Fishing Charters in North Carolina
Browse fishing charters in North Carolina that can help you catch king mackerel.
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters specializes in Inshore, Nearshore, Shark Fishing, and Kids Fishing Charters. Based in Ocean Isle Beach NC, but also serving Sunset Beach NC and Holden Beach NC. Veteran-Owned.
Miss Banx Fishing Charters
Want more time to fish and explore? This trip is for you! We'll troll for Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bluefish, and Ribbonfish, and explore wrecks to catch sharks!
Bad Habit Sportfishing
Fishing all of the North Carolina coast for over 30 years. Bad Habit Sportfishing specializes in fishing techniques that PRODUCE great catches. These catches include, Spanish Mackerel, Atlantic Bonito, Trout, Cobia, King Mackerel, Grouper, Snapper, Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Blue Marlin, just to name a few.
Best Time to Catch King Mackerel
King Mackerel can be caught year-round in Holden Beach. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
King Mackerel
Holden Beach offers excellent opportunities to target King Mackerel, especially given its proximity to the Gulf Stream. The fall migration is prime time, as Kings follow schools of mullet and menhaden along the coast. Focus your efforts around nearshore reefs and inlets like Shallotte Inlet. Look for temperature breaks and areas with high bait concentrations; live bait like menhaden or bluefish are hard to beat, but trolling spoons and lures can also be effective. A key local tip is to pay attention to water clarity – Kings prefer clear, clean water. The Holden Beach pier provides access for those without a boat, but for serious King fishing, chartering a boat or using your own is highly recommended. Be prepared to adjust your trolling depth based on temperature and current conditions; Kings will often hold at different depths depending on these factors.
How to Catch King Mackerel
King Mackerel Fishing Regulations in North Carolina
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
3 per person per day
Size Limit
24-inch fork length minimum
License Required
Coastal Recreational Fishing License
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the North Carolina state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum size King Mackerel I can keep in North Carolina?
You can only keep King Mackerel that are 24 inches in fork length or greater in North Carolina.
How many King Mackerel can I keep per day when fishing near Holden Beach?
The daily bag limit for King Mackerel in North Carolina is 3 per person.
Do I need a license to fish for King Mackerel in the ocean near Holden Beach?
Yes, you need a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to legally fish for King Mackerel in North Carolina's coastal waters.
Is there a closed season for King Mackerel in North Carolina?
No, the season for King Mackerel is open year-round in North Carolina.
More King Mackerel Fishing in North Carolina
Other Species to Fish in Holden Beach
Ready to Catch King Mackerel in Holden Beach?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.