Full Day Fishing Trip - Harkers Island Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing targeting sharks, mackerel, and seasonal speciesSight fishing for False Albacore averaging 7-9 pounds at high speedsSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per charter
When you step aboard with Flying Fish Charters, you're signing up for more than just a day of fishing – you're getting a front-row seat to some of North Carolina's most productive inshore waters. Our full-day guided trips out of Harkers Island put you right in the heart of the action, where crystal-clear waters meet abundant fish populations. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter charter; we read the conditions and adjust our game plan daily. Whether we're chasing lightning-fast False Albacore in open water or working the nearshore structure for hefty Amberjack, every trip is crafted around what's biting best that day.
This full-day adventure is built for serious anglers who want maximum time on the water. We keep our groups intimate at just two guests per trip, which means more rod time for you and personalized attention from your captain. The day starts early as we head out to where the fish are holding, and we won't call it quits until we've given you every opportunity to land something special. Our approach is opportunistic – when the ocean's calm and cooperative, we'll venture offshore to target pelagic species like those speed-demon False Albacore. But when Mother Nature throws us a curveball with rougher seas, we pivot to nearshore structure and backwater haunts where Bull Drum and Amberjack prowl. You'll experience true sight fishing at its finest, watching your targets before you cast, which adds an entirely different level of excitement to every hookup. The Crystal Coast waters around Harkers Island offer some of the most diverse fishing on the East Coast, and we know every productive ledge, drop-off, and grass flat in the area.
We fish smart, not just hard. Our sight fishing approach means we're constantly scanning the water for telltale signs – bait schools dimpling the surface, diving birds, or the distinctive splash of feeding fish. When we locate False Albacore, we position the boat for the perfect cast into the feeding school, using light tackle that lets you feel every head shake and blistering run. For structure fishing, we'll anchor up on productive ledges and drop live bait down to where the big Amberjack and Grouper hang out. Shark fishing gets the adrenaline pumping as we drift baits in the current, waiting for that unmistakable pickup. All tackle and bait are provided, but we encourage you to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. We run quality spinning and conventional setups matched to the target species, from light spinning tackle for the speed fishing to heavy conventional gear when we're targeting the big boys. The key to our success is reading the water and matching our techniques to what the fish want on any given day.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the nearshore wrecks and ledges, and for good reason. These powerhouse fighters average 15-30 pounds around Harkers Island, with trophy fish pushing 40-50 pounds showing up regularly from late spring through early fall. What makes Amberjack so addictive is their initial run – they'll streak toward structure the moment they feel the hook, testing your drag and your arm strength. The best action happens when we're fishing live bait near bottom structure in 40-80 feet of water, though they'll also smash surface baits when they're feeding aggressively.
Blacktip Sharks bring pure excitement to every encounter, especially during their peak season from May through October. These acrobatic fighters average 3-6 feet and are famous for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. You'll find them cruising the surf line and nearshore waters, and they're not picky eaters – cut bait, live bait, or even lures will trigger strikes. What makes Blacktips special is their unpredictability; one minute they're lazily cruising, the next they're airborne in a display that'll get your heart racing.
Little Tunny, also called False Albacore, are the speed demons of our waters. These 5-12 pound torpedoes hit 45 mph and fight like fish twice their size. Peak season runs from September through November when massive schools move through our area, creating some of the most exciting sight fishing you'll experience. They're incredibly finicky, often requiring light leaders and small baits, but when you hook up, get ready for screaming runs and head-shaking battles that'll test your tackle and technique.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect introduction to fast-paced fishing action. These 2-4 pound speedsters are abundant from spring through fall and will attack everything from small spoons to live shrimp. They travel in schools and when you find one, you'll usually find dozens. Their razor-sharp teeth and quick strikes keep you on your toes, making them fantastic for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare.
Bluefish round out our target list as aggressive predators that'll hit hard and fight dirty. These 3-8 pound choppers are most active during cooler months and are famous for their powerful runs and never-quit attitude. They're excellent on light tackle and make fantastic sport, especially when schools are feeding actively on the surface.
