When mahi are around Ocracoke
Mahi-mahi fishing out of Ocracoke happens in the Gulf Stream. Free Ranger says "August-September is a great time to fish off of Ocracoke," but that is general advice for fishing the island, not a mahi window. For mahi timing, start with the mahi-mahi species guide.
Where boats run from Ocracoke
Boats out of Ocracoke make offshore Gulf Stream trips. For a wider look at how that water fishes along the coast, see the regional guide to the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Grounds and structure off Ocracoke
Two named grounds sit near Ocracoke: one at the tip of Diamond Shoals and one across Cape Lookout Shoals. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | Location | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Back of the Tower | Tip of Diamond Shoals | 600 ft |
Back of the Tower
Back of the Tower sits at the tip of Diamond Shoals in 600 ft. Use that depth when you plot a run.
The Slot
The Slot is a named passage across Cape Lookout Shoals. Plot it against your own chart.
How mahi are fished here and who runs it
The local format is the full-day offshore trip. For technique once you are on the water, see the offshore gamefish guides.
Full-day offshore trips
Full-day offshore trips run on the Gecko, a 46 ft boat. If you plan to take your own boat out later, a day aboard the Gecko is a way to see the run first.
Gecko Sportfishing
Gecko Sportfishing lists mahi-mahi. Its fleet is the Gecko, a 46 ft custom Carolina sport fisher, and the Drumrunner, 26 ft.
FAQ about mahi-mahi fishing out of Ocracoke
When is a good time to fish off Ocracoke?
Free Ranger says "August-September is a great time to fish off of Ocracoke." That is general fishing advice, not a mahi-specific window. Mahi timing is covered in the mahi-mahi species guide.
Where do Ocracoke boats run for mahi?
Boats make offshore Gulf Stream trips from Ocracoke.
How deep is Back of the Tower?
Back of the Tower is 600 ft deep, at the tip of Diamond Shoals.
What is The Slot?
The Slot is a named passage across Cape Lookout Shoals.
Which Ocracoke charter lists mahi-mahi?
Gecko Sportfishing lists mahi-mahi. It runs the Gecko, a 46 ft custom Carolina sport fisher, and the Drumrunner, 26 ft. Full-day offshore trips run on the Gecko.
Where are the dolphin rules?
State rules from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries are on the North Carolina regulations page. Federal rules are on the federal dolphin and wahoo rules page. Check both before you fish.
