Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks

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Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks

Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks is a reality television series that follows the lives of commercial tuna fishermen based in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The show has been filming on Hatteras Island since its inception in 2013, and it has become one of the most popular fishing shows on television.

Where is Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks filmed?

The majority of filming for Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks takes place on Hatteras Island, which is a chain of barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina. Hatteras Island is part of the Outer Banks known for having beautiful beaches, world-class fishing, and unique culture.

Specific places where filming takes place include:

  • Hatteras Harbor Marina: This fishing center is located in Hatteras, North Carolina, and it is the closest fishing center to the Gulf Stream, where the tuna are found.
  • OBX Marina: This marina is located in the heart of Wanchese, North Carolina, and it is where many of the commercial fishing boats in the area are docked.
  • Oregon Inlet Fishing Center: This fishing center is located in southern Nags Head, North Carolina at the tip of Hatteras Island.  It is another popular spot for commercial fishing boats.

Commercial boat fishing for bluefin tuna with many fishing lines

When is Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks filmed?

Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks is typically filmed during the summer months, when the bluefin tuna are migrating through the Outer Banks waters. The fishing season for bluefin tuna typically runs from June to October.

What types of fish are caught on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks?

The primary fish that is caught on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks is the Atlantic bluefin tuna. Bluefin tuna are a highly prized fish due to their delicious meat and large size. Other types of fish that are sometimes caught on the show include yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and swordfish.

Bluefin tuna

How can viewers catch similar fish on their own on Hatteras Island?

If you are interested in catching similar fish to the ones that are caught on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, there are a few things you can do:

  • Hire a charter boat: There are many charter boat companies on Hatteras Island that offer offshore fishing trips. This is a great way to get to the fishing grounds where the tuna are found, and you will have an experienced captain and crew to help you catch fish.
  • Fish from your own boat: If you have your own boat, you can also fish for tuna on your own. However, it is important to be aware of the safety risks involved in offshore fishing, and you should make sure to have all of the necessary safety equipment on board.
  • Fish from shore: It is also possible to catch tuna from shore on Hatteras Island. However, this is more challenging than fishing from a boat, and you are more likely to catch smaller fish.

If you are planning on fishing for tuna on Hatteras Island, be sure to check the current fishing regulations and obtain the necessary fishing licenses.

Read more about the Hatteras Island Fishing Report.

Tips for catching tuna on Hatteras Island

Here are some additional tips for catching tuna on Hatteras Island:

  • Use heavy tackle. Tuna are large and powerful fish, so you will need to use heavy tackle to catch them.
  • Fish live bait. Live bait is the most effective way to catch tuna. Popular choices include mackerel, herring, and bluefish.
  • Use trolling lures. Trolling lures are another effective way to catch tuna. Choose lures that are designed for offshore fishing.
  • Be patient. It can take hours or even days to find and catch a tuna. Don't give up if you don't catch a fish right away.

What is the biggest tuna ever caught on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks?

The biggest tuna ever caught on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks was a 1,200-pound bluefin tuna caught by Captain Greg Mayer and the crew of the FV Fishing Frenzy in 2013.

Who is the most successful captain on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks?

Captain Greg Mayer is the most successful captain on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. He has won the most money and caught the most tuna of any other captain on the show.

Is Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks real?

Yes, Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks is real. The show follows commercial tuna fishermen in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the fish that they catch are sold on the market. However, some aspects of the show are edited for dramatic effect.

Can I visit the boats from Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks?

Yes, you can visit some of the boats from Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. Many of the boats dock at the OBX Marina in Wanchese, North Carolina. You can also see some of the boats at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center in Nags Head, North Carolina, and the Hatteras Inlet Fishing Center in Buxton, North Carolina.

How can I become a commercial tuna fisherman like on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks?

To become a commercial tuna fisherman, you need to obtain a commercial fishing license. You can also get involved in the commercial fishing industry by working on a commercial fishing boat as a deckhand.

Can you fish for tuna at nighttime on Hatteras Island?

Yes, you can fish for tuna at nighttime on Hatteras Island. In fact, many fishermen prefer to fish for tuna at night because the fish are more active and less likely to be spooked by boats.

If you are on the Outer Banks shoreline at night, you will often see charter boats operating at night time.  Often times these are the same boats featured on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks!

However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when fishing for tuna at night:

  • Be aware of the safety risks. Offshore fishing at night can be dangerous, so it is important to be aware of the risks and take precautions. Make sure to have all of the necessary safety equipment on board, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
  • Use the right gear. You will need to use different gear and techniques when fishing for tuna at night. For example, you will need to use heavier tackle and larger bait. You may also want to use night vision goggles or other aids to help you see in the dark.
  • Be patient. It can take longer to find and catch tuna at night, so be patient and don't give up.

Fishing pole on boat at night

With a little planning and patience, you can catch tuna on Hatteras Island just like the captains on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks!