This page covers king mackerel fishing out of Morehead City on the Crystal Coast, for anglers running their own boat out of Beaufort Inlet or Bogue Inlet. It lists when the kings are here, how far and where boats run, how they are fished, and who targets them from this port. Inlets, ramps and conditions are on the Morehead City port page. Atlantic Beach sits on the same run.
When kings are off Morehead City
The Pelagic calendar lists kings year-round and rates September through December as prime. FishingBooker’s Morehead City guide says April through November suits trophy-size fish. The two sources differ, and both are shown as given.
For biology and general behavior, see the king mackerel species guide. For the wider migration picture, see king mackerel along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide).
| Source | Window | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Pelagic calendar | Year-round | Kings present all year |
| Pelagic calendar | September through December | Rated prime |
| FishingBooker | April through November | Suits trophy-size fish |
Where boats run from Beaufort Inlet
Distances are measured from Beaufort Inlet at the Fort Macon jetty, and spots run from nearshore outward. The AR numbers are North Carolina’s artificial reef designations, listed in the Division of Marine Fisheries reef guide. The Bogue Inlet side lies west of the Beaufort Inlet side.
| Spot | Structure | Depth (ft) | Distance/Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR-315 | Liberty ship, rubble, aircraft | 49 | 3.5 nm from Beaufort Inlet |
| AR-305 | Aeolus, 439-ft former cable ship | 98 | |
| U-352 | German submarine wreck | 90 | |
| AR-330 | Buoy at 34.5563 N, 76.8527 W, off Bogue Inlet | ||
| Big Rock | About 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet |
Chart layers are not for navigation. Check NOAA’s interactive chart catalog before you run.
AR-315 Atlantic Beach Reef
AR-315 lies in 49 ft, 3.5 nm from Beaufort Inlet at the Fort Macon jetty. The Theodore Parker Liberty ship, rubble and aircraft make it the nearest named structure on this list, and boats run it for kings.
West Rock
West Rock is named among the nearshore grounds where boats run.
AR-320 Clifton Moss Reef
A named artificial reef in the local set, near the port.
AR-305 Carteret County Sportfishing Association Reef
AR-305 lies in 98 ft. The structure is the Aeolus, a 439-ft former cable ship.
U-352
The U-352 is a German submarine wreck in 90 ft.
AR-330 Howard Chapin Reef
The reef buoy sits at 34.5563 N, 76.8527 W, off Bogue Inlet.
Swansboro Hole
A named ground on the Bogue Inlet side.
Chicken Rock
Chicken Rock sits off Cape Lookout and is named as a king and cobia spot.
Big Rock
Big Rock is about 39 nm southeast of Beaufort Inlet, which makes it the outer limit of how far boats run from this port.
How kings are fished here
Live baiting is the method on charter trips, and Liquid Fire is the operator named for it. Trolling and bottom trips also target kings from this port.
General rigging and trolling detail is in the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Local methods at a glance:
- Live baiting: used on charter trips, with Liquid Fire named
- Trolling: also targets kings
- Bottom trips: also target kings
Who fishes for kings out of this port
These operators list king mackerel.
Legacy Charter Fishing
Legacy Charter Fishing runs a 42-foot Rose Brothers sportfisher under Capt. Lathan Price.
Capt. Stacy Fishing Center
Capt. Stacy Fishing Center runs the Capt. Stacy IV headboat, plus private charter boats.
Liquid Fire Sportfishing
Liquid Fire Sportfishing is run by Capt. Josh Henderson. Trips leave from Bogue Inlet up to Beaufort Inlet, and live baits are used for kings on charter trips.
Pelagic Sportfishing
Pelagic Sportfishing at Atlantic Beach fishes a 61-foot Pelagic. The owner-operator is Capt. Mike Webb.
Breakwater Charters
The Breakwater Charters Guidesly listing shows a 50-foot Buddy Davis custom Carolina sportfish run by Captain Ashley Forrest.
FAQ
When is the prime time for king mackerel fishing out of Morehead City?
The Pelagic calendar rates September through December prime, with kings listed year-round. FishingBooker gives April through November for trophy-size fish. The two windows overlap from September through November.
How far is the nearest king structure from Beaufort Inlet?
AR-315 sits 3.5 nm from the Fort Macon jetty, in 49 ft. It holds a Liberty ship, rubble and aircraft, and it is the nearest named structure on this list.
What depth is the U-352?
The U-352, a German submarine wreck, sits in 90 ft. AR-305, the Aeolus, is deeper at 98 ft.
Where is AR-330?
The reef buoy is at 34.5563 N, 76.8527 W, off Bogue Inlet. Chart layers are not for navigation, so check official NOAA charts before you run.
How do local charters fish for kings?
Live baiting is used on charter trips, with Liquid Fire named. Trolling and bottom trips also target kings from this port.
Is Chicken Rock a king spot?
Yes. It sits off Cape Lookout and is named as a king and cobia spot.
