pelagic

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus

Premier winter/early-spring pelagic off NC Outer Banks (Hatteras/Oregon Inlet). Charter-driven Nov-Apr fishery. NMFS-managed Highly Migratory Species; legitimate recreational target in NC waters. Distinct from yellowfin/bigeye/blackfin.

In our regions

North Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 12 regulations for North Carolina

FEDERAL

Federal Atlantic (3–200 nm) — SAFMC

Permit requiredPermit required

Vessel limit: 1 total / vessel / day
Minimum: 27″ CFL (curved fork)

HMS Angling permit required. Default: 1 BFT 27"-<73" CFL/vessel/day. Charter (up to 3) and Headboat (up to 6) permits allow more. 1 trophy (>=73") per vessel per year per region.

Northern vs Southern trophy areas managed separately.

NC_ATLANTIC

North Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · NCDMF

Permit requiredPermit required

Vessel limit: 1 total / vessel / day
Minimum: 27″ CFL (curved fork)

HMS Angling permit required. NC is a major BFT winter fishery (Hatteras/Morehead). Follow federal Angling-category limits.

Active winter BFT fishery — verify southern trophy status.