Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Hatteras Village runs mid-December through March, with early fish in November and a reported spring run. Start from the Hatteras Village port details, then use this page for the season, how far boats run, four named grounds and the local charters that list bluefin.
When bluefin are off Hatteras Village
The primary window is mid-December through March. Early fish show in November, and a spring run is reported. Release rates follow the same pattern, strongest in the middle of winter. Why bluefin winter here is covered in our Atlantic bluefin tuna species guide.
Primary window, December to March
Bluefin fishing out of Hatteras Village peaks from mid-December through March.
Early fish in November
Early fish show in November, ahead of the main window.
The spring run
A spring run is reported after the winter window closes.
Release rates by month
| Months | Release rate |
|---|---|
| December to March | Excellent |
| April | Good |
| November | Good |
How far boats run from Hatteras Village
Distances vary. Whatever Sport Fishing reports bluefin anywhere from under a mile off the beach to 50 miles out, and local trips are offshore Gulf Stream trips. For the wider Gulf Stream picture, see our Atlantic Southeast regional guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Check the National Weather Service marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you run.
Grounds and structure near Hatteras Village
There are four named spots, listed here from inshore to offshore by place type: the Hatteras Inlet deep holes and rips, the AR-230 artificial reef, Diamond Shoal Tower and The Rock Pile. All four can be plotted on a chart before you leave the dock. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Hatteras Inlet deep holes and rips
These sit near the southern tip of Hatteras Inlet. They are the close-in water, where the under-a-mile reports apply.
AR-230 artificial reef
AR-230 sits in 70 ft.
Diamond Shoal Tower
Diamond Shoal Tower stands about 13 miles off Cape Hatteras.
The Rock Pile
The Rock Pile is a rocky ridge south of Cape Point in 180 ft, per FishingBooker.
How bluefin are fished here and who fishes them
The local fleet runs an offshore Gulf Stream fishery.
Offshore charter trips
Bluefin out of Hatteras Village are fished on offshore charter trips that work the Gulf Stream side of the port. For technique detail, see tuna tactics across our guides.
Local charters that list bluefin
Six operators out of Hatteras Village list Atlantic bluefin tuna:
- Albatross Fleet in Hatteras Village: three cedar boats.
- Hatteras Release with Rom Whitaker: Capt. Rom Whitaker aboard The Release, a 46 ft boat.
- Matador Charters with Jake Hiles: Capt. Jake Hiles aboard the Matador.
- Whatever Sport Fishing out of Hatteras: F/V Whatever, a 34 ft Carolina Express.
- Open Waters Sportfishing Charters
- Sea Dream Fishing Charters
FAQ: Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Hatteras Village
What is the best month for bluefin out of Hatteras Village?
The primary window is mid-December through March. Release rates are excellent December to March and good in April and November.
How close to shore do bluefin get off Hatteras?
Whatever Sport Fishing reports bluefin from under a mile off the beach to 50 miles out.
How deep is The Rock Pile?
180 ft, on a rocky ridge south of Cape Point.
How far off Cape Hatteras is Diamond Shoal Tower?
About 13 miles.
Which Hatteras charters list bluefin?
Albatross Fleet, Hatteras Release, Matador Charters, Whatever Sport Fishing, Open Waters Sportfishing Charters and Sea Dream Fishing Charters.
Is there a spring bluefin run at Hatteras?
A spring run is reported. The primary window is mid-December through March.
