South Carolina · Lowcountry
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN BEAUFORT
Beaufort is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Beaufort
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
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Beaufort, SC.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Beaufort
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
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
The SC-GA Ledges
The SC-GA Ledges are a system of natural limestone drop-offs running along the continental shelf roughly 40 miles offshore of Beaufort. Gag grouper, scamp, vermilion snapper, and amberjack stack along the vertical relief, while king mackerel and cobia cruise above the structure. These ledges are a primary offshore bottom-fishing destination for Beaufort and Port Royal charter boats.
The Gulf Stream Edge
The Gulf Stream's western wall passes approximately 55-65 miles offshore of Beaufort, carrying warm tropical water and pelagic species northward along the shelf edge. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and occasional blue marlin are targeted along the temperature break and rip lines. Full-day and overnight charters from Beaufort and Port Royal make the run for Lowcountry bluewater fishing.
The Betsy Ross Wreck
The Betsy Ross is a sunken vessel lying in deep water offshore of the Beaufort coast, creating significant fish-attracting structure on the outer shelf. Amberjack, grouper, barracuda, and large black sea bass hold on the wreck, while king mackerel and cobia circle above. It is a proven offshore bottom-fishing destination that regularly produces quality reef fish for charter boats running from Port Royal Sound.
The Beaufort Deep Reef (PA-41)
The PA-41 deep artificial reef lies in approximately 90-110 feet of water offshore of Beaufort, built from deployed structures including concrete and steel. Red snapper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and amberjack populate the reef in large numbers. Its moderate distance offshore makes it accessible on a full-day trip and serves as a reliable deep-bottom fishing destination for the Beaufort charter fleet.
Other Species in Beaufort
More fish you can target while visiting Beaufort.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Beaufort — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Beaufort is productive during .
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Beaufort 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, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna regulations in South 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, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Cobia, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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