About the Atlantic Ocean, NC

The entirety beyond the east coast of the United States is home to the North Atlantic Ocean.  In the 1800s this ocean was a gateway for many immigrants from Europe, seeking a new life in America.  As it divides the United States from Europe and Africa, the Atlantic Ocean has always been a vital part of international trade. 

Its name was derived from Greek mythology, translating to the Sea of Atlas. The ocean is S-shaped in form and its area covers up around 41,100,00 square miles, making it the 2nd largest ocean in the world. Though not the largest ocean, its shared proximity to 4 of the 7 continents, make it the largest drainage in the world, where it receives water from a great number of major rivers.

Its size and frequent usage as a major trading route have led to the ocean being divided into two - the North and South Atlantic Ocean. During the 17th and 18th century, the ocean and its trading shipments running along the ocean was subject to frequent pirate attacks from legendary figures such as Blackbeard and Anne Bonny.

All About Fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, NC

The sheer size and depth of the Atlantic Ocean are mirrored by its diverse fish species. The variety of species to catch in North Carolina makes both nearshore and deep sea fishing quite appealing.  For nearshore fishing, the redfish is popular as it is the state saltwater fish. Other popular inshore fish are the northern kingfish, Spanish, and king mackerel. Also found nearshore are black bass, bluefish, sea trout, and the black drum.

In North Carolina specifically, deep sea fishing is done in three main regions, the northern, southern, and central coastlines. The bluefin, bigeye, and yellowfin tuna are present here for you to catch. There are also a variety of groupers near the North Carolina coast, whose fishing season is unfortunately closed. Both the central and southern coast is home to the mahi-mahi and wahoo. 

The diversity of fish to catch in the coastal waters of North Carolina make it so that the area of expertise needed to fish can range from beginner to advanced. With over 4000 miles of coastal shoreline, North Carolina consistently ranks among one of the highest angler trips, fish landed, and number of coastal anglers in the nation, according to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Fishing Seasonality

As North Carolina continues to be a popular fishing destination, the state, in turn, has given out restrictions to select species in order to preserve them. Blue and white marlins are both restricted to just one per vessel, while the red drum is restricted to one per person a day. In terms of seasonal fishing, it's best to go from August to September as you’ll find fish like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, wahoo, and bluefish. In winter, you’ll find sea bass, bluefin tuna, seatrout, and the king mackerel. Both the red drum and the wahoo can be found during the summer.

Fishing Seasonality

As North Carolina continues to be a popular fishing destination, the state, in turn, has given out restrictions to select species in order to preserve them. Blue and white marlins are both restricted to just one per vessel, while the red drum is restricted to one per person a day. In terms of seasonal fishing, it's best to go from August to September as you’ll find fish like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, wahoo, and bluefish. In winter, you’ll find sea bass, bluefin tuna, seatrout, and the king mackerel. Both the red drum and the wahoo can be found during the summer.

All About Fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, NC

The sheer size and depth of the Atlantic Ocean are mirrored by its diverse fish species. The variety of species to catch in North Carolina makes both nearshore and deep sea fishing quite appealing.  For nearshore fishing, the redfish is popular as it is the state saltwater fish. Other popular inshore fish are the northern kingfish, Spanish, and king mackerel. Also found nearshore are black bass, bluefish, sea trout, and the black drum.

In North Carolina specifically, deep sea fishing is done in three main regions, the northern, southern, and central coastlines. The bluefin, bigeye, and yellowfin tuna are present here for you to catch. There are also a variety of groupers near the North Carolina coast, whose fishing season is unfortunately closed. Both the central and southern coast is home to the mahi-mahi and wahoo. 

The diversity of fish to catch in the coastal waters of North Carolina make it so that the area of expertise needed to fish can range from beginner to advanced. With over 4000 miles of coastal shoreline, North Carolina consistently ranks among one of the highest angler trips, fish landed, and number of coastal anglers in the nation, according to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.