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Top-Rated Spring Shark & Cobia Trip | Palm Beach

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Harkers Island
  • $350 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed fishing adventure in Palm Beach this spring! Starting in May, the waters come alive with Spinner Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, and Cobia on their annual migration. We'll be sight fishing, either on the move or drifting with a chum slick to attract these hard-fighting species. Whether you prefer fly fishing or spinning tackle, you're in for a treat. The best part? You never know what might show up – we've had surprise visits from Tiger Sharks and even Mahi Mahi. With space for up to 3 guests, this inshore trip is perfect for small groups looking for non-stop excitement. As your guide, I'll put you right in the middle of the action, helping you spot these acrobatic fish and land some impressive catches. It's the kind of trip where every cast could lead to something amazing. So grab your gear and join us for some world-class shark and cobia fishing in the crystal-clear waters of Palm Beach!
Top-Rated Spring Shark & Cobia Trip | Palm Beach

Sharks and Cobia Action

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A scenic coastal landscape in NC, featuring fishing tours

Blacktip shark fishing at Harkers Island

A single person fishing in NC

A person standing on a dock at Harkers Island

Fishing tour on Harkers Island

Landing “BigUgly” Black Drum on Fly ~

Angler with Atlantic Bonito fish, 19 inches long, caught on Harkers Island

Little Tunny fish caught on fishing tour at Harkers Island

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish caught during fishing tour in NC

A garfish swimming in the waters of NC

A person fishing in North Carolina

A scenic coastal landscape in NC, featuring fishing tours

Blacktip shark fishing at Harkers Island

A single person fishing in NC

A person standing on a dock at Harkers Island

Fishing tour on Harkers Island

Landing “BigUgly” Black Drum on Fly ~

Angler with Atlantic Bonito fish, 19 inches long, caught on Harkers Island

Little Tunny fish caught on fishing tour at Harkers Island

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish caught during fishing tour in NC

A garfish swimming in the waters of NC

A person fishing in North Carolina

A scenic coastal landscape in NC, featuring fishing tours

Blacktip shark fishing at Harkers Island

A single person fishing in NC

A person standing on a dock at Harkers Island

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Spring Shark and Cobia Frenzy in Palm Beach

Get ready for some serious action on the water! Our Spring Cobia and Shark Fishing Trip is the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with some of the ocean's most exciting predators. From May onwards, Palm Beach turns into a hotspot for massive schools of Spinner Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, and hard-fighting Cobia. Whether you're a fly fishing fanatic or prefer spinning tackle, this trip offers non-stop thrills and the chance to land some true trophy fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising the crystal-clear waters off Palm Beach, eyes peeled for the telltale signs of feeding sharks or cruising cobia. Suddenly, your guide spots a dark shadow moving through the water. Heart pounding, you make the cast, and BAM! Your line goes tight, and the fight is on. This is the kind of adrenaline rush you can expect on our Spring Cobia and Shark Fishing Trip. We'll use a mix of sight fishing and strategic chumming to put you on the fish. And let me tell you, when these guys are fired up, the action is non-stop. Don't be surprised if you hook into a hefty Tiger Shark or even a speedy Mahi Mahi – the ocean's full of surprises this time of year!

Tactics and Techniques

On this trip, we're all about adapting to what the fish are doing. Some days, we'll be run-and-gun style, chasing down schools of sharks we spot on the surface. Other times, we'll set up a drift with a well-placed chum slick, bringing the predators right to us. For the shark fishing, we'll typically use heavy spinning gear with wire leaders – these toothy critters don't mess around! When targeting cobia, lighter tackle comes into play, and fly fishermen can really shine here. I'll show you the right retrieves and how to present your bait or fly to get those fish fired up. Remember, these fish can get big, so be ready for some serious battles!

Top Catches This Season

Our anglers have been absolutely crushing it this spring. Just last week, we had a group from Ohio land a 200-pound Tiger Shark after an epic hour-long fight. The week before, a father-son duo hooked into a double-header of 40-pound cobia – talk about some serious fish tacos! And let's not forget about the local angler who checked off a bucket list item by landing a 6-foot Spinner Shark on the fly. Trust me, the stories from these trips are the kind you'll be telling for years to come.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spinner Sharks: These acrobatic predators are the main event of our spring fishery. Known for their spectacular leaps and spins (hence the name), Spinner Sharks can reach lengths of up to 10 feet. They're incredibly fast and will test both your reflexes and your gear. The best part? When they're in thick, you might see dozens of them launching out of the water in a feeding frenzy. It's a sight you won't forget.

Blacktip Sharks: Slightly smaller than their Spinner cousins but no less exciting, Blacktip Sharks are abundant in our waters during the spring migration. These sharks are known for their powerful runs and tendency to jump when hooked. Averaging around 5-6 feet in length, they're the perfect size for a challenging fight without being too overwhelming for less experienced anglers.

