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World-Class Spring Fishing at Atlantic Beach Wrecks
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Harkers Island
- $350 - $1,200 price range
Summary
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Springtime Speedsters
Landing “BigUgly” Black Drum on Fly ~
Landing “BigUgly” Black Drum on Fly ~
Spring Bonito Blitz: NC's Hottest Offshore Action
Get ready to chase some of the fastest fish in the Atlantic off the coast of North Carolina! Our Spring Atlantic Bonito, False Albacore, and Spanish Mackerel trip is the perfect way to kick off your fishing season. We'll be hitting the wrecks and reefs around Atlantic Beach and Cape Lookout, where these speedsters gather as they migrate north. With Flying Fish Charters, you're in for a day of non-stop action, bent rods, and screaming reels.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we leave the dock, we're on the hunt for birds working the surface - a dead giveaway that fish are feeding. We'll run to the 30-50 foot range, where wrecks and reefs hold bait and attract our target species. The beauty of this trip is the variety. One minute you might be sight-casting to a school of bonito, the next you're battling a false albacore that's trying to spool you. And don't forget the Spanish mackerel - they'll keep you on your toes with their lightning-fast strikes.
Techniques That'll Hook You
We're talking light tackle and heavy action here, folks. Whether you're a fly fishing fanatic or a jig-slinging pro, we've got you covered. Early mornings and late afternoons, we might even break out the poppers for some heart-stopping topwater hits. The key is to match the hatch - small, flashy lures that mimic the baitfish these predators are chasing. When we find a hot spot, it's not uncommon to have multiple hookups at once. Trust me, when a false albacore decides to make a run, you'll understand why we call them "little tunny" - they fight like their bigger cousins!
Top Catches This Season
Spring is prime time for these hard-fighting fish. As the water temps climb into the mid-60s, the action heats up. Atlantic bonito are usually the first to show, followed closely by the false albacore. Spanish mackerel aren't far behind, and they often mix in with the others. The best part? Two out of three of these fish make excellent table fare. Bonito and Spanish are delicious grilled or smoked, while false albacore... well, let's just say they're better as catch-and-release trophies.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Bonito: These streamlined speedsters are the smallest of the tuna family, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. Averaging 5-10 pounds, bonito are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They school up around structure and are suckers for small, shiny lures. Spring is the peak season, so get ready for some serious action.
False Albacore (Little Tunny): Don't let the "false" in their name fool you - these fish are the real deal when it comes to a fight. Pound for pound, they're one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They can hit speeds of 40 mph and will test your drag system and your stamina. Look for them busting bait on the surface, and be ready for some of the most exciting fishing of your life.
Spanish Mackerel: These toothy predators are the speedsters of the mackerel family. Known for their incredible bursts of speed, Spanish mackerel can turn a calm day into chaos in seconds. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Their flaky, white meat is a favorite among seafood lovers, making them a great "catch and keep" option.
Cobia: While not as common as our other target species, cobia are always a welcome surprise. These powerful fish can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their strong runs and stubborn fights. They often hang around structure or even free-swimming manta rays, so keep your eyes peeled for these bonus catches.
Bluefish: The bulldogs of the sea, bluefish are all attitude. They'll hit just about anything that moves and fight all the way to the boat. Spring runs can bring some bigger specimens in the 10-15 pound range. Their aggressive nature makes them a blast to catch, especially on topwater lures.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about spring fishing off the Carolina coast. Maybe it's the anticipation of the first bonito school busting on the surface. Or the way your heart races when a false albacore peels line off your reel faster than you thought possible. Perhaps it's the satisfaction of bringing home some fresh Spanish mackerel for the grill. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of getting under your skin and keeping you coming back year after year.
Time to Book Your Spot
Don't miss out on some of the best fishing North Carolina has to offer. Our Spring Atlantic Bonito, False Albacore, and Spanish Mackerel trip with Flying Fish Charters is limited to just 4 guests, ensuring everyone gets plenty of action. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local knowledge to put you on the fish. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch. The spring run doesn't last forever, so grab your spot now and get ready for a day of non-stop fishing excitement. Trust me, once you've felt the pull of a bonito or the blistering run of a false albacore, you'll be hooked for life. Book now and let's make some fishing memories!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Bonito
Atlantic Bonito are a blast to catch when they migrate through our waters in spring. These torpedo-shaped speedsters usually run 6-12 pounds and put up an impressive fight on light tackle. Look for them around reefs and wrecks in 30-50 feet of water when temps hit the mid-60s. They're surface feeders, so watch for birds working bait schools. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to catch them busting on top. Bonito take both flies and jigs well. Try small, flashy lures that mimic baitfish. A fast retrieve often triggers strikes. While not as prized for eating as some other species, bonito make excellent smoked fish dip. For the best action, keep your eyes peeled for feeding frenzies and be ready to cast quickly when you spot one.
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bullies of the ocean - aggressive, toothy, and always ready for a fight. These choppers usually run 2-10 pounds but can top 20. Look for them busting bait on the surface, often in sandy areas near inlets. Blues show up in late spring when water hits the 60s. They'll attack just about any lure, but metal spoons and topwater poppers are hard to beat. Expect violent strikes and acrobatic jumps. Blues have a reputation for being oily, but smaller ones are tasty when prepared right. Fishing for them is pure fun - just watch those teeth! Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving, idle upwind of the action and drift into casting range. Blues often push bait to the surface, creating feeding frenzies you won't forget.
Cobia
Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll encounter inshore. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30 feet or less. Cobia migrate through in late spring when water hits the mid-70s. They're opportunistic feeders, so live bait like eels or crabs work great. Sight fishing for cruising cobia is a rush - scan the surface and be ready to cast. These fish put up a stellar fight and taste fantastic too. Cobia fillets are firm and white, perfect for grilling. Here's a pro tip: when you hook one, get it away from structure fast or it'll wrap you up in a heartbeat. Pound-for-pound, cobia are some of the strongest fish in the sea.
Little Tunny
Little Tunny, also called false albacore, are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These small tuna average 10-12 pounds and school up in big numbers when they migrate through in spring. Look for them busting bait on the surface, often with birds working overhead. They prefer water in the 60s and 70s. False albacore fight incredibly hard for their size - expect blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. While not great table fare, they're a blast on light tackle or fly gear. Small, flashy lures that mimic anchovies or silversides work well. Here's a tip: when you see a school feeding, cast beyond them and retrieve through the frenzy. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are one of our most popular spring and summer targets. These sleek, spotted speedsters usually run 2-4 pounds but can reach 12. Look for them in open water near shore, often around bait schools. They migrate through when water temps hit the mid-60s. Spanish macks are aggressive feeders - small, shiny lures retrieved quickly work great. Try trolling or casting around tide rips and color changes. These fish put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare. For the best action, fish early morning as the sun's coming up. Spanish are often mixed in with bluefish, so be ready for anything. Here's a pro tip: use a light wire leader to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth.
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
