Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
Make the most of your time in Manteo and go fishing with Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises.
These waters are known for Flounder, Speckled Trout, Black Seabass, Striped Bass, Black Drum, Bluefish, Whiting, Weakfish, Spanish Mackerel, and more – with any luck, you'll hook into a few! You'll target your catch by bottom fishing.
Thinking of bringing the whole family? Kids are absolutely welcome! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise, you should bring your own. Also, remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets cranky on an empty stomach!
BEER AND WINE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON BOARD… NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED.
Capt. Charles operates a 63' Varnum saltwater fishing vessel with space for 55 passengers. It comes with all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. Rods, reels, and tackle are provided.
A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly. A 10–20% tip is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work. There's no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Have in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.
It's recommended to bring sunglasses, bottled water, and sunblock (non-spray).
Give yourself something to look forward to and book a trip with Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises!
Make the most of your time in Manteo and go fishing with Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises.
These waters are known for Flounder, Speckled Trout, Black Seabass, Striped Bass, Black Drum, Bluefish, Whiting, Weakfish, Spanish Mackerel, and more – with any luck, you'll hook into a few! You'll target your catch by bottom fishing.
Thinking of bringing the whole family? Kids are absolutely welcome! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise, you should bring your own. Also, remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets cranky on an empty stomach!
BEER AND WINE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON BOARD… NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED.
Capt. Charles operates a 63' Varnum saltwater fishing vessel with space for 55 passengers. It comes with all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. Rods, reels, and tackle are provided.
A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly. A 10–20% tip is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work. There's no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Have in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.
It's recommended to bring sunglasses, bottled water, and sunblock (non-spray).
Give yourself something to look forward to and book a trip with Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises!
Select date to see availability
Trip availability and prices
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (172)
What anglers say
Reviews (202)
Brittney Meckley•
Pennsylvania, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedNewGreat family trip!
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat on September 8, 2026 • 7 adults • 3 childrenWe had such a great experience on our fishing charter in the Outer Banks! The captain was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and made the whole trip enjoyable for our family. Our first mate was especially helpful and patient, making sure everyone knew what to do and helping the kids whenever they needed it. We saw tons of dolphins throughout the trip, which was such a fun bonus for the kids! We also caught plenty of bait fish, flounder, and silver fish, so there was never a dull moment. It was the perfect combination of fishing, wildlife, and spending time together on the water. We really appreciated how family-friendly and relaxed the entire experience was. If you’re looking for a fun charter in the Outer Banks, especially with kids, we would definitely recommend this crew! We’d happily go out with them again. 🎣🐬
Desiree Inman•Virginia, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedGreat Trip!
Half Day Trip – Weekdays on June 25, 2026 • 6 adults • 3 childrenWe took our 5 year old out to fish for the first time. I don't think the fishing was as good as usual, but we still caught a few fish and got to keep one mullet. The captain was friendly and knowledgeable. There were 2 first mates who were very helpful and even filleted our fish at the end. We also got to see dolphins several times!
Jonathan Lanning•North Carolina, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedFathers Day Weekend Fishing Trip
Half Day – Saturdays on June 20, 2026 • 5 adults • 2 childrenJust want to thank the crew on #crystaldawnheadboat for being so patient and kind to my girls, playing the best tunes, finding us a shark, blowing up a puffer fish and letting the girls pet it, and the best hotdogs for a good day of fishing on fathers day weekend for my husband and Brother in law ! 10/10 Recommend! 🦈🐟🎣
Tammy Mikkelson•Virginia, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedGreat experience!
Half Day Trip – Weekdays on June 10, 2026 • 5 adultsMy husband & I took our 3 teenage boys on the 7am fishing trip, we had a fantastic time! Everyone was super friendly, knowledgeable, the boat ride was great and the views were beautiful. The music was spot on & we caught fish! We'll definitely do it again when we return to the obx.
Cassi Musta•Pennsylvania, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedBeautiful ride
Half Day Trip – Weekdays on July 14, 2026 • 7 adults • 3 childrenWe only caught a few small fish. But we saw lots of dolphins which was the highlight for me! Lots of space for the kids to move around and shade when we needed it. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
- Brandon Rushing•Virginia, USMember since 20265.0Verified
Great day of fishing
Half Day Trip – Weekdays on August 14, 2026 • 2 adultsCaptain was very informative and communicative on what our plans and fishing spot adjustments. First mate was also very helpful and made the half day with my son very fun memories.
