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World-Class Spring Fishing at Atlantic Beach Wrecks
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Harkers Island
- Updated Date: November 28, 2025
Summary
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Speedy Fish, Full Coolers
Reel in the Big Ones: Harkers Island Fishing
Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on the waters off Harkers Island, NC. We're talking about hooking into some of the fastest, hardest-fighting fish the Atlantic has to offer. From the speedy Atlantic Bonito to the acrobatic False Albacore, this trip is all about putting you on the fish and giving you a run for your money. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our experienced crew at Flying Fish Charters knows how to make this a day you won't forget.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll push off from Harkers Island bright and early, heading out to the prime fishing grounds where the action is hottest. Our stomping grounds are the reefs and wrecks in 30-50 feet of water, where Bonito and other pelagics love to hang out. As we cruise out, keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface – that's often a dead giveaway that fish are feeding. We'll be targeting a mix of species, so be ready to switch up tactics on the fly. One minute you might be working a jig deep, the next you could be casting flies to busting fish on top. It's fast-paced fishing that'll keep you on your toes all day long.
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
We've got a few tricks up our sleeves to put you on the fish. When the bite is hot, we'll often start with topwater poppers – there's nothing quite like seeing a Bonito or Spanish Mackerel explode on a surface lure. As the day heats up, we might switch to jigging or fly fishing techniques. We'll show you how to work the water column, reading the fish's behavior to adjust our approach. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. We provide all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring along, that's cool too. Just remember, these fish fight hard, so make sure your gear can handle the punishment!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Bonito: These speedsters are the main attraction on this trip. Bonito are like miniature tunas, built for speed and power. They typically range from 2-10 pounds, but even the small ones fight like fish twice their size. Bonito love to hit fast-moving lures and flies, often creating exciting topwater strikes. They're at their peak when the water temps hit the mid-60s, usually in spring and fall. Bonus: they're excellent eating if you want to take some home for the grill.
False Albacore (Little Tunny): Often called "Albies" by locals, these are the speed demons of the coast. They're not great for eating, but pound-for-pound, they might be the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. Albies can run up to 20 pounds and will test both your gear and your stamina. They're known for blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Look for them busting bait on the surface – it's a sight you won't forget.
Spanish Mackerel: These toothy predators are a blast to catch and great eating too. Spanish Mackerel are known for their acrobatic jumps and lightning-fast runs. They typically range from 1-4 pounds but fight well above their weight class. We often find them mixed in with the Bonito schools, providing some variety to your catch.
Cobia: While not as common as the others, when we do hook into a Cobia, it's always a highlight of the trip. These bruisers can top 50 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. They love structure, so we'll often target them around the wrecks we fish. Cobia are seasonal visitors, typically showing up in late spring and sticking around through summer.
Bluefish: The bullies of the ocean, Bluefish are always a fun catch. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything that moves. Blues can range from 2-20 pounds and are known for their sharp teeth and feisty attitude. They're often mixed in with the other species we target, adding some variety to your day.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with us tend to get hooked themselves. Maybe it's the rush of hooking into a screaming Bonito, or the satisfaction of finally landing that stubborn Albie after multiple runs. Could be the laid-back vibe on the boat, swapping stories and soaking in the coastal scenery. Or maybe it's just the simple pleasure of being out on the water, away from the grind of everyday life. Whatever it is, we've got regulars who come back year after year, bringing friends and family to share the experience.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, we could go on all day about how great this trip is, but the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Whether you're looking to put some tasty Bonito or Spanish in the cooler, or just want to test your skills against some of the fastest fish in the sea, this is the trip for you. Our boat's limited to just 4 guests, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and time on the rods. We don't provide meals, so pack a lunch and plenty of water – trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water for a day of fishing you won't forget. Tight lines!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Bonito
Atlantic Bonito are speed demons, hitting 40 mph as they chase bait. These silver bullets with dark stripes average 10-12 pounds but can reach 30 inches. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 30-50 feet of water when temps hit the mid-60s. They migrate along our coast in spring, offering great action for both fly and jig anglers. Bonito put up a strong fight and make excellent table fare. To hook one, look for birds working the surface – that's a dead giveaway they're feeding. Try small, flashy lures like spoons or jigs that mimic their prey. Cast into the frenzy and retrieve quickly. When you hook up, hang on tight – these guys will test your gear and your arms!
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the ocean – all muscle and attitude. They average 3-5 pounds inshore, but can top 20 pounds in open water. You'll find them in bays, inlets, and along beaches, often in big schools. They show up in late spring and stick around till fall, following bait migrations. Anglers love bluefish for their aggressive strikes and strong fights. To catch 'em, look for birds diving or bait fish jumping – that's often a sign of bluefish feeding frenzies. Throw topwater lures, metal spoons, or cut bait into the melee. Be ready for explosive hits and multiple hookups. A word of caution: bluefish have razor-sharp teeth, so use a wire leader to prevent cut-offs. They're good eating when prepared right, but bleed and ice them immediately for the best flavor.
Cobia
Cobia are bruisers, often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown coloring and shark-like dorsal fin. They can grow over 6 feet and top 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia show up in late spring when water warms, hanging around all summer. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful fights and excellent eating quality. To land one, try sight fishing - scan the surface for their distinctive shape. Once spotted, toss a live eel or large jig their way. Be ready for a battle, as cobia are known for long, dogged fights. A local tip: cobia are curious, so if you miss on the first cast, keep it in their sight – they'll often come back for another look.
Little Tunny
Little Tunny, also called False Albacore, are pocket rockets of the tuna family. They average 10-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them in nearshore waters, often around points and inlets. They show up in good numbers when water temps hit the mid-60s, usually in spring and fall. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. To catch one, look for birds diving or fish busting on the surface. Cast small, flashy lures like metal jigs or flies that mimic their bait. Retrieve fast – these guys are built for speed. A word of warning: their meat is dark and strong-tasting, so most folks release them. If you do keep one, bleed it immediately and get it on ice for the best eating quality.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are silver torpedoes with yellow spots, usually 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. They're speed demons, clocking over 25 mph when chasing bait. Look for them in open water near the surface, often around structure like jetties or reefs. They show up in our waters when temps warm in late spring, sticking around through early fall. Anglers love targeting them for their fast action and tasty fillets. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. Or, if you spot a school busting bait on the surface, cast lures into the frenzy and retrieve quickly. A local trick: use a long fluorocarbon leader – these guys have sharp teeth and keen eyesight. Spanish Mackerel make great eating, but they don't keep well, so clean 'em quick and get 'em on ice.
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
