Tried And True Charters 

5.0
(96 reviews)
 Carl Winner Drive, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, United States–

Tried And True Charters 

Carolina Beach, NC, United States
–
33 ft
5
5.0
(96 reviews)

Tried And True Charters and Captain Donnie Cyphers invite you to join them on a memorable fishing journey in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Head out inshore, nearshore, as well as offshore to search for many different fish species and enjoy beautiful nature.

The captain is an experienced and cordial angler who'll take you to the best spots and help you chase a variety of fish. Join him today and create wonderful memories on the water with Tried And True Charters!

You'll be fishing from a 33' Contender center console that can accommodate up to 5 guests. It runs on a twin 300 HP Yamaha engine and uses comprehensive navigation electronics so you can have a safe and quick trip to the fish and back.

The boat's also got downriggers, outriggers, a livewell, a 96' Rhodan wireless trolling motor, and an icebox. A first mate will also join you on board to give you all the help you may need.

The species you can target include Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Goliath Grouper, Sailfish, Black Seabass, and many more. To catch them, you'll bottom fish, troll, spin, and jig on both light and heavy tackle. If you wish, you can keep and take home all of your catch and you're free to bring kids on your trip.

The captain will cover all the fishing gear and licenses you need, as well as fish cleaning. This means that all you need to bring for your trip are any food and drinks you'd like to enjoy on board.

Join Capt. Donnie on the waters around Carolina Beach and experience a fishing adventure with Tried And True Charters!

Tried And True Charters and Captain Donnie Cyphers invite you to join them on a memorable fishing journey in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Head out inshore, nearshore, as well as offshore to search for many different fish species and enjoy beautiful nature.

The captain is an experienced and cordial angler who'll take you to the best spots and help you chase a variety of fish. Join him today and create wonderful memories on the water with Tried And True Charters!

You'll be fishing from a 33' Contender center console that can accommodate up to 5 guests. It runs on a twin 300 HP Yamaha engine and uses comprehensive navigation electronics so you can have a safe and quick trip to the fish and back.

The boat's also got downriggers, outriggers, a livewell, a 96' Rhodan wireless trolling motor, and an icebox. A first mate will also join you on board to give you all the help you may need.

The species you can target include Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Goliath Grouper, Sailfish, Black Seabass, and many more. To catch them, you'll bottom fish, troll, spin, and jig on both light and heavy tackle. If you wish, you can keep and take home all of your catch and you're free to bring kids on your trip.

The captain will cover all the fishing gear and licenses you need, as well as fish cleaning. This means that all you need to bring for your trip are any food and drinks you'd like to enjoy on board.

Join Capt. Donnie on the waters around Carolina Beach and experience a fishing adventure with Tried And True Charters!

Donald Cyphers
Captain
Donald Cyphers
6 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
3 Hour Trip – "Kids Trip" (AM)
In high demand Last booked: 4 days ago
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
3 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $400
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 Hour Trip - 'Kids Trip' (PM )
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
3 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
US $400
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 hour trip (AM )
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
3 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
US $425
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
3 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
US $425
Entire boat: up to 5 people
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Spanish Mackerel
US $550
Entire boat: up to 5 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Spanish Mackerel
US $550
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+5
US $850
Entire boat: up to 5 people
Shark fishing
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
+8
US $850
Entire boat: up to 5 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
+8
US $1,250
Entire boat: up to 5 people
12 hr in
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
12 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Sailfish
Tuna (Yellowfin)
+6
US $1,800
Entire boat: up to 5 people
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
96 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (94)

What anglers say

97%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
94%
Caught fish

Reviews (96)

  • Zac Kirkpatrick
    Zac Kirkpatrick
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    There’s a reason why the name is Tried and True!

    3 hour trip (AM ) on July 9, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Donnie and his First Mate Grayson were amazing and were an absolute pleasure to fish with. They were super welcoming from the moment we arrived and were nice and humble as could be. This was our first time trolling for Spanish Mackerel and my dad and I had a blast. When the fish weren’t biting, Captain Donnie did his darnedest to find the schools and get us in on the action (he was the most frustrated of all of us when they weren’t biting haha). However, the dry spells didn’t last long at all and we ended up with plenty of fresh mackerel to take home - which are great eating by the way! Big thanks again to Captain Donnie and First Mate Grayson for a memorable father-son fishing trip in Carolina Beach.

  • David Schroeder
    David Schroeder
    Repeat angler
    us
    Dayton, OH, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic Bottom Fishing

    8 Hour Trip on July 5, 2026 • 4 adults

    Donnie is great; I found his charter to be smooth, friendly, and productive. For going out to the Gulf stream, you can do a lot of productive bottom fishing in 6 hours. His experience really shines in finding the big, most-desired species. cannot recommend more highly

  • Jason Perryman
    Jason Perryman
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    These guys are amazing!!

