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!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (123)
+120Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
82%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
85%
Caught fish
68%
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...
Mark review as helpful
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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...
Captain repliedMark review as helpful
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May 3, 2025
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat
Nick and his 2nd mate were fantastic!
It was a smaller crowd I. The host which made for a very relaxing time. The Capt., 1st mate and 2nd mate were just the best!! We caught fish, and they cleaned them up into fillets to take home. We are coming back! It did not hurt the weather was perfect!!
It was a smaller crowd I. The host which made for a very relaxing time. The Capt., 1st mate and 2nd mate were just the best!!...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Sep 2, 2025
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat
Excellent Trip
Mate was outstanding. Caught many small fish. Dolphins were awesome!
Mate was outstanding. Caught many small fish. Dolphins were awesome!
Captain repliedMark review as helpful
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Jul 29, 2025
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat
Family Trip
We took 13 family members ranging from 4 to 70 years old. We all caught at least 1 fish. The captain knew it was a hot day, so we moved to keep cool and try to find fish. We saw dolphin and had fun while on vacation.
We took 13 family members ranging from 4 to 70 years old. We all caught at least 1 fish. The captain knew it was a hot day, so...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (123)
+120Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
82%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
85%
Caught fish
68%
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!
Mark review as helpful
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!
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Nick and his 2nd mate were fantastic!
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat on May 3, 2025
It was a smaller crowd I. The host which made for a very relaxing time. The Capt., 1st mate and 2nd mate were just the best!! We caught fish, and they cleaned them up into fillets to take home. We are coming back! It did not hurt the weather was perfect!!
It was a smaller crowd I. The host which made for a very relaxing time. The Capt., 1st mate and 2nd mate were just the best!! We caught fish, and they cleaned them up into fillets to take home. We are coming back! It did not hurt the weather was perfect!!
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Excellent Trip
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat on September 2, 2025
Mate was outstanding. Caught many small fish. Dolphins were awesome!
Mate was outstanding. Caught many small fish. Dolphins were awesome!
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Family Trip
Half Day (8am-1pm) – Mon - Sat on July 29, 2025
We took 13 family members ranging from 4 to 70 years old. We all caught at least 1 fish. The captain knew it was a hot day, so we moved to keep cool and try to find fish. We saw dolphin and had fun while on vacation.
We took 13 family members ranging from 4 to 70 years old. We all caught at least 1 fish. The captain knew it was a hot day, so we moved to keep cool and try to find fish. We saw dolphin and had fun while on vacation.
Mark review as helpful
FAQs about Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
