Our Complete Guide to Fishing on the Outer Banks

It may sound surprising, but North Carolina’s Outer Banks were famous for their unbeatable fishing opportunities long before tourists discovered the area. That’s right; before swimmers, surfers, and sun worshipers made the Carolina coast their go-to destination, anglers stood shoulder to shoulder casting lines into the surf and reaping bountiful harvests for their efforts.

The Outer Banks is a popular vacation destination for all. With its proximity to the Gulf Stream, it’s a popular attraction for anglers of all ages and experience levels. While you’re staying at an Outer Banks vacation rentals, there are a ton of amazing fishing charters on the Outer Banks. Are you looking for in-shore or offshore fishing? If so, then there is a fishing charter calling your name. If you’re bringing friends or family to stay with you, here’s a list of the best fishing charters on the Outer Banks.

Surf Fishing

This is the simplest and, for many people, the most pleasurable type of fishing available along the shore. You need only an ocean-worthy pole, a little bait and tackle, and clothing sufficient to protect you from the sun.

If you’re staying on the coast, then you need only stroll into your backyard with your equipment to begin the fishing adventure of a lifetime.

If you’re not staying along the banks, or if you want to do a little 4WD driving during your getaway, then you’ll find numerous access ramps with their telltale brown National Park Service (NPS) signs up and down Hatteras Island. If you’ve never driven on the beach before, then you’re in for a treat. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The NPS grants beach driving permits from its Cape Hatteras lighthouse station, its Oregon Inlet office, and several other locations. Acquiring a permit requires a weekly or annual fee and watching a 10 minute safety video.
• We recommend you reduce the air pressure in your tires to about 20 psi before driving up the ramps. You’ll find plenty of local service stations where you can refill your tires afterwards. Many of those same stations carry bait and other supplies.
• We also recommend you bring a small shovel and some planks with you, just to ensure you don’t get stuck in the sand.

As for the best surf fishing spots, inlets offer prime opportunities, with Oregon and Irene Inlet enjoying especially good reputations. The NPS closes some of these areas on a seasonal basis, so contact the agency before making your plans.

Pier Fishing

The Outer Banks is blessed with a number of outstanding piers, all of which offer the advantages of shoreline fishing along with a place to set up a folding chair and bring along a bucket, tackle box, and cooler if you like. Also, many piers include gift shops, restaurants, tackle shops, and other amenities. Some of the best piers along the banks include:

• Nags Head pier – Open since the late 50s, this cherished location is one of the area’s most popular seasonal piers. During the peak summer season it’s available to visitors 24/7.
• Jeanette’s Pier – This is the mother of all Outer Banks piers, with a history going all the way back in 1939. During those many years it has endured hellacious poundings from hurricanes, only to come back stronger than before each time. This pier partners with the North Carolina aquarium to offer marine life exhibits and other educational resources throughout the warm season.
• Outer Banks fishing pier – Also known as the South Nags Head pier, this location is especially suited to those who love fishing but not crowds. The South Nags Head area receives less visitors than many close by areas, giving anglers extra room to stretch out and enjoy themselves. It includes a small café and tackle shop with all the necessities you’ll need.
• Avon pier – Located smack-dab in the center of Hatteras Island, Avon pier is an extremely popular spot during the summer. Shops built along its length offer virtually anything visitors could want, from fishing supplies to beer and hotdogs. Local restaurants and other attractions are within easy walking distance.

We also recommend you check out Frisco pier, which is at the south end of Hatteras Island. Sadly, repeated hurricanes have forced authorities to close this great location. Nonetheless, it makes a fantastic backdrop for picture takers. It’s also an amazing photographic subject all by itself, with a slightly haunting appeal.

Outer Banks piers average about 700 feet long, so pack light unless you don’t mind carrying your gear a good ways. The piers also make great destinations for sightseers in general, including kids.

When you’re all fished out for the day, nothing beats having a premium vacation property to call home. Don’t settle for a cramped, noisy hotel when our Outer Banks oceanfront rentals offer so much comfort and atmosphere.

What Types of Fish Can You Catch on The Outer Banks?

There are plenty of fish that you can catch on the Outer Banks. A mile offshore, you’ll find a ton of interesting and amazing fish. The barrier islands produce some of the best sportfishing opportunities. Here’s a little look into some of what you can catch!

Mahi Mahi: this beautifully colored fish is common when the weather is warm. They can range from 10-50 lbs. If you’re looking to catch this iridescent turquoise beauty, you can find it feeding along floating lines of seaweed.

Flounder:  known as everyone’s favorite flatfish. You can always expect to reel in a nice sized flounder. Flounder are delicious as well! You can cook them however you like! These fish are known to be bottom feeders and will follow your lure and eat anything that comes close.

