If you’re planning a North Carolina beach trip and want to experience something unforgettable, shark fishing might be the highlight of your vacation. Shark fishing along the coast of North Carolina offers anglers the chance to experience the ultimate thrill.
Given the popularity of shark fishing, as well as the abundance of sharks in North Carolina, How to Catch Sharks in North Carolina is a popular question, especially during the Summer tourist season here along the NC beaches.
There are lots of types of sharks in North Carolina, but I will keep the conversation simple by discussing just a few that we catch most often on my charters like Blacktip Sharks, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, and the iconic Hammerhead Shark. With these fish, the action is fast-paced, and the fight is unforgettable. There are other shark species in NC that you may also encounter, like Tiger Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Nurse Shark, or even the infamous Great White Shark.
Why Shark Fishing is Popular in North Carolina
The warm coastal waters of NC, particularly in my part of southern NC in Ocean Isle Beach, is home to a wide variety of shark species. Shark fishing in NC offers:
- Adrenaline-Pumping Action: Sharks are strong fighters that test your endurance.
- Diverse Shark Species: From acrobatic Blacktip Sharks to the bottom-dwelling Sandbar Sharks, there’s always something biting.
- Family-Friendly Excitement: Shark fishing is a thrilling adventure for anglers of all ages.
- Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, shark fishing in North Carolina is an experience you’ll never forget.
To consistently hook up, it helps to think like a shark—let’s look at when they feed, how they move, and where they stack up along the NC coast.
Shark Behavior and Habitat
Understanding shark behavior is key to finding and catching them. And knowing when and where sharks feed can make a big difference in your success. Here’s what you should know:
- Tidal Influence: Sharks are most active during incoming and outgoing tides when baitfish are moving.
- Preferred Habitat: You should key your fishing in on structure of any type, given the other noted conditions are correct.
- Blacktip Sharks: Found near baitfish schools in shallower waters.
- Sandbar Sharks: Bottom-dwellers often found near reefs and wrecks.
- Hammerhead Sharks: Tend to hunt in deeper offshore waters.
- Water Temperature: Warmer water (70–85°F) increases shark activity along the NC beaches.
With that behavior in mind, here are the NC shark species you’ll most often encounter and the basics that matter for each.
Shark Species Found Along the North Carolina Coast
As I said previously, there are many more shark species in North Carolina waters than these, but below are 4 of the most common sharks in NC.
The size and creel limits (bag limits) listed below are accurate as of the time of this article, but please check the NC Division of Marine Fisheries website for Shark Size and Bag Limits in NC, as the rules do change periodically.
Blacktip Shark
- Size Limit (to keep): Minimum Size: 54 inches fork length
- Bag Limit (to keep): 1 shark per vessel per trip from the authorized species list.
- NC State Record: 163 pounds, 0 ounces, caught off Wrightsville Beach in 2003.
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
- Size Limit (to keep): None
- Bag Limit (to keep): 1 per person per day.
- NC State Record: 27 pounds, 0 ounces, caught off Ocracoke in 2007.
Sandbar Shark
- Recreational harvest prohibited; sandbar sharks are protected.
- NC State Record: Not applicable due to harvest prohibition.
Great Hammerhead Shark, Smooth Hammerhead Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
- Size Limit (to keep): 78 inches fork length (all 3 species).
- Bag Limit (to keep): 1 per vessel per trip.
- NC State Record: No official record listed.
Matching your tackle to these species—and to the current and structure you’re fishing—makes a huge difference.
Best Gear for Shark Fishing
Having the right gear is essential. Here’s what I recommend for shark fishing in NC:
Fishing Rods and Reels
- Spinning Reels: Penn Battle IV Reel in at least a 6000 size.
- Conventional Reels: Penn Squall II Reel, Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Reel, or the Shimano TLD Reel for larger sharks like Hammerheads.
- Rods: A 6–7 foot heavy-action rod with a fast tip. I prefer rods from Penn and Berkley. The Berkley Big Game Rod is a great shark fishing rod for small to medium sized sharks and is a very budget-friendly shark fishing rod.
