Full Day Cobia and Shark Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Cobia, Spinner Sharks, and Blacktip Sharks starting in MaySight fishing with fly rods or spinning tackle from charter boatSmall group experience accommodating up to 2 guests maximum
When May rolls around in Harkers Island, the waters transform into something special. Flying Fish Charters puts you right in the middle of one of North Carolina's most productive fishing seasons, targeting the massive migration of Spinner Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, and Cobia that flood these waters. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – we're talking sight fishing at its finest, where you can actually see these apex predators cruising the surface before you make your cast. With a maximum of two anglers, you get personalized attention and prime positioning for every shot. The Crystal Coast delivers world-class fishing, and this full-day charter puts you in the heart of the action.
Your day starts early, heading out from Harkers Island into the productive waters where the Gulf Stream influence creates perfect conditions for migrating pelagics. The captain's approach centers on sight fishing – you'll spend time scanning the water for fins, shadows, and the telltale signs of feeding activity. When conditions call for it, we'll set up a chum slick and let the scent draw fish to us while we drift strategically. The beauty of this fishery is its unpredictability – while Cobia and sharks are the main targets, don't be surprised when Tiger Sharks or Mahi Mahi crash the party. The waters off Cape Lookout and the surrounding shoals hold some of the best fishing on the East Coast, and this top-rated charter puts you right where the fish are feeding.
This charter caters to both fly fishing purists and conventional tackle enthusiasts. When sight fishing, we'll position the boat to give you clean shots at cruising fish – timing and placement are everything. The captain provides all necessary tackle, but if you're bringing your own fly rod, a 10 or 12 weight handles these fish perfectly. For spinning gear, medium-heavy to heavy action rods paired with reels that hold 300+ yards of 30-50 pound braid work best. Live bait like blue runners and Spanish mackerel are top producers, but don't overlook the effectiveness of large jigs and topwater plugs when fish are actively feeding. The chum slick method involves strategic positioning and patience – we'll use ground bait fish to create a scent trail that draws sharks and Cobia within casting range. Circle hooks are mandatory for shark fishing, and the captain will handle all rigging to ensure you're fishing effectively and safely.
Spinner Sharks arrive in massive numbers starting in May, and they live up to their name with spectacular aerial displays that'll get your heart racing. These sharks typically run 4-6 feet and are absolute rockets once hooked. They're perfect for sight fishing because they cruise near the surface in schools, often with their dorsal fins visible. Peak season runs May through July, and they respond well to both live bait and artificials. What makes them customer favorites is their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and long runs that test your drag and stamina.
Blacktip Sharks share the same waters and timeframe as Spinners but bring their own brand of excitement. Running similar sizes, Blacktips are aggressive feeders that readily take live bait and lures. They're known for their distinctive black-tipped fins and powerful initial runs. These sharks are excellent targets for fly fishing when conditions are right – their willingness to eat surface offerings makes them perfect for anglers looking to check a shark off their fly fishing bucket list.
Cobia are the true prizes of this fishery, with fish ranging from 20 pounds to occasional giants pushing 50+ pounds. These curious fish often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. May through September offers the best action, with the largest fish typically showing up during the peak migration. Cobia are sight fishing at its best – you can watch them swimming just under the surface, often following rays or cruising structure. They're excellent table fare and provide sustained fights that showcase their strength and determination.
Mahi Mahi might not be the primary target, but when they show up, they bring non-stop action. These colorful fighters rarely travel alone, so landing one often means multiple hookups. They're surface-oriented feeders that love floating debris and weed lines. The surprise factor makes them even more exciting – one minute you're targeting sharks, the next you're dealing with a bull Mahi going airborne. Their vibrant colors and aggressive nature make them a renowned species among offshore anglers, even when caught in relatively shallow water.
This full-day charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With the migration timing, sight fishing opportunities, and variety of species available, you're looking at some of the best inshore fishing North Carolina has to offer. The two-angler limit ensures you get maximum time on the water without crowding, and the captain's local knowledge puts you on fish when others are still searching. Don't wait until peak season arrives – the best dates fill up fast when word gets out about the fishing quality. Book your trip now and get ready for the kind of day on the water that becomes your new standard for what great fishing should be.
The Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman 23 is built specifically for these North Carolina waters, making it your perfect partner for targeting cobia and sharks around Cape Lookout. This 23-footer handles the bigger swells with ease thanks to its high freeboard, keeping you dry while you scan the water from the tower for those telltale fins and shadows. The boat's design makes it a sight fishing machine - exactly what you need when spinner sharks and blacktip sharks start their spring migration. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work both fly rods and spinning tackle without getting tangled up. The fish finder helps locate bait schools that draw in the big fish, while the GPS keeps us on productive spots. The multimedia system and VHF radio ensure we stay connected and entertained between bites. This Cape Fisherman runs economical too, so we can cover more water chasing schools without burning through fuel. When a cobia surfaces or sharks start busting bait, this boat puts you in the perfect position to make the shot.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are scrappy fighters that'll test your drag and keep you honest. These sharks typically run 4-6 feet and pack serious attitude in that compact frame. You'll spot them by those distinctive black-tipped fins cutting through the water. They love shallow areas from 30-100 feet, hanging around structure and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. Peak season runs May through September during their migration. What makes them fun is their jumpy, aggressive nature - they'll leap clear out of the water and make long runs that'll burn line fast. The meat's decent too, firm and mild. Here's what works: get a good chum slick going with oily fish like mackerel or herring. They're curious but cautious, so let that scent trail draw them in before presenting your bait.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of our waters - big, brown, and built for battle. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can easily push 70+ pounds when conditions align. They're loners, cruising solo around structure in 30-70 feet of water, which makes them perfect for sight fishing. Spring migration from April through June is money time, especially around wrecks, buoys, and current breaks. What guests love most is the visual game - spotting that dark shadow gliding just under the surface, then watching it inhale your offering. The fight's impressive and the table fare is top-notch, firm white meat that rivals any fish. Key tip: once you hook one, work the area thoroughly with bucktail jigs. Cobia are curious and will often follow hooked fish up, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of those bonus fish that can really make your day. These beauties average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when we get lucky. What makes them special is that color show - brilliant gold and electric blue that shifts right before your eyes when they hit the boat. They're surface feeders that love floating debris and weed lines, usually in 100+ feet of water. The bite heats up from late spring through fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer. Guests love their acrobatic fights and that firm, sweet meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled - they often travel in small schools, so have another rod ready to fire back into the same spot quickly.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinners are the show-offs of the shark world, and they'll give you a performance you won't forget. These sleek sharks average 4-6 feet but can hit 8+ feet when we find the bigger ones. They get their name from those wild spinning jumps - sometimes three full rotations before splashing back down. May through October is prime time when they migrate through our waters chasing baitfish. You'll find them in 30-100 feet, often mixed with blacktips along current breaks and drop-offs. Their poor eyesight makes them scent hunters, so a good chum slick is key. Guests love the aerial show and hard fights on medium tackle. My trick: use fresh, oily bait like bonito or bluefish - the blood trail drives them crazy and brings them right to your hook.
Harkers Island