Blue marlin fishing out of Morehead City starts at Beaufort Inlet and heads for the Big Rock, about 39 nm southeast. This guide covers the season, the run, the grounds, the method, and the tournaments and charter boats tied to them. General biology and behavior are in the blue marlin species guide.
When blue marlin are off Morehead City
The season runs June through September. The Atlantic Southeast blue marlin guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide) covers the wider regional picture.
| Source | Window |
|---|---|
| Local season overall | June through September |
| Pelagic | June and July rated prime |
| Morehead City Yacht Basin report | July through September |
The season window
Boats fish for blue marlin here from June through September. The Big Rock tournament runs in June and is covered below.
The peak months
Pelagic rates June and July as prime, while the Morehead City Yacht Basin report lists July through September. July falls inside both. None of the sources names a single best month, and no month guarantees fish.
Where boats run from Beaufort Inlet
All distances here are measured from Beaufort Inlet. Inlet and port detail is on the Morehead City port page. The offshore grounds are listed first, followed by the structure you pass on the way out.
- Big Rock, about 39 nm southeast of the inlet
- West Rock
- Swansboro Hole
The Big Rock
The Big Rock is a plateau about 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet. Carolina Sportsman describes it as a flat-topped plateau east of Morehead City. Both descriptions put it in the same direction: out past the inlet.
West Rock and Swansboro Hole
West Rock and Swansboro Hole are two more offshore grounds fished from this port.
Reefs and wrecks on the way out
These named structures sit near the port and serve as landmarks on the run. They are not marlin grounds. The North Carolina artificial reef guide covers the state-managed sites.
| Name | Structure | Depth (ft) | Location note |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR-315 Atlantic Beach Reef | Theodore Parker Liberty ship, rubble, aircraft | 49 | 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 | |
| U-352 | German submarine wreck | 90 | |
| AR-330 Howard Chapin Reef | Buoy at 34.5563 N, 76.8527 W, off Bogue Inlet | ||
| AR-320 Clifton Moss Reef |
Chart layers and coordinates are not for navigation.
How blue marlin are fished here
Local boats troll, and the biggest local event scores releases.
Trolling with heavy billfish tackle
Local boats troll with heavy billfish tackle. For more on tackle and method, see the billfish fishing guides.
Fishing for release points
The Big Rock tournament awards points for qualifying releases, so anyone fishing it is fishing for release points.
Who fishes for blue marlin out of Morehead City
A visiting owner can get most of what they need from two tournaments and one charter.
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament (usually June)
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is usually held in June. It awards points for qualifying releases.
Swansboro Rotary Memorial Day Bluewater Tournament (usually May)
This tournament is usually held in May, ahead of the June window.
Capt. Stacy Fishing Center
Capt. Stacy Fishing Center lists blue marlin. It runs the Capt. Stacy IV headboat along with private charter boats.
FAQ about blue marlin fishing out of Morehead City
How far is the Big Rock from Beaufort Inlet?
About 39 nm southeast. It is a flat-topped plateau.
When is blue marlin season out of Morehead City?
June through September. Pelagic rates June and July as prime, and the Morehead City Yacht Basin report lists July through September.
When is the Big Rock tournament?
Usually June. The Swansboro Rotary Memorial Day Bluewater Tournament is usually held in May.
What method do local boats use?
Trolling with heavy billfish tackle. The Big Rock tournament awards points for qualifying releases.
Is there a charter that lists blue marlin?
Capt. Stacy Fishing Center. It runs the Capt. Stacy IV headboat along with private charter boats, and blue marlin fishing out of Morehead City is on its list.
