Top Deep Sea Fishing Destinations in the Tar Heel State

North Carolina's coastline is an excellent spot for fishing because it is linked to the Atlantic Ocean, and much of the state's coastline is nearer to the Gulf Stream. The state has an extensive 301 miles of coastline perfect for deep-sea fishing. The state's history of world-class offshore fishing started back in the 1930s. Deep sea fishing began in North Carolina when a commercial angler from the fabled Hatteras Village suggested offshore fishing trips to visiting anglers. The state's deep sea fishing sensation, which has evolved into a bigger and better technique 80 years later, was credited to the late Captain Ernal Foster and his Hatteras-based Albatross Fleet.

North Carolina's geography makes the state famous and well-known as an excellent fishing destination, whether offshore or inshore fishing. Deep sea fishing is available in North Carolina, but the spring to fall season is the ideal fishing period.

Top Deep Sea Fishing Destinations in the Tar Heel State

Anglers going for a deep sea fishing adventure are advised to book a fishing charter. Fishing charters help anglers look for a perfect spot for fishing and offer rental boats with chartered captains to guide them on their trips. They also give anglers access to all the best gear and tackle they need for the journey. Traveling with an experienced crew makes it safe and efficient for anglers to learn the site and the top tips for catching fish found in a specific area.

North Carolina deep sea fishing is grouped into three main regions; the northern, central, and southern coastlines.

1. The Northern Coast

Outer Banks is a narrow, sandy strip of islands covering the state's mainland from the force brought by the Atlantic Ocean. It is a hub for deep sea fishing opportunities. The Cape Hatteras, Manteo, Wanchese, Nags Head, and Oregon Inlet are part of the northern coast and offer fantastic deep sea fishing experiences. Cape Hatteras is the core of tuna fishing charters in the area and is only 15 miles away from the Gulf Stream. Fishing charters offer different chartered trips available for half-day and full-day journeys. Anglers can also book regularly scheduled options. Short and overnight trips are also available. 

Anglers looking for a more remote fishing trip should visit Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke Island's Ocracoke Village provides another excellent ground for deep sea fishing found in the southern part of the Outer Banks. Ocracoke Village is an undeveloped coastal fishing village, and fishing charters are available here. The place is perfect for anglers who want a more private experience. Aside from deep sea fishing, anglers can try other fishing opportunities, like surf fishing. The Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds are also some of the prime spots in the Outer Banks. Meanwhile, anglers can find marinas with deep-sea charters throughout the Outer Banks.

Anglers commonly catch fish like sea bass, grouper, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, snapper, spanish mackerel, bluefish, bluefin and yellowfin tuna, and flounder in the area of the Outer Banks. 

2. The Crystal Coast Central Region

The central fishing region of North Carolina is also known as the Crystal Coast Region. It is found in the counties of Carteret and Onslow. The central region is famous for its high-quality deep sea fishing adventures and fishing tournaments. Marinas and fishing charters are also available in this region, consisting of 85 miles of coastline and this distance from the Atlantic Ocean.

Anglers can go deep sea fishing and cast their line in several locations such as Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, and Morehead City. The best fishing spots in North Carolina's central region are places like the Pine Knoll Shores, Down East, Harkers Island, Cape Lookout, Indian Beach, Salter Path, and Western Crystal Coast.

The best deep sea fishing for blue and white marlin, spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo are best done in the central region in the summer months.

3. The Southern Coast

The southern fishing region of North Carolina offers equal fishing opportunities in Beaufort, Morehead City, and Atlantic Beach. The Wilmington area is where deep sea fishing operators start their trips to travel and fish in Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. The Brunswick Islands is known for its various deep sea fishing options, with chartered boats based in Oak Island, Southport, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Calabash.

Anglers with limited time and a fixed budget should consider the southern region's incredible exhibition of piers. Coastal North Carolina boasts 15 different ports that create deep sea fishing access across the state. Surf fishing remains an excellent option for anglers as well.

The waters of the southern region make it an excellent spot for anglers fishing for wahoo, dolphin, sailfish, marlin, tuna, and amberjack. Anglers can also catch sharks, red snapper, and mahi-mahi in this area.

Suppose North Carolina's three main fishing regions are not enough to satisfy your deep sea angling needs, then fishing in the waters of the Great Sound in Bermuda might be one of the best fishing options. The Gulf of Mexico is another ideal spot for deep sea fishing, while the Caribbean Sea is always the best option.

Booking a Fishing Charter and Acquiring a Fishing License

About 800 charter boats operate across the three fishing regions in North Carolina. Finding a captain who is familiar with the waters and species will be easy for anglers. Numerous charters include the fishing license in the fee. Anglers are advised to analyze the state's license requirements and study the species they want to target before hitting the water and casting their lines. North Carolina demands a fishing license for anyone aged 16 and older fishing in the state's public waters. It is essential to check North Carolina's fishing regulations. Knowing the daily bag and catch limits for specific fish species is also necessary.