Morehead City, NC Fishing: Gem of the Crystal Coast

Dubbed as the "Gem of the Crystal Coast" by the locals, Morehead City boasts picturesque scenery, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous coasts. Located along the banks of the Bogue Sound, it is the place where land, sand, and sea meet to create an environment perfect for relaxation, exploration, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busier, more populated cities. 

Morehead's history traces back to John Motley Morehead, who served as governor of North Carolina from 1841 to 1845. Seeing the commercial potential of what was then known as "Shepherd's Point,” the land located at the intersection of the Newport River and Beaufort Inlet, Governor Morehead and a group of investors acquired around 600 acres of the surrounding property. After that, the railroad extended from Goldsboro to Shepherd's Point, which resulted in better trading and prosperity.

When the Civil War broke out, the city's development was disrupted, leading to the decline of its economy and population. In the 1880s, the construction of the Atlantic Hotel and the continued operations of the railroad saw the reestablishment of Morehead City as an ideal summer getaway spot. It marketed itself as the "Summer Capital by the Sea."

Anglers moved and settled in the port around the 1800s; the existing railroad allowed the transportation of huge quantities of seafood to the inland portions of the state. This has significantly contributed to the fishing industry and remained an integral part of its economy in the present.

Morehead City's natural emerald waters and rich history make it not only an obvious, practical destination for fishing enthusiasts but also a meaningful symbolism and reminder on how fishing can build and rebuild a community.

Morehead City Fishing

Known as the Fisherman's Paradise, Morehead City offers the best fishing spots on the East Coast. Every angler is an adventure and activity due to its strong ties with the fishing industry and the naturally rich waterways; there is an experience and training for every angler. 

Before fishing at the beach or pier, an angler is required to secure a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL). This is a must for anglers over the age of 16 and fishing in a salty body of water. This license can be easily obtained at any fishing supply store in the area.

Once you've obtained a fishing license, it is now time to decide on which fishing spot you'd want to drop a line. You can choose among local public parks, fishing piers, beaches, and man-made waterways.

First is Jaycee Park, which is located at Shepard Street. Situated in the heart of the downtown area, Jaycee Park is a popular destination with ample parking space, a floating dock, a pavilion, benches, picnic areas, and picnic tables. It has two fishing piers located on the 8th and 9th streets. The water may be shallow in these areas, but it yields plenty of catfish, stingrays, and small redfish.

In Morehead City Recreation Center, you can choose between its multiple indoor and outdoor facilities. It features an outdoor picnic shelter and a small fishing pier that borders Calico Creek. The said creek is a popular and secluded fishing area where you can catch Atlantic croaker, black drum, and summer flounder using standard bottom rigs or one or more drops with single hooks and no sinker.

By riding a kayak or a similar small vessel, you'll reach Sugarloaf Island across the harbor from Morehead City’s waterfront. It is a 47-acre natural park with a floating dock and a nature trail where visitors will be treated with the view of patches of maritime forests, sound front beaches, and abundant wildlife. Here you can catch yellowfin tuna by trolling brightly colored lures with ballyhoo at high speeds. While yellowfin tuna is available year-round, spawning occurs most frequently and more abundantly during the summer, from June through August.

If you want a fishing destination that is easier to reach, Newport River Pier and Ramp is the place for you. Located along US Highway 70, this popular spot features ample parking space, six boat launches, and a 575-feet long fishing pier. You can reach other waterways and destinations through these launching points, such as the Newport River, the Back and Bogue Sounds, and the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Fish abundant here include bluefish, spot, and croaker, caught from piers, bridges, jetties, the surf, and small boats using cut bait fished on the bottom casting or trolling artificial lures. 

For anglers who prefer a quiet locale and little competition, you can go to the North 11th Street Water Access in the downtown area. However, it has its on-site dock; the parking area is limited. Other recommended fishing spots in the downtown area are the South 10th Street Water Access & Boat Ramp, South 11th Street Water Access, South 12th Street Water Access, South 13th Street Water Access, South 16th Street Water Access, South 28th Street, and Sunset Drive Water Access. These spots are relatively quiet and offer a nice view of the Bogue Sound that can be accessed through its boardwalks. They collectively have multiple areas for boat launching. 

Just off US Highway 70 is the Radio Island Beach Access, near the Old Towne Yacht Club. It is a small beach with little to no crowd except on the weekends; two other public beaches are The Circle at Atlantic Beach and Fort Macon State Park. They are only 5 to 10 minutes away from Morehead City. Since they border the Atlantic Ocean, the Beaufort Inlet, and the Bogue Sound, they have a vast shoreline convenient for anglers to cast a line in.

Finally, the Oceanana Pier is an iconic landmark for anglers and beach-goers alike. It is the only ocean fishing pier in Atlantic Beach and extends approximately 1,000 feet into the ocean, allowing anglers to catch various fish. In the summer, anglers can reel in spots, croakers, mackerels, pompano, and flounder. There is an abundance of redfish and black drums during the fall and spring. The usual techniques for catching these fish species are bottom fishing, slow trolling with various live and dead baitfish, conventional bottom rigs with sinkers, and surf fishing or sight casting. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Morehead City, NC

The top 10 fish species you can find and catch in Morehead City, North Carolina, are sea bass, striped bass, bluefish, red drum, king mackerel, amberjack, pompano, sheepshead, yellowfin tuna, and Mahi.

Seasonal Fishing

Morehead city has different fish species available all year round due to the abundance of water bodies; the black sea bass, snappers, and black drum are aplenty from March through May. Angelfish, king mackerel, and wahoo are often peak numbers from June through August. September, October, and November are the best if you want to catch spotted seatrout, pinfish, and red drum. Even during December, January, and February, you can still catch fish like flounder, yellow belly, and blue marlin.

Make Your Trip to Morehead City One You'll Never Forget

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Enjoy Morehead City and bask in the pristine waters of Beaufort, Harkers Island, Atlantic Beach, and Cape Lookout by availing inshore or offshore fishing charters.

2. Taste the Flavors of the North Carolina Seafood Festival

Join and experience the North Carolina Seafood Festival, the largest three-day festival in Morehead City waterfront. One of the best ways to get to know a foreign place is through its food, and this festival has a lot of mouth-watering seafood your taste buds would love to try.

The festival highlights not only food but also street dances, concerts, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, and firework displays to celebrate the history and community of the city. Indeed, there is something for every kind of person to enjoy!

3. Experience the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Since Morehead City is also known as the Fisherman's Paradise, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is something anglers and vacationers alike wouldn't wanna miss. It is one of the largest and oldest fishing events in the country. Not only that, but it is also one of the most prestigious marlin tournaments in the world, so much so that it is now dubbed as the "Superbowl of fishing" and continues to attract competitors from different countries.