Hatteras Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters

Hatteras Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters

Best Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters in Hatteras

Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Hatteras

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

(Thunnus thynnus / orientalis / maccoyii)

Hatteras Bluefin Tuna fishing is near the top of most serious sportfishing bucket lists. The Outer Banks are the best place in the country for targeting monster Bluefin, and even rival Nova Scotia in the eyes of many. What makes Hatteras Tuna fishing so special is that dream combination of huge fish and a world-class fleet. Local fishing families have been catching Bluefin commercially for generations, and it is no coincidence that the town shares its name with a famous boat brand.
 

What can I expect from a Bluefin Tuna trip?

First of all, let’s make one thing very clear: it will not be easy. Bringing a 700-pound alpha-predator to the side of the boat is like fighting a heavyweight boxing champion while doing algebra – every part of your mind and body will be exhausted long before you even catch a glimpse of victory. Battles can last several hours with ease and will push both you and your equipment to the absolute limit. 
 
If reading this just makes you even more excited, then imagine how happy you’ll be once you’re standing over a thousand servings of sashimi. If, on the other hand, you’re put off by the thought of spending four hours locked in battle with a fish the size of a small car, you can always enjoy the many other species of Tuna found out of Hatteras, including Bigeye, Yellowfin, Blackfin, and Albacore. Slightly more manageable, a heck of a lot less exciting.
 

When should I come?

The Outer Banks Tuna season can start as early as October and may last all winter on a good year. The colder months bring the biggest fish, though, so if you want to catch a monster your best bet is to head to town in December. This is no big secret, and the best boats get booked out well in advance, so you should get the date in your calendar early to avoid missing out. There is also a second, smaller Bluefin run in spring.
 

Where will I be fishing?

The best Bluefin action happens in around 5,000 feet of water, way out into the Gulf Stream over the outer edge of the continental shelf. If it sounds like you’ll be spending your whole day just getting there, then don’t worry, it’s only about 50 miles from shore. You will still need an absolute minimum of 10 hours for your chance of bagging one. 
 

How will I be fishing?

The best moment to go after big Bluefin is when they are attacking the big bait balls of Bluefish, Sardines, and other schooling species. When this happens, you get huge fish right near the surface and worked into a feeding frenzy. The most common way to target Bluefin Tuna in Hatteras is to troll Ballyhoo dressed with brightly-colored Sea Witches or Ilanders. You will be using tackle in the 80-130-pound range, with wide reels, heavy mono line, and the heftiest leaders you can get your hands on – 300-pound test is the minimum you can get away with against monsters of this size.
 

How much will it cost?

A 10-hour trip on a quality sportfishing boat will cost you around $1250 if you’re lucky. From there, the prices climb as high as your ambitions will take them. If you want a 50-something-foot cruiser with all latest and greatest in tackle and tech you will be looking at more like $1750 for a 10-hour trip.
 
 If money’s no object, your best bet for catching a monster Bluefin is to play for maximum fishing time. Do this by booking an overnight trip on one of the many top-of-the-line sportfishers operating out of (and quite possible built in) Hatteras. This will cost you well over $3000, but if you’re going for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of bagging a huge Bluefin, you can’t be blamed for pulling out all the stops.

Hatteras Bluefin Tuna Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Bluefin Tuna fishing in Hatteras varies moderately throughout the year. High season is February to March and November to December. Low season is June to September. There is no closed season.
Hatteras
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Hatteras

