Fishing Charters in North Carolina

Browse fishing charters in North Carolina that can help you catch mackerel.

Salty Dawg Fishing Charters - Captain Harvey Wall
Verified
From $450
Captain Harvey Wall

Salty Dawg Fishing Charters

4.9(85)Top Rated

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.

inshorenearshoreoffshoreSpiny DogfishRedfish
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Up to 4
Wheels On Deck - Wheels On Deck
Wheels On Deck

Wheels On Deck

Wanchese, North Carolina

inshore
Wanchese, North Carolina
Biopsea - Biopsea
Biopsea

Biopsea

Nags Head, North Carolina

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, we strive to provide an enjoyable Outer Banks charter fishing trip for all aboard!

inshore
Nags Head, North Carolina
Captain Charles Cp Perry - Captain Charles Cp Perry
Captain Charles Cp Perry

Captain Charles Cp Perry

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

inshore
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters - X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters
X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters

X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters

Manteo, North Carolina

Past Trips, Photos, Fun, Outer Banks, Charter, Boat, Sport, fishing, x-spearmint, Pirates Cove, Captain Ryan Spear, Fishing Trip, Cobia, Mahi, Wahoo, Drum, Manteo, Nags Head, Carolina Custom, Inshore, Nearshore, Bait, Fish, North Carolina, NC

inshoreCobiaOno (Wahoo)
Manteo, North Carolina
Cape Fear Guide - Cape Fear Guide
Cape Fear Guide

Cape Fear Guide

Southport, North Carolina

Selami permainan berisiko tinggi di TAKERU365! Nikmati imbalan besar dan akses cepat dan aman dengan tautan login tepercaya.

inshore
Southport, North Carolina
Fletch Sports Fishing Charters - Fletch Sports Fishing Charters
Fletch Sports Fishing Charters

Fletch Sports Fishing Charters

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

inshore
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Off We Go - Off We Go
Off We Go

Off We Go

Wilmington, North Carolina

Private fishing, island hops, and sunset cruises. USCG-licensed captain.

inshore
Wilmington, North Carolina
Mad Kingz Fishing Charters - Mad Kingz Fishing Charters
Mad Kingz Fishing Charters

Mad Kingz Fishing Charters

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Ocean Isle Beach Location 6855 Beach Drive SW Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 910-579-2424

inshore
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Carolina Fly Guy - Carolina Fly Guy
Carolina Fly Guy

Carolina Fly Guy

Leland, North Carolina

Oak Island fishing charters await with Carolina Fly Guy and Captain Ashley Hux! Experience unforgettable adventures on the water. Book your trip today!

inshore
Leland, North Carolina
Upper Creek Angler - Upper Creek Angler
Upper Creek Angler

Upper Creek Angler

Morganton, North Carolina

“We had a blast and I am so happy that Nick not only caught a trout on his fly rod but that he caught the biggest trout.  He said he learned so much from you yesterday as I also did.  A great experience. Thanks again and we will be repeat customers, maybe even a float…

freshwaterSpeckled Trout
Morganton, North Carolina
South End Anglers - South End Anglers
South End Anglers

South End Anglers

Holly Ridge, North Carolina

inshore
Holly Ridge, North Carolina

Best Time to Catch Mackerel

Peak season: May, June, September. Also good: April, July, August, October. Right now in February, activity is poor.

Book a Mackerel Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Mackerel

Mackerel

Various

Hatteras, North Carolina, offers fantastic mackerel fishing, particularly Spanish and king mackerel, thanks to its proximity to the Gulf Stream. This warm current brings nutrient-rich waters and baitfish, attracting large schools of mackerel. The best time to target mackerel here is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when the water temperatures are ideal. Trolling along the edges of the Gulf Stream with spoons, lures, or live bait is a productive method. For shore anglers, the Hatteras Island Fishing Pier provides access to deeper waters where mackerel often congregate. Be mindful of strong currents and changing weather conditions, which can impact fishing success. A local tip: check with nearby tackle shops for the most recent intel on baitfish patterns and mackerel hotspots – they're usually in the know!

How to Catch Mackerel

Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Mackerel in Hatteras.

Mackerel Fishing Regulations in North Carolina

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

Spanish Mackerel: 15 per person; King Mackerel: 3 per person

Size Limit

Spanish Mackerel: 12-inch fork length minimum; King Mackerel: 24-inch fork length minimum

License Required

Coastal Recreational Fishing License

Possession limits apply to both Spanish and King Mackerel.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the North Carolina state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in North Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum size for keeping Spanish mackerel in Hatteras, NC?

You can keep Spanish mackerel if they are 12 inches fork length or longer.

What's the best way to catch King mackerel off Hatteras?

Many anglers troll live bait or lures for King mackerel in the waters off Hatteras. Look for areas with structure or baitfish.

How many King mackerel can I keep per day in North Carolina?

The daily bag limit for King mackerel in North Carolina is 3 per person.

Do I need a license to fish for mackerel near Hatteras?

Yes, you'll need a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to legally fish for mackerel in North Carolina waters.

Other Species to Fish in Hatteras

Ready to Catch Mackerel in Hatteras?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.