Gulf Kingfish Fishing in North Carolina
When gulf kingfish are caught across North Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Gulf Kingfish 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 gulf kingfish in North Carolina
Gulf Kingfish catches in North Carolina run hardest around Mar-Apr, with the strongest two-month windows in Mar-Apr and Nov-Dec. Anglers keep about 57% 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 gulf kingfish in North Carolina?+
Catches peak around Mar-Apr (March and April). The strongest two-month windows are Mar-Apr and Nov-Dec. 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 gulf kingfish in North Carolina?+
Across North Carolina, about 57% of the gulf kingfish caught are kept and 43% are released. That works out to roughly 117K kept and 89K released in 2024.
How many gulf kingfish are caught in North Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 206K gulf kingfish caught by recreational anglers in North Carolina in 2024, making it the #22 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this gulf kingfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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