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Caught a Little Tunny Inshore in Harkers Island
Little Tunny Fishing in Harkers Island
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The Little Tunny belongs to the order Perciformes and family Scombridae. It typically measures between 24 and 48 inches in length, with a weight range from 5 to 15 lbs. Habitat: onshore, nearshore, offshore. - Known also as Bonita, False Albacore, or Little Tuna. - Considered one of the smaller variants of tuna. - Uses schooling and migration as primary defense mechanisms. - Usually heads south during Winter or Fall as migratory fish.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Andrew Campbell in October
Meet your Guide Andrew Campbell
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Summary
Guide Andrew Campbell of Flying Fish Charters on Saturday October delivered an exceptional sight fishing adventure targeting Little Tunny in the productive inshore waters around Harkers Island. This 8-hour guided fishing trip combines drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting techniques to work the current breaks and structure that hold baitfish throughout the fall season. The clear conditions and cooler temperatures create ideal opportunities for targeting these lightning-fast False Albacore, which average 7-9 pounds and reach speeds of 45 mph. Whether you're interested in sight fishing adventures or exploring multiple inshore techniques, these waters consistently produce action-packed results with species like Bull Drum, Amberjack, and various shark species when conditions align.
Fishing Charter with Andrew Campbell – Rates & Booking
Guide Andrew Campbell of Flying Fish Charters on Saturday October offers comprehensive 8-hour sight fishing adventures starting from Cape Pointe Marina. This full-day guided fishing trip accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all tackle, bait, and expert instruction for targeting Little Tunny and other inshore species. The charter focuses on proven techniques like drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting with lures to work the productive structure around Harkers Island. Licensed and experienced, Andrew provides local knowledge of current breaks, seasonal patterns, and the most effective approaches for connecting with these fast-moving gamefish. Book online to secure your spot for this action-packed inshore fishing experience.
Highlights of Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Harkers Island, NC - Shark, Mackerel, and More
This opportunistic fishing adventure adapts to daily conditions, targeting the ocean when seas allow or hunting nearshore waters for consistent action. The primary focus centers on sight fishing for False Albacore (Little Tunny), known for their incredible speed and acrobatic fights on light tackle. Additional targets include hard-fighting Bull Drum, powerful Amberjack, and exciting Blacktip and Spinner Sharks that provide adrenaline-pumping encounters.
The fall season brings optimal conditions with cooler temperatures and clear water visibility, perfect for sight fishing techniques. The 8-hour format allows time to work multiple areas and techniques, from casting lures around structure to drift fishing over productive bottom. Every trip promises unforgettable catches and breathtaking coastal scenery along the Crystal Coast.
Local Species Insights: Little Tunny
Little Tunny thrive in the inshore and nearshore waters around Harkers Island, particularly during fall months when cooler temperatures concentrate baitfish along current breaks and structure. These lightning-fast predators follow schools of menhaden, anchovies, and other forage fish, creating exciting sight fishing opportunities when they push bait to the surface. Their characteristic speed and agility make them challenging targets that reward anglers with spectacular fights on appropriate tackle. The productive waters around Cape Lookout and the surrounding shoals provide ideal habitat where these fish hunt throughout the season, making Harkers Island an excellent base for targeting this exciting species.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 8-hour adventure begins with an early morning departure from Cape Pointe Marina, where Andrew provides all necessary tackle, bait, and safety equipment. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, allowing for personalized instruction and plenty of room to work different techniques. Expect to cover various inshore areas depending on conditions, from shallow flats perfect for sight fishing to deeper structure where bottom fishing produces results. The boat is equipped for multiple fishing styles, and Andrew's local expertise ensures you'll fish the most productive areas based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns.
Fishing in Harkers Island: Little Tunny
The Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) belongs to the order Perciformes and family Scombridae, making it a true member of the tuna family. Also known as False Albacore, Bonita, or Little Tuna, this species is distinguished by its streamlined body, dark wavy lines on the back, and distinctive spotted pattern below the pectoral fins. In Harkers Island waters this October, these fast-moving predators provide some of the most exciting sight fishing opportunities along the North Carolina coast.
Little Tunny Overview
Little Tunny are among the smaller tuna species but compensate with incredible speed and agility. They're highly prized by sport anglers for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic fights that can test even experienced fishermen. These fish are opportunistic feeders that travel in schools, making them ideal targets for sight fishing when they push baitfish to the surface.
Little Tunny Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters throughout the Atlantic, with the waters around Harkers Island providing excellent habitat during fall months. They prefer areas with strong currents and abundant baitfish, often found around structure like reefs, wrecks, and current breaks where forage concentrates.
Little Tunny Size and Weight
Little Tunny typically range from 24 to 48 inches in length and weigh between 5 to 15 pounds, though larger specimens are occasionally caught. Their compact, muscular build gives them exceptional power relative to their size.
Little Tunny Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on small schooling fish like anchovies, sardines, and menhaden, along with squid and crustaceans. They're most active during dawn and dusk but can be caught throughout the day when baitfish are present. Their schooling behavior and surface feeding make them excellent targets for sight fishing techniques.
Little Tunny Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in warmer offshore waters during spring and summer months. During fall, mature fish often move closer to shore following baitfish migrations, creating excellent fishing opportunities in nearshore waters.
Little Tunny Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include casting small jigs, spoons, or live bait to schooling fish, trolling with small lures, and sight fishing when they're feeding on the surface. Light tackle enhances the fight, with spinning gear and 15-20 pound test line providing the best balance of sport and control. In October, anglers around Harkers Island find them near current breaks and structure where baitfish concentrate during the fall migration.
Little Tunny Is It Good to Eat?
Little Tunny has dark, rich meat with a strong flavor that's best when prepared fresh. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids but requires proper handling and preparation. Many anglers prefer catch and release due to their sporting value, though they can be excellent when smoked or prepared as sashimi by experienced cooks.
Little Tunny Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Little Tunny?
A: Small live baits like anchovies or sardines work well, along with small jigs, spoons, and casting plugs that mimic their preferred forage fish.
Q: Where can I find Little Tunny near Harkers Island?
A: Look for them around current breaks, nearshore structure, and areas where baitfish are active, particularly during fall months when they move closer to shore.
Q: Is Little Tunny good to eat?
A: The meat is edible but has a strong flavor and dark color. It's best when very fresh and properly prepared, though many anglers practice catch and release.
Q: When is the best time to catch Little Tunny?
A: Fall months offer excellent opportunities as they follow baitfish migrations, with early morning and late afternoon typically producing the most surface activity.
More species you can explore on this trip
Flying Fish Charters Available Trips
Our trusty vessel is ready to take you on a full day of fishing action in the waters around Harkers Island. This versatile boat is perfect for navigating both inshore and nearshore areas, adapting to the day's conditions. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast your lines and reel in some impressive catches. Whether we're sight fishing for speedy False Albacore or battling powerful Bull Drum, our boat provides a stable and comfortable platform. Equipped with all the necessary gear and electronics, we're set up to find the fish and make the most of your time on the water. From the open ocean to protected inlets, this boat can handle it all, ensuring you have access to the best fishing spots Harkers Island has to offer. Get ready for a day of non-stop action and stunning coastal scenery aboard our well-appointed fishing machine.
