Wahoo fishing out of Morehead City peaks in the fall, and both local season ratings put October and November at the top. Most runs start at Morehead City and Beaufort Inlet, and Big Rock sits about 39 nm southeast of the inlet. This guide covers the season windows, the run, the named grounds and structure, the local method, and the charters that list wahoo.
When wahoo are off Morehead City
The two local sources frame the season differently, but both put fall at the top. The windows also sit inside the wider coastal migration covered in the guide to wahoo along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide).
| Source | Window |
|---|---|
| Morehead City Yacht Basin report | April through June and October through November |
| Pelagic Sportfishing | July through October rated excellent, November rated prime |
Spring
The Morehead City Yacht Basin report lists April through June as a wahoo window out of this port.
Fall
The same report lists October through November, and Pelagic rates July through October excellent and November prime. Since both sources rate fall highest, it is the best time to plan around for Gulf Stream wahoo.
Where boats run
Beaufort Inlet is the distance reference for the day. Boats run to Gulf Stream grounds, including Big Rock. Chart layers in the app are not for navigation; use the official chart instead.
Big Rock
Big Rock sits about 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet, which determines fuel and range planning for the day.
Swansboro Hole
The Brilliant guide names Swansboro Hole as a wahoo and sailfish trolling stop about 16 nm southwest of Big Rock. Sailfish are among the other offshore gamefish you may see on the same line. A two-stop day runs to Big Rock first, then 16 nm southwest to Swansboro Hole.
West Rock
West Rock is another named offshore ground that boats run to from this port.
Structure on the way out
These North Carolina artificial reef sites and wrecks near the run work as landmarks. The North Carolina artificial reef guide covers the reef program. Three sit on the Beaufort Inlet side, and AR-330 lies off Bogue Inlet, a second departure point for boats working up the coast. AR-320 is listed by name only.
| Name | What’s there | Depth | Position or distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR-315 Atlantic Beach Reef | Theodore Parker Liberty ship, rubble, aircraft | 49 ft | 3.5 nm from Beaufort Inlet at the Fort Macon jetty |
| AR-305 Carteret County Sportfishing Association Reef | Aeolus, 439-ft former cable ship | 98 ft | |
| U-352 | German submarine wreck | 90 ft | |
| AR-330 Howard Chapin Reef | Buoy at 34.5563 N, 76.8527 W, off Bogue Inlet | ||
| AR-320 Clifton Moss Reef |
How wahoo are fished here
The local method is trolling offshore, including at Swansboro Hole. For rigging and biology, see the wahoo fishing guide.
Who fishes for them out of this port
Six local charters list wahoo, and one bluewater tournament in the area includes them.
Charters that list wahoo
- Legacy Charter Fishing: 42-foot Rose Brothers sportfisher, skippered by Capt. Lathan Price.
- Liquid Fire Sportfishing: Capt. Josh Henderson, with trips leaving from Bogue Inlet up to Beaufort Inlet.
- Pelagic Sportfishing, Atlantic Beach: 61-foot Pelagic, owner-operator Capt. Mike Webb, based at Atlantic Beach.
- Due South Sport Fishing: the boat is named Due South.
- Breakday Charters with Captain Justin: Captain Justin.
- Breakwater Charters on Guidesly: 50-foot Buddy Davis custom Carolina sportfish, Captain Ashley Forrest.
Swansboro Rotary Memorial Day Bluewater Tournament
This bluewater tournament includes wahoo and is usually held in May.
FAQ about wahoo fishing out of Morehead City
What are the best months for wahoo out of Morehead City?
October through November are the strongest months. The Morehead City Yacht Basin report also lists April through June. Pelagic rates July through October excellent and November prime, so both sources put fall on top.
How far is Big Rock from Beaufort Inlet?
Big Rock sits about 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet. That is the distance to plan fuel and range around for the Gulf Stream run.
Where is Swansboro Hole?
Swansboro Hole is about 16 nm southwest of Big Rock. The Brilliant guide names it as a wahoo and sailfish trolling stop.
How are wahoo fished locally?
Wahoo are fished by trolling offshore. Boats work Gulf Stream grounds such as Big Rock and Swansboro Hole.
Is there a local wahoo tournament?
The Swansboro Rotary Memorial Day Bluewater Tournament includes wahoo. It is usually held in May.