    6 Hour Trip on August 22, 2026 • 5 adults

    We caught a ton of fish and had an absolute blast! By far the best crew you could ask for. I’ll be chartering with them for years to come.

  • Nathaniel Mullins
    Nathaniel Mullins
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best trip ever

    Shark fishing on July 28, 2026 • 3 adults

    Captin donnie put us on some wicked amberjacks. Great guy to be around we will be back

  • John Wilson
    John Wilson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2022
    •
    7 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    Brilliant days fishing

    6 Hour Trip on May 4, 2026 • 2 adults

    For a great day of catching fish I couldn’t recommend this guy highly enough. thanks for a great day Donny.

  • James Anthony
    James Anthony
    us
    California, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Charter boat trip

    Half Day Trip (AM) on September 7, 2025 • 2 adults

    What a wonderful day!! Donnie and Jack🏋️ were two of the best guys to hang out with for four hours! We caught six different kinds of fish and we came back with plenty of Spanish mackerel and flounder. They were both very knowledgeable during the entire trip and help us to understand everything about fishing. We would recommend their fishing charter to anybody that’s a novice to an expert! We had a great day and it’s one we will remember for a long time. Plan to book with him every time we’re down in Carolina Beach. Look him up on your next trip down here you will not be disappointed. We had a great time!! Mike and Donna A.🐟🐠🐡🍤🎏

  • Ariana Hernandez Lopez
    Ariana Hernandez Lopez
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    First Charter – An Amazing Experience!

    3 Hour Trip (PM) on July 25, 2025 • 5 adults

    Our very first charter experience could not have been better! The five of us were celebrating a bachelorette, and even though none of us had ever been on a fishing trip before, we were instantly hooked. The boat ride was smooth, scenic, and surprisingly relaxing—no seasickness, no dull moments. We ended up reeling in an impressive 26 fish! The captain and first mate were incredible hosts, keeping the vibes high with our favorite music and making the whole day unforgettable. We’ll absolutely be back for round two!

  • Walt Beatty
    Walt Beatty
    us
    Durham, NC, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome trip

    3 Hour Trip – "Kids Trip" (AM) on July 29, 2024 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Capt Donnie and Owen were the best. We had a last minute change and Capt Donnie and Owen made a recommendation and suggestion about what we should do. They adjusted on the fly and helped us make the most of the trip with very short notice. They pretty much guaranteed we were going to catch something big and make it worth our while. As soon as we got to our spot they helped us catch several fish in a short period of time. Far exceeded our expectations. I can't recommend these guys enough. I am going to make this a regular trip with these guys. It was our groups first time going out as far as we did and catching anything this size. Well worth it! I can't wait to go again!

  • Tyler Plaster
    Tyler Plaster
    Repeat angler
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    First Charter - Memories Made

    Special 3 hour trip for Tyler Plaster on July 25, 2025 • 2 adults

    My Son (7) & I's first charter experience, It did not disappoint, Capt. Don & First Mate Nate know there fishing. They got us on the fish. If we return to Carolina Beach and want to do another charter, Ill be looking for these guys again.

  • Joseph Zulkowsky
    Joseph Zulkowsky
    us
    New York, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Fish on!

    6 Hour Trip on August 18, 2025 • 4 adults

    Awesome day with Captain Donnie and his mate Jack. Fought huge amberjacks and caught a basket full of Spanish Mackerel. Lots of laughs along the way and will definitely book another trip in the near future.

Rating

5.0
96 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (94)

What anglers say

97%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
94%
Caught fish

All reviews (96)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 96 reviews
Sheena Hale
Sheena Hale
us
Virginia, US
•
Member since 2026
4.7
Verified
New
Nice boat with a great crew.
Shark fishing on September 10, 2026 • 2 adults • 2 children

The boat ride itself was nice, and the captain was personable, as was the first mate. Unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing. We didn’t catch much fish, and both of my sons ended up getting seasick, so we had to cut the trip short. The captain was very accommodating and didnt charge us for the full trip, which was very nice of him. I understand that you can’t control the fish or whether someone gets seasick, but overall, it just wasn’t the experience we were hoping for. The captain and first mate were both nice and personable, but unfortunately, we left feeling disappointed with the trip. Would love to try again later!

Reported catch:
Gag Grouper
Zac Kirkpatrick
Zac Kirkpatrick
us
Virginia, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
There’s a reason why the name is Tried and True!
3 hour trip (AM ) on July 9, 2026 • 2 adults

Captain Donnie and his First Mate Grayson were amazing and were an absolute pleasure to fish with. They were super welcoming from the moment we arrived and were nice and humble as could be. This was our first time trolling for Spanish Mackerel and my dad and I had a blast. When the fish weren’t biting, Captain Donnie did his darnedest to find the schools and get us in on the action (he was the most frustrated of all of us when they weren’t biting haha). However, the dry spells didn’t last long at all and we ended up with plenty of fresh mackerel to take home - which are great eating by the way! Big thanks again to Captain Donnie and First Mate Grayson for a memorable father-son fishing trip in Carolina Beach.

Reported catch:
Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel
Troy Tuckey
Troy Tuckey
Repeat angler
us
Virginia, US
•
Member since 2023
•
3 trips
5.0
Verified
An example of what a charter should be
6 Hour Trip on May 16, 2026 • 2 adults

Welcomed, as we stepped on the dock, Captain Donny was busy catching bait for our trip. A few casts, and 4.6 jokes later we were on our way. Captain Donny had a plan and after some conversation, he reworked it to include some bottom fishing we had requested. We trolled for kings and Atlantic bonita, bottom fished for gag, black sea bass, and others and finished off with some amber jacks. We had plenty of fish to eat and released a bunch for another day. Captain Donny had the marks to target fish and his conservation ethic of ‘lets move to another spot and give this one time to recover’ ensures there will be fish to catch tomorrow! A fantastic trip. We started as customers and ended the day as friends.

Reported catch:
Amberjack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Black Seabass
Gag Grouper
+1
Richard Nelson
Richard Nelson
us
Kentucky, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Great overall experience for our family!
Half Day Trip (AM) on September 5, 2026 • 4 adults

Donnie and Grayson did a great job taking care of us, putting us on fish, and providing a great overall experience. Highly recommend!

David Schroeder
David Schroeder
Repeat angler
us
Dayton, OH, US
•
Member since 2026
•
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Fantastic Bottom Fishing
8 Hour Trip on July 5, 2026 • 4 adults

Donnie is great; I found his charter to be smooth, friendly, and productive. For going out to the Gulf stream, you can do a lot of productive bottom fishing in 6 hours. His experience really shines in finding the big, most-desired species. cannot recommend more highly

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Seabass
Vermilion Snapper
+1

FAQs about Tried And True Charters

Tried And True Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $400 per group - 3 Hour Trip - 'Kids Trip' (PM ) (3 hours)
  • US $400 per group - 3 Hour Trip – "Kids Trip" (AM) (3 hours)
  • US $425 per group - 3 hour trip (AM ) (3 hours)
  • US $425 per group - 3 Hour Trip (PM) (3 hours)
  • US $550 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • US $850 per group - Shark fishing (6 hours)
  • US $1,250 per group - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group - 12 hr in (12 hours)
When you book a trip with Tried And True Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor 96'' Rhodan
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Tried And True Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First mate (Customary Tip is 20%)
  • Fishing license
Tried And True Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Tried And True Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Tried And True Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Sailfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Donald Cyphers
Donald Cyphers

Carolina Beach, North Carolina, United States

ID & license verified
96 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since April 2021
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Join Captain Donald Cyphers on the waters surrounding Carolina Beach and have a fun fishing trip near or far from the shore. Combine a comfortable and secure ride with the captain's considerable experience and you're bound to have a great experience on the water!

Our Team
Missy C.

Missy C.

Business partner

Donald Cyphers
Donald Cyphers
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
96
reviews
2021
member since
~1h
response
Join Captain Donald Cyphers on the waters surrounding Carolina Beach and have a fun fishing trip near or far from the shore. Combine a comfortable and secure ride with the captain's considerable experience and you're bound to have a great experience on the water!
The crew
Missy C.
Missy C.
Business partner

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Sailfish
Sailfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper

Real catches by this captain

  • These guys are amazing!!
    Jason P.
    Jason P.
  • There’s a reason why the name is Tried and True!
    Zac K.
    Zac K.
  • Charter boat trip
    James A.
    James A.
  • Fish on!
    Joseph Z.
    Joseph Z.
  • First Charter – An Amazing Experience!
    Ariana H.
    Ariana H.
  • First Charter - Memories Made
    Tyler P.
    Tyler P.
  • Fantastic family day
    April Y.
    April Y.
  • Great crew! Great time!!
    Mary L.
    Mary L.
  • Capt Don Above and Beyond
    Kellee A.
    Kellee A.
  • Awesome trip
    Walt B.
    Walt B.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
33 ft
Year built
2006
Boat manufacturer
Contender
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
50 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
96'' Rhodan
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First mate
Customary Tip is 20%
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

What’s biting in Carolina Beach right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
SailfishSailfish
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Tried And True Charters
Tried And True Charters
5.0
(96)
33 ft
Group size 1 - 5
1 - 5
Fish 1
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+10
4 hour trip • 5 persons
US $550