Morehead City Anglers Land Multiple 500-600-Pound Bluefin Including 614-lb Giant

A run of giant Atlantic bluefin off Morehead City produced multiple 500-600-pound fish this season, highlighted by a verified 614-lb fish measured at 102 inches that came aboard Fish N Frenzy on Dec. 21. Boats working the edge and nearby grounds reported several more fish in the 500- to 600-plus-pound class, a concentration of giants that has local captains, crews, and tackle shops taking notice.

The stripe of big fish showed up on several boats. Strike Eagle logged multiple giants during recent trips, and the F/V LOBO TOO brought a reported 600-lb bluefin into Portside Marina. Those boat-by-boat accounts match observers on the docks and inside local tackle stores, which noted heavier-than-usual demand for trolling gear and baits consistent with a big-fish bite.

Tactics that produced fish were familiar to area anglers: trolling ballyhoo with rigs modeled on Joe Shute, Blue Water Candy, and Iland Lure styles was the prevailing approach. Captains have leaned on those spreader-bar and skirted-lure combinations while keeping presentation tight on the edge where the larger tuna have been moving. Local tackle shops have been restocking those patterns and advising crews on heavier leaders and line classes to handle extended fights with bluefin giants.

The immediate community impact has been obvious at marinas and charter operations. Charter bookings have accelerated as anglers chase the potential for trophy fish, and dockside conversations have centered on gear setup, bait availability, and the logistics of landing high-pound tuna in shallow-boat situations. Portside Marina became a focal point after the LOBO TOO's landing, with crews and media gathering to document the haul and swap notes.

For anglers planning to chase these fish, practical considerations matter. Stocking proven trolling baits and skirted lures, confirming availability with local bait and tackle shops, and coordinating with captains on rod, reel, and line selection will improve odds of connecting and landing a fish of this size. Teams should be prepared for long fights and have a plan for crew handoffs and gear recovery when a giant turns on the power.

This concentration of 500- to 600-pound bluefin underlines that Morehead City remains a premier bluefin fishery when the giants move through. Expect continued heavy interest from charters and private boats as the season progresses. Check with your preferred captain or tackle supplier early to lock in trips and gear so you’re ready when the bite heats up again.