North Carolina Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters

North Carolina Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters

Top North Carolina Bluefin Tuna Fishing Destinations

Best Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters in North Carolina

North Carolina: 54 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(75 reviews)
Manteo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $725
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(14 reviews)
Atlantic Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(37 reviews)
Wanchese
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $1,000
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(93 reviews)
Manteo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $2,700

Bluefin Tuna Fishing in North Carolina

Bluefin Tuna
  • Size 200 to 600lbs
  • Food Value Excellent
  • Game Qualities Excellent
  • Habitats Offshore

(Thunnus thynnus / orientalis / maccoyii)

The proximity of North Carolina to the Gulf Stream guarantees that Tuna fishing here will always be well represented in the local angling scene. From Manteo in the north, all the way down to Holden Beach, you’ll find plenty of deep sea fishing charters with options for Gulf Stream trips.

There’s definitely a reason for the enthusiasm, as Tuna are big, beautiful, and very defiant, meaning every victory is a hard-fought one. You won’t be bored on a Tuna trip, that’s for sure.

North Carolina Tuna Fishing Spots

While fishing for Tuna is done all along the North Carolina coastline, some places are intrinsically better than others. The biggest noticeable difference lies in the distance from the Gulf Stream. Places like Manteo and Hatteras to the northeast are some 30 miles off, while a trek from the Masonboro Inlet is more than twice as long at 65+ miles. That said, if you go on a proper Tuna expedition, don’t expect it to be a short one either way.

Hatteras

Hatteras is one of the big names when it comes to Tuna Fishing, and probably your best option in North Carolina. You have local fishing families that have been working the waters here for generation upon generation, as well as the famous boat brand that shares the town’s name. It’s the closest you can get to the Gulf Stream on land, which explains its popularity among anglers.

As with the rest of the Outer Banks, Bluefin Tuna season starts around October and can last up to half a year, weather permitting. Yellowfin Tuna is more abundant and can be caught pretty much any time of the year, peaking in the March-May period. You’ll need to go some 50 miles out for the best chance of bagging some Tuna, especially if you’re going after Bluefin, the local speciality.

Manteo

While not as popular as Hatteras, Manteo is still a world-class destination for anyone the least bit interested in Tuna fishing. Some 50 miles north of Hatteras, the local offshore charters target the northern reaches of the Gulf Stream in search for Tuna. 12-hour trips are the norm here, which can be an unforgettable experience if you manage to land a big one.

Tuna Fishing Techniques

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna are a bit simpler to deal with than the Bluefin, and their sheer abundance means you’ll be seeing them in a variety of sizes, anywhere from 15 to 100 pounds. They are known to travel in schools, so you have a bigger chance of catching them in greater numbers. The standard way of catching Yellowfin involves trolling for them using dead bait and lures such as cedar plugs and tuna feathers. Chunking is also a standard Tuna fishing practice both for Yellowfin and Bluefin simply because it’s wildly successful on most trips.

Bluefin Tuna

While the common way of Bluefin Tuna fishing involves heavy tackle, you will find experienced anglers using light tackle to great success as well. Jigging and popping for Bluefins is an extremely exciting experience, but one that’s best left to people with a bit of experience dealing with Tuna. A more conventional way of fishing involves trolling with approx. 80-130 lb tackle. The state record for Bluefin Tuna is 805 lbs, but you’re most likely to encounter those in the 150-600 lbs range.

If you’re the least bit interested in going after big Tuna, there’s hardly a better place for it on the East Coast than North Carolina. The catch is huge, the captains skilled, and all that’s missing is you!

North Carolina Bluefin Tuna Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Bluefin Tuna fishing in North Carolina varies moderately throughout the year. High season is January to February and November to December. Low season is April to September. There is no closed season.
North Carolina
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 28,444 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Bluefin Tuna Fishing in North Carolina

