Best Time & Seasons to Catch King Mackerel in North Carolina
King mackerel is one of the most popular fish species found in North Carolina waters. Knowing the best times and seasons to target king mackerel in North Carolina maximizes anglers’ chances of success.
The best times to catch king mackerel in North Carolina are from April to September. Waters are warmer and king mackerel is more active at this time of the year.
Anglers choose to go fishing in offshore waters and use a trolling technique to catch king mackerel in the region. It’s also possible to catch king mackerel from boats and from piers. Brunswick Islands are a popular fishing destination that attracts so many anglers, who are interested in fishing for king mackerel in North Carolina.
King Mackerel Fishing in North Carolina (Best Times)
Anglers can successfully catch king mackerel in North Carolina year-round. The king mackerel fishing season in the local waters starts in the spring and ends in the fall.
The best months to catch king mackerel in the local waters are June – August. On the other hand, fishing for king mackerel is worst in North Carolina from January to March and from October and December.
King mackerel bites well at dawn and at dusk. That’s why it’s recommended to fish for king mackerel in North Carolina either early in the morning or late in the evening.
A high tide is the best tide to catch king mackerel in North Carolina waters. King mackerel fishing is very productive on a high tide during the spring months.
The optimum water temperatures for king mackerel fishing are 65 – 76 °F. The best water temperature to catch king mackerel is 70 °F.
Best Seasons for North Carolina King Mackerel (by Region)
Outer Banks
Fishing for king mackerel in the Outer Banks of North Carolina is great during the winter months, in the late spring, and from the late summer to the early winter. The best months to target king mackerel in the region are January and November – December.
A fishing pier on the Outer Banks is one of the best places to catch king mackerel. Anglers can also book a charter to go fishing for king mackerel in Outer Banks offshore waters.
North Carolina Coast
It’s possible to fish for king mackerel in the inshore and offshore waters of the North Carolina coast. A lot of king mackerel can be found in the area from North Carolina to Southeast Florida.
Among the best places on the coast of North Carolina are: Atlantic Beach, Carolina Beach, Beaufort as well as Hatteras. The king mackerel fishing season is high in these areas from June to August.
The early fall is the perfect time of the year to fish for king mackerel on the coast of North Carolina. King mackerel come close to shore in the region during the fall months.
Anglers can successfully catch king mackerel from piers in the fall. King mackerel can be also found in the outflow of the Cape Fear River during the fall months. October is the perfect time of the year to fish for king mackerel from beaches on the southern coast of North Carolina.
King mackerel fishing is very productive in the Southport-Oak Island area in the fall. In spring, it would be better to target king mackerel in the waters north of North Carolina.
Recommended Fishing Charters in North Carolina
These North Carolina-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Lucky Strike Charters | Calabash, NC |
| Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters | Hatteras, NC |
| Carrisma Sportfishing | Wanchese, NC |
| S. S. Fish Witch II Charters | Carolina Beach, NC |
| Fish Whistle Chartering | Carolina Beach, NC |
| Artemis Sportfishing | Manteo, NC |
| Tombstone Charters | Atlantic Beach, NC |
| Seas The Day NC | Hatteras, NC |
| Carolina Beach Sportfishing | Carolina Beach, NC |
| Hitman Sportfishing | Wanchese, NC |
| STOLAT Fishing Charters | Wanchese, NC |
| DreamGirl Sportfishing | Ocracoke, NC |
| Blue Chip Sportfishing | Manteo, NC |
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Is King Mackerel Fishing Good in Winter?
It’s possible to fish for king mackerel in North Carolina throughout the year. However, king mackerel fishing is less productive in the region during the winter months. When the water cools, king mackerel go to deep waters and stay inactive. That’s why it’s more difficult to catch king mackerel in winter.
Night Fishing King Mackerel in North Carolina
Anglers can successfully target king mackerel in North Carolina waters during the daytime and at night. So, king mackerel bite well at dawn, at dusk, and during night hours. However, king mackerel feed actively near the surface in the dark.
Anglers should take into account moon phases when targeting king mackerel. It would be better to go fishing for king mackerel in the waters near North Carolina when the moon is full.
It would be great to go fishing for king mackerel in North Carolina at night during the summer months. It can be hot in the region in summer. That means that anglers can avoid the heat when fishing for king mackerel in North Carolina during the night time. It’s also important to note that king mackerel fishing is excellent in the region in summer.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch tarpon in North Carolina, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch tuna in North Carolina, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch pompano in North Carolina, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in North Carolina, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch mahi-mahi in North Carolina, check out this helpful guide.
