When king mackerel are off Swansboro
King mackerel fishing out of Swansboro follows a spring and fall nearshore run, according to Capt. Lee Manning. It is the local end of the Atlantic Southeast king run (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide). Boats leave through Bogue Inlet, and inlet and port detail is on the Swansboro port page. Every distance on this page is measured from Bogue Inlet.
In August and September 2026, the deeper bite sat in about 85 to 100-plus feet. That is a single-season observation and may not repeat. For biology and tackle, see the king mackerel guide.
Where boats run for kings from Bogue Inlet
The structure is nearshore wrecks and reefs, plus rocks inside 10 miles. Working outward from the beach, the sequence is Keypost, Station Rock, East Rock, the nearshore reefs, then Southeast Bottoms.
| Structure | Position as given | Run note |
|---|---|---|
| Keypost Rocks (KP1 and KP2) | Directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier | |
| Station Rock | 34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W | About 2 to 3 miles from Bogue Inlet |
| East Rock (Bogue) | 34 35.33 N, 76 56.75 W | |
| AR-330 (Howard Chapin Reef) | Live bait trolling | |
| 14 Buoy | Live bait trolling | |
| AR-340 (J. Paul Tyndall Reef) | ||
| AR-342 (Onslow Bay Sport Fishing Club Reef) | ||
| AR-345 (Swansboro Rotary Club Reef) | ||
| Southeast Bottoms | Southeasterly course from Bogue Inlet | Under 10 miles |
The three numbered reefs are listed in the North Carolina artificial reef guide. Chart layers and the coordinates published here are not for navigation.
Keypost Rocks (KP1 and KP2)
KP1 and KP2 sit directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, so they can be found straight off the pier.
Station Rock
Station Rock sits at 34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W, about 2 to 3 miles from Bogue Inlet.
East Rock (Bogue)
East Rock sits at 34 35.33 N, 76 56.75 W.
AR-330 and the 14 Buoy
AR-330 is Howard Chapin Reef. It and the 14 Buoy are both nearshore structure trolled with live bait, covered in the methods section below.
AR-340, AR-342 and AR-345
The three numbered reefs are J. Paul Tyndall Reef (AR-340), Onslow Bay Sport Fishing Club Reef (AR-342) and Swansboro Rotary Club Reef (AR-345).
Southeast Bottoms
Southeast Bottoms is under 10 miles out on a southeasterly course from Bogue Inlet. It is described as a "super good king mackerel area" and marks the outer end of the run inside 10 miles.
How kings are fished here
Three methods cover the local fishery: live bait trolled over structure, dead baits in hot water, and baits pitched or flat-lined during offshore bottom trips.
Trolling live bait over nearshore structure
Live bait is trolled over nearshore structure. AR-330 and the 14 Buoy are the named spots.
Dead baits in hot water
In hot water, locals switch to dead baits: cigar minnows and ballyhoo.
Pitching and flat-lining while bottom fishing
On offshore bottom trips, anglers pitch a bait or put out a flat line. In August and September 2026, the deeper bite sat in about 85 to 100-plus feet. The same bottom trips put boats over other coastal and offshore gamefish.
Who fishes kings out of Swansboro
These local charters list king mackerel:
- Nancy Lee Fishing Charters: Nancy Lee III, a 43 ft custom boat.
- Liquid Fire Sportfishing: Capt. Josh Henderson.
- Nanny’s Revenge Fishing Charter: Capt. Shane Gentry, 26 ft Sea Fox Commander center console.
- Sandbar Safari Charters: Capt. Rob Koraly.
Other captains report in the Swansboro/Emerald Isle fishing reports in Fisherman’s Post.
FAQ about king mackerel fishing out of Swansboro
When do king mackerel run off Swansboro?
King mackerel fishing out of Swansboro centers on a spring and fall nearshore run, per Capt. Lee Manning. In August and September 2026, the deeper bite sat in about 85 to 100-plus feet.
How far do boats run for kings from Bogue Inlet?
Station Rock is about 2 to 3 miles out. Southeast Bottoms is under 10 miles on a southeasterly course. The rocks sit inside 10 miles.
Where is Station Rock?
Station Rock is at 34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W, about 2 to 3 miles from Bogue Inlet.
Where are the Keypost Rocks?
KP1 and KP2 sit directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier.
What baits do locals use for kings in hot water?
Dead cigar minnows and ballyhoo. Live bait is trolled over nearshore structure such as AR-330 and the 14 Buoy.
