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Premier Redfish Adventures in Cedar Point
Redfish Inshore in Cedar Point
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of the most prized inshore game fish along the Atlantic coast, particularly in Cedar Point, NC waters. This copper-colored beauty with its distinctive tail spot can grow to impressive sizes between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds when fully mature. - Redfish thrive in shallow coastal environments including flats, backcountry waters, and nearshore structures. - They're known for their powerful runs and fighting ability when hooked. - Their feeding patterns make them accessible to anglers using various techniques from bottom fishing to sight casting.
Fishing Charter by Captain Ryan Dolph in August
Meet your Captain Ryan Dolph
- Experience the Adventure: Book Swansboro Fishing!
Summary
Join us for an action-packed fishing charter in Cedar Point, NC this Thursday June! Captain Ryan Dolph with Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II specializes in inshore bottom fishing trips where you'll target prized catches like Redfish. Our local waters offer some of the best fishing opportunities along the North Carolina coast, with various techniques including bottom fishing, surf casting, and trolling to maximize your success. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, our 4-hour trips provide the ideal balance of time on the water and opportunities for multiple catches. We'll put you on the fish while ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience with all equipment provided. Whether you're visiting Cedar Point or a local looking for quality time on the water, our guided fishing charter delivers memorable catches and professional instruction.
Fishing Charter with Ryan Dolph – Rates & Booking
Captain Ryan Dolph of Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II on Thursday June offers 4-hour inshore bottom fishing trips out of Cedar Point, NC. Our focus is putting you on quality fish like Redfish using proven techniques including bottom fishing, surf casting, and trolling. All fishing gear, licenses, and bait are provided, making this an easy, hassle-free experience for anglers of any experience level.
Summer conditions are ideal for targeting a variety of species in our local waters. We limit our trips to small groups to ensure personalized attention and maximize your chances for success. Morning and afternoon trips are available to accommodate your schedule.
Highlights of Inshore Bottom Fishing
Cedar Point offers exceptional inshore fishing opportunities, particularly for Redfish. Our local waters feature the perfect mix of structure, depth, and conditions that these prized gamefish prefer. During summer trips, we typically focus on productive areas where Redfish congregate, giving you the best chance at landing this sought-after species.
Beyond Redfish, our waters are also home to Bonnethead Sharks and Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, adding variety and excitement to your trip. The bite is often consistent throughout the day, meaning non-stop action from the moment lines hit the water until it's time to head back to the dock.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (also known as Red Drum) are one of the most popular inshore species in Cedar Point, NC. These copper-colored fish with distinctive tail spots put up a tremendous fight and can be found year-round in our waters, though summer offers some of the most consistent action. We target them primarily in shallow water areas around 1-4 feet deep, focusing on structures, drop-offs, and flats where they feed.
The 21-inch Redfish we've been landing recently represent quality fish that provide both great sport on medium tackle and excellent table fare if you choose to keep your catch. Their willingness to take a variety of baits makes them accessible to anglers of all skill levels, which is why they're a favorite target on our charters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water with Reel Obsession Fishing Charters II, we recommend bringing sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to document your catches. Our boat comfortably accommodates small groups and features all the necessary safety equipment. We'll provide quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait specifically selected for our local conditions and target species.
Morning trips typically start around 7-8am, while afternoon trips begin around 1-2pm. Water and light snacks are good to bring along, and don't forget a cooler to take home your cleaned catch if you plan to keep fish for the table. Our Cedar Point location offers easy access to productive fishing grounds, maximizing your time with lines in the water.
Fishing in Swansboro : Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family of the order Perciformes. These distinctive fish are immediately recognizable by their coppery-bronze coloration and one or more black spots at the base of the tail. In Cedar Point waters this June, anglers frequently target these prized gamefish for their powerful fights and excellent table qualities.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore species along the Atlantic coast. Their popularity stems from their accessibility to anglers of all skill levels, their fighting ability that provides an exciting experience, and their versatility in habitat preference which makes them available year-round in varying conditions.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in shallow coastal environments including estuaries, flats, oyster bars, and grass beds. They're commonly found in waters ranging from 1-4 feet deep but will move to deeper channels during extreme temperatures. Around Cedar Point, NC, they frequently inhabit marsh edges, creek mouths, and structure-rich areas where tidal movements concentrate baitfish.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 10-45 pounds. In inshore waters like those around Cedar Point, most catches range from 18-27 inches (often called "slot fish" due to size regulations). The 21-inch specimen mentioned in recent catches represents a quality fish that provides both good sport and excellent table fare.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They're known for their distinctive feeding behavior, often creating visible "tailing" displays when foraging in shallow water with their heads down and tails breaking the surface. They tend to be most active during moving tides, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs from August through October in nearshore waters. During this period, larger breeding adults (often called "bull reds") gather in coastal waters to reproduce. In the fall months around Cedar Point, anglers often encounter these larger spawning aggregations, providing opportunities for trophy catches.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for targeting Redfish. Bottom fishing with cut bait, live shrimp, or mud minnows is highly productive, especially around structure. Artificial lures like soft plastic jigs, gold spoons, and topwater plugs also produce consistent results. In summer months, Cedar Point anglers often find success sight-fishing for Redfish in shallow flats during high tide periods when they push up to feed among spartina grass and oyster beds.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, blackening, or baking. The flesh has a medium flake and moderate fat content, making it moist and flavorful without being overly fishy. Redfish is also nutritionally valuable, providing a good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish?
A: Live or fresh cut bait tends to be most effective, with fresh shrimp, mullet, menhaden, blue crab, and mud minnows being top choices. In Cedar Point waters, fresh cut mullet and live shrimp are particularly productive during summer months.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Cedar Point?
A: Focus on shallow flats, creek mouths, oyster beds, and marsh edges, especially during moving tides. Local hotspots include the backwaters around Swansboro and the waters near Bogue Inlet, particularly during summer and early fall.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. It's versatile for various cooking methods and is best prepared when fresh. Most anglers prefer to eat smaller "slot-sized" fish (typically 18-27 inches) as they tend to have the best flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish?
A: Redfish can be caught year-round, but in Cedar Point, the summer through fall period (June through October) typically offers the most consistent action. Early morning and evening hours during moving tides generally produce the best results, with falling tides often concentrating fish in predictable areas.
Q: What tackle should I use for Redfish?
A: Medium action spinning gear with 10-20 lb test line works well for most inshore Redfish. A 7-foot rod paired with a 3000-4000 series reel provides good casting distance and enough backbone to handle their strong runs. For artificial lures, 1/4 to 1/2 oz jigheads with soft plastic bodies in natural colors are highly effective.
Q: Do Redfish have size regulations?
A: Yes, North Carolina maintains specific slot size limits and bag limits for Redfish (Red Drum) to protect the population. Always check current regulations before your trip as these can change seasonally, but typically only fish within a specified size range may be kept, with larger breeding fish being protected.
