Where boats run for king mackerel out of Southport
King mackerel fishing out of Southport is a nearshore game, with boats running off Oak Island, Southport and Bald Head Island. Southport sits on the Cape Fear River, a short run from the river mouth. For the river bar, launch details and conditions as numbers, see the Southport port page.
Off Oak Island
Oak Island’s nearshore water is one of the three areas the fleet works for kings. If you’re new to this port, learn this stretch first.
Off Southport
Boats also fish the nearshore water off Southport itself, outside the Cape Fear River. Check wind and wave height in the official NOAA forecast and on the port page before you run.
Off Bald Head Island
The nearshore water off Bald Head Island, at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, is the third area boats from this port run for kings. Locals call them kingfish.
The three areas at a glance:
| Area | Where it sits | Run from |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Island | West of the Cape Fear River mouth | Southport |
| Southport | Outside the Cape Fear River | Southport |
| Bald Head Island | At the river mouth | Southport |
When kings are around and how they are fished here
The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, usually held in October, is the clearest calendar marker for king mackerel fishing out of Southport.
The local charter lists king mackerel among its species. For rigs, baits and approach, see our king mackerel species guide. For the migration picture along the coast, see the Atlantic Southeast king mackerel guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide).
Who fishes king mackerel out of Southport
The port’s king mackerel scene centers on one local charter and one tournament.
Angry Pelican Charters
Angry Pelican Charters lists kings among its species. Its boat is the "Angry Pelican," a May Craft Pilothouse. Fishing with a local charter is one way to see the nearshore water before you run it yourself.
U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament runs out of Southport and is usually held in October. It is the port’s king mackerel tournament.
FAQ: king mackerel fishing out of Southport
Where do boats run for king mackerel out of Southport?
Boats run nearshore off Oak Island, Southport and Bald Head Island.
When is the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament?
It is usually held in October. Check the tournament’s own announcements for each year’s schedule.
Is there a local charter that fishes for kings?
Yes. Angry Pelican Charters lists king mackerel, and its boat is the "Angry Pelican," a May Craft Pilothouse.
Where are the king mackerel rules for Southport?
NCDMF sets state rules, and federal rules also apply. See the regulations section above, and check before you fish.
What other gamefish does Breakpoint cover off this coast?
Our coastal and offshore gamefish guides cover the other species you can target from ports along this coast.
