Premium Shark Fishing with Swan Point Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour shark fishing expedition with Captain Jeffrey GaskillProfessional equipment and guidance for all skill levelsTarget powerful sharks in Morehead City waters
Get ready for some serious action on the water with Captain Jeffrey Gaskill's guided shark fishing trips. This isn't your typical afternoon on the boat – we're talking about a full 5-hour commitment to hunting down some of North Carolina's most powerful predators. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add sharks to your list or a newcomer wanting to experience what real fishing feels like, Captain Jeffrey knows exactly where to find these apex hunters in the waters around Morehead City.
Captain Jeffrey runs a tight ship with room for up to 4 anglers, which means you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching throughout the day. The smaller group size is perfect for shark fishing since everyone needs to stay alert and work together when these big fish start hitting. You'll be fishing the productive waters off Morehead City where the Gulf Stream influence brings in baitfish, and the sharks follow close behind. The captain provides all the heavy-duty gear you'll need – we're talking serious rods and reels that can handle the fight these fish will give you. The boat is equipped with quality electronics to locate structure and baitfish, plus all the safety equipment required for targeting these powerful predators. Plan to bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't provided, but trust me, you'll be too focused on the fishing to think much about eating once the action starts.
Shark fishing is all about using the right bait in the right spots, and Captain Jeffrey has both dialed in perfectly. We'll be using fresh cut bait – think chunks of bluefish, menhaden, or whatever's been running lately – rigged on circle hooks with heavy wire leaders. The tackle is beefed up compared to what you'd use for most inshore species, with rods rated for 50-80 pound line and reels with serious drag systems. You'll learn proper techniques for setting the hook on sharks, which is different from other fish since we're using circle hooks that need steady pressure rather than a hard hookset. The captain will show you how to fight these fish effectively, using the boat's leverage and keeping steady pressure to tire them out. We'll anchor over structure or drift along drop-offs where sharks patrol for easy meals. The key is patience – shark fishing can involve long periods of waiting followed by explosive action when they finally show up.
Tiger sharks are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These apex predators can reach impressive sizes off Morehead City, with fish in the 8-12 foot range showing up regularly during peak season from late spring through early fall. Tigers are known for their distinctive stripes and their willingness to eat just about anything, which makes them both exciting and unpredictable to catch. What makes them special is their incredible strength and stamina – a big tiger will test every bit of your tackle and technique. The fight typically starts with a powerful run that'll make your drag scream, followed by deep diving and bulldogging that can last 30 minutes or more. Tigers are most active during warmer months when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees, and they tend to feed more aggressively in the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Blacktip sharks might be smaller than tigers, but they make up for size with pure athleticism and numbers. These sharks are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked, often clearing the water completely in dramatic aerial displays that'll get everyone on the boat excited. Blacktips typically run 3-6 feet in these waters and are incredibly fast swimmers with explosive bursts of speed. They're more common than tigers and tend to travel in small groups, so once you find them, multiple hookups are possible. The best time for blacktips is during their spring and fall migrations when large schools move through the area. They feed heavily on smaller baitfish and are usually found in shallower water than tigers, often right along the beach or near inlets where bait concentrates.
Captain Jeffrey's shark fishing trips consistently deliver the kind of action that'll have you talking about it for years. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and proven techniques gives you the best shot at hooking into these incredible predators. Whether you're after the raw power of a tiger shark or the acrobatic displays of blacktips, this 5-hour adventure puts you in the right place with the right approach. The small group size means you'll get hands-on instruction and plenty of opportunities to get on the rod. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – the best shark fishing months fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Contact Swan Point Charters today and get ready to experience what happens when you hook into one of the ocean's most powerful predators.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks we target, known for their spectacular jumps and acrobatic fights. They average around 5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll find them in 30-200 feet over muddy bottoms and around artificial reefs where they hunt sardines, mackerel, and croakers. Spring through fall are prime seasons when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is their aerial show - these sharks can launch 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. They're social feeders, so where you catch one, there's usually more around. Use 20-50 pound braided line with circle hooks and plenty of chum. Here's the key: use oily baits like fresh sardines or mackerel chunks. Once you get them fired up with chum, they can get pretty aggressive and competitive with each other.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the heavyweights of our local waters, averaging 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds. Those distinctive dark stripes fade as they age, but their reputation as powerful fighters never does. We find them in 30-100 feet around structure and drop-offs, especially during warmer months when they follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. These apex predators hunt using electroreceptors in their snouts, making them incredibly efficient. What makes them special is their raw power - when a tiger hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're generally slow movers but can explode with speed when striking. My best tip: use fresh cut mackerel or bluefish on heavy tackle with 100-pound mono. When you feel that first run, let the circle hook do its job and settle in for a long fight.
Morehead City