North Carolina · Crystal Coast
BLACK SEA BASS FISHING
IN MOREHEAD CITY
Morehead City is a solid destination for black sea bass fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, April. Book a charter and target black sea bass with local experts.
About Black Sea Bass Fishing in Morehead City
A tasty bottom dweller found on reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Morehead City is a solid destination for black sea bass fishing, offering good fishing in January, February, March, April. The best months to target black sea bass here are January, February, March, April.
Scientific name: Centropristis striata
Black Sea Bass Seasonal Calendar — Morehead City
Month-by-month availability for black sea bass in Morehead City, NC.
How to Catch Black Sea Bass in Morehead City
Techniques & Bait
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
Recommended Tackle
Your captain will provide all tackle and gear suited to the target species and local conditions.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Morehead City
Top spots where local captains target black sea bass and other nearshore species.
Beaufort Inlet
Beaufort Inlet is the main ocean inlet for the Morehead City area, connecting Bogue Sound and the Newport River to the Atlantic Ocean. The inlet's strong currents concentrate Spanish mackerel, false albacore, bluefish, flounder, and red drum along the channel edges and sand bars. The inlet is also a reliable spot for tarpon during summer months when warm Gulf Stream water pushes close to shore.
AR-315 Artificial Reef
AR-315 is one of several permitted artificial reef sites managed by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries in the nearshore waters off Morehead City. The deployed structures sit in 40 to 60 feet of water and attract black sea bass, sheepshead, triggerfish, and spadefish. GPS coordinates are publicly available and the reef is a popular half-day destination for small-boat anglers.
Fort Macon Rock Jetty
The rock jetty at Fort Macon State Park on the eastern end of Bogue Banks guards the south side of Beaufort Inlet and provides outstanding shore-based nearshore fishing. Sheepshead, flounder, black drum, Spanish mackerel, and pompano are caught along the rocks year-round. The jetty is one of the most accessible and productive rock-fishing locations on the North Carolina coast.
Morehead City Oceanfront Wrecks
Several small wrecks and debris fields lie within a few miles of Beaufort Inlet in 30 to 50 feet of water, remnants of the area's long maritime history. Black sea bass, flounder, sheepshead, and spadefish use the wrecks for cover, and Spanish mackerel and bluefish patrol above. These nearshore wrecks provide quick-access bottom-fishing without needing to make a long offshore run.
Other Species in Morehead City
More fish you can target while visiting Morehead City.
Black Sea Bass Fishing in Morehead City — FAQ
Black Sea Bass fishing in Morehead City is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Black Sea Bass fishing charters in Morehead City are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
No — when you book a charter in Morehead City, your captain provides all required North Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Black Sea Bass 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 Black Sea Bass in Morehead City, you may also catch Flounder, Redfish, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Black Sea Bass in Morehead City?
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