Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises 

4.7/5 (174 reviews)
 2000 Sailfish Drive, Manteo, NC 27954, United States

Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises 

Manteo, NC, United States
63 ft
55
4.7/5 (174 reviews)

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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!

Charles Foreman
Captain
Charles Foreman
24 years of experience
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Half Day (7am-12pm) – Mon - Friday
In high demand Last booked: 15 hours ago
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Aug 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
Pompano
+7
US $108
Shared tour: 2 people
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 20 - May 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
Pompano
+7
US $108
Shared tour: 2 people
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Sep 1 - Oct 30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
Pompano
+7
US $108
Shared tour: 2 people
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Saturdays
In high demand Last booked: 6 days ago
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Aug 31 (Sat)
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
Pompano
+7
US $108
Shared tour: 2 people
Half Day (12:30pm-5pm) – Mon - Fri
In high demand Last booked: 14 hours ago
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Aug 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
Pompano
+7
US $108
Shared tour: 2 people
There are 58 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.7
174 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.5
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (150)

What anglers say

81%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
84%
Recommended
70%
Caught fish

All reviews (174)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 174 reviews
Desiree Inman
Desiree Inman
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Great Trip!
Half Day (7am-12pm) – Mon - Friday on June 25, 20263 adults3 children

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!

Reported catch:
Southern Kingfish
Atlantic Croaker
Melissa Ramsey
Melissa Ramsey
us
Kentucky, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Wondeful experience!!!
Half Day (12:30pm-5pm) – Mon - Fri on June 29, 202611 adults

We took our family on this excursion and it was awesome and will be one of our best memories of Outerbanks. Lee and Nick were awesome!!!!! They were very knowledgeable and very personable. You will have a great time!!! They catered to everyone and made sure we had a great time. Top notch!!!!!!!

Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
Lenny Giardino
Lenny Giardino
us
New York, US
Member since 2026
4.7
Verified
New
this is a great first time experience.
Half Day (7am-12pm) – Mon - Friday on June 25, 20262 adults

This was the first time experience for my wife. I wouldn't recommend this for experienced anglers more for vacationers because the captain and his crew are excellent and ensure a great time. if you go in expecting to catch and have a big surf and turf after you leave you're probably going to be disappointed. We did catch some fish it was fun and that's the best part about the trip

Reported catch:
Atlantic Croaker
Cassi Musta
Cassi Musta
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Beautiful ride
Half Day (7am-12pm) – Mon - Friday on July 14, 20264 adults3 children

We 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.

Reported catch:
Flounder
Matthew Burton
Matthew Burton
us
Kentucky, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
ok trip
Half Day (12:30pm-5pm) – Mon - Fri on June 23, 20262 adults

trip was fun didn’t catch very many fish. What fish were caught were little. Wind was high captain really had to work to keep it straight. Probably would have been better if theee wasnt a storm blowing in.

FAQs about Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises

Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $54 per person - Half Day (12:30pm-5pm) – Mon - Fri (5 hours)
  • US $54 per person - Half Day (7am-12pm) – Mon - Friday (5 hours)
  • US $54 per person - Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat (5 hours)
  • US $54 per person - Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat (5 hours)
  • US $54 per person - Half Day (8am-1pm) – Saturdays (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Two single stall bathrooms available on board.
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises include:
  • 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. )
Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises offers the following type of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises offers the following fishing technique:
  • Bottom fishing
Top targeted fish species with Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Flounder
  • Kingfish (Southern)
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Weakfish

Your captain

Charles Foreman
Charles Foreman
Charles Foreman

Manteo, North Carolina, United States

174 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2023

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!

174 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2023

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!

The fish you can target

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Southern Kingfish
Southern Kingfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Weakfish
Weakfish
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Southern Kingfish
Southern Kingfish

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Headboats
Capacity
55 persons
Boat length
63 ft
Year built
1963
Restored in
2022
Boat manufacturer
Varnum
Boat type
Headboat
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 450HP
Max cruising speed
12 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Bottom Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Two single stall bathrooms available on board.
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Ice box
Radar

What's included in the trip price

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.

How cancellations work

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

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

Child friendly
No age limits for this vessel. This is a great boat for small children, families, and large groups!
No alcohol
Beer and wine only (cans preferrable)
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full

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)Bass (Striped)
Black DrumBlack Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
FlounderFlounder
Seabass (Black)Seabass (Black)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout

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