Morehead Fishing on the JAWS-Inspired Cricket II
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fish aboard the JAWSinspired boat with all equipment includedTarget shark, tuna, mackerel, and kingfish on inshore watersAccommodates up to 6 anglers with flexible trip durations
Climb aboard the Cricket II in Morehead, NC, and fish from the boat that helped inspire the legendary movie JAWS. This world-class fishing charter welcomes up to 6 anglers of all skill levels for 4, 6, or 8-hour trips targeting some of North Carolina's most sought-after species. Captain and crew provide all fishing gear and licenses – you just bring your appetite for adventure and whatever food and drinks you want for the day. Whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler, these waters off Morehead City deliver consistent action for shark, tuna, king mackerel, and more.
The Cricket II cruises the productive waters off North Carolina's Crystal Coast, where the Gulf Stream creates perfect conditions for big game fishing. Your trip starts at the Morehead City waterfront, where you'll meet your experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The boat's got everything you need – quality rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all required fishing licenses. Depending on your trip length, you'll hit different fishing zones. Four-hour trips typically focus on nearshore structure and reefs, perfect for king mackerel and smaller sharks. Six and eight-hour adventures push further offshore where the real monsters live – bluefin tuna, tigers, and massive kings that'll test your endurance. The crew handles rigging, baiting, and landing fish, so beginners can focus on fighting their catch while experienced anglers can take the lead if they want.
Most of your fishing happens trolling with live and dead bait, plus artificials when conditions are right. The crew runs a spread of lines at different depths and distances, covering water efficiently to locate active fish. King mackerel respond well to slow-trolled live bait like menhaden, while tuna prefer faster speeds with ballyhoo or cedar plugs. Shark fishing switches to chunk bait and heavy tackle when these predators show up. The Cricket II carries Penn and Shimano reels matched with quality rods rated for different target species. Wire leaders prevent bite-offs from sharp-toothed kings and sharks, while circle hooks ensure better hooksets and fish survival. The captain reads water temperature, bait schools, and structure on quality electronics, positioning the boat where fish are most likely to bite. When action heats up, multiple lines might go off simultaneously – that's when the real fun begins.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Morehead fishing, with peak season running May through October. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds during summer months. Kings make blistering runs when hooked, often jumping and tail-walking across the surface. They're excellent table fare and relatively easy for beginners to handle, making them perfect for mixed-skill groups.
Blacktip Sharks provide consistent action year-round but peak during warmer months. These athletic sharks typically run 20-60 pounds and put on spectacular aerial shows when hooked. Blacktips are perfect for anglers wanting their first shark experience without dealing with massive tigers or bulls. They fight hard but don't require extremely heavy tackle.
Tiger Sharks are the apex predators everyone talks about. These massive sharks can exceed 10 feet and several hundred pounds, making them true trophies. Tigers are most common during summer months and provide fights that can last over an hour. Landing a tiger shark is a bucket-list experience that separates casual fishing trips from legendary adventures.
Bluefin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore prize in North Carolina waters. These powerful fish average 40-80 pounds but giants over 200 pounds are possible during peak season. Bluefins are incredibly strong and fast, capable of long runs that'll burn your arms. They're most abundant during cooler months when baitfish concentrate offshore.
Albacore Tuna offer excellent action during late summer and fall migrations. These smaller tuna typically weigh 10-30 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive feeding. Albies are perfect for light tackle enthusiasts and provide great action when larger species are finicky.
The Cricket II isn't just another charter boat – it's a piece of movie history that happens to be one of Morehead's top-rated fishing platforms. With space for only 6 anglers, trips fill up quickly during peak season. Your captain's local knowledge combined with quality equipment and proven techniques gives you the best shot at landing trophy fish. Whether you choose 4 hours for a family-friendly introduction or 8 hours for serious offshore action, you're guaranteed professional service and memorable fishing. All gear and licenses are included, so just pack your cooler and camera. Book now to secure your spot aboard this customer favorite and experience why anglers keep coming back to fish the waters that helped create a Hollywood legend.
Step aboard the boat that inspired the legendary JAWS and get ready for some serious fishing action off Morehead, NC. This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need to land the big ones - GPS navigation to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate your targets, plus onboard amenities like a bed, toilet, and flybridge for comfort during those longer trips. Whether you're casting lines for sharks, tuna, kingfish, or mackerel, this vessel puts you right where the fish are biting. All tackle and fishing licenses are covered, so just pack your snacks and drinks. Perfect for beginners learning the ropes or seasoned anglers looking to hook into something special in North Carolina's productive inshore waters.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacores are smaller tunas, typically 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers and fight. These bullet-shaped fish with long pectoral fins travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in deeper subtropical waters. Spring through summer offers the best action as they move through our area. They're the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" - excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. Troll with small lures or live bait like sardines and mackerel. The secret is positioning lures 50-90 feet behind the boat. Once you find a school, work it hard - hook the lead fish and you'll often get multiple hookups since they travel together and feed aggressively during the day.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are scrappy sharks averaging 5 feet but can reach 9 feet and 270 pounds. Named for the black tips on their fins, they're found in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and muddy bays. Warmer months bring the best fishing when they patrol closer to shore. These sharks put on a real show - they'll jump clean out of the water and can get pretty excitable during feeding frenzies. Use heavy braided line, 20-50 pound test with circle hooks. Here's the trick: get your chum going with oily fish like mackerel or sardines pounded to paste. They rely heavily on scent, so that oil slick will draw them in from a good distance. Once you hook one, expect some serious acrobatics.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefins are the ultimate prize - torpedo-shaped powerhouses averaging 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, though giants can hit 12 feet and 1400 pounds. We find them offshore in deeper water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Best fishing runs spring through fall, especially early morning and evening. These fish are pure muscle and will give you fast surface runs followed by deep dives that'll test every piece of your gear. The meat quality is world-class - nothing beats fresh bluefin sashimi. Troll with live herring or mackerel, and be ready with heavy tackle. Here's the key: once you hook up, the first fish often leads you to the whole school, so work fast but don't lose that first one.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the fastest fish in these waters, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. These silver bullets with olive backs make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. The meat's excellent eating with high oil content. We troll with live bait on wire leaders - always rig two hooks since kings love to bite the tail end of your bait. When you hook one, hold on tight because they'll strip line faster than anything else out here except maybe a wahoo.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the heavyweights out here, commonly 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds. Those distinctive dark stripes fade as they age, but you'll know one when you see it. They cruise deeper waters around 1000 feet but will come shallow to feed. Summer months are prime time when they follow warm currents north. People love targeting them for the sheer size and power - it's like hooking into a freight train. Use heavy tackle with 100-pound mono and big circle hooks. Fresh mackerel, bluefish, or tuna chunks work best. Pro tip: tigers are slow swimmers that use ambush tactics, so be patient with your presentation. Once they commit, you're in for the fight of your life.
Morehead City, NC