5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Wreck Fishing in Harkers Island, NC
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore on Cape Lookout reefsFish 30-50ft wrecks using fly fishing and jigging techniquesSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guests per trip
When the water temps hit the mid-60s along the North Carolina coast, something magical happens. Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore start their northward migration, and the wrecks and reefs around Cape Lookout become absolute fish magnets. This full-day charter with Flying Fish Charters puts you right in the middle of the action, targeting these speed demons along with Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Bluefish in the productive waters off Harkers Island. With a maximum of just 2 guests, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts early, heading out to the prime wreck sites in 30-50 feet of water where structure holds bait and predators gather. The waters around Cape Lookout and Atlantic Beach are legendary for their spring and fall runs, and Captain Andrew knows exactly where to position the boat based on water temperature, current, and recent fish activity. You'll be fishing both artificial reefs and natural bottom structure, places where Atlantic Bonito school up in numbers that'll make your arms tired from fighting fish. The boat stays mobile throughout the day, following the bite and adjusting to conditions. Early morning and late afternoon often provide surface action that's absolutely electric, with fish crashing topwater lures and poppers in spectacular fashion.
This charter caters to both conventional and fly fishing anglers, with techniques that match the fish's aggressive feeding patterns. Jigging is extremely effective around the wrecks, with small metal jigs mimicking the baitfish these predators can't resist. For fly fishers, this is world-class light tackle action with streamers and poppers producing heart-stopping surface strikes. The captain provides all conventional tackle, but fly anglers should bring their own gear - an 8 or 9 weight rod with floating line handles most situations perfectly. Spinning tackle works great too, especially when fish are scattered or feeding deeper in the water column. The key is staying versatile since these fish can be picky one minute and absolutely ravenous the next.
"I have booked three trips with Andrew, he is a fantastic guide and knows his fishery well. He's patient, personable and works hard to make sure you enjoy your trip. Fly fishing with him is top notch and I'm looking forward to my next trip." - Deven Davidson
Atlantic Bonito are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These miniature tunas pack serious punch for their size, typically running 3-8 pounds but fighting like fish twice their weight. They're excellent table fare with firm, red meat that's perfect for grilling or sashimi. Bonito show up when water temperatures hit the sweet spot in late spring and again in fall, often feeding aggressively in schools that can keep you busy for hours. They're suckers for small jigs and flies, and their surface strikes on poppers are absolutely addictive.
Spanish Mackerel are another customer favorite, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. These fish average 1-3 pounds but make up for their size with pure speed and attitude. They're fantastic eating fish with white, flaky meat that's mild and delicious. Spanish typically show up in good numbers during the warmer months, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from small spoons to flies. Their sharp teeth mean you'll need a wire leader, but once hooked, they put on a show that's hard to beat.
Little Tunny, also called False Albacore, are the speed demons of this fishery. While they're not great table fare, they're absolutely the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter on this trip. These fish can reach 10-15 pounds and when they take off, they'll strip line like nothing you've experienced. They're built for speed with their torpedo-shaped bodies and powerful tails. False Albacore are often mixed in with the Bonito schools, providing variety and testing your tackle to its limits.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks of the reef world can show up anywhere from 20-50 pounds, cruising the wrecks and looking for an easy meal. They're curious fish that'll often come up to investigate the boat, giving sight-fishing opportunities that are pure adrenaline. Cobia are excellent eating and provide the kind of drag-screaming fights that create lifelong fishing memories. They're most active during the warmer months and love structure, making the wreck sites perfect hunting grounds.
Bluefish round out the target species list and provide consistent action when other fish are finicky. These voracious predators travel in schools and feed aggressively on baitfish around the reefs. Blues range from small snappers to hefty choppers pushing 10+ pounds. They're great sport on light tackle and decent table fare when properly cared for. Bluefish are present throughout most of the season and provide backup action when the premium species are being picky.
This top-rated charter experience delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. With personalized attention for just 2 guests maximum, you'll get the coaching and positioning that maximizes your success on the water. Captain Andrew's intimate knowledge of the local waters, combined with his patience and teaching ability, makes this trip perfect for both seasoned anglers and those looking to step up their game. The spring and fall migration periods offer some of the best light tackle fishing on the entire East Coast, and these dates fill up fast with repeat customers. Don't miss your chance to experience world-class wreck fishing in one of North Carolina's most productive fisheries.
Hit the productive waters around Cape Lookout aboard our Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman 23, built specifically for these fishing grounds. This 23-footer handles the Atlantic swells with ease while keeping you dry and comfortable during your hunt for bonito, false albacore, and Spanish mackerel. The tower gives you the perfect vantage point to spot feeding fish, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools around the wrecks in 30-50 feet of water. With GPS navigation and VHF radio keeping you connected, plus a multimedia system for downtime, this boat's designed for serious fishing. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to cast flies or work jigs when these hard-fighting fish move through. Whether they're busting bait on the surface at dawn or holding deep on the reefs, this Cape Fisherman puts you right where the action is.
Sarda SardaThese silver torpedoes show up around our reefs and wrecks in 30-50 feet when water temps hit the mid-60s during their spring migration north. Usually running 4-8 pounds, they travel in schools and feed aggressively on baitfish. You'll spot them by the surface commotion and diving birds. They hit jigs, flies, and poppers hard - especially early morning and late afternoon. While they're not great table fare like their Spanish mackerel cousins, bonito put up a solid scrap on light tackle. These fish can hit 40 mph, so expect screaming runs. Pro tip: when you hook one, get ready for company - where there's one bonito, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldozers of our waters - aggressive feeders with attitudes to match their sharp teeth. These blue-green bruisers typically run 2-10 pounds around here and show up in schools that can create absolute chaos when they're feeding. Summer into fall is when they're most active in our area, often found around baitfish schools in the surf, inlets, and over structure. They'll hit just about anything - cut bait, live fish, spoons, or poppers. The fight's solid and they're decent eating when fresh, especially the smaller ones. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them - they can draw blood fast. Best tip: when you find feeding blues, work fast because the school can disappear as quickly as it appeared.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown submarines of our waters, often mistaken for sharks when cruising just under the surface. These loners typically run 20-50 pounds around here, though bigger ones patrol our deeper wrecks and reefs in 30-70 feet. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're moving through or holding on structure. What makes cobia special is the combination - they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat, and they'll give you a serious fight on the way to the boat. They're curious fish that'll often come right up to investigate the boat. My go-to trick is sight fishing with a bucktail jig in brown or white, but live bait works great too when they're holding tight to structure.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called false albacore, are the speed demons of our spring migration. These 5-15 pound rockets show up with bonito when temps climb into the 60s, schooling over reefs and wrecks in 30-50 feet. They're built like small tuna with dark wavy lines and black spots that set them apart from bonito. While the meat's too strong for most folks' taste, they make up for it with pure adrenaline - these are the fastest, hardest-fighting fish you'll hook out here. They'll take flies, jigs, and small poppers with aggressive strikes. The key is finding feeding schools on the surface, usually marked by bird activity. Once you're in them, expect bent rods and screaming drags on every cast.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are some of the best eating fish we catch, with their distinctive gold spots and razor-sharp teeth. Running 1-4 pounds typically, they school up along our beaches and around structure when water temps warm up. Spring through fall is prime season, especially when baitfish are thick. They're fast swimmers that'll hit small jigs, spoons, and live bait like minnows or shrimp. The fight's quick but fun on light tackle, and the payoff is excellent - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or fried. These fish have serious teeth, so bring a wire leader or they'll bite through mono in a heartbeat. Look for birds working the surface and you'll usually find spanish underneath.
5.0 out of 5.0I have booked three trips with Andrew, he is a fantastic guide and knows his fishery well. He’s patient, personable and works hard...
Harkers Island