Fish the Legendary JAWS Boat in Morehead City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fish aboard the original JAWS movie boat with Captain JosephTarget sharks, tuna, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel inshoreSmall group experience with maximum six guests per trip
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of the actual boat that inspired one of Hollywood's most famous shark movies, rod in hand, with Captain Joseph at the helm sharing stories about this restored beauty. This isn't just another fishing charter – you're stepping aboard a piece of cinematic history while chasing some of the Atlantic's most sought-after game fish. Our 6-passenger trips keep things intimate, so you'll get personalized attention whether you're working a live bait rig or fighting your first tuna. The waters off Morehead City serve up everything from aggressive blacktip sharks to lightning-fast mahi mahi, and this historic vessel puts you right in the thick of it.
Captain Joseph knows these Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the fish-finding skills to prove it. You'll launch from Morehead City's bustling waterfront and head to productive inshore spots where the action stays hot. The boat itself is a conversation starter – fully restored but maintaining that authentic feel that made it perfect for the big screen. Don't expect a sterile fiberglass sportfisher; this is a working boat with character and stories. The captain provides all tackle and bait, so you can focus on the fun stuff. We're talking live bait presentations, trolling spreads, and bottom fishing depending on what's biting. With only 6 anglers max, everyone gets their shot at the hot rod when fish start hitting.
This inshore adventure covers multiple fishing methods to keep your lines tight all day. Captain Joseph runs a mix of live bait fishing and trolling, switching tactics based on conditions and what species are feeding. For the pelagic fish like tuna and mahi, you'll work trolling spreads with ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures. When sharks are the target, we're talking live or cut bait on circle hooks with wire leaders. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels sized for everything from 15-pound Spanish mackerel to 100-pound-plus sharks. You'll learn proper fighting techniques, how to work the drag, and when to pump and wind. The captain handles all the technical stuff – rigging baits, setting the spread, and getting you hooked up. Your job is hanging on and enjoying the ride.
Mahi mahi are absolute crowd pleasers off Morehead City, and for good reason. These electric-colored fighters put on an aerial show that'll have you whooping and hollering. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Peak season runs April through October, with the biggest bulls showing up in summer. What makes mahi special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush trolled baits, live offerings, even chunks if you're chumming. Plus, they're fantastic table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Blacktip sharks bring serious excitement to any trip, and these waters hold plenty of them. Running 3 to 6 feet on average, blacktips are pure muscle and attitude. They'll grab live bait and immediately go airborne, spinning and jumping like a tarpon on steroids. Best action happens May through September when they're feeding heavily in the warmer months. Captain Joseph knows the structure and bait schools that attract them, putting you in position for heart-stopping hookups. These sharks fight hard but tire relatively quickly, making them perfect for anglers wanting that big game experience without hour-long battles.
Yellowfin tuna represent the ultimate prize for many saltwater anglers, combining blistering speed with incredible stamina. These fish are built for performance – streamlined bodies, powerful tails, and an attitude that says "try and stop me." Morehead City's offshore waters see yellowfins year-round, but prime time is late spring through early fall. They'll hit trolled spreads, live bait, and chunk baits when you locate feeding schools. A hooked yellowfin will test your endurance and the boat's tackle, making screaming runs that strip line faster than you'd believe possible.
Bluefin tuna bring legendary status to any fishing trip, and when one grabs your bait, you'll understand why anglers obsess over them. These are the giants of the tuna family, capable of reaching massive sizes and displaying incredible power. Winter months often produce the best bluefin action off North Carolina, when schools move through following bait migrations. They're notoriously picky eaters, requiring precise presentations and quality baits. Hook a bluefin and you're in for a battle that could last over an hour, with the fish making sustained deep runs that'll have your arms screaming.
Albacore tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin and bluefin cousins, but they make up for size with pure speed and acrobatics. These silver bullets are built for fast trolling presentations, crushing lures pulled at 8 to 12 knots. They're most common during fall months when water temperatures start dropping. Albacore fight with surprising strength for their size, and they're excellent eating – the white meat is prized by sushi chefs and home cooks alike. They often travel in large schools, so multiple hookups are common when you dial in the right speed and lure combination.
