North Carolina · Crystal Coast
BLACKFIN TUNA FISHING
IN MOREHEAD CITY
Morehead City is a solid destination for blackfin tuna fishing, with good fishing in June, July. Book a charter and target blackfin tuna with local experts.
About Blackfin Tuna Fishing in Morehead City
Smaller cousin of the yellowfin but excellent eating and great light-tackle sport.
Morehead City is a solid destination for blackfin tuna fishing, offering good fishing in June, July. The best months to target blackfin tuna here are June, July.
Scientific name: Thunnus atlanticus
Blackfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Morehead City
Month-by-month availability for blackfin tuna in Morehead City, NC.
How to Catch Blackfin Tuna 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 Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Morehead City
Top spots where local captains target blackfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
The Gulf Stream (Big Rock Country)
The Gulf Stream runs approximately 30 to 40 miles offshore of Morehead City, closer than almost any other mainland port on the U.S. East Coast. This proximity made Morehead City the birthplace of the legendary Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, one of the richest fishing tournaments in the world. Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and sailfish are targeted along the Stream's edges and temperature breaks.
The Swansboro Hole
The Swansboro Hole is a natural depression on the continental shelf southwest of Beaufort Inlet where the bottom drops deeper than the surrounding shelf. The depth change concentrates baitfish and attracts grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and barracuda. It serves as a transitional fishing ground between nearshore reef fishing and deep Gulf Stream trolling.
Hoop Pole Creek Reef (AR-342)
AR-342 is an offshore artificial reef site approximately 15 to 20 miles off Morehead City, deployed with concrete and steel structure in 60 to 80 feet of water. The reef holds red snapper, grouper, amberjack, triggerfish, and large black sea bass. It is a reliable full-day bottom-fishing destination for charter boats working the Crystal Coast.
The 210 Rock
The 210 Rock is a well-known natural bottom ledge along the shelf edge approximately 25 miles offshore of Morehead City that concentrates gamefish at the depth transition. King mackerel, amberjack, grouper, and cobia hold on the structure during warmer months. Trolling the ledge edge and dropping baits to the bottom produces mixed bags of reef fish and pelagics.
Other Species in Morehead City
More fish you can target while visiting Morehead City.
Blackfin Tuna Fishing in Morehead City — FAQ
Blackfin Tuna fishing in Morehead City is productive during June, July.
Blackfin Tuna fishing charters in Morehead City are typically deep sea fishing 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.
Blackfin 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 Blackfin Tuna 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 Blackfin Tuna in Morehead City?
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