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Premier 8-Hour Fall Fishing Adventure | Flying Fish
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Harkers Island
- $350 - $1,200 price range
- Updated Date: July 18, 2025
Summary
Get ready for an 8-hour fishing adventure that adapts to what the ocean throws our way. When conditions are right, we'll head offshore for some serious action. If the seas get choppy, we'll stick to the nearshore waters where the fish are still biting. Our main target? The speedy False Albacore, also known as Little Tunny. These 7-9 pound rockets can hit 45 mph, giving you a real rush when they strike. But that's not all – we're also after trophy-sized Bull Drum, muscular Amberjack, and the acrobatic Blacktip and Spinner Sharks. Every trip is different, but you're guaranteed to feel your heart racing as you reel in these powerful fish. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from the Flying Fish Charters crew. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand at big game fishing for the first time, we'll make sure you're in on the action. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to chase some fish!
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Reels Screaming
Landing “BigUgly” Black Drum on Fly ~
Landing “BigUgly” Black Drum on Fly ~
Fall Fishing Frenzy: 8-Hour Private Adventure
Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on the water with Flying Fish Charters! Our 8-hour fall fishing trip is all about flexibility and fun. We'll chase whatever's biting, adapting to the conditions to make sure you're in on the hottest bite. Whether we're sight casting to speedy false albacore or battling big sharks, this trip delivers the goods. Bring your A-game and let's make some fishing memories!
What to Expect on the Water
This trip is all about going with the flow. If the ocean's playing nice, we'll head offshore to tangle with some real bruisers. But if Mother Nature's feeling feisty, no worries – we'll stick to the nearshore grounds where the action's just as hot. Our main target this time of year is the false albacore (we call 'em "albies" around here). These little tunny are like mini torpedoes, averaging 7-9 pounds but hitting speeds up to 45 mph when they're hooked. It's sight fishing at its finest – we'll spot the schools busting bait on the surface, then it's a cast-and-hang-on situation. But that's not all – we might also run into some bull redfish (we call the big ones "bull drum"), hefty amberjack, or acrobatic blacktip and spinner sharks. Every day's different out here, and that's what keeps it exciting!
Techniques & Tackle Talk
For this trip, we'll be using a mix of light tackle and medium-heavy gear, depending on what we're after. When we're chasing albies, it's all about fast, accurate casts with light spinning gear. We'll use small metal jigs or soft plastics to mimic the bait they're chasing. If we get into the bull reds or sharks, we'll beef up to heavier conventional gear with some serious pulling power. For the amberjack, it's often a vertical jigging game – drop a heavy metal jig down deep and hang on tight when they hit! Don't worry if you're new to any of these techniques – I'll walk you through everything you need to know. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some sunscreen), and we'll handle the rest!
Species You'll Want to Hook
False Albacore (Little Tunny): These pocket rockets are the stars of our fall fishery. They might be small, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. Albies show up in big schools, chasing bait on the surface. When you hook one, be ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. They're not great eating, so we practice catch-and-release to keep the population healthy.
Greater Amberjack: We call these guys "reef donkeys" for a reason – they're stubborn fighters that'll test your arms and your back. AJs hang around deep structure and wrecks. When you hook one, be ready for a tug-of-war as they try to dive back to their hidey-holes. They can get big, with 30-40 pounders being common and some topping 100 pounds!
Blacktip Shark: These sleek predators are a blast on light tackle. They're known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked, sometimes clearing the water by several feet. Blacktips usually run 4-5 feet long and put up a great fight. We practice responsible catch-and-release with all our sharks to help maintain healthy populations.
Spanish Mackerel: These toothy speedsters are a blast to catch on light tackle. They show up in big schools, slashing through bait on the surface. Spanish macks are fast and will test your reflexes with their quick strikes. They're also excellent eating if you want to take a few home for dinner.
Bluefish: Don't let their size fool you – blues are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They're voracious predators with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. When a school of blues moves through, it's non-stop action. They're not the best eating, but they sure are fun to catch!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our fall fishing trips are a customer favorite for good reason. The variety of species we target means every trip is different, and the action rarely slows down. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there's something here for everyone. The sight fishing for albies is world-class, and there's nothing quite like watching a school of fish explode on the surface, then dropping your lure right into the frenzy. And let's not forget the scenery – crisp fall days on the water with the coastline in the background make for some killer photo ops. Plus, with only 3 guests max, you'll get plenty of personal attention and time on the rod.
