Outer Banks Fishing Guide

Welcome to the world-famous waters of the Outer Banks, stretching from Carova to Hatteras. Endless opportunities await for every angler. Our sounds and ocean host an abundance of marine life from the state fish, the Red Drum, to our world renowned Tuna fishing, and everything in between. OBX fishing is an activity suited for all ages and stages of life...let’s dive in! 

A Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required for anyone 16+ fishing from beaches, piers, or the sound unless you're on a licensed charter or pier. Licenses are available at tackle shops or online via NC Wildlife.

 

Fishing Styles

• Surf Fishing – Relax on the beach and cast into the surf.

• Pier Fishing – Deeper water access, great for families and kids.

• Inshore/Nearshore Charters – Calm waters, great for all skill levels.

• Offshore Charters – Head to the Gulf Stream for trophy fish like tuna and marlin.

• Sound Fishing – Quiet inlet-side fishing or even crabbing.

• Kayak Fishing – Budget-friendly and adventurous in the sound or ocean.

• Spearfishing – Explore wrecks and reefs with a dive charter or gear.

 

OBX Surf Fishing

Spring (April - June) and Fall (September - November) are best for surf fishing, when migrating fish are close to shore. Summer has slower action but there's still a chance of catching bluefish, croaker, and sea mullet.

A record 94 lb. red drum was caught right off the beach in Hatteras using cut mullet with a rod and reel.

Local Tackle Shops:

• Corolla Bait & Tackle – Corolla

• Bob’s Bait n Tackle – Duck

• TW’s Bait & Tackle – Kitty Hawk and Nags Head

• Oceans East – South Nags Head and Oregon Inlet

• Red Drum – Hatteras

• Frisco Rod & Gun – Frisco

These shops also offer licenses, bait, gear, and advice on what’s biting.

 

Pier Fishing

Perfect for beginners and families, piers give access to deeper water without needing a boat. Most piers on the Outer Banks rent rods and sell bait on-site.

Typical fees:
Adults: $12 to $15
Kids under 12: $6 to $10

Outer Banks Fishing Piers:

• Kitty Hawk Pier - Located near the Hilton Garden Inn, Kitty Hawk Pier offers a scenic and peaceful fishing experience. While to tackle shop or snacks, this pier has a laid-back, locals-only vibe and is a convenient option for guests staying in the northern beaches. 

• Avalon Pier (Kill Devil Hills) - Located in the heart of Kill Devil Hills since 1958. The pier house includes a bait shop, snack bar, arcade, and a bar. Take in the ocean views from the pier-top deck!

• Nags Head Pier - One of the oldest and longest fishing piers in the Outer Banks. The pier features a tackle shop, full-service restaurant, and tiki bar. After a long day of fishing, settle in at the tiki bar and enjoy some live music.

• Jennette’s Pier (Nags Head) - The original pier was destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 200, but it was rebuilt with steel-reinforced concrete pilings and beams, and is now the longest pier on the Outer Banks. Part fishing pier and part education center, Jennette’s Pier is part of the North Carolina Aquarium family. Along with all of the modern features and education center, there is a bait shop and snack bar like the other fishing piers. Jennette’s Pier also offers a family-friendly Fishing 101 program on certain days that includes instruction, equipment, bait, and the fishing fee.

• Outer Banks Pier (South Nags Head) - Featuring a tackle shop and video games, this pier also has a full-service restaurant. Fishheads Bar & Grill is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and is the ultimate place to kick back and relax after a day of pier fishing. Don't miss their shrimp happy hour and live music!

• Rodanthe Pier - A favorite among anglers for its deep water access. The pier’s location on Hatteras Island means it sees less traffic than piers farther north, and the fishing can be excellent, especially during spring and fall migrations. Rodanthe Pier also offers a tackle shop and rod rentals.

• Avon Pier - As one of the southernmost piers on the Outer Banks, Avon Pier is known for big drum fishing and solid action throughout the seasons. With stunning ocean views and easy access to Hatteras Island’s beaches, this pier is a destination for serious surf and pier fishermen alike.

• Bonner Bridge Pier (free and open 24/7) - In 2019, when the Basnight Bridge was constructed over Oregon Inlet to connect Nags Head to Hatteras Island, a remnant section of the Bonner Bridge was retained and transitioned for use as a fishing pier. 

 

Sound, Kayak and Spearfishing

The shallow sounds are perfect for catching flounder, trout, red drum, and striped bass, and for crabbing. Calm waters make this ideal for beginners. Crabbing is a popular sound fishing activity, great for the little ones and no fancy equipment is needed. Get a roll of string, some chicken necks, a net, and a bucket. Find a very shallow, calm area, like the short dock at the town of Duck boardwalk. Tie a string snug around a chicken neck, toss it in the water, and wait. When a blue crab comes along and starts picking at it, scoop him up in the net and drop him into your bucket. Steam your catch in a large pot with Old Bay seasoning and have a fun evening picking and eating crabs.

Kayak fishing offers a close-to-the-action experience in both sound and ocean. For less experienced kayak fishers, we recommend starting in the sound due to the calmer waters. If you’ve never fished from a kayak and aren’t familiar with our waters, there are several local companies that offer guided kayak fishing.

Spearfishing on the Outer Banks is a unique fishing opportunity. Known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, shipwrecks along the Outer Banks are excellent locations to spearfish. Many shipwrecks are accessible from the beach. Diving experience is necessary, even when participating in a spearfishing charter trip. 

 

Inshore / Nearshore Charters

Inshore charters stay close to land and offer a low-pressure, family-friendly experience perfect for first-timers or those looking to "get their sea legs." These trips are usually calmer and shorter, with most charters offering 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-hour excursions. Regardless of skill level, local guides will take you to the most productive fishing grounds and assist you in targeting popular species like speckled trout, red drum, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, bluefish, cobia, and Spanish mackerel - many of which are excellent table fare. Your guide will provide all equipment, tackle, and the required fishing license while on board. With expert knowledge of local waters and regulations, all you have to do is sit back, enjoy the views, and reel ’em in! Fish cleaning services are available at all marinas.

Typical Inshore/Nearshore Trip:

• Duration: 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours

• Locations: Wanchