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!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (122)
+119Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
80%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
84%
Caught fish
68%
Jul 26, 2025
The captain canceled
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
Captain replied
Aug 5, 2025
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat
FISH ON!!
The Reilly family must’ve said those two words over 20 times. What fun we had enjoying all the scenery as we headed to our fishing sites. The great time was had by all, and the deck mates were super helpful and around all the time if we needed assistance. Well Done!
The Reilly family must’ve said those two words over 20 times. What fun we had enjoying all the scenery as we headed to our fishing...
Sep 5, 2024
Half Day (AM) - Sept Oct
More Than What I Expected!
This trip included a mix of fishing, sightseeing, and camaraderie. It was my first saltwater fishing trip, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The boat was clean and well organized, the crew knowledgeable and helpful, and the overall fishing experience was fun. Almost everyone caught something, and I saw species of fish I'd only ever read about. I would not consider this your "hard-core" angler trip as it is bottom fishing; it is an enjoyable, scenic 5-hour trip in the beautiful North Carolina Sound with some laid-back fishing at a very reasonable price.
This trip included a mix of fishing, sightseeing, and camaraderie. It was my first saltwater fishing trip, so I wasn't quite sure...
Jun 4, 2025
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat
Wasn't what we were expecting
We knew fishing would be in the sound, not deep sea, but didn't realize it would be focused on more shallow water, where most of what is caught is flounder- which you can't keep. All 11 of us were disappointed by that, but we did enjoy our day! The captain and Nick were great, just wish we knew we couldn't keep most of what we're caught! We went home with nothing to eat, but the cap'n told us where to get the freshly caught fish. 😕 We really do wish we'd have known the full details beforehand!
We knew fishing would be in the sound, not deep sea, but didn't realize it would be focused on more shallow water, where most...
Sep 5, 2024
Half Day (AM) - Sept Oct
Crystal Dawn Headboat
Captain was very experienced in running his vessel, maneuvering it about the soundwithout catching any shoals, smooth ride all the way. Deck hands were friendly and very helpful during the trip. Vessel was clean, tidy, and in good shape for being nearly 60 years old. Great old boat with family history, just ask the captain about it. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a relaxing boat ride, anyone looking to do some sound side fishing, or a chance to see parts of the Outer Banks not normally accessible for the average vacationers.
Captain was very experienced in running his vessel, maneuvering it about the soundwithout catching any shoals, smooth ride all...
Trip availability and prices
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (122)
+119Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
80%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
84%
Caught fish
68%
The captain canceled
Trip was supposed to happen on July 26, 2025
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
FISH ON!!
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat on August 5, 2025
The Reilly family must’ve said those two words over 20 times. What fun we had enjoying all the scenery as we headed to our fishing sites. The great time was had by all, and the deck mates were super helpful and around all the time if we needed assistance. Well Done!
The Reilly family must’ve said those two words over 20 times. What fun we had enjoying all the scenery as we headed to our fishing sites. The great time was had by all, and the deck mates were super helpful and around all the time if we needed assistance. Well Done!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
More Than What I Expected!
Half Day (AM) - Sept Oct on September 5, 2024
This trip included a mix of fishing, sightseeing, and camaraderie. It was my first saltwater fishing trip, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The boat was clean and well organized, the crew knowledgeable and helpful, and the overall fishing experience was fun. Almost everyone caught something, and I saw species of fish I'd only ever read about. I would not consider this your "hard-core" angler trip as it is bottom fishing; it is an enjoyable, scenic 5-hour trip in the beautiful North Carolina Sound with some laid-back fishing at a very reasonable price.
This trip included a mix of fishing, sightseeing, and camaraderie. It was my first saltwater fishing trip, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The boat was clean and well organized, the crew knowledgeable and helpful, and the overall fishing experience was fun. Almost everyone caught something, and I saw species of fish I'd only ever read about. I would not consider this your "hard-core" angler trip as it is bottom fishing; it is an enjoyable, scenic 5-hour trip in the beautiful North Carolina...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Wasn't what we were expecting
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat on June 4, 2025
We knew fishing would be in the sound, not deep sea, but didn't realize it would be focused on more shallow water, where most of what is caught is flounder- which you can't keep. All 11 of us were disappointed by that, but we did enjoy our day! The captain and Nick were great, just wish we knew we couldn't keep most of what we're caught! We went home with nothing to eat, but the cap'n told us where to get the freshly caught fish. 😕 We really do wish we'd have known the full details beforehand!
We knew fishing would be in the sound, not deep sea, but didn't realize it would be focused on more shallow water, where most of what is caught is flounder- which you can't keep. All 11 of us were disappointed by that, but we did enjoy our day! The captain and Nick were great, just wish we knew we couldn't keep most of what we're caught! We went home with nothing to eat, but the cap'n told us where to get the freshly caught fish. 😕 We really do wish we'd have known the full details beforehand!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Crystal Dawn Headboat
Half Day (AM) - Sept Oct on September 5, 2024
Captain was very experienced in running his vessel, maneuvering it about the soundwithout catching any shoals, smooth ride all the way. Deck hands were friendly and very helpful during the trip. Vessel was clean, tidy, and in good shape for being nearly 60 years old. Great old boat with family history, just ask the captain about it. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a relaxing boat ride, anyone looking to do some sound side fishing, or a chance to see parts of the Outer Banks not normally accessible for the average vacationers.
Captain was very experienced in running his vessel, maneuvering it about the soundwithout catching any shoals, smooth ride all the way. Deck hands were friendly and very helpful during the trip. Vessel was clean, tidy, and in good shape for being nearly 60 years old. Great old boat with family history, just ask the captain about it. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a relaxing boat ride, anyone looking to do some sound side fishing, or a chance to see parts of the Outer Banks not normally...
FAQs about Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