Don't forget a jacket. It was warm the morning of, but got colder during the day.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don't forget a jacket. It was warm the morning of, but got colder during the day.
FinchasersUSA Charters
FinchasersUSA Charters
The trip was on calm water, because the Captain communicated prior to the trip and adjusted the trio time. We caught many fish throughout the day, most were undersized but it was a great day and we were always catching fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The trip was on calm water, because the Captain communicated prior to the trip and adjusted the trio time. We caught many fish throughout the day, most were undersized but it was a great day and we were always catching fish.
Carolina Traditions Fishing Charters
Carolina Traditions Fishing Charters
Check out Southern Tides canโ€™t wait for summer, we have big plans with Captain Jacob and the Southern Tides crew.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check out Southern Tides canโ€™t wait for summer, we have big plans with Captain Jacob and the Southern Tides crew.
Southern Tides Fishing Charters
Southern Tides Fishing Charters
For this time of year wear layers and a sock hat, and gloves, bring some hand warmers for your pockets,
Excellent
5.0 / 5
For this time of year wear layers and a sock hat, and gloves, bring some hand warmers for your pockets,
Sound-N-Sea Charters
Sound-N-Sea Charters
Good because we caught fish, would have liked to catch more, but we had fun
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Good because we caught fish, would have liked to catch more, but we had fun
Old School Fishing Charters
Old School Fishing Charters
"What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Hatteras for the first time?" - The weather isn't always going to cooperate and give you a nice day. Talk to your captain ahead of time and they will tell you how to prepare yourself for when you are on the boat. They want you to be comfortable and have a great time, so listen to what they say.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
"What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Hatteras for the first time?" - The weather isn't always going to cooperate and give you a nice day. Talk to your captain ahead of time and they will tell you how to prepare yourself for when you are on the boat. They want you to be comfortable and have a great time, so listen to what they say.
Dunn Deal Sportfishing
Dunn Deal Sportfishing
Bring warm clothing and rain gear during the winter months...even when it is supposed to be in the 60s.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring warm clothing and rain gear during the winter months...even when it is supposed to be in the 60s.
Reel Teal Charters โ€“ 22' Bull's Bay
Reel Teal Charters โ€“ 22' Bull's Bay
I really wasnโ€™t sure what to expect for it being early November but the weather was perfect and mid 70s.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I really wasnโ€™t sure what to expect for it being early November but the weather was perfect and mid 70s.
Carolina Traditions Fishing Charters
Carolina Traditions Fishing Charters
I can't answer that it was my first time fishing this time of year and in the outer banks
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I can't answer that it was my first time fishing this time of year and in the outer banks
Old School Fishing Charters
Old School Fishing Charters
Take the time and money to charter a guide who knows the area. You'll have a much better time and learn the area.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take the time and money to charter a guide who knows the area. You'll have a much better time and learn the area.
Willy C Charters
Willy C Charters
It sounds like the odds are better in the early (spring/summer) season for most species. I think the chamber of commerce may slightly exaggerate fall fishing opportunities.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
It sounds like the odds are better in the early (spring/summer) season for most species. I think the chamber of commerce may slightly exaggerate fall fishing opportunities.
STOLAT Fishing Charters
STOLAT Fishing Charters
The marina in Wanchese has a large selection for fishing guides. The marina has an excellent restaurant that is actually quite reasonable in price for the quality of food served. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the local community and was very instructive in the techniques used to fish artificial baits.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The marina in Wanchese has a large selection for fishing guides. The marina has an excellent restaurant that is actually quite reasonable in price for the quality of food served. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the local community and was very instructive in the techniques used to fish artificial baits.
Stick Em Fishing Adventures
Stick Em Fishing Adventures
Capt Mike was awesome and very patient with me. Been to many years to remember since I fished and he was very sweet and patient. I recommend people of all ages and fishing levels. He will do his best to get on the fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Capt Mike was awesome and very patient with me. Been to many years to remember since I fished and he was very sweet and patient. I recommend people of all ages and fishing levels. He will do his best to get on the fish
Old School Fishing Charters
Old School Fishing Charters
Fishing is fishing, not everyday is a winner. However, be patient, find a great captain, and he will find fish no matter how much travel time there is between spots.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing is fishing, not everyday is a winner. However, be patient, find a great captain, and he will find fish no matter how much travel time there is between spots.
Rising Sun Fishing- Wrightsville
Rising Sun Fishing- Wrightsville
Use fish witch 2 captain Nick and first mate I'm telling you it's worth every penny you pay these guys know where the fish is and you will not find any better people then these two guys they really go above and beyond they really do deliver
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Use fish witch 2 captain Nick and first mate I'm telling you it's worth every penny you pay these guys know where the fish is and you will not find any better people then these two guys they really go above and beyond they really do deliver
S. S. Fish Witch II Charters
S. S. Fish Witch II Charters
Dress warm and wear semi water proof gear. Have the fish cleaning service filet your catch. Bring extra coolers to take your catch home.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dress warm and wear semi water proof gear. Have the fish cleaning service filet your catch. Bring extra coolers to take your catch home.
Finn Charters
Finn Charters
Be prepped for anything. There are so many species traveling the waters in October.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepped for anything. There are so many species traveling the waters in October.
Hawk Charters
Hawk Charters
Rain coat for possible weather changes, it's obx expect the unexpected and bring a smile !
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Rain coat for possible weather changes, it's obx expect the unexpected and bring a smile !
OBX Inshore Fishing โ€“ Stumpy Point
OBX Inshore Fishing โ€“ Stumpy Point
We didnโ€™t find the reds today, but had too much fun with the mackerel, blues, and false albacore. Nice views of the marsh, Masonboro Island, Wrightsville Beach, porpoise pods, birdsโ€ฆ. Lovely time. Excellent captain!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We didnโ€™t find the reds today, but had too much fun with the mackerel, blues, and false albacore. Nice views of the marsh, Masonboro Island, Wrightsville Beach, porpoise pods, birdsโ€ฆ. Lovely time. Excellent captain!
Green Creek Outfitters โ€“ Cape Fear
Green Creek Outfitters โ€“ Cape Fear
Be ready to catch fish. We caught fish the whole time out on three different spots. It was a good day of fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready to catch fish. We caught fish the whole time out on three different spots. It was a good day of fishing.
Southern Tides Fishing Charters
Southern Tides Fishing Charters

Fish Species Similar to Bluefin Tuna in North Carolina