Tuna: Another offshore favorite fish for restaurants and foodies alike.  Both Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna are great to catch on the Outer Banks all year long. As the waters warm up, so does the tuna fishing. There are a ton of chances to reel in these fish, ranging from 15-75lbs.

King Mackerel: you can catch these fish throughout the year. These fish can grow to be between 20-40lbs. The best time to catch these is in the fall.

Outer Banks Fishing Charters

Offshore Sportfishing OBX

This charter embarks offshore from Manteo and specializes in Sportfishing. You can spend a beautiful day on the water offshore catching incredible fish. You’ll be fishing off of the recently restored Gary Davis offshore sport fishing boat. You can comfortably charter this vessel to hold a party of 6 to go fishing off the Outer Banks. The boat has it all! It comes with a flybridge, fully operational bathrooms with toilets and showers, and it even has beds! The boat also comes equipped with AC, a TV, a refrigerator, and an ice-box. A first mate will be by your side at all times to help you reel in your big catch! The Blue Chip can go bottom or deep-sea fishing, trolling, spinning, jigging, and kite fishing. They offer one of the best deep sea fishing charters on the Outer Banks. 

Outer Banks Fishing Charters

The folks at Outer Banks Fishing Charters have almost twenty years of fishing experience! These fishing enthusiasts make sure that every angler catches something on their charters! They offer sound/inlet trips to fish the mouth of the ocean and back. On these trips you can catch trout, drum, flounder, Spanish mackerel, croaker, and so much more! They also offer an ocean/inlet fishing trip where you can catch cobia, king mackerel, amberjack, shark, and more! Both charters can supply bait and rigs for you to use on your trip. The boat is equipped with a large fish box and huge live well for the live bait, and over 20 rod and reel holders. The deck is large enough for your party and has a full cabin for when you need to escape the hot Outer Banks sun.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

With 47 charter boats available, Oregon Inlet Fishing center has the charter you’re looking for! Oregon Inlet offers a full-service marina ready to serve all your needs. The marina has the most modern fleet with bookings for inshore, nearshore, offshore, and head boat fishing. Docks for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly rental. They also have car and marine fuel available for refuels. Oregon Inlet also has a ship store and tackle shop! The marina has anything and everything you could need.

In-Shore Charters

Oregon Inlet offers In-shore and Nearshore fishing charters! These charters In-shore charters are perfect for small groups of 1-4 people. The in-shore and nearshore travels within 10 miles of the shore. These trips catch trout, blues, and mackerel. These fish are normally found closer to the shore. In-shore fishing is perfect for beginner anglers. Young anglers and beginners get the opportunity to cast their line and still bring in a catch! 

Off-Shore Charters

Oregon Inlet also has offshore fishing charters! Looking to hit the gulf stream and catch some exotic fish? You’ll be traveling at least 25 miles from shore. These charters last for about 12 hours. You can catch fish like the grouper, Cobia, Wahoo, Tuna, and mahi mahi. You’ll see why they’re the best Outer Banks offshore fishing charters in the area! Offshore fishing is perfect for the more experienced anglers. If you’re looking for bigger fish with tougher fights, off-shore is the trip for you. You’ll find a deep-sea adventure every time you cast your line. If you are getting up early to head out on the open ocean, you need to check out one of the top 5 breakfast restaurants on the Outer Banks to get fueled up for your day!

Fishing Licenses

If you’re planning on doing any fishing here on the Outer Banks, then you need to know the laws around fishing licenses. Lucky for you, if you plan on going on any of these Outer Banks fishing charters, you won’t need a license. If you also plan on fishing on the pier, there is no need for a fishing license. Both pier fishing and charter boat fishing are covered by a “blanket license.” Any angler over the age of 16 needs a fishing license.

If you plan on doing any other kind of inshore fishing, you will need a license. Each license depends on whether you’re a resident of the Outer Banks and on the length of time you’ll need the license. Fishing along the shore requires a coastal license. As the name implies, this document gives you the right to dip your hook in coastal seawater. If you also want to fish at inland or freshwater spots, then you need a unified fishing license issued by the state of North Carolina.If you need a full-year license, for residents it costs $15, for non-residents it costs $30. For a 10-day license, for residents, it costs $5 and for non-residents, it costs $10.

After a long day of fishing, you’ll need a place to kick your feet up and relax the evening away. If you’re not exploring one of the many restaurants before and after your charter, then you need a place to sleep! There are a ton of amazing Nags Head vacation rentals in the outer banks that we offer! Every rental offers high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room laundry, spacious rooms, and so much more! These Outer Banks sound front rentals are close to all Outer Banks attractions! You’re a short drive away from having the most fun you could have here. But, if you would rather have a relaxing “lazy” day, then spend it on one of the 5 best Outer Banks beaches here. It’s all up to you! Contact us today to learn more.

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