Fish the Original JAWS Boat with Expert Captain Joseph
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fish aboard the original boat that inspired the movie JAWSTarget 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 the most famous shark movies ever made, with Captain Joseph at the helm and some of North Carolina's best fishing waters stretching out before you. This isn't just another charter – you're stepping aboard the Cricket II, the restored original vessel that caught Hollywood's attention for JAWS. With room for up to 6 anglers, this top-rated Morehead City fishing experience puts you right in the action where sharks, tuna, and mackerel roam the coastal waters. Whether you're after your first king mackerel or hoping to tangle with a blacktip shark, Captain Joseph knows exactly where to find them.
The moment you step onto Cricket II, you'll feel the history beneath your feet. This beautifully restored vessel carries decades of fishing stories, and Captain Joseph loves sharing tales about the boat's Hollywood connection while rigging your lines. The inshore waters around Morehead City offer some of the most consistent fishing on the Crystal Coast, with structure-rich bottom and current breaks that hold baitfish – and the predators that follow them. You'll be fishing relatively close to shore, which means less travel time and more lines in the water. The captain runs a relaxed operation where both seasoned anglers and first-timers feel right at home. Don't worry about bringing tackle or bait – everything's provided, though you're welcome to bring your lucky rod if you've got one.
Captain Joseph switches up techniques based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Trolling is the bread and butter for targeting king mackerel and Spanish mackerel – you'll pull spoons, cigar minnows, and diving plugs through productive water while scanning for bird activity and bait schools. When the tuna are around, it's all about finding the right depth and temperature breaks. The captain might switch to live bait fishing, especially when targeting sharks near structure or drop-offs. You'll learn to read the fish finder, watch for diving birds, and recognize the subtle signs that separate a good fishing day from a great one. The gear is quality stuff – medium to heavy action rods paired with reels that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. Wire leaders are standard when sharks are on the menu, and the captain always has a variety of lure colors and sizes to match the conditions.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, but these common dolphinfish occasionally push into inshore waters around Morehead City, especially during warmer months. These electric green and yellow fighters are pure adrenaline – they'll jump, dive, and put on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Mahi typically run 10-30 pounds in these waters, and they're absolutely beautiful fish with incredible table fare. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks from late spring through early fall.
Blacktip sharks are year-round residents that provide some of the most consistent action you'll find. These sleek predators typically range from 20-50 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live bait to cut fish, and they'll give you a fight that tests both your tackle and your endurance. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, but don't be surprised to hook one during a warm winter day.
Yellowfin tuna are the speed demons of the deep, occasionally moving into inshore waters when baitfish are thick. These torpedo-shaped fighters can weigh anywhere from 20-100+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. They're most common during summer and early fall when water temperatures are at their peak. Landing a yellowfin is a bucket-list experience – they're incredibly strong, excellent eating, and a true test of angling skill.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail for many anglers, and Morehead City sits right in their migration path. These powerful fish can range from schoolie-sized 20-pounders to giant 200+ pound bruisers. Winter and early spring are prime time when these fish move through coastal waters. Bluefin are incredibly strong and intelligent, often requiring precise presentations and quality gear to land successfully.
Albacore tuna, also called longfin tuna, are smaller cousins to the yellowfin but no less exciting to catch. Usually running 10-40 pounds, these silver bullets are pure energy and make incredibly fast runs. They're most common during fall months when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. Albacore are fantastic table fare and perfect for anglers looking to experience tuna fishing without the extreme tackle requirements of their larger cousins.
This world-class fishing experience combines Hollywood history with some of the best angling the Crystal Coast has to offer. Captain Joseph's knowledge of local waters, combined with the unique story of Cricket II, makes this a customer favorite that books up quickly during peak season. Whether you're a die-hard angler chasing your next personal best or someone who wants to experience fishing from a legendary vessel, this trip delivers memories that'll last long after you've cleaned your catch. The waters around Morehead City are productive year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and target species. Don't forget to bring your camera – you'll want photos of both your catch and the famous boat that made it possible. Ready to make some fishing history of your own?
Step aboard the legendary vessel that sparked the inspiration for JAWS and get ready for some serious fishing action in Morehead City waters. This fully restored motorboat accommodates up to 6 anglers and comes equipped with everything you need for a productive day on the water. The GPS navigation keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools of fish below. With a comfortable bed and onboard toilet, you can focus on what matters most - landing that trophy catch. Captain Joseph knows these waters like the back of his hand and will guide you to the best spots for sharks, tuna, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel. The flybridge gives you an elevated view of the action and plenty of room to work your lines. Whether you're targeting aggressive kings or battling a hard-fighting shark, this boat's got the space and stability to handle whatever bites. The inshore waters around Morehead City are packed with opportunities, and this historic vessel puts you right in the middle of it all.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are smaller tuna that pack a solid punch, typically running 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds. They're bullet-shaped with long pectoral fins and big eyes. These fish travel in massive schools in deeper temperate waters offshore. Spring through summer is prime time as they migrate through our area. What's cool about albacore is they travel in schools up to 19 miles wide, so when you find them, you can really get into some numbers. They're constantly on the move since they need to keep water flowing over their gills. Great eating too - they're the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" tuna. We usually troll cedar plugs or tuna feathers about 50-90 feet behind the boat. Key tip: that first fish hooked is crucial because if it gets away, it'll spook the whole school and they'll disappear fast.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of our most exciting shark species around Morehead City waters. They average around 5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet and 270 pounds. These sharks patrol shallow waters over continental shelves, usually in 30-100 feet of water around muddy bays and near structure. They're known for their acrobatic jumps - can launch 21 feet out of the water when hooked! Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps warm up. Guests love them because they're aggressive fighters with that spectacular jumping ability, plus they're pretty sociable fish that often travel in groups. They feed on mackerel, herring, and croakers. My tip: use heavy braided line rated for 20-50 pounds with circle hooks, and get some good chum going with oily fish like mackerel to bring them in close.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - these are serious fish that can reach 12 feet and over 1000 pounds, though most we see run 100-400 pounds. They're warm-blooded fish that can handle our cooler waters and dive to incredible depths. Best action happens during cooler months when they're migrating through our area. What sets bluefin apart is their raw power and endurance - they'll take you on rides you won't forget with deep dives and surface runs. They're also the ultimate table fare, prized worldwide for sashimi. We typically troll with live herring or mackerel, but chunking works great too. Fair warning: you need heavy tackle and a good belt because these fish will test everything you've got. My advice: fish early morning or late evening when they're most aggressive, and be ready for a long fight.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are a real treat to catch off Morehead City. Most mahi run 15-29 pounds and about 39 inches, though we've seen some monsters. They're surface fish that love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and structure in the upper water column. Best action happens during warmer months when they move through our waters. What makes mahi special is their amazing color show - bright gold with electric blues and greens that flash like Christmas lights when they're hooked. They fight hard with great jumps and runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you boat one mahi, keep your lines out because they usually travel in schools and you'll often get multiple fish from the same spot.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family around here. Most run 60 pounds, but we see fish up to several hundred pounds. They're built like torpedoes and can hit 50 mph when they want to. You'll find them in the top 300 feet of blue water, and they're highly migratory so timing matters. Late spring through fall tends to be our best window when they're moving through. What makes yellowfin special is their incredible fight - long screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They're also primo table fare, second only to bluefin for sashimi quality. We typically troll rigged ballyhoo or cedar plugs, but when they're deep, vertical jigging works great. Here's a local trick: when you mark fish but they won't bite the spread, try chunking with whatever baitfish they're feeding on to draw them up from the depths.
Morehead City, NC