Fishing on Harkers Island gives you the authentic Crystal Coast experience. Located only a few miles away from Beaufort and Morehead City, Harkers Island still has the tranquility of a small town. This is a favorite destination for visitors who want to fish in peace and quiet, and some of them even decide to move here for good. Even with its small-town charm, Harkers Island can deliver some epic big game fishing adventures.
Half day fishing trips take you to inshore and nearshore waters, where you’ll target Flounder, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Little Tunny, Red Drum, and Shark. Depending on the fish you want to catch, you’ll mostly be trolling, popping, and bottom fishing. When you’re up for some serious action, take a trip that lasts at least eight hours and head out offshore. Local guides go 30+ miles off the coast and target Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, and Wahoo.
The fishing season never stops but it has two highlights. The first one is from April–May, and the second, more popular one, is from late September–November. During fall, you can expect to encounter huge schools of Redfish, Little Tunny, and Shark, and have a blast even on a five-hour trip.
Harkers Island is accessible by car but you don’t have to go there directly. Most fishing guides depart from nearby Beaufort and Morehead City and it only takes a few minutes to reach the island’s fishing spots. The guides cover your fishing license and equipment, so you only need to decide what you want to catch.
Explore the Harkers Island fishing scene and discover the never-ending bliss of the Atlantic coast.