Ultimate Guide to Fishing on the Outer Banks | Shoreline OBX (2024)

Those who are passionate about angling are always on the hunt for new places to cast a line. That said, when it comes to versatile destinations for making the most of time on the water and expecting big bites in return, there’s no place on the map quite like the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This locale is loved amongst sport anglers from near and far for not only the variety of fishing opportunities available but the collection of incredible locations, variations of species, and access to year-round fun!

Whether you’re one for pier fishing, offshore adventures, inshore excursions, or head boat fishing options, the Outer Banks is a pristine place to enjoy that’s brimming over with options to choose from. Those who are planning on exclusively taking part in the charter boat or pier fishing won’t need to worry about an individual fishing license when headed this way as these activities are covered by a blanket license. However, a coastal recreational fishing license is required for all other types of fishing for anglers with the exception of those under the age of 16. It’s important to keep up to date with the current size and creel limits to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful fishing adventure along the Outer Banks from start to finish. Details on these mandatory requirements can always be found through the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries at 800-682-2632, or by visiting the Division of Marine Fisheries online.

Popular Fishing Styles Options in this Area

A trip to the Outer Banks promises to come with ample time on the sand, under the sun and exploring amazing landmark attractions. From lighthouses and wild horse tours to delectable restaurants, sensational shopping, and beyond, the Outer Banks has a little something for everyone. The same goes for those who come this way to make the most of the fishing fun! There is an array of options available to be enjoyed when you’re narrowing down the types of fishing you’re hoping to participate in during your Outer Banks adventure. The following are just a few of the many to consider!

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Give Fly Fishing a Try

When tranquility and stunning scenery both top your list of must-have features on your fishing trip, fly fishing on the Outer Banks promises to please. This is an increasingly popular style of fishing in this area thanks to the bountiful waters and abundance of species that can be caught year-round. That said, many fly fishing enthusiasts like to head here in the spring and fall when the Bluefish, speckled trout, and Red Drum show up in impressive numbers.

Savor Time Sound and Head Boat Fishing

If you prefer to pair boating with your fishing excursions, but don’t want to venture too far from the sound and inlet waters, head boat fishing is a good way to go. This small boat approach to angling can be done independently or alongside a small group. No matter how you decide to take on the day, sound and head boat fishing on the Outer Banks provide access to everything from Cobia and flounder to Spanish Mackerel.

Put Your Pier Fishing Skills to the Test

Altogether, the Outer Banks hosts more than 100 miles of beach for visitors to enjoy as well as an impressive collection of piers between Hatteras and Kill Devil Hills. For anglers, this means prime access to the best of pier and surf fishing imaginable! While the surf and pier season starts in March each year, the height of the fun tends to happen around May. During this timeframe, species that are found in abundance include everything from grouper, sea bass, and snapper to King Mackerel, Wahoo, and Croaker.

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Offshore and Inshore Options for Fun

No matter where your offshore or inshore fishing adventures take you across the Outer Banks, billfish are waiting for you in abundance. The catch and release of hundreds of sailfish, blue marlin, and white marlin alike in these waters every year makes for an amazing adventure for anglers. The peak of the season is around June when the blue marlin arrive in impressive numbers. That said, those with their eye on yellowfin tuna will find this species accessible year-round.

Make the Most of Brackish Fishing on the Outer Banks

Bass season kicks off in the Outer Banks in April each year and anglers can enjoy participating through November. Perch are also a reward of brackish fishing in this area thanks to the confluence of the Roanoke, Croatan, and Pamlico sounds.

Make the Most of Chartered Experiences While You’re Here

Casting a line independently across the Outer Banks is always a delight, but there are also a large variety of chartered fishing experiences to enjoy while you’re in town. These chartered fishing experiences can be great for new learners or those who could use a refresher before hitting the waters solo another day. An added benefit of booking this type of experience is that many can be customized as half-day or full-day excursions. Often, all the gear you’ll need is included in the price of booking, making for a super convenient and time-saving experience on the water!

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When you’re ready to enjoy the best of the Outer Banks, make sure you have the comfortable, luxurious, and convenient accommodations to match by reaching out to Shoreline OBX. We’ll make sure you’re settled in a vacation rental that puts you in the heart of the fun starting on day one!