"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
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
The weather is the determining factor. But if you can get out there is some really good fishing.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The weather is the determining factor. But if you can get out there is some really good fishing.
Got-em Charters
Got-em Charters
Be open and flexible if things don't go as planned. And don't get discouraged if the bite isn't as good as was hoped for. Being on the water on a beautiful day is the cake and catching fish is the icing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be open and flexible if things don't go as planned. And don't get discouraged if the bite isn't as good as was hoped for. Being on the water on a beautiful day is the cake and catching fish is the icing.
Under Pressure Charters
Under Pressure Charters
I would recommend you try a little of every thing. Inshore fishing was great and offshore was great!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would recommend you try a little of every thing. Inshore fishing was great and offshore was great!
His Fin Charter
His Fin Charter Raven, VA
Stay in the Hatteras Island inn. Itโ€™s real close to most of the marinas and is a quality hotel that was all enjoyed.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Stay in the Hatteras Island inn. Itโ€™s real close to most of the marinas and is a quality hotel that was all enjoyed.
Longer Days Sportfishing Charters
Longer Days Sportfishing Charters Hayes, Virginia
The 2 hours was perfect as we're not fishermen. Bring a beverage, a hat and sunglasses. Prepare to have fun and great conversation!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The 2 hours was perfect as we're not fishermen. Bring a beverage, a hat and sunglasses. Prepare to have fun and great conversation!
Bonehead Charters
Bonehead Charters Roanoke, Virginia
Be prepared for a good or bad day. Don't give up and enjoy the experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for a good or bad day. Don't give up and enjoy the experience.
UnWind Charters
UnWind Charters Biglerville, PA
The weather dictates alot of fishing here ,but the captains here go above and beyond to find the fish for you.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The weather dictates alot of fishing here ,but the captains here go above and beyond to find the fish for you.
Bonehead Charters
Bonehead Charters New Market, MD
Bring snacks and be patient. Once the lines start biting itโ€™s an amazing time!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring snacks and be patient. Once the lines start biting itโ€™s an amazing time!
Stormy Petrel Charters
Stormy Petrel Charters Stanardsville, Virginia
Bring lots of water and sunscreen or a full sleeve lightweight shirt with a hood. Wet down that shirt with fresh water when it gets hot out. Drink more water, like a gallon per person..
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring lots of water and sunscreen or a full sleeve lightweight shirt with a hood. Wet down that shirt with fresh water when it gets hot out. Drink more water, like a gallon per person..
Predator Sport Fishing Hatteras
Predator Sport Fishing Hatteras Alexandria, VA
Bring cash for getting fish cleaned at the dock. Guy's a magician with a filet knife.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring cash for getting fish cleaned at the dock. Guy's a magician with a filet knife.
Under Pressure Charters
Under Pressure Charters Moneta, VA
Only thing that I found different from charters elsewhere, cleaning of the fish wasn't included
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Only thing that I found different from charters elsewhere, cleaning of the fish wasn't included
Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters
Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters Buxton, NC
Try to get you fishing trip earlier in the season, May or June would be best I think, the offshore fish are more active at that time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Try to get you fishing trip earlier in the season, May or June would be best I think, the offshore fish are more active at that time.
Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters
Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters Virginia Beach, VA
Gear up properly and if you have a four wheel drive vehicle get an ORV permit.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Gear up properly and if you have a four wheel drive vehicle get an ORV permit.
Island Saltwater Adventure
Island Saltwater Adventure Columbia, MD
Will get very hot on the boat during summer. Bring plenty of cold water/drinks.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Will get very hot on the boat during summer. Bring plenty of cold water/drinks.
Seas The Day NC
Seas The Day NC Maggie Valley, NC
Be ready to reel in from deep water bottoms or long distance. Wear a hat, bring a washcloth or neck cloth to wet in cooler and wipe sweaty face and cool your neck.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Be ready to reel in from deep water bottoms or long distance. Wear a hat, bring a washcloth or neck cloth to wet in cooler and wipe sweaty face and cool your neck.
Seas The Day NC
Seas The Day NC Norfolk, VA
Reach out to the captain early when planning what time of year to book, to see what fish to honestly expect during that season.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Reach out to the captain early when planning what time of year to book, to see what fish to honestly expect during that season.
Under Pressure Charters
Under Pressure Charters
Fish from the beach or if going out do the inshore/nearshore if first time great experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish from the beach or if going out do the inshore/nearshore if first time great experience.
Seas The Day NC
Seas The Day NC Buchanan, VA
Make sure you bring plenty of drinks and snacks as it is hot and you are in the sun. Sunglasses and sunscreen is also a must. Check out Finn Charters!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you bring plenty of drinks and snacks as it is hot and you are in the sun. Sunglasses and sunscreen is also a must. Check out Finn Charters!
Finn Charters
Finn Charters Lafayette, Louisiana

Fish Species Similar to Bluefin Tuna in Hatteras