Time to Book Your Spot
Fall's prime time for fishing around here, and spots fill up fast. Whether you're looking to check some new species off your list, want to test your skills against some hard-fighting gamefish, or just want to spend a day on the water with good company, this trip's got you covered. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local knowledge – you just bring your sense of adventure. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call and let's get your fall fishing adventure on the books. The fish are waiting!
Learn more about the species
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks give you an adrenaline rush like no other. These acrobatic predators typically run 4-6 feet long and put on an aerial show when hooked. You'll find them in our nearshore waters and around inlets, especially in summer and fall. Blacktips often hunt in packs, so multiple hookups aren't uncommon. They're fast and will readily take cut or live bait. Heavy spinning gear or light conventional tackle is ideal. While catch-and-release is common, blacktips are good eating when properly handled. Just be sure to follow regulations. Here's a local secret: Chum with oily fish like menhaden, then float a chunk on a circle hook. When you see a fin, get ready - the strike is often spectacular, with the shark launching completely out of the water.
Bluefish
Bluefish are hard-fighting predators that'll give you a real workout. These aggressive feeders typically run 3-10 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 aren't unheard of. You'll find them in coastal waters, often churning up bait near the surface - what we call a "bluefish blitz." They migrate seasonally, showing up here from late spring through fall. Blues are great fun on light tackle, striking lures and bait with abandon. Just watch those teeth when unhooking! For the tastiest fillets, bleed and ice smaller fish right away. My go-to rig is a metal spoon or popper worked fast on the surface. When they're in a frenzy, blues will hit just about anything shiny. Expect some lost lures, but the action is worth it. These fish pull hard and often jump, giving you an exciting fight every time.
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack are bruisers that'll put your back and tackle to the test. These powerful fish average 20-50 pounds, with some topping 100. You'll find them around deep wrecks and reefs, typically in 60-250 feet of water. AJs are most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round. They're known for their brutal fights - expect long, powerful runs as they try to break you off in the structure. Jigging with heavy metal lures or dropping live baits are go-to tactics. Amberjack meat is good eating, with a firm texture similar to tuna. Just be aware of size and bag limits, as they're carefully managed. Pro tip: When you hook one, get it up and away from the wreck fast, or you'll likely lose the battle. These fish don't give up easily, so be ready for a workout.
Little Tunny
Little Tunny, also called false albacore, are speed demons that'll test your drag. These small tuna average 7-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. You'll spot them busting bait on the surface, often mixed in with Spanish mackerel and bluefish. They show up in good numbers during fall runs, chasing schools of bait. Albies are lightning fast, so light tackle and a smooth drag are key. Sight-casting to feeding fish with small, flashy lures is a blast. When hooked, they make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. While not the best eating, most anglers release them anyway for the pure sport. My top tip: When you see fish feeding, cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly through the frenzy. Hold on tight - the strike is explosive!
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are perfect light-tackle targets, abundant in our nearshore waters from late spring through fall. These sleek, spotted speedsters usually run 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. Look for them around inlets, piers, and just off the beaches, often in large schools chasing bait. They're lightning-fast and will readily hit small, shiny lures retrieved quickly. Trolling with planers and small spoons is productive too. Spanish macks fight above their weight class, making quick runs and occasional jumps. They're also excellent eating when properly handled - immediately ice them down for the best flavor. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving, idle up slowly and cast small jigs or spoons into the frenzy. The action can be non-stop when you find a good school.
About the Flying Fish II
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Ready for a fall fishing adventure? Join us for an 8-hour private trip where we'll chase the fish and the fun. We're all about being flexible and going where the action is. If the ocean's playing nice, we'll head out to deeper waters. But if it's feeling moody, no worries - we'll stick closer to shore and still find plenty of excitement. Our main target this time of year is the False Albacore, also known as Little Tunny. These speedsters average 7-9 pounds and can zip through the water at a mind-blowing 45 mph. Talk about a rush when you hook one! But that's not all - we might also tangle with some beefy Bull Drum, muscular Amberjack, or even acrobatic Blacktip and Spinner Sharks. With room for 3 guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast and reel in your catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this trip promises non-stop action and some seriously impressive fish. Plus, you can't beat the views out on the water. So grab your friends, pack your sense of adventure, and let's make some fishing memories!