Ultimate Guide to Fishing on the Outer Banks | Shoreline OBX (2024)

FAQs

What are the best fishing months in the Outer Banks? ›

Fish by Season
SpeciesPeak MonthsActivity Range
Black FinApril/May & Sept/OctMar-Nov
Yellow FinMid April-NovYear Round
DolphinMay-OctMarch-Nov
Big Eye TunaLateMay/June & Sept/OctYear Round
8 more rows

What is the best bait for surf fishing in the Outer Banks? ›

Mullet is the preferred cut bait of choice and should be chunked in cubes/strips for hook placement. Bloodworms can bite so use caution. They are the most expensive bait on the Outer Banks but are VERY effective! Remember: small hooks catch more fish, so you may only need a size 4-6 hook for most fish in the surf.

What is the best time of day to surf fish in OBX? ›

Anglers have success during the early Spring as the water warms up as well as during the summertime in the surf. Better times of day to target surf fish include morning daybreak to mid-morning as well as evenings as the sun goes down (targeting sharks or dogfish).

What are the best winds for fishing in the Outer Banks? ›

My favorite is a little bit of northeast, east-northeast about 10 to 15 mph, for puppy drum and flounder. For trout I want a southwest wind.

What rig to use for surf fishing? ›

Surf Fishing Rigs

The fish-finder rig (sliding rig) is by far the most popular choice of surf casters. You can use it in most conditions and for whatever species you'd like to target. All you need is a pyramid sinker with a swivel on the line, followed by a 2′ leader line and a circle hook with cut or frozen bait.

How much does it cost to fish in the Outer Banks? ›

The average price for a private 4 hour Outer Banks fishing trip is US $552, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,530 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

What lb line for surf fishing obx? ›

Surf Fishing Line

Your line will literally make or break your ability to reel in a catch. Look for 20-25 test line for the best results in all conditions, and go for Nylon Monofilament, Fluorocarbon, or Braided Line varieties in terms of materials.

What is the best bait for fishing off the shore? ›

Cut bait is effective for all saltwater fishing, whether you are offshore, on shore, or surf fishing. Eels, ballyhoo, and pilchards are commonly used to catch saltwater game fish. Anglers often choose this bait, since fish are naturally drawn to the movement and scent of their prey.

What is the best bait for bank fishing? ›

One of the best casting baits available, a lipless crankbait, can be fished all the way across a small pond or creek. And with the ability to vary the depth of its retrieve, a lipless crankbait is likely the most versatile bait to fish from the bank in this whole list.

Do you need a fishing license to surf fish in OBX? ›

A Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required to fish on the Outer Banks. Children under 16 are exempt. An individual does not need a license for charter boat and pier fishing, which are covered by a blanket license. Anglers should know the current marine fisheries regulations, including size and creel limits.

Is it better to surf fish during high or low tide? ›

I use this simple rule with tides and moon phases: If I'm fishing for most surf fish I prefer two hours before to two hours after high tide. If I'm fishing for halibut I prefer one hour before peak high or low tide to one hour after.

What temp is best for surf fishing? ›

In saltwater, anything in the 62- to 82-degree range finds most inshore species cooperative with the middle 75-degree range being wide open. What you lose at the high and low ends of this range is the full spectrum of lures you might like to throw.

What months are best for fishing in the Outer Banks? ›

The best time to surf fish in the Outer Banks is spring and fall. This is when the biggest Red Drum, Bluefish, and Speckled Trout show up. Summer won't produce as many trophy Reds, but there will be Sharks alongside them. Brave the winter weather, and Striped Bass will keep you warm.

Where is the best surf fishing in the Outer Banks? ›

The most popular inlet on the Outer Banks, Oregon Inlet offers numerous fishing locations for anglers. The northern beach is a great location for surf fishing, the sandy beach wraps around from the oceanside to the soundside, and 4WD vehicles are allowed with a permit.

What is too windy for fishing? ›

As a general rule, anything over three foot seas with winds of 20 to 25 knots creates conditions that are no longer safe for fishing.

What is peak season for Outer Banks? ›

SUMMER. Summer is by far the busiest time on the Outer Banks.

Which month is best for fishing? ›

Fish tend to be more active during the warm summer months. But this does not mean that they will be full of energy when it's 100 degrees or more. Summer mornings make for ideal fishing conditions. Waters can heat up quickly as the sun makes its way to its zenith, so be sure to get an early start before sunrise.

What is off season in the Outer Banks? ›

Naturally, fewer people visit the beach during the colder months. The Outer Banks off-season typically runs from about mid-November to mid-March. Depending on when you choose to visit, you could see temperatures as high as the mid-60s during the day and as low as the mid-30s at night.

How long is the bluefin tuna season in the Outer Banks? ›

Bluefin Tuna fishing in Outer Banks varies moderately throughout the year. High season is February to March and November to December. Low season is June to September. There is no closed season.

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