Outer Banks Highlights Some of East Coast's Best Fishing
By Aaron Tuell on
Nov. 07, 2019
OUTER BANKS, N.C. – With some of the nation's best angling waters, the Outer Banks stands out as a paradise for sport fishermen. Along this coastline, fishing takes many forms, including surf and pier fishing, freshwater, fly and sound fishing, and inshore and offshore charter fishing, with opportunities available throughout the year.
A saltwater license is required to fish at the coast. Children under 16 are exempt. The license is available from Division of Marine Fisheries offices, Wildlife Resources Commission license agents (which include bait & tackle shops), online at www.ncwildlife.org, or by calling toll free (888) 248-6834. An individual does not need a license for charter boat and pier fishing, as they are covered by a blanket license. For further details or a list of shops that sell the license, please visit www.ncwildlife.org, www.ncdmf.net, or www.outerbanks.org
Anglers should be informed of current fisheries' regulations, including size and bag limits of species caught. For details about the citation program, and/or current fisheries' regulations, visit area bait and tackle shops or piers or call the NC Division of Marine Fisheries at (252) 726-7021 or (800) 682-2632 (800# is only good in North Carolina) or visit www.ncfisheries.net. For information on what's being caught and the current conditions, call The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Fishing Line at 877-629-4386.
Fly Fishing
In recent years, fly fishing has become a favored way to enjoy the Outer Banks’ rich, productive waters. Those who have tried fly fishing here have discovered plenty of reward, and numerous world records have been claimed from area waters. What anglers catch depends on the season. Spring and fall offer the strongest conditions for many species, particularly red drum, speckled trout and big blue fish. Flounder are available from April into late September. In summer, Spanish mackerel and pompano return, along with smaller blue fish. In winter, stripers are the dominant catch.
For fly fishing on the flats, the day’s most productive windows are the lower-light hours of morning and evening, ideally with an incoming tide. In the flats, the top places include points such as grass points, deep channels with current flow, submerged grass beds, and marsh canals. Anglers may look for fish from a boat or by wading.
Freshwater and Brackish Water Fishing
While the Outer Banks is widely recognized for saltwater fishing, the area also provides strong freshwater options in Currituck Sound, Kitty Hawk Bay and Colington Bay, where a large population of largemouth bass is supported. Bass season opens in April and continues through November, with peak fishing from mid-April to early June and again in September and October.
White and yellow perch can be caught in summer, and some catfish are also present in the brackish waters. In spring, crank and spinner baits are recommended; during summer, worms are a solid choice. Freshwater fishing licenses are required and are available at area bait and tackle shops as well as seafood shops.
Offshore and Inshore Charter Fishing
The Outer Banks is known as "The Billfish Capital of the World," and for good reason. Each year, Outer Banks waters produce hundreds of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish that are caught and released. Billfish season stretches across a long period, with blue marlin peaking in June, and white marlin and sailfish most abundant in August and September. All three are caught regularly from late spring to early fall. About 30 miles off the Outer Banks coast, the Gulf Stream gives offshore anglers access to a broad mix of fish all year. Yellowfin tuna is probably the most sought-after species and is caught year round. Another tuna that has made a major impression here in recent years is giant bluefin tuna. Weighing from 200 to more than 1,000 pounds, these fish are challenging even for professionals. Bluefin tuna season is generally early January through late March, and this species is normally caught and released. Visitors interested in pursuing bluefin tuna should tell the charter boat captain in advance. Other offshore trolling catches include wahoo, dolphin, king mackerel and mako.
Offshore charter boats typically take up to six people for a full day on the water. Professional captains and mates operate the trips, and bait, tackle and equipment are supplied. Anglers should bring food and drinks, along with a cooler to carry home their catch. Inshore charters offer half-day trips and stay closer to shore than offshore trips.
Inshore fishing can produce king mackerel, big blues, cobia and amberjack during spring and fall, as well as tailor blues and Spanish mackerel from late April through September. Most inshore boats take four to six people. Local marinas handle charter bookings. When visitors cannot organize a full party, marinas can assemble make-up charters.
Sound and Head Boat Fishing
Small-boat fishing in the Pamlico, Croatan, Albemarle and Roanoke Sounds is another excellent way to experience the Outer Banks. From a personal boat or one rented locally, anglers can target a wide range of species, including trout, spot, croaker, flounder, sheepshead and, at night, red drum. Cobia is also popular; this hard-fighting fish reaches its peak in late May or early June. In recent years, striped bass catches have been good during fall, winter and spring.
Visitors may hire a guide and boat or head out independently from public boat ramps in many locations, including the Manteo waterfront, Oregon Inlet, Pirate's Cove, Kill Devil Hills on Durham Street and on Hatteras Island.
Head boat fishing is another strong option for both beginners and experienced fishermen. These boats carry 40 people to 50 people, run half-day trips, and remain in sound and inlet waters. Depending on the time of year, catches usually include spot, sea trout, flounder, croaker and sea bass. The boats offer experienced, helpful crews; all bait, equipment and tackle; restroom facilities; and a drink/snack bar. For families, head boat fishing is a highly entertaining choice.
Surf and Pier Fishing
During summer, flounder, croaker and small bluefish are the regular catches, although spot, croaker and grey trout may also be landed. By Outer Banks standards, surf fishing really begins to accelerate in August, when pompano and Spanish mackerel start appearing and a few tarpon are hooked. September is the top month for all three.
The source page includes a local saying about fishing becoming more serious after Labor Day. That seasonal point centers on the return of red drum and the big blues, with fall bringing more intense action along the beaches.
Blues weighing more than 15 pounds are plentiful and are known to blitz the beaches throughout the fall months. Red drum are among the most sought-after species. Drums vary in size and are called by different names depending on size. The puppy drum is the youngest member of the drum family. The next age and size class is the red drum in the 35-pound to 70-pound range. The largest fish in the species are called channel bass. The world record is 94 pounds and was caught off the waters of Avon, N.C., on Hatteras Island, in 1984. Flounder, spot, croaker and, in recent years, speckled trout are also abundant during this period.
About The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a chain of barrier islands midway on the Atlantic Seaboard. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is a public authority and the lead marketing and promotional agency for Dare County's Outer Banks. The Bureau’s web site is www.outerbanks.org.
Author
Aaron Tuell develops and contributes to award-winning projects across public relations, social media and travel customer outreach. His background includes extensive work with national media outlets, celebrity projects, social media strategy and oversight, commercial broadcast and web video production, marketing photography, publicity and promotion, and work with and as news media.
Manager of Public Relations
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
252-473-2138 office
877-629-4386 toll free
tuell@outerbanks.org