Cobia: Often called "crab eaters" or "ling," Cobia are one of the most sought-after gamefish in Florida. These powerful fish can grow to over 100 pounds and are known for their strong initial runs and dogged fights. They're often found swimming alongside sharks or manta rays, making for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. As a bonus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep one for dinner.

Mahi Mahi: While not our primary target, we often encounter these beautiful fish during our shark trips. Also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins), Mahi are prized for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors. They're usually found near floating debris or weedlines, and when you find one, there's often a whole school. Their meat is highly prized in restaurants, so they make for a great bonus catch if you're looking to bring home some fresh fish.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running charters in Palm Beach for over 20 years, and I can tell you that this spring shark and cobia bite is something special. It's not just about the number of fish – it's about the whole experience. The rush of seeing a massive shark cruise by the boat, the satisfaction of perfectly presenting a fly to a cruising cobia, the camaraderie of sharing these moments with friends and family. Plus, with a max of 3 guests per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and time on the rods. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time targeting these species, I'll make sure you have the trip of a lifetime.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – these spring trips fill up fast. If you're looking to get in on some of the best shark and cobia action Palm Beach has to offer, now's the time to lock in your date. Remember, we're talking about a world-class fishery right in our backyard. Where else can you hook into multiple species of sharks, trophy cobia, and maybe even a Mahi Mahi all in one day? Don't miss out on this spring feeding frenzy. Give us a call, and let's get you hooked up with the fish of a lifetime. Trust me, once you experience this fishery, you'll be counting down the days until your next trip!

Learn more about the species

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip sharks are one of our most common coastal species, usually 4-5 feet long. You'll find them cruising the shallows, especially around sandbars and drop-offs. Spring and early summer are prime time as they follow bait fish migrations. Anglers love blacktips for their quick runs and occasional jumps. They put up a great fight on medium tackle. To catch one, I like to chum and fish cut bait on the bottom. Oily fish like mackerel work well. The key is to let them run with the bait before setting the hook. Once hooked, be ready for some fast action. Blacktips can make sudden direction changes and even leap clear of the water. While not the biggest sharks out there, they more than make up for it with their speed and energy. Overall, they're a fun, scrappy fish that'll keep you on your toes.

Blacktip Shark

Cobia

Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll find around here. They average 30-50 pounds but can get up over 100. You'll spot them near buoys, wrecks, and other structures, often hanging with rays or turtles. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate up the coast. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They're known for their initial burst of speed, followed by a dogged fight all the way to the boat. To catch one, I like sight fishing with live eels or large jigs. The key is a slow, steady retrieve - cobia are curious and will often follow a bait right to the boat. When they hit, hold on tight. These fish have serious power and stamina. Overall, cobia offer an exciting challenge and some of the best eating around.

Cobia

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here. They average around 15-30 pounds but can get up to 87 pounds. You'll find them near floating debris or weed lines in the open ocean. Spring and summer are prime time as they follow warm currents up the coast. Anglers love targeting mahi for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. They're fast swimmers and hard fighters on light tackle. To catch them, I like trolling with ballyhoo or squid and making the bait skip on the surface. That really gets them excited. Just be ready for some serious action when they hit - these fish can really take off. Mahi make great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Overall, they're one of the most fun fish to catch around here.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Spinner Shark

Spinner sharks are a blast to go after. They typically run 6-7 feet long and put on quite a show, leaping and spinning out of the water as they feed. You'll find them in shallower coastal waters, especially in spring when they migrate up from the south. May is peak season here as they chase bait fish near the beaches. Anglers love spinners for their high-flying acrobatics and powerful runs. To catch one, I like to drift or slow troll live bait like mullet or bluefish. The key is to keep your bait near the surface where these sharks hunt. When you hook up, be ready for some airborne action. Just watch those teeth when you're handling them - they're not huge, but they're sharp. Overall, spinner sharks offer an exciting challenge for any angler looking for a high-energy fight.

Spinner Shark

About the Flying Fish II

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 55

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for some serious spring action off Palm Beach? Come aboard for a wild ride chasing Cobia and Sharks! As May rolls around, these waters become a hotbed for Spinner Sharks, Blacktips, and hefty Cobia. Whether you're into fly fishing or prefer spinning tackle, you're in for a treat. We'll be sight fishing, either on the move or drifting with a strategic chum slick. Every cast could bring a surprise – maybe even a Tiger Shark or some Mahi Mahi joining the party. It's non-stop excitement as we target these acrobatic fighters. With room for 3 guests, this inshore trip offers a unique chance to tangle with some of the ocean's most dynamic species. Don't miss out on this springtime spectacle – book your spot and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping day on the water!
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