When yellowfin are off Morehead City
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Morehead City runs mostly March through June and September through November, and the Pelagic calendar rates May as prime. The calendar is a rating, not a forecast, so confirm the water before you commit to the run. For how these months fit into the wider Southeast picture (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide), see the regional timing.
| Window | Months | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March through June | May rated prime on the Pelagic calendar |
| Fall | September through November | Second window |
The run through Beaufort Inlet
Boats out of Morehead City reach yellowfin water through Beaufort Inlet and run to the Gulf Stream to troll. Every distance on this page is measured from Beaufort Inlet, with the Fort Macon jetty as the inlet landmark. Big Rock, about 39 nm southeast of the inlet, is the long-run reference on the way toward the Gulf Stream trolling water.
Distances to carry onto the plotter:
- Fort Macon jetty: the inlet landmark and the zero point for AR-315
- AR-315: 3.5 nm from Beaufort Inlet at the Fort Macon jetty
- Big Rock: about 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet
Grounds and structure off Morehead City
The named structure off Morehead City runs from artificial reefs a few miles off the Fort Macon jetty to Big Rock, about 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet, with the Gulf Stream trolling water beyond. The AR-numbered reefs are listed in the North Carolina artificial reef guide, which the state maintains.
| Name | Structure | Depth | Distance or position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| AR-320 Clifton Moss Reef | |||
| AR-330 Howard Chapin Reef | Buoy at 34.5563 N, 76.8527 W, off Bogue Inlet | ||
| U-352 | German submarine wreck | 90 ft | |
| Big Rock | About 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet | ||
| Swansboro Hole | |||
| West Rock |
Artificial reefs
AR-315 is 3.5 nm off the Fort Macon jetty in 49 ft of water and holds the Theodore Parker Liberty ship, rubble and aircraft. AR-305 is the Aeolus, a 439-ft former cable ship, in 98 ft. AR-330 Howard Chapin Reef has a buoy at 34.5563 N, 76.8527 W, off Bogue Inlet. AR-320 is Clifton Moss Reef.
U-352
The U-352 is a German submarine wreck in 90 ft.
Big Rock
Big Rock lies about 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet. It is the long-run named reference on the way toward the Gulf Stream trolling water.
Swansboro Hole and West Rock
Swansboro Hole and West Rock are named grounds off the port.
The reef positions and Big Rock can be dropped as waypoints and read against Chart Contours in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation, so run on official charts.
How yellowfin are fished here
Yellowfin out of Morehead City are caught trolling in the Gulf Stream. This is the local method described in FishingBooker’s Morehead City guide and in charter descriptions for the port.
Spreads, speeds and how yellowfin behave on the troll are covered in our yellowfin tuna guide.
Who fishes for yellowfin out of Morehead City
Charters and private boats both troll the Gulf Stream for yellowfin from this port, running the same inlet to the same water.
The Swansboro Rotary Memorial Day Bluewater Tournament is a yellowfin tournament out of the area, usually held in May. Details are on the Swansboro Rotary Bluewater Tournament site. May is also the month the Pelagic calendar rates prime.
- Charters: troll the Gulf Stream through Beaufort Inlet
- Private boats: same inlet, same trolling water
- Tournament boats: the Memorial Day Bluewater event, usually May
FAQ: yellowfin tuna fishing out of Morehead City
What is the best month for yellowfin out of Morehead City?
May, which the Pelagic calendar rates prime. The seasons run mostly March through June and September through November. The calendar is a rating, not a forecast.
How far is Big Rock from Beaufort Inlet?
About 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet. It is the long-run named reference toward the Gulf Stream trolling water.
Are the nearshore artificial reefs yellowfin spots?
Yellowfin here are fished by trolling in the Gulf Stream. AR-315, AR-305, AR-320, AR-330 and the U-352 are named structure off the port and landmarks on the way out. AR-315 is 3.5 nm off the Fort Macon jetty.
When is the Swansboro Rotary Memorial Day Bluewater Tournament?
Usually May. It is the yellowfin tournament for boats out of this area.
Where can I read about other tuna species and general tuna tactics?
See the tuna fishing guides for species and tactics beyond this port.
