Cricket II – The JAWS Boat

This isn’t just a fishing trip, this is a chance to be a part of a legend. Hop aboard the Cricket II, the very same boat that inspired author Peter Benchley to write the book on which the movie Jaws is based on.

This 45’ boat was built in 1947 and belongs to a different era. She was fully restored and outfitted a few years ago in order to provide free fishing trips for disabled veterans. Certain alterations were made, to make the boat wheelchair accessible. The boat is powered by a 250 HP Detroit engine, features a private toilet, navigational electronics, a fighting chair, trolling gear, tuna tubes, and all kinds of top-notch fishing equipment.

To live up to its legend, this boat will take you to Shark hunting. You can go after Blacktip and Tiger sharks that gather around wrecks. The crew provides Shark tags, so you can also be a part of this species preservation. But there’s so much more. Captain Joe and Captain Chaz have over 50 years of experience and can put you on Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel and more. It all depends on what technique you’re using and which fishing grounds you visited.

All fishing equipment, licenses, and catch cleaning are included in the price. You only need to pack your food, drinks, and bring sun protection. The cost of your trip helps to cover the cost of free trips for veterans.

Enjoy a safe and comfortable adventure on the Cricket II! You don’t need a bigger boat.



Trip availability and prices

  • Private trip
    [Inshore] 2 Hour Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $250
    **Inshore-only** Trolling for Spanish Mackerel andBbluefish
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $550
    This short adventure is perfect for those who don't have enough time for a full day trip or are just experimenting with fishing. Try it out for a few hours and see what it's all about.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $750
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Tuna (Albacore)
    Albacore Tuna
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Bonito
    Bonito
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $950
    This full day adventure is also reserved for 4 guests only. You can go after different types of Shark and Tuna, or target Marlin, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, and more. All fishing gear and licenses are included in the price.
There are 22 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 34 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (54)
Amazing!
Amazing!
Amazing!
+51
Angler rating
28
3
0
0
2
Anglers claimed
Good experience
85%
Friendly captain
92%
Recommend this charter
88%
Appropriate for children
92%
Satisfied with the boat
92%
Caught fish
88%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 34 reviews
Ronald S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great family trip

VERIFIED   [Inshore] 2 Hour Trip on November 3, 2024
We arrived a little early… Captain Joe and co-Captain Chaz were there waiting. Received us well, gave us a nice welcome/safety/overview...
Ronald S. recommends Cricket II – The JAWS Boat
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Alex C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on November 21, 2024
Captain is amazing gentleman with tons of knowledge and forward thought for his guest. Mate very knowledgeable as well and...
Alex C. recommends Cricket II – The JAWS Boat
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  Joseph Dibella\u200b\u200b Captain replied

Chaz N.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Captain Joe

4 Hour Trip on August 17, 2024
Great trip! Knowledgeable captain and mate put us on some fish and we had a great time! Will come back again
Chaz N. recommends Cricket II – The JAWS Boat
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  Joseph Dibella\u200b\u200b Captain replied

Jessica D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Joseph

VERIFIED   [Inshore] 2 Hour Trip on November 16, 2024
Jessica D. recommends Cricket II – The JAWS Boat
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Jessica D. recommends Cricket II – The JAWS Boat
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Justin S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

September fishing trip

VERIFIED   [Inshore] 2 Hour Trip on September 28, 2024
Justin S. recommends Cricket II – The JAWS Boat
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Justin S. recommends Cricket II – The JAWS Boat
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FAQs about Cricket II – The JAWS Boat

Cricket II – The JAWS Boat offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $250 per group - [Inshore] 2 Hour Trip (2 hours)
  • US $550 per group - 4 Hour Trip (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Cricket II – The JAWS Boat, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Handi-cap access
  • Fighting Chair 2 chairs
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Kitchen
  • Outriggers
  • Tuna Tubes
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Cricket II – The JAWS Boat include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We’ll clean the fish for you! It’s included with the trip!)
  • First Mate (2 )
  • Fishing License (You do not need a fishing license! We cover all guests!)

Cricket II – The JAWS Boat offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (You’ll be able to see land from the boat!)
  • Wreck Fishing

Cricket II – The JAWS Boat offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Cricket II – The JAWS Boat include:
  • Bluefish
  • Bonito
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Flounder
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)

Your captain

Joseph Dibella​​
Morehead City, North Carolina, United States
ID & license verified
34 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since February 2021
Captain Joe Dibella worked on this boat as a mate in its glory days. Although he didn't have trips as dramatic as the ones in the movie, he did catch a record Great White Shark, weighing 3,427-lb, the largest of any species ever landed with a rod.

The fish you can target

Bluefish Bluefish
Bonito Bonito
Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
45 ft
Year built
1947
Restored in
2014
Boat manufacturer
Tiffany Yacht Custom
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
Detroit Diesel
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
11 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
You’ll be able to see land from the boat!
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques will you try?

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Handi-cap access
Fighting Chair
2 chairs
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We’ll clean the fish for you! It’s included with the trip!
First Mate
2
Fishing License
You do not need a fishing license! We cover all guests!

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
12 or older
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
We supply Shark Tags
Disabled Accessible

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Checks

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