Bluefish Fishing in North Carolina
When bluefish are caught across North Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Bluefish catch through the year
Recreational catch in North Carolina by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching bluefish in North Carolina
Bluefish catches in North Carolina run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 20% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the North Carolina fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch bluefish in North Carolina?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release bluefish in North Carolina?+
Across North Carolina, about 20% of the bluefish caught are kept and 80% are released. That works out to roughly 1.6M kept and 6.4M released in 2024.
How many bluefish are caught in North Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 8.0M bluefish caught by recreational anglers in North Carolina in 2024, making it the #2 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this bluefish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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