Blue Fin Tuna Fishing in North Carolina

Considered a highly migratory species, bluefin tuna swim off the coast of North Carolina and can be legally caught within three nautical miles from the state's coast.

  1. Highly Migratory Species Tuna Permits

    • According to North Carolina's Division of Marine Fisheries, an HMS tuna permit is required for all tuna fishing in the state. Permits can be purchased online from the National Marine Fisheries Service website.

    Reporting Bluefin Tuna

    • In North Carolina, all bluefin tuna caught in coastal waters must be reported at a Highly Migratory Species station prior to the fish being taken off the boat. There is also a National Marine Fisheries HMS toll-free number for bluefin tuna caught after hours. Call 1-800-682-2632.

    Bag Limits and Size Restrictions

    • Unlike yellowfin and bigeye tuna, there is no bag limit or size restriction for bluefin tuna if it is caught within the state's coastal waters, which includes all waterways up to three nautical miles at sea.

    Catching Bluefin

    • Bluefin tuna are often caught by trolling at six to eight knots and using anchovies or mackerel with heavy-line rods.

    When to Fish

    • In the Gulf Stream of the mid-Atlantic Ocean, Bluefin tuna are most often found in the fall, which is their feeding period.