Thanks to the Gulf Stream flowing along its coast, the Tar Heel State features a unique offshore playground, ideal for anyone looking to wrestle big fish. It’s an adrenaline-fueled fishery, tailored for anglers seeking to set new personal bests. To start your adventure, just hop on one of the numerous North Carolina deep sea fishing charters and you’ll be in for the experience of a lifetime.
This part of the East Coast is famous for its Tuna fishing. Legendary Bluefin make their way through the Gulf Stream each winter. During other times of the year, you can battle it out with bruiser Yellowfin Tuna, as well as their smaller relatives, Blackfin and the occasional Bigeye.
In addition to Tuna, you’ll also have a shot at catching Billfish if you visit North Carolina during summer. Blue and White Marlin, as well as speedy Sailfish start showing up around June, with July and August being the best months to go for them. Billfish are some of the fastest, toughest fighters in the ocean. Catching one poses a crowning deep sea fishing achievement.
Aside from the species mentioned so far, you’ll often target tasty Mahi Mahi and lightning-fast Wahoo. However, if it turns out that the pelagic bite is slow, there’s also the option to do some bottom fishing. Drop your bait to the bottom and you’ll see the likes of Amberjack, Tilefish, Snapper, and Grouper biting. Anglers with experience can also try deep dropping for the fierce Swordfish.
The Outer Banks, and Hatteras in particular, offer the quickest journey to the offshore fishing grounds. However, you can also start your trip from Beaufort, Morehead City, or Atlantic Beach. If you find yourself in the very south of North Carolina, Wilmington, Southport, and Carolina Beach are just some of the places where you can find deep sea fishing charters.