Mahi-mahi fishing out of Swansboro runs from around June, when fish start arriving nearshore, into a fade expected in October. Boats leave through Bogue Inlet, and the Swansboro port guide covers the port itself. Below: when the fish are here, how far boats run, the named marks off Bogue Inlet, what gets pulled behind the boat, and who fishes for mahi out of Swansboro and Emerald Isle.
When mahi are off Swansboro
Mahi start arriving nearshore off Swansboro around June. They are strong in summer, scattered by September, and expected to fade in October. For the wider migration picture, see mahi-mahi in the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
| Window | What reports describe |
|---|---|
| Around June | Fish start arriving nearshore |
| Summer | Strong run |
| September | Still scattered |
| October | Expected to fade |
June arrival
Early June reports put mahi on live bottom and rocks around the 10-mile range. The next section has the detail.
Summer
The run is strong in summer, which makes it the best stretch to plan trips around.
September and October
Fish are still scattered in September, and grass mats and debris matter more. The run is expected to fade in October, though that is an expectation and not a guarantee.
Where Swansboro boats run for mahi
Early June reports put mahi as close as the live bottom and rocks around the 10-mile range. That is inside the distance many boats already run for bottom fishing in Onslow Bay.
Live bottom and rocks near 10 miles
Bottom trips and mahi overlap on the live bottom and rocks around the 10-mile range, so a ready pitch bait matters (covered below).
Deeper water, about 250 to 280 ft
A June 2024 report puts fish in about 250 to 280 ft, well beyond the live bottom runs.
Grass mats and debris in September
In September, boats look for mahi under grass mats and debris. Scan the water on the run out, since scattered fish tend to hold on whatever floats.
Named grounds and structure near Bogue Inlet
These are the named marks and structure that boats work, or pass, on runs out of Bogue Inlet. A ready pitch bait earns its keep at all of them. Coordinates are for reference only, and chart layers are not for navigation. In the Breakpoint app you can view these marks over Chart Contours.
Station Rock
34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W. About 2-3 miles from Bogue Inlet.
East Rock (Bogue)
34 35.33 N, 76 56.75 W.
Keypost Rocks (KP1 and KP2)
Directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier.
14 Buoy
A named mark near the port.
Artificial reefs: AR-342, AR-340, AR-345 and AR-330
Four named artificial reefs sit off Swansboro:
- Onslow Bay Sport Fishing Club Reef (AR-342)
- J. Paul Tyndall Reef (AR-340)
- Swansboro Rotary Club Reef (AR-345)
- Howard Chapin Reef (AR-330)
How mahi are fished out of Swansboro
Locally, boats pull live bait or skirted ballyhoo along weed lines, fish dead baits deeper in hot water, and keep a pitch bait ready on bottom trips. Rigging basics are in the mahi-mahi fishing guide.
| Situation | Local approach |
|---|---|
| Weed lines | Live bait or skirted ballyhoo, pink noted |
| Hot water | Dead baits fished deeper |
| Bottom fishing offshore | Pitch bait kept ready |
Weed lines with live bait or skirted ballyhoo
Boats pull live bait or skirted ballyhoo along weed lines. Pink is the color noted.
Dead baits deeper in hot water
When the water runs hot, dead baits get fished deeper.
A pitch bait on bottom trips
Keep a pitch bait ready while you bottom fish offshore. A mahi can show up over the 10-mile live bottom and rocks or over the named structure above, and a bait that is already rigged lets you cast to it before it moves on.
Who fishes mahi out of Swansboro
Local charters that list mahi-mahi include:
- Instigator Fishing & Diving Charters: a 31′ Contender set up for fishing and freediving.
- Liquid Fire Sportfishing: Capt. Josh Henderson.
- Nanny’s Revenge Fishing Charter: Capt. Shane Gentry, on a 26 ft Sea Fox Commander center console.
More captains report in the Swansboro/Emerald Isle section of Fisherman’s Post. Home ports for some are not confirmed there.
FAQ: mahi-mahi fishing out of Swansboro
When do mahi show up off Swansboro?
Fish start arriving nearshore around June. The run is strong in summer and still scattered in September. It is expected to fade in October.
How far do Swansboro boats run for mahi?
Early June reports put mahi on live bottom and rocks around the 10-mile range. In September, boats look for fish under grass mats and debris.
What depth are mahi in off Swansboro?
A June 2024 report puts fish in about 250 to 280 ft.
What bait do local boats use?
Boats pull live bait or skirted ballyhoo along weed lines, with pink noted. In hot water, dead baits get fished deeper.
Can I find mahi on a bottom fishing trip?
Yes. Early June reports put mahi on live bottom and rocks around the 10-mile range, so keep a pitch bait ready while you bottom fish offshore.
What else is caught on the same trips?
Trips out of Swansboro cover more than mahi, and the coastal and offshore gamefish guides lay out the other species.