Wesley LibertRepeat angler•Pennsylvania, US•Member since 20173 trips5.0VerifiedNewFishing with Charles
Half Day Trip on September 15, 2026 • 3 adults
Darla Nelson•West Virginia, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedNewSeptember fishing trip
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat on September 1, 2026 • 10 adults • 6 children
Lindsey Cooper•Virginia, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedGreat first trip out!
Half Day Trip – Weekdays on August 25, 2026 • 2 adultsHad a great time!! Nick and the Captain were wonderful...able to catch some pretty good fish...and see some wonderful sights!! Definitely recommend!
Maryah CarricoRepeat angler•Maryland, US•Member since 20263 trips5.0Verifiedgreat time with the whole family
Half Day (12:30pm-5pm) – Mon - Fri on August 21, 2026 • 6 adultswe came with 11 people of all ages eveyone caught at least 1 fish, loved the music and the informative boat ride out! even got to see dolphins twice !
Rating
Anglers' gallery (172)
What anglers say
All reviews (202)
We had such a great experience on our fishing charter in the Outer Banks! The captain was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and made the whole trip enjoyable for our family. Our first mate was especially helpful and patient, making sure everyone knew what to do and helping the kids whenever they needed it. We saw tons of dolphins throughout the trip, which was such a fun bonus for the kids! We also caught plenty of bait fish, flounder, and silver fish, so there was never a dull moment. It was the perfect combination of fishing, wildlife, and spending time together on the water. We really appreciated how family-friendly and relaxed the entire experience was. If you’re looking for a fun charter in the Outer Banks, especially with kids, we would definitely recommend this crew! We’d happily go out with them again. 🎣🐬
There werent many of us on the boat which, for us, made it great. Everyone caught somthing. Nick was on point whenever we got tangled or neeed a net. captain made sure everyone caught somethng. i know it is out of his hands, but he kept finding them for us. a good time was had by us all.
nick was an excellent first mate, captain took us to places where the fish were and Nick helped with evyfrom there! it sas my second time on this boat and i will definitely return!
We took our 5 year old out to fish for the first time. I don't think the fishing was as good as usual, but we still caught a few fish and got to keep one mullet. The captain was friendly and knowledgeable. There were 2 first mates who were very helpful and even filleted our fish at the end. We also got to see dolphins several times!
Just want to thank the crew on #crystaldawnheadboat for being so patient and kind to my girls, playing the best tunes, finding us a shark, blowing up a puffer fish and letting the girls pet it, and the best hotdogs for a good day of fishing on fathers day weekend for my husband and Brother in law ! 10/10 Recommend! 🦈🐟🎣
FAQs about Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
- US $54 per person - Half Day – Saturdays (5 hours)
- US $54 per person - Half Day Trip (5 hours)
- US $54 per person - Half Day Trip – Weekdays (5 hours)
- US $54 per person - Half Day Trip – Weekdays - 12:30 PM (5 hours)
- US $54 per person - Half Day Trip – Weekdays - 8:00 AM (5 hours)
- Toilet Two single stall bathrooms available on board.
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Flybridge
- Ice box
- Radar
- Rods, reels & tackle (Bait is included)
- First mate (Mates work for tips. 15-20% is customary. Depending on the number of customers per trip, there will be at least one mate and often times there will be a second mate.)
- Fishing license (All fishing licenses are provided while on board the vessel. )
- Inshore fishing
- Bottom fishing
- Bass (Striped)
- Black Drum
- Bluefish (Tailor)
- Flounder
- Kingfish (Southern)
- Seabass (Black)
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Weakfish
Your captain
Manteo, North Carolina, United States
Capt. Charles runs trips out of Manteo aboard a 63' Varnum. These waters are known for Mackerel and Trout and he will show you how to catch them. With excellent knowledge of the area, he has a trick or two up his sleeve, and the only way to learn is to join him out on the water!
Real catches by this captain
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
What’s biting in Manteo right now
Bass (Striped)
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Seabass (Black)
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutCompare similar fishing charters
4.9(147)50 ftGroup size 6 - 256 - 25
+94 hour trip • 25 personsUS $99