Lines and Leaders
- Mainline: 30–80 lb braided line for durability. I use Power Pro Super 8 Slick V2 braided fishing line in blue color for shark fishing. The color is of no real importance here.
- Leader: 400 lb monofilament. I use mono for shock absorption and stretch, which helps with bigger sharks. You'll want to crimp this line to the hook and to the swivel.
- Swivels: I use American Fishing Wire Ball-Bearing Swivels in 200 pound test.
- Wire Leaders: I'm normally not using wire, as the 400 pound mono does the job for me. Honestly, any shark that the 400 pound mono can't handle is one that I don't want to tangle with anyway.
Best Shark Fishing Baits
Sharks rely on their sense of smell to locate prey, so fresh, oily bait is key. Here are some of my favorite baits and rigs for Shark Fishing in NC, listed in my order of preference:
- Bluefish: Great for sandbars and hammerheads. Super oily and bloody bait. Bluefish are my absolute favorite shark bait.
- Mullet: A classic bait for Blacktip Sharks and Sharpnose Sharks. Not finger mullet, we're not fishing for redfish.
- Menhaden (Pogies): Strong scent attracts sharks from a distance, but still not my preferred shark bait unless the pogies are large.
If you can't get the above baitfish, don't worry about it. Anything fresh caught will work. Again, refer to the NCDMF for current NC fishing regulations BEFORE you keep any fish to be used for bait.
Lastly, take enough bait that you'll not only have enough to fish with, but also enough to use for chum. When I'm actively shark fishing, I will be throwing cut chunks of bait fish into the water to attract sharks. I'll do this pretty often until the sharks show up and then I'll depend on my chum bag to keep them coming until the bite slows down. Then just repeat the process.
My Go-To Shark Fishing Rig
My normal go-to shark fishing rig is a modified Carolina Rig. I use a heavy, braided main line (as listed above), attached to a ball-bearing swivel, that is then attached to a 12 inch section of 400 pound test monofilament fishing line, which has a 3-4 ounce egg sinker that is just above another ball-bearing swivel, then I tie on another 48 inches of 400 pound test mono, which ends with a 12/0 circle hook. All sections are crimped, not tied. Main line connected to swivel with a Palomar Knot. Base your main line strength on the size of sharks you're targeting, but typically 30 pound test braid for smaller sharks and 80 pound test braid for medium sized sharks works well.
Check out my How to Tie a Shark Fishing Rig Blog and Video.
Check out my How to Tie a Palomar Knot Blog and Video.
Seasonal Shark Fishing Guide
Knowing when to fish for sharks can improve your success:
- Spring: Sharpnose and Blacktips move into shallower waters.
- Summer: Peak season for Sandbar Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, and Blacktip Sharks. In 2025, we saw a ton of Hammerhead Sharks in very close to the beach in Ocean Isle Beach and Holden Beach.
- Fall: Larger sharks move closer to shore as the water cools
Family Friendly Shark Fishing
Family-friendly Shark Fishing Charters are one of my specialties. Here’s what I do to keep trips fun and safe:
- Provide smaller, manageable gear for kids.
- Focus on catching Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, which are perfect for beginners.
- Ensure safety with life vests, gloves, and a clear, fun environment
- You'll hook the fish and reel it in, but I will get it into the boat for you (if safe to do so), show you how to handle, and get a quick pic of you with your shark, and then show you how to safely release the shark.
- I teach the whole family about our sharks here in NC. How to identify them, catch them, handle them, and the importance of catch and release (as well as sustainable practices when harvesting) when shark fishing in NC.
Tips for Successful Shark Fishing
These are a few pro tips that need to be mentioned or reiterated to ensure success and safety when doing a shark fishing trip on your own.
- Chum: Use fish oil and cut bait to create a chum slick. Throw fresh chunks of cut bait into the water every 5 minutes or so until the sharks show up. You can buy pre-made Shark Chum or you can make your own. Either way, I do suggest buying a Chum Bag
- Time It Right: Fish during tidal changes, early mornings, or evenings.