Few fishing charters can claim they're putting you aboard a piece of movie history while chasing world-class game fish, but that's exactly what Captain Joseph delivers. The combination of legendary boat, productive waters, and experienced guidance creates something special that keeps anglers talking long after the trip ends. Whether you're after your first shark, hoping to tangle with a powerful tuna, or just want to experience what it's like fishing from the JAWS boat, this Morehead City adventure delivers memories that last. With limited space for just 6 passengers, these trips fill up fast during peak season. Don't wait – book
Step aboard the legendary vessel that sparked the imagination behind JAWS and get ready for some serious fishing action off Morehead City. This restored beauty comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing fish - GPS to find the hot spots, fish finder to locate your targets below, and a flybridge for scanning the waters. Captain Joseph knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on sharks, tuna, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably and has a head and sleeping quarters for longer trips. Whether you're looking to land your first shark or add another king to the cooler, this is your chance to fish from a piece of movie history while making some real catches in North Carolina's productive inshore waters.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, typically running 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds. These bullet-shaped fish have distinctively long pectoral fins and big eyes for spotting prey. They roam deep subtropical waters, usually well offshore where the water turns that deep blue color. Spring through summer offers peak fishing when they school up in massive groups that can stretch for miles. Guests appreciate their steady, determined fight and the fact that albacore is the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat" - it's excellent eating with a milder flavor than other tunas. They travel in huge schools, so when you find them, it's often game on. Trolling works best with cedar plugs or feathers. Here's the trick: that first fish is crucial. Land it quickly and keep other lines working because the school will stick around, but lose it and they'll often spook and move on.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks you'll encounter - they're famous for launching themselves clean out of the water when hooked. These guys average 4-5 feet but can push 8+ feet in good years. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet over sandy bottom and around structure where they hunt for mackerel and croaker. Summer months bring the best numbers when water temps peak. What guests love is their aggressive nature and spectacular jumps - it's pure chaos when one goes airborne near the boat. They're actually pretty timid until hooked, then all bets are off. Heavy tackle is a must - 30-50 pound class with circle hooks and wire leader. Here's the key: fresh, oily bait like mackerel or herring works best, and don't be shy with the chum to draw them up from deeper water.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, powerful fish that can exceed 400 pounds and stretch over 8 feet. These silver bullets with dark blue backs are warm-blooded, meaning they can handle our cooler waters and dive to 1,000+ feet. Best shots come during spring and fall migrations when they're chasing herring and mackerel. What draws anglers is the incredible fight - blazing surface runs followed by deep, muscle-burning battles that can last hours. The meat is world-class, especially the fatty belly cuts prized for sushi. We find them around offshore structure, temperature breaks, and bait concentrations. Heavy tackle is mandatory - think 80-pound class and up. Key tip: fresh herring or mackerel works best, and patience pays off. These fish are heavily regulated, so make sure you understand the permit requirements before we head out.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here - bright gold sides with electric blue and green flashes that put on a real light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen some real bulls push 40+. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70. What makes these fish special is their crazy acrobatics - they'll jump, spin, and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table with that firm, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family - solid fighters averaging 60 pounds but capable of reaching 400+. These torpedo-shaped speedsters cruise the top 300 feet of offshore waters, usually 20+ miles out in blue water. Best fishing runs late spring through early fall when they follow bait schools. What makes yellowfin special is their stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that really test your equipment and endurance. The meat quality is outstanding too, perfect for sushi or grilling. You'll find them around temperature breaks, floating debris, and where birds are working. Multiple techniques work: trolling spreads, chunking, and jigging when they're deep. My go-to trick is switching to jigs when the trolling bite dies - often there's a school sitting deeper that just needs the right presentation to fire up.
Morehead City, NC