Top-Rated Spring Shark & Cobia Trip | Palm Beach

Shark & Cobia: NC's Ultimate Inshore Thrill

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping day on the water with Flying Fish Charters! Our full-day guided shark and cobia fishing trip off Harkers Island, NC is the real deal. From May onwards, these waters become a hotspot for big game action that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to test your mettle against some of the ocean's most exciting predators, this trip delivers non-stop action and the chance to land some seriously impressive catches.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off early, loading up the boat with all the gear you'll need for a full day of fishing. As we cruise out of Harkers Island, keep your eyes peeled – the action can start before we even reach our fishing grounds. Once we're in prime territory, we'll deploy our secret weapon: a carefully laid chum slick that brings the predators right to us. You'll be sight fishing for most of the day, which means you'll get to spot your target before you cast. There's nothing quite like the rush of seeing a shark's dorsal fin cutting through the water or a cobia's distinctive profile just below the surface. Be ready for anything – from acrobatic spinner sharks leaping clear of the water to the brute strength of a big cobia testing your gear to its limits.

Top Catches This Season

Our main targets are spinner sharks, blacktip sharks, and cobia, but the beauty of fishing these waters is you never know what might show up. We've had days where anglers have hooked into surprise tiger sharks or even offshore pelagics like mahi-mahi that have wandered into our area. We use a mix of techniques to keep things interesting. For the fly fishing enthusiasts, we've got some killer flies that these predators can't resist. If you prefer conventional tackle, we'll set you up with some top-notch spinning gear that's perfect for sight casting or working the chum slick. The key is to stay alert and be ready to spring into action – when these fish hit, they hit hard, and you'll want to be on your toes to set the hook and start the fight of a lifetime.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing these waters that keeps our clients coming back year after year. Maybe it's the heart-pounding excitement of watching a shark cruise up to your bait. Or perhaps it's the satisfaction of outsmarting a cobia and feeling that first powerful run. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of getting under your skin. We've had folks who came out as complete novices and left with a new obsession. The mix of species we target means every trip is different, and there's always a chance for that once-in-a-lifetime catch. Plus, the scenery around Harkers Island is tough to beat – crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and if we're lucky, we might even spot some dolphins or sea turtles between catches.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spinner Shark: These acrobatic predators are a sight to behold. Known for their spectacular leaps and spins (hence the name), spinner sharks can give you one heck of a show. They typically range from 4 to 7 feet long and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your gear. May through July is prime time for these high-flying sharks, and once you've seen one clear the water by several feet, you'll be itching for more.

Blacktip Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you – blacktips are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting sharks out there. These speedsters are known for their quick runs and sudden direction changes that'll keep you on your toes. They usually max out around 6 feet, but what they lack in size, they make up for in aggression. Blacktips are most active in our waters from late spring through early fall.

Cobia: Also known as ling or lemonfish, cobia are the prize catch for many inshore anglers. These powerful fish can grow over 100 pounds and are notorious for their long, dogged fights. Cobia have a knack for testing both your patience and your tackle. They start showing up in May and stick around through September. Sight fishing for cobia is an art form – spotting their distinctive broad, flat heads near the surface and making the perfect cast is a thrill like no other.

Mahi Mahi: While not our primary target, mahi-mahi (also called dorado or dolphinfish) sometimes surprise us by venturing into our inshore waters. These colorful speedsters are usually an offshore species, but when they do show up, it's always a welcome bonus. Known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat, hooking into a mahi is like hitting the jackpot. They're most likely to make an appearance in the warmer months from June to August.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing trip that combines non-stop action, the chance for trophy catches, and the kind of stories you'll be telling for years to come, our full-day shark and cobia trip is the ticket. We've got room for up to three anglers, so grab your buddies and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. May through September is prime time for this fishery, but spots fill up fast – especially on weekends. Don't miss out on your chance to tangle with some of the ocean's most exciting predators. Book your trip with Flying Fish Charters today, and let's get out there and make some memories!