OffshoreHookup
Massive bluefin tuna arching out of deep blue water beside a sportfishing boat at dawn

Bluefin Tuna SeasonCarolinas

Bluefin Tuna season off the Carolinas peaks Dec–Feb: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. January, February and December are the hottest, with 2 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere off the Carolinas Nov–Mar.

Bars: share of the 2 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Hatteras Point is one of the most specific giant bluefin fisheries on the East Coast. The Diamond Shoals rip — where current hits shoal and bait concentrates — draws migrating bluefin in March and April as they push north. Oregon Inlet is the second access point. The window is narrow: two to four weeks in spring, the fish move fast. When they are there the bite is aggressive; chunking with Atlantic mackerel at the rip edge is the standard method.

Port by port2 ports

Bluefin Tuna bite calendar by port, Carolinas
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Hatteras, NCPeak Dec–FebPeakPeakFishableOffOffOffOffOffOffOffOffPeak
Oregon Inlet, NCPeak Dec–FebPeakPeakFishableOffOffOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeak

Where to run

Each port's primary offshore run, and its window for bluefin tuna. Tap a port for every run, regulation and source.

North Carolina

Hatteras

Peak Dec–FebFishable Mar
Primary runabout 25 milesto Gulf Stream edge
North Carolina

Oregon Inlet

Peak Dec–FebFishable Mar, Nov
Primary runabout 35 milesto Gulf Stream

How to fish it

Tackle class:80-130lb standup, two-speed lever drag reels. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the bluefin tuna page.

Kits for this fish

  • The Blue-Water Trolling Starter KitThe reel, rod, braid, leader, and gaff you need to run a real bump-and-wind spread on giant bluefin, yellowfin, and wahoo, bundled so you're not guessing what pairs with what.

Frequently asked

When is bluefin tuna season off the Carolinas?

Bluefin Tuna season off the Carolinas peaks Dec–Feb: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. January, February and December are the hottest, with 2 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere off the Carolinas Nov–Mar.

What is the best month for bluefin tuna off the Carolinas?

January, February and December. In January, 2 of the 2 ports we track are at peak: Hatteras, Oregon Inlet.

Which Carolinas port has the longest bluefin tuna season?

Oregon Inlet, NC: 5 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Dec–Feb.

What rig do you use for bluefin tuna?

80-130lb standup, two-speed lever drag reels. Start with The Bump-and-Wind Rig for Bluewater Tuna or The Canyon Run: Finding and Hooking Giant Bluefin.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.