- Be Patient: Once you have your chum slick going, stay put for a while, as sharks can take time to find your bait
- If you see a shrimp boat, get in close behind it, it's nearly a guarantee that sharks are following the boat. (another tip is to never fall off a shrimp boat!). Keep your VHF radio on channel 16 and monitor the radio in case the shrimp boat captain needs you to move. It's not a bad idea to let them know you're there.
- Shark Fishing Charter: If you really want to have a better shot of guaranteed success then hire a charter captain that is experienced in shark fishing charters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Shark Fishing
- Using Frozen Bait: Always use freshly caught bait for better results. You can use frozen chunks in your chum, but fresh is still better.
- Improper Rigging: Ensure your line, leaders, and hooks are strong enough for sharks.
- Undersized fishing rods and reels: Use quality gear, sized appropriately for the fish you're intending to catch. You can use the rods and reels I suggest above if you like, but just be sure to use heavy weight rods paired with like-sized reels that have a good drag.
- Rushing the Fight: Let the shark tire itself out to avoid losing it. However, never prolong a fight longer than needed to safely land and release the shark.
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Not being prepared to de-hook or handle a shark once the shark has been brought to the boat.
I recommend getting a good quality de-hooking tool that has enough length to reach into a shark's mouth without putting your fingers or hand into their mouth. Never try that, I don't care what the situation is. I also don't recommend using pliers to remove the hook from a shark's mouth. Here is the Shark Dehooker Tool that I use for small sharks. It has the length and the grip that I need when dehooking sharks up to about 4 feet. It's also made by Bubba, and I really like their fishing tools and gear. I also have an Aftco Shark Dehooker Tool, that is attached to a 60 inch handle, that allows me to safely remove the hook from larger sharks.
For smaller sharks (3 feet or less) you can use a Fish Gripper Tool to handle them until release.
Shark Fishing Regulations in North Carolina
Always verify current size and bag limits with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries; rules do change. A North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required—guests aboard my charters are covered under my blanket CRFL.
FAQ: Shark Fishing in North Carolina
When is the best time to shark fish in NC?
The best time is from May through September, early mornings or late evenings, but they can be caught any time of day.
Do I need a license to fish for sharks in NC?
Yes, a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required.
If you book with Salty Dawg Fishing Charters, I have all anglers covered with a blanket CRFL license that covers everyone onboard.
Which sharks can be kept in NC?
Visit the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries website to stay updated on size and creel limits for shark fishing in NC.
Where is the best place to shark fish in North Carolina?
There are sharks just about anywhere there’s saltwater in North Carolina, but I’m most familiar with the waters around Ocean Isle Beach. The stretch between Shallotte Inlet and Little River Inlet is especially productive for shark fishing. I have a high success rate catching sharks here from late spring through late fall when the water is warm and baitfish are plentiful.
Is shark fishing safe for kids and families?
Yes — absolutely. I take families with young kids out on shark fishing charters all the time, and safety is always my top priority. We typically target smaller sharks that give kids a fun fight without being overwhelming. Everyone onboard is provided with life jackets, and I handle the shark once it’s alongside the boat so the experience stays exciting, educational, and safe.
Do sharks come close to the beach in North Carolina?
Yes, sharks do occasionally swim close to the beach in North Carolina — it’s their natural habitat and part of a healthy marine ecosystem. That said, when I run shark fishing charters, we fish far enough off the beach that we’re not attracting sharks into shallow swimming areas. The sharks we target are typically around bait schools and structure several hundred yards to a few miles offshore, well away from the beach crowd.
Book Your NC Shark Fishing Charter
Ready to experience shark fishing? At Salty Dawg Fishing Charters, I offer family-friendly Shark Fishing Charters in Brunswick County NC (Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach) targeting Blacktip, Sharpnose, Sandbar, and Hammerhead Sharks.
Book your Shark Fishing Charter today and let’s hit the water for an adventure you’ll never forget! Book online using the link provided or text or call me at (910) 250-8459.
Tight Lines,
Captain Harvey Wall
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters
November 11, 2025
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