This world-class fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot. Our full-day trips give you the best shot at multiple species and trophy-sized fish, all while working with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The two-guest limit ensures you get maximum fishing time and personalized instruction, whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to step up your game. Harkers Island's location puts us within striking distance of both inshore structure and offshore action, giving us options no matter what the conditions throw at us. Don't let another season pass without experiencing some of the best fishing the Crystal Coast has to offer – book
Your fishing platform for this Harkers Island adventure is the Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman 23, built specifically to tackle the Cape Lookout waters. This 23-footer cuts through chop with ease thanks to its high freeboard design, keeping you dry while chasing False Albacore and Bull Drum. The elevated tower gives you perfect sight lines for spotting feeding fish and cruising sharks in the shallows. Onboard tech includes GPS navigation, fish finder, VHF radio, and multimedia system to track the action. Whether we're running offshore for Amberjack or working the nearshore breaks for Blacktip sharks, this boat handles it all. The spacious cockpit gives you and one other angler plenty of room to fight those lightning-fast Albacore without getting tangled up. Built for the Carolina coast's demanding conditions, she's your ticket to some serious fishing around one of the state's premier fishing destinations.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks to tangle with around our waters. These acrobatic fighters average 3-5 feet but can reach 8 feet, and they're famous for those spectacular jumps - sometimes launching 20 feet out of the water. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and nearshore structure, particularly active during summer months. They're pretty social and often travel in groups, feeding on mackerel, herring, and whatever baitfish are around. What guests love most is their aerial show once hooked - pure adrenaline watching them cartwheel through the air. Here's the key: use heavy braided line and circle hooks, and always keep tension on them. When they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip to prevent the line from snapping on re-entry.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a solid fight and make great table fare when handled right. These blue-green bruisers typically run 2-10 pounds around here, with their broad tails and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them in nearshore waters, bays, and around structure from late spring through fall - they follow baitfish migrations. What's exciting is their feeding frenzies - when blues are busting bait on the surface, the action can be non-stop. They're excellent eating if bled immediately and kept cold, with firm, flaky meat that's great grilled or smoked. Just watch those teeth when handling them! Local tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, that's likely a bluefish blitz. Get there fast with spoons, poppers, or cut bait - they'll hit almost anything during a feeding frenzy.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjacks are real fighters that'll test your tackle around here. These bluish-grey bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds and stretch over 5 feet long. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 60-200 feet of water, especially during warmer months from late spring through fall. They're not picky eaters - live bait, jigs, and trolled lures all work well. What makes them special is that relentless pull once hooked - they'll run hard and deep, making your drag sing. The meat's excellent eating too, firm and white. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, let it run initially rather than horsing it up. Fighting them straight up from deep water will wear you out fast, so use angles and patience.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, or False Albacore as most folks call them, are pure speed demons that'll give you an arm-burning fight. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 7-12 pounds and hit speeds of 45 mph - you'll see their dark metallic blue backs with distinctive squiggly lines and spots. They school up in nearshore waters, usually within 20 miles of shore during fall and spring migrations. What makes them special is that blistering initial run and sustained fight that'll test your drag system. They're not great table fare due to their dark, strong-tasting meat, but they're fantastic live bait for bigger fish. Look for diving birds and surface commotion - that's your cue they're feeding. Quick tip: use small spoons or jigs and cast ahead of the school, then retrieve fast. They won't chase slow-moving baits.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are some of the tastiest fish you'll catch around here, and they put up a decent scrap too. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and about 14-20 inches long, though bigger ones show up. You'll find them in nearshore waters from late spring through early fall, often around structure, jetties, and drop-offs in 20-60 feet of water. They travel in schools and feed aggressively on small baitfish. What guests love is how cooperative they are - when you find a school, you can usually catch several before they move on. The meat is mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Here's a local trick: use small spoons or gotcha plugs and retrieve them fast just under the surface. Spanish mackerel have sharp teeth, so use a short wire leader to avoid bite-offs.
Harkers Island