North Carolina has a prime shoreline for Tuna fishing opportunities. It is located in the central Atlantic coast location, easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, it also has over hundreds miles of ocean coastline, Tuna fishing suits anglers of any skill level and it is easy to say "North Carolina has one of the top fisheries in the eastern seaboard".
Tuna in North Carolina
And Yellowfin Tuna are maybe the most commonly encountered species in Atlantic waters. Bluefin Tuna are the heavy fish of the Tuna world. Though Black Tuna are the smallest in the family of Tuna, They have the best taste. In the waters of the Northeast of the US, you also see Bigeye.
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna are a strong fish and you can find Atlantic Bluefins throughout North Carolina’s water. They grow larger than Yellollow Tuna and their meat is pretty delicious. Anglers want to catch good Bluefin Tuna on a fishing trip, they should visit North Carolina’s coast from November to February.
Unfortunately, Bluefin species have been overfished. Bluefin size, limits and regulations every angler needs to know. It is allowed to keep only one Bluefin per day if it is over 46’ and under 73 inches.
Yellow Tuna
Compared to Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna is lighter in taste and have less of the coveted fat but the meat still has good quality and usually has amazing aerial displays.
They show up everywhere around the world and approach shallower waters when higher temperatures so on the Atlantic side, they are found throughout North Carolina. Anglers catch them in great numbers due to these fish travel in schools. The peak season for Yellowfin Tuna are from March to June and from October to December. In North Carolina, every fisher can get 3 Yellowfin Tuna per day.
When is Tuna Season in North Carolina?
Bluefin Tuna migrate along the coast, reaching North Carolina waters in large numbers from November through March. Once you find Bluefin Tuna, approach them upwind and make a long cast just past them as the boat drifts you closer and make long pulls, short pauses, reeling only to take in the slack.
When water temperatures start to rise in April, Bluefin Tuna catches decrease but Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna are dominant the rest of the year.
Yellowfin Tuna will show up offshore with big number from March to August and from October through December.
In fact, from June through August, anglers can catch Bigeye Tuna more easily, just need more patience from anglers, they need to go further and deeper water, but it’s well worth it.
Places for Tuna fishing in North Carolina
Pender, New Hanover and Brunswick counties all have oceans belong to the southern coast of North Carolina. Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach and Carolina Beach are some of the top for fishing but Wilmington is the most famous. Fishing Tournaments are hosted throughout the year in Wilmington. Sport fishing for Tuna or other fish are successful due to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream off this section of coast. Anglers want to get a good number in buckets of fish, they should start their fishing trip from spring to fall months.
Carteret and Onslow counties are both ideal for targeting offshore trophy Tuna due to 85 miles of coastline along this stretch of the Atlantic. Summer months are the best time for fishing Yellowfin Tuna. Bluefin and Blackfin Tuna are targets during the fall and winter months.
The Outer Banks is considered the Billfish capital of the world. It is also a hotspot for Tuna Fishing. The great numbers of Tuna caught along this section of coast in season are unmatched. Offshore waters of the Outer Banks is where Labrador Current and Gulf Stream intersect and where produce Tuna from the winter through early spring, Yellowfin Tuna is hooked really much all year.
Locations like Hatteras is the heart of tuna fishing. Cape Hatteras is located on the southern of the Barrier Island where anglers for sport fishing, especially for Tuna Fishing. The most productive area for Tuna fishing is out of Cape Hatteras. Houses in Cape Hatteras were decorated with pictures and paintings of fish, anglers also have nice, comfortable trips when they visit here.
Yellowfin, Bluefin and Bigeye create an incredible battle in the ocean of North Carolina, they don’t give up easily and always try to swim hard until the end. The more challenges, the more great anglers think about catching them. Tuna in North Carolina are the inspiration for us to create beautiful, quality fishing shirts. Visit these products and we look forward to accompanying you on your fishing trips.