Oregon Inlet is known as the Tuna Capital of the East Coast. Formed during a hurricane in 1846, and named after the ship that weathered the storm and discovered the new inlet, Oregon Inlet joins the Pamlico Sound with the Atlantic Ocean. With excellent estuaries for inshore fishing, quality bottom fishing, and premier tuna and billfish grounds close to the Gulf Stream, no other city in North Carolina holds as many state fishing records as Oregon Inlet.
Yellowfin Tuna are caught offshore of Oregon Inlet year round, but the highlights are in the Spring and Fall when huge schools of tuna move through the area and feed. Most are between 20 and 50 pounds, but a few are caught that are much bigger. During the Summer there is usually a good Bigeye Tuna bite, and in the Winter and early Spring the giant Bluefin Tuna run down the coast. There is also plenty of Albacore, Blackfin, and Skipjack Tuna around most of the year. The Albacore (62 pounds), Bigeye (311 pounds), and Bluefin Tuna (805 pounds) North Carolina state record fish were all caught offshore of Oregon Inlet, proving that this is one of the best fishing destinations for catching tuna in the world.
Not only is Oregon Inlet known for its excellent tuna fishery, but for also excellent offshore billfishing. The North Carolina state record Atlantic Blue Marlin was caught here on August 15, 2008 and weighed a staggering 1228 pounds. During late August and September, the world class White Marlin bite goes off, with many boats getting more than 20 bites a day. There are also lots of Sailfish and a few Spearfish caught each year. Billfish can be caught year round here, but the best time is from May through September.
Trolling offshore can also provide opportunities to catch Dolphin (Mahi-mahi) and Wahoo much of the year. Bottom fishing can produce Black Sea Bass (another OI state record), Grouper, Snapper, Tautog (19 pound state record), and Blueline Tilefish (also a state record). The Mako (768 pounds) and Thresher (185 pounds) shark state records were caught here as well.
Inshore fishing around Oregon Inlet offers excellent Red Drum action nearly year round. Most of the year you can also find lots of Bluefish, Croaker (5 pound state record) Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass (64 pound state record), and many other inshore species of fish. The month of May often provides excellent Cobia (116 pound state record) fishing close to the inlet and off the beaches. During the winter, the Speckled Trout bite can be phenomenal.
View full Oregon Inlet Fishing Prediction to see all species and best lures and colors to use.
Catching Tuna along with a beautiful sunrise. 6/20/2017 11:36:29 PM -
Limited catch of Dolphin 6/20/2017 11:36:29 PM -
Limited Catch if Dolphin 6/20/2017 11:36:29 PM -
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Slab Rocks 3/14/2017 2:02:21 AM - Slab Rocks
JRBFS-D68 2/7/2017 10:36:12 PM -
JRBFS-D67 2/7/2017 10:36:12 PM -
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