North Carolina · Crystal Coast
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN BEAUFORT NC
Beaufort NC is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with good fishing in May, June, July. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Beaufort NC
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Beaufort NC
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Beaufort NC, NC.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Beaufort NC
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Beaufort NC
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Cape Lookout Shoals
Cape Lookout Shoals extend miles offshore from the cape's tip, where the continental shelf narrows and the Gulf Stream swings close to shore. The shoals concentrate king mackerel, cobia, Spanish mackerel, and false albacore during seasonal migrations. The proximity of deep water to the shoals creates a unique environment where nearshore and offshore species overlap.
The Gulf Stream (Beaufort Access)
The Gulf Stream is accessible from Beaufort in approximately 25 to 35 miles, one of the shortest runs on the East Coast. Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sailfish are targeted along temperature breaks, weed lines, and current edges. Beaufort's proximity to the Stream has made it a major port for offshore charter fishing and competitive billfishing.
Schurz Wreck
The USS Schurz is a German-built gunboat sunk in a collision in 1918, now resting in approximately 115 feet of water south of Cape Lookout. The wreck holds amberjack, grouper, barracuda, and large black sea bass that use the structure for habitat. It is a popular wreck-fishing destination for Beaufort-based charter boats running offshore trips.
Big Rock (Natural Ledge)
The Big Rock is the natural underwater ledge feature that gave the famous Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament its name, located along the continental shelf edge south of the Crystal Coast. The ledge creates upwelling that attracts blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and other pelagics in extraordinary concentrations. It is considered one of the premier blue marlin fishing grounds in the western Atlantic.
Other Species in Beaufort NC
More fish you can target while visiting Beaufort NC.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Beaufort NC — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Beaufort NC is productive during May, June, July.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Beaufort NC are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Beaufort NC, your captain provides all required North Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna regulations in North Carolina include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Yellowfin Tuna in Beaufort NC, you may also catch Flounder, Redfish, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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