Southern Kingfish Fishing in North Carolina
When southern kingfish are caught across North Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Southern 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 southern kingfish in North Carolina
Southern 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 99% 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 southern 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 southern kingfish in North Carolina?+
Across North Carolina, about 99% of the southern kingfish caught are kept and 1% are released. That works out to roughly 599K kept and 8,277 released in 2024.
How many southern kingfish are caught in North Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 608K southern kingfish caught by recreational anglers in North Carolina in 2024, making it the #16 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this southern kingfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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