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Donald Cyphers
Captain

Donald Cyphers

Carolina Beach, United States
Angler's choice
50+ reviews
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!
Missy C.
Missy C.
Business partner

Charter

Rating

5.0
96 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

97%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
94%
Caught fish

All reviews (96)

Showing 1 – 5 of 96 reviews
  • 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 ) • 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
  • Sheena Hale
    Sheena Hale
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Nice boat with a great crew.

    Shark fishing • 4 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
  • 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 • 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
  • David Schroeder
    David Schroeder
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic Bottom Fishing

    8 Hour Trip • 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
  • Amy Hurwitz
    Amy Hurwitz
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    So much fun!

    3 hour trip (AM ) • 5 adults

    Capt Donnie and First mate Gracyn gave an excellent experience! They were down to Earth, had the expertise and knowledge for a successful trip. They have a great sense of humor, give you their full attention, and you wont regret fishing with them!

    Reported catch:
    Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel

Real catches shared by our community

  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    Two anglers on a boat displaying a large Amberjack caught during a deep-sea fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Jason P.
    Jason P.
    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.
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    Solo angler proudly holding a large amberjack aboard a center-console fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    Nathaniel M.
    Nathaniel M.
    Captin donnie put us on some wicked amberjacks. Great guy to be around we will be back
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    Multiple fish displayed on a marina catch board beneath a Tried and True Charters sign offering inshore and offshore fishing and water tours.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Zac K.
    Zac K.
    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.
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    Group of anglers displaying several large saltwater fish on a marina dock, with a mixed catch arranged on ice in the foreground.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +5
    Gray Triggerfish
    David S.
    David S.
    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
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    Adult angler proudly holding a large amberjack on the bow of a center-console fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    John W.
    John W.
    For a great day of catching fish I couldn’t recommend this guy highly enough. thanks for a great day Donny.
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    Two anglers posing in front of a catch board displaying various fish after a successful fishing trip, with a scenic waterfront view in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    James A.
    James A.
    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.🐟🐠🐡🍤🎏
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    An angler proudly displaying a large Amberjack while fishing offshore, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.
    Joseph Z.
    Joseph Z.
    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.
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    Two adult anglers pose beside multiple fish displayed on a waterfront dock catch board, with an inshore and offshore fishing charter sign and marina boats in the background.
    Fish 1
    Blackfin Tuna
    David H.
    David H.
    Donny and Jack did great job. We caught Amber Jack. I would definitely recommend and do this again.
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    A proud father and son duo displaying a caught fish on a boat during a fun fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Bonnethead Shark
    Tyler P.
    Tyler P.
    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.
  • Tried And True Charters
    Tried And True ChartersCarolina Beach, NC
    Two anglers displaying a catch of Spanish Mackerel on a board at the marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Ariana H.
    Ariana H.
    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!

What's biting with Tried And True Charters in Carolina Beach

Tournament season winds down by November, but the fishing certainly doesn't! Expect big catches of Striped Bass, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and late season King Mackerel.

Top catches for November