Southport Shark Fishing: Half Day Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday nearshore fishing targeting mackerel and sharks off Oak IslandProfessional guides provide tailored fishing experience for all skill levelsSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Looking for some serious action on the water? Our half-day shark fishing charters out of Southport put you right in the thick of North Carolina's most exciting inshore fishing. We're talking about waters where bonnetheads cruise the shallows and blacktips patrol the drop-offs just minutes from the dock. With Reelin Pelican Fishing Charters, you'll fish the productive waters around Oak Island and Bald Head Island, where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic and creates perfect hunting grounds for some of the coast's top predators.
Your half-day charter starts early when the bite is hot and the sharks are actively feeding. We'll run out to our prime spots where the water depth and structure create natural highways for these apex predators. The beauty of Southport fishing is the variety – one minute you might be battling a scrappy bonnethead in 8 feet of water, the next you could be locked up with a blacktip that's putting on an aerial show. Our experienced captains know exactly where to position the boat based on tide, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. You'll be fishing with quality tackle designed specifically for shark fishing, and we'll have you rigged up with the right baits to match what's feeding in the area. The intimate 4-angler maximum keeps things comfortable and ensures everyone gets plenty of shots at the action.
We fish with medium-heavy spinning gear and conventional reels loaded with braided line for maximum sensitivity and fighting power. Our shark rigs feature circle hooks – they're safer for both angler and fish, plus they dramatically improve your hookup ratio. We'll run everything from live bait like finger mullet and menhaden to fresh-cut Spanish mackerel and bluefish chunks, depending on what the sharks are keyed in on that day. The technique varies with the species we're targeting – sometimes we're drifting baits in the current, other times we're anchored up on structure where sharks cruise for easy meals. You'll learn to read the rod tip for those subtle takes that separate shark fishing from other inshore species. When that rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel, you'll know you're connected to something special.
Bonnethead sharks are the bread and butter of our inshore shark fishing, especially during the warmer months from May through October. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet long and are absolute blast on light tackle. They're curious, aggressive feeders that often travel in small schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Their unique shovel-shaped head makes them instantly recognizable, and they're known for their acrobatic fights despite their size. Bonnetheads love shallow grass flats and sandy bottoms where they hunt for crabs and small fish, making them perfect targets for our inshore approach.
Blacktip sharks bring the real excitement with their legendary jumping ability and hard runs. These sleek predators average 3-6 feet in our waters and are most active from April through November when baitfish are thick along the beaches. Blacktips are speed demons that will test your drag system and reflexes when they go airborne. They're easily identified by the black markings on their fins and their torpedo-shaped bodies built for speed. What makes blacktips so special is their willingness to feed in relatively shallow water, often just outside the surf zone where they're ambushing schools of menhaden and mullet.
Tiger sharks are the apex predators that serious anglers dream about hooking. These massive fish can exceed 10 feet and are most common in our waters during the summer months when water temperatures peak. Tigers are opportunistic feeders with incredibly powerful jaws, and they're known for their distinctive dark stripes that fade with age. Landing a tiger shark is a bucket-list experience that requires teamwork, patience, and respect for one of the ocean's most formidable predators. They prefer deeper water near structure and drop-offs, making them perfect targets during our runs to the outer edges of our fishing grounds.
Lemon sharks are another exciting target species known for their bright yellow coloration and aggressive nature. These powerful sharks typically range from 5-8 feet in our area and are most active during dawn and dusk periods. Lemons are smart, cautious feeders that require finesse and the right presentation to fool. They're excellent fighters that combine power with endurance, often making long, determined runs that will have you questioning your tackle choices. Their distinctive coloration and robust build make them one of the most photogenic sharks you'll encounter.
Bull sharks represent the ultimate challenge for inshore shark anglers. These thick, powerful predators are perfectly adapted for shallow water hunting and can tolerate fresh water better than most shark species. Bulls are notoriously aggressive and unpredictable, with massive shoulders and incredible bite force. They're most common during the warmer months when they move into estuarine environments to feed and reproduce. A bull shark fight is all about raw power – they don't jump like blacktips or make long runs like tigers, they just dig down and try to muscle you into submission.
Ready to experience world-class shark fishing in some of North Carolina's most productive waters? Our half-day charters give you maximum action without eating up your entire day, leaving plenty of time to explore historic Southport or grab dinner at one of the local seafood joints. The combination of skilled guides, quality equipment, and prime fishing locations makes this trip a customer favorite among both visiting anglers and locals looking to target sharks close to home. Book your charter today and get ready to tangle with some of the Atlantic's most exciting predators right here in the heart of the Cape Fear region.
Hit the waters around Southport aboard our reliable 24-foot Triton center console, powered by a strong 300HP Yamaha V6 that gets you to the fish fast. This 2004 beauty handles the nearshore runs to Oak Island and Bald Head with ease, giving you and up to three buddies plenty of room to work your lines. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating those hungry Mackerel and cruising Sharks, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on your targets. Pack your lunch in the icebox and let the GPS guide you to the hotspots. Whether you're after your first keeper or chasing trophy fish, this boat puts you right where the action is along Carolina's productive coast.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are solid fighters averaging 4-5 feet, easily spotted by those black-tipped fins. They're feisty and known for jumping clear out of the water when hooked - always gets guests pumped up. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water around structure and drop-offs, though they'll come shallower to feed. Spring through fall are your best bets when water temps climb above 70. What people love about targeting blacktips is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights. They're not shy about taking bait and will give you a real battle on medium tackle. The meat's pretty decent eating too if you're keeping one. Here's what works: get some oily bait like mackerel or herring, chunk it up good, and start a chum line. Fresh sardines work great too - that oil slick brings them right to you.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads you'll see around here, usually running 3-4 feet with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. These guys are pretty docile - totally harmless and actually a bit shy compared to other sharks. They love our shallow nearshore waters, especially around grass flats and sandy bottoms where they hunt crabs and shrimp. Summer months are prime time when they're most active in our warmer waters before heading south come fall. What makes them fun to target is they travel in schools of 10-15, so once you find one, there's usually more around. They put up a decent scrap on lighter tackle too. Pro tip: cut blue crab in half and hook it through a leg - the scent drives them crazy and that fresh crab smell is like ringing a dinner bell for bonnetheads.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are thick, stocky sharks averaging 8-10 feet - built like linebackers with attitude to match. These are some of the most aggressive sharks you'll encounter, and what makes them unique is they can handle both salt and freshwater. Around here, you'll find them in rivers, inlets, and nearshore waters up to about 100 feet deep. Summer months are peak season, especially June through September when they're most active in the Carolinas. People target bulls for the challenge - they fight dirty and never give up easily. The power these fish have is something else entirely. What's wild is you might hook one right in the Cape Fear River or way offshore on the same trip. Fresh eel is hands-down the best bait - the oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls. Run it on heavy tackle with wire leaders because these guys have serious teeth and zero patience.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are recognizable by that yellow-bronze coloring and twin dorsal fins of nearly equal size. These sharks typically run 6-9 feet and prefer our shallow coastal waters, especially around mangroves and sandy flats in 6-30 feet. They're more social than most sharks and often hunt in small groups. Warmer months from May through October are prime time when they're most active in our area. Anglers enjoy targeting lemons because they're aggressive feeders and put up a strong, steady fight without the crazy acrobatics. They're also curious by nature, which makes them easier to attract with proper chumming. The meat's actually quite good if you're planning to keep one. Best approach is using fresh cut bait like mullet or bluefish on circle hooks with wire leaders. Local trick: fish the incoming tide around structure - lemons love to ambush baitfish in the current.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the heavyweights around here - we're talking 10-14 feet and 800+ pounds of pure muscle. Named for those dark stripes that fade as they get older, these are serious apex predators that cruise our deeper waters. You'll typically find them in 50-200 feet, though they'll move shallow to hunt. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shot when they follow warm currents north. What draws people to tiger fishing is the sheer size and power - landing one is a real accomplishment. They're not fast swimmers normally, but when they take off, you better hold on tight. The fight can last hours with heavy tackle. My go-to setup uses whole mackerel or big tuna chunks on 10/0 circles with 100-pound leaders. Key tip: be patient and keep that drag smooth - tigers are bulldogs that just don't quit.
Wilmington