Fish the Legendary JAWS Boat in Morehead City
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Tactics That Bring Results
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.
Target Species You'll Want to Hook
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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?