North Carolina · Cape Fear
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN SOUTHPORT
Southport is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with good fishing in June, July. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Southport
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 — Southport
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Southport, NC.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Southport
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 Southport
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Frying Pan Shoals
Frying Pan Shoals extend over 20 miles southeast from Bald Head Island into the Atlantic, making them one of the most prominent offshore features accessible from Southport. King mackerel, cobia, amberjack, grouper, and barracuda patrol the shoals' edges where depth changes create feeding zones. The shoals serve as a major waypoint and fishing ground for Southport boats heading offshore.
Frying Pan Tower
Frying Pan Tower stands at the outer edge of Frying Pan Shoals approximately 34 miles from Southport, its decommissioned light station creating a massive artificial reef. Amberjack, grouper, king mackerel, cobia, and barracuda stack up around the tower's steel legs and debris field. Southport boats have the closest mainland access to the tower, making it a signature offshore destination.
Gulf Stream (Southport Access)
The Gulf Stream is accessible from Southport in approximately 35 to 45 miles via the Cape Fear River inlet, with productive bluewater fishing along the Stream's western edge. Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sailfish are the primary targets along temperature breaks and weed lines. Southport's position near the Gulf Stream makes it one of the top departure points for offshore fishing in southeastern North Carolina.
Yolanda Wreck
The Yolanda is an offshore wreck site lying in approximately 100 feet of water south of Cape Fear, providing excellent bottom-fishing structure in the open Atlantic. Amberjack, grouper, black sea bass, triggerfish, and barracuda hold on the wreck throughout the year, while king mackerel cruise above. It is a reliable offshore wreck-fishing destination for Southport-based charter boats on full-day trips.
Other Species in Southport
More fish you can target while visiting Southport.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Southport — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Southport is productive during June, July.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Southport 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 Southport, 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 Southport, you may also catch King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Redfish, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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