Mahi-mahi fishing from Morehead City works the Gulf Stream waters offshore of Beaufort Inlet, where the fish school under floating sargassum and debris. The season runs from late spring into early fall, and mahi are still around into October. This page covers the season, the water and grounds, the methods and the rules. The Morehead City port page has the harbor and inlet details. The wider picture is in the mahi-mahi fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast region guide.
When mahi are around Morehead City
Mahi fishing runs from late spring through early fall, and the fish remain available into October. Along the Southeast coast the fish follow the warm water north in spring and push back south as the water cools in fall, and Morehead City sits in that later part of the run.
Where boats run
No run distance or bearing for mahi is confirmed for Morehead City. The offshore water is the Gulf Stream, where the fish are found under floating sargassum mats and debris. Beaufort Inlet is the way out. Morehead City Harbor sits about 4 miles above the inlet channel, and heavy swells build in the inlet channel with north or south winds. Tidal currents along the channel reach about 2 knots. Cape Lookout Shoals are the main danger on the approach, and a dredged-material dump site lies just west of the entrance channel where depths may be less than charted. The channel and bar change often, so use current charts and recent survey data rather than an old line. Check conditions yourself before you take the inlet.
Grounds and structure
No named mahi ground is confirmed for Morehead City. The state’s artificial reefs lie within about 12 nautical miles of the inlet. Atlantic Beach Reef (AR-315) is about 3.6 nautical miles out in about 49 feet, Clifton Moss Reef (AR-320) about 6.8 miles out in about 50 feet, and Howard Chapin Reef (AR-330) about 12 miles out in about 60 feet. These are bottom-fishing reefs, and none is tied to mahi.
How mahi are fished out of Morehead City
The local method for mahi is fishing under and around floating sargassum and debris. Run the weed lines and debris you find, cast or pitch into the fish that show, and move on when nothing responds. Trolling ballyhoo and skirted lures along the edge of continuous weed also works. Keep one hooked fish in the water to hold the rest of the school, and use heavier gear and bigger baits when you find bull mahi.
Who fishes it
Mattie G II, run by Capt. Rick Baldwin out of Morehead City, is named for mahi, and its website is mattiegfishing.com. Confirm the current season and grounds with the captain before you book. No mahi tournament is documented for the port on this page.
Frequently asked questions
How far offshore do the mahi run from Morehead City?
No distance is confirmed for mahi off Morehead City. Find the Gulf Stream edge and the weed lines on the water before you commit to a run.
When is mahi season here?
From late spring through early fall, with mahi still around into October.
Where do the mahi hold?
Under floating sargassum mats and debris in the offshore Gulf Stream water. Fish the weed and debris you find, and approach quietly.
Is there a charter that targets mahi?
Mattie G II is named for mahi on this page. Confirm the season and grounds before you book.
