Charter Fishing on the Outer Banks

In a recent post we discussed the abundant fishing opportunities along the Outer Banks’s coastline and from its many piers. This time around were going to tell you about the equally enjoyable prospects offered by charter services, kayak fishing, and tournaments.

The Outer Banks’s closeness to the Gulf Stream makes chartered fishing especially popular in our area. In fact, we offer some of the best opportunities for catching jaw-dropping trophy fish north of Florida. If you plan to charter a boat during your visit, then we urge you to book well in advance, especially if you’ll be with us during the peak. From June through August. Occasionally a captain may be able to add you to a partially booked trip with as little as a week’s notice, but there are no guarantees.

Beautiful sunset at the outer banks
Photo From: Shutterstock

Charter Fishing

  • Weather conditions can change almost instantly and most crews are hesitant to get the high seas if the winds are topping 20 mph. So make sure the service you choose offers refunds and/or make-up trips, just in case.
  • Most charters leave the docks as early as 4 AM, in order to make the most of the day. So be prepared to roll out of bed extra early.
  • When making reservations, ask the service if they will clean and pack your fish for you. Having this extra service makes grilling your catch much easier.
  • Be prepared to tip the first mate. These people make their living in the same way as bartenders and restaurant wait staff. They receive a minimal salary in exchange for the opportunity to earn gratuities. Most first mates worked extremely hard on behalf of clients, so they richly deserve a little extra reward.
  • Take some anti-nausea medication the night before your trip and another dose about one hour before you leave the docks. The trip to the Gulfstream is usually pretty turbulent, especially within the first few minutes after departure.
  • Bring plenty of sunscreen, even if you’re deeply tanned. Sunlight reflecting off ocean waters is intensely powerful. You can get a nasty burn within a few minutes of exposure, which will surely ruin your trip.
  • Some anglers collect food; others collect stories. Know which group you fall into before choosing your charter. Your boat can either target “eating” fish or “sporting” fish but usually not both.
  • Consider an inshore charter trip as an alternative to hitting the high seas. The water is calmer and fees are more affordable. Plus, a seasoned captain can take you to some amazing fishing holes for an experience you’ll never forget. You can also combine an inshore trip with other activities like dolphin watching and clamming for greater variety.

Kayak Fishing

This option isn’t for everyone. Balancing yourself in a kayak while fighting with a massive fish can test the muscles and nerves of even the fittest person. Nonetheless, this is one way to add some serious adventure to your trip, while giving you stories that will make your hearers roll their eyes in wonderment.

Tournaments

Fishermen are a competitive breed, which probably explains why tournaments are so popular along the Outer Banks. These events are great way to meet some of the biggest names in the fishing world. You’ll find plenty of shoreline and off-shore events to choose from.

“What Can I Catch?”

The short answer to this question is “almost anything,” from a rusty muffler to a massive White Marlin. However, these are some of the more common fish off our shores:

  • Mahi Mahi, usually ranging in size from 10 to 50 pounds.
  • Tuna, especially the yellowfin variety, generally ranging from 15 to 75 pounds.
  • King Mackerel, a very tasty fish most abundant in the fall of the year.
  • Wahoo, scrappy and saw-toothed but delectable as well.
  • Amberjack, which loves to haunt shipwrecks and forsaken buildings in the Gulf Stream.

Contact

Cola Vaughan Realty
PO Box 1375
Nags Head, NC 27959

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