NC Evening Shark Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour evening shark fishing adventure in deep watersSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboardProfessional charter targeting ocean's most formidable predators
When the sun starts dipping toward the horizon and most anglers are heading back to the dock, that's when the real action begins. Our evening shark fishing trips out of North Carolina waters are designed for anglers who want to test their mettle against some of the most powerful predators cruising our coast. Starting in early June when the water temps climb and shark activity peaks, we'll get you hooked up with blacktip, tiger, and bull sharks that'll put your drag system to the test. These four-hour trips run from late afternoon into dusk, giving you prime time access when sharks move into the shallows to feed. With space for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
We launch in the late afternoon when the heat starts backing off and position ourselves in productive shark zones where baitfish concentrate. The beauty of evening shark fishing is you get two distinct bite windows – that pre-sunset period when sharks are actively hunting, and then again as darkness settles in. The atmosphere on the boat changes completely once we start chumming and those first dorsal fins appear. You'll hear reels screaming as sharks pick up baits, and there's nothing quite like that initial run when a good-sized shark realizes it's hooked. We keep things relaxed but focused – this isn't a party boat atmosphere, it's serious fishing with guides who know how to put you on fish. The North Carolina shelf drops off quick, so we don't have to run far to find the deeper water where bigger sharks patrol.
Shark fishing demands heavy tackle and we've got you covered with commercial-grade Penn reels spooled with 80-pound braid and circle hooks that ensure solid hooksets without gut-hooking fish. We run multiple rods at different depths using a combination of bottom rigs and suspended baits. Fresh cut bait is key – we're talking whole bluefish, mackerel chunks, and stingray wings that put out the scent trail sharks can't resist. The chum slick is crucial for drawing sharks in close, and we'll have that going from the moment we reach our fishing grounds. When a shark picks up your bait, the key is letting it run with the circle hook until the rod loads up, then applying steady pressure. No need for dramatic hook sets – these hooks do the work if you trust the process. We'll coach you through the entire fight, from initial hookup to getting that shark boatside for photos and release.
Blacktip sharks are the most common catch and perfect for anglers new to shark fishing. These athletic fish typically run 3-5 feet long and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Blacktips move into North Carolina waters in late spring and stick around through early fall, feeding heavily on schools of bait that concentrate along the coast. They're aggressive strikers and will often hit baits within minutes of hitting the water. What makes blacktips so fun is their speed and acrobatics – they'll make multiple runs and leap clear of the water trying to throw the hook.
Tiger sharks represent the ultimate challenge for serious shark anglers. These apex predators can exceed 10 feet in length and possess incredible power. Tigers are more active during evening hours, making our sunset trips perfectly timed for encounters with these legendary fish. They're opportunistic feeders with a reputation for eating just about anything, which makes them relatively easy to attract with the right bait presentation. Fighting a tiger shark is a test of endurance – they make long, powerful runs and have the stamina to keep pulling for 30 minutes or more. The distinctive stripes and massive heads make for spectacular photos before release.
Bull sharks bring raw power and unpredictability to every encounter. Known for their broad shoulders and aggressive nature, bulls are built like underwater bulldozers. These sharks prefer warmer water and move into North Carolina's inshore areas during summer months, often coming surprisingly close to shore to feed. Bulls are ambush predators that hit baits hard and fight dirty, using their stocky build to pull straight down toward the bottom. They're less likely to jump than blacktips but make up for it with sheer determination and bulldogging power that'll test your tackle and technique.
Evening shark fishing represents some of the best action you'll find in North Carolina waters, and our June through September season offers consistently productive fishing when conditions align. These trips fill up quickly once word gets out about the bite, especially during peak summer months when shark activity is at its highest. Whether you're looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler ready for the next level challenge, our experienced crew knows how to put you on fish while keeping safety the top priority. We provide all tackle, bait, and expertise – you just need to bring your camera and get ready for some serious fishing. Book your evening shark charter today and experience why so many anglers consider this the ultimate test of skill and endurance on North Carolina's coast.
This restored 35' Kevlcat sportfish catamaran is your ticket to serious North Carolina shark fishing action. Built tough in 2000 and completely refreshed in 2021, she's powered by twin 370HP Yanmar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a solid 28 knots. The cat hull design gives you stability when you're battling big sharks in the evening bite. She's rigged right for up to 6 anglers with a fish finder to mark the action and GPS to get you there fast. The flybridge gives your captain a perfect view of the water while you work the fish below. When you need a break from the fight, cool off with onboard AC, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or use the head. There's even a bed if someone needs to rest up between hookups. Perfect for those evening shark trips when the predators are feeding and the action heats up. This boat handles the offshore waters with ease while keeping everyone comfortable during the four-hour battle sessions.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks you'll encounter off NC waters, averaging 4-5 feet but occasionally reaching up to 9 feet. These guys are famous for their spectacular jumps - they can launch themselves 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water around our continental shelf, especially near structure and drop-offs. Summer through early fall is prime time when they follow bait schools inshore. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights - they're excitable and will put on a show. The black-tipped fins make them easy to identify. My go-to trick? Use oily baits like mackerel or sardines and keep a steady chum line going. They hunt by scent, so the stronger the smell, the better your chances of drawing them in close.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are thick, powerful sharks that average 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle in their stout bodies. What sets them apart is their ability to handle both salt and brackish water - they're regulars in our sounds and even push up rivers. You'll find them in 20-80 feet of water, often closer to shore than other big sharks. Late June through September is when they show up in good numbers. Guests love targeting bulls because they're aggressive fighters with attitude to match - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging power that'll test your back and tackle. Their broad, serrated teeth mean business. Here's a local secret: if you can score some freshwater eel for bait, you're golden. The high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls, and it stays put on the hook even when smaller fish try to steal it.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the heavyweights of our evening trips, typically running 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds - the big females can push 16+ feet. Those distinctive dark stripes fade as they age, but you'll know one when you see it. They patrol deeper waters around 100-300 feet but will come up to hunt, especially at dusk. Peak season runs June through September when water temps climb. What draws anglers back is the raw power - these are some of the strongest sharks in the ocean. They start slow, using stealth to approach, then explode with speed when they hit your bait. The fight is legendary, testing every piece of your tackle. Best local trick I've learned: fresh tuna or mackerel chunks work great, but if you can get fresh eel, that's gold. The oil content drives them crazy, and it stays on the hook better than most baits.
Wilmington