They're notorious for their bulldogging fights, using their broad sides to maximum advantage. Captain John knows the specific oyster bars and creek bends where these fish congregate, and he's got the heavy tackle needed to turn them away from structure.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler
Your fishing adventure begins aboard our 26'2" Pathfinder HPS, a reliable workhorse built for navigating Cedar Point's inshore waters. This spacious motorboat handles the shallow creeks and marshes like a dream, powered by a smooth Yamaha 300 HP 4-stroke engine that gets you to the hot spots quickly and quietly. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of redfish and speckled trout hiding in the grass beds and structure. GPS navigation keeps us on track to productive waters, while the large icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during the 4-hour trip. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of casting space around the deck without crowding. The stable platform gives everyone a solid base for fighting fish, whether you're working a topwater plug at dawn or bouncing soft plastics along the bottom. Captain John knows these waters inside and out, positioning the boat perfectly for sight fishing the flats or drifting the deeper channels where the big fish cruise.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers get their name from the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning season when they school up in shallow waters around oyster beds and muddy flats. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so fresh crab and cut bait work best. What makes them special is their sheer pulling power - even a 15-pounder will test your drag. They love brackish areas where creeks meet saltwater, often in just 2-6 feet of water. My tip: use enough weight to keep your bait on bottom, and when you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let that drag work and enjoy the fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our inshore waters, easily spotted by their copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These drum family members love super shallow water - we often see their backs out of the water on the flats. They average 20-35 inches and put up an amazing fight with their broad shoulders and stubborn nature. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. Spring brings excellent fishing as they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. What guests love is watching them eat topwater lures in skinny water - it's pure excitement. They're also great table fare when kept in the slot. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then make a quiet approach and let your lure work slowly past them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are one of our most popular targets, averaging 14-24 inches with those distinctive spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially during low light conditions when they move up to feed. These fish are excellent on light tackle, providing steady action throughout our spring season. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their delicate, sweet meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They school up during cooler months in deeper water but spread out over the flats as it warms. Local tip: work the grass edges during moving water, and don't overcook them - their tender flesh can get mushy fast, so a quick sear is all you need.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, pilings, and oyster bars where they pick barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves - you'll feel them nibbling before they commit, so keep your bait snug on the hook. Spring months are prime time when they gather around structures to spawn. What guests love is the challenge - these fish require finesse and quick hook sets. The payoff is some of the best eating fish around with sweet, flaky white meat. They hang at various depths around structure, so work your bait from bottom up in one-foot increments. Pro tip: get as close to pilings as possible without spooking them, and set the hook hard when you feel their weight.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish, part of the croaker family, are strong fighters that average 28 inches and 7-8 pounds in our waters. Despite the "weak" name, they'll give you a solid battle on light tackle. These silvery fish with blue-grey fins prefer brackish areas and deeper channels, usually found between mid-water and the surface rather than on bottom. They feed heavily on squid, small fish, and crustaceans, making them active predators during our seasonal trips. Spring is excellent when they move into estuaries to spawn. Guests enjoy their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare - the meat is mild and flaky. They communicate with distinct sounds, so when you find one, others are usually nearby. My advice: use live squid or soft plastics, let your bait drift naturally, and be ready for that sudden pull.
5.0 out of 5.0Fishing may require a boat and some rods, but what sets Captain John apart is his unmatched expertise! Not only does he have top-n...
Greenville