When blackfin tuna are around Ocracoke
Blackfin tuna fishing out of Ocracoke is offshore fishing, and August and September is a strong general time to fish off Ocracoke. That window describes offshore fishing here as a whole and is not a blackfin-only peak.
For timing and behavior across the whole range, read our blackfin tuna guide.
Where Ocracoke boats run for blackfin
Ocracoke boats run offshore Gulf Stream trips. Two named pieces of structure sit in the same offshore waters.
- Gulf Stream trips: the offshore run
- Back of the Tower: tip of Diamond Shoals, 600 ft
- The Slot: across Cape Lookout Shoals
Gulf Stream trips
Offshore runs from Ocracoke go to the Gulf Stream. For the wider picture, see the wider Southeast Atlantic picture (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Before the run, check wind, wave height and period in the NWS Newport/Morehead City marine forecast.
Back of the Tower
Diamond Shoals is the shoal system off Cape Hatteras. Back of the Tower sits at the tip of Diamond Shoals in 600 ft, and offshore boats near Ocracoke know it as named structure.
The Slot
The Slot runs across Cape Lookout Shoals. It is named structure you can mark on your map.
Mark Back of the Tower and The Slot before you leave the dock. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How blackfin are fished from Ocracoke
Locally, blackfin are fished on full-day offshore trips. The Gecko, a 46 ft boat, runs them.
For technique depth, see our tuna guides.
Who fishes blackfin out of Ocracoke
Gecko Sportfishing out of Ocracoke is a local charter that lists blackfin tuna. Two boats run under the name:
- Gecko: 46 ft custom Carolina sport fisher
- Drumrunner: 26 ft
FAQ about blackfin tuna fishing out of Ocracoke
When is the best time for blackfin tuna fishing out of Ocracoke?
August and September is a strong general time to fish offshore off Ocracoke. That window covers offshore fishing as a whole and is not specific to blackfin.
Where do Ocracoke boats run for blackfin?
They run offshore Gulf Stream trips. Back of the Tower and The Slot are named structure nearby, though neither is a confirmed blackfin ground.
How deep is Back of the Tower?
It is 600 ft, at the tip of Diamond Shoals.
Is there a local charter that lists blackfin tuna?
Yes. Gecko Sportfishing lists blackfin tuna. It runs the 46 ft Gecko on full-day offshore trips and the 26 ft Drumrunner.
Where are the rules for blackfin tuna off Ocracoke?
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries covers state water, and NOAA Fisheries covers federal water. Check both before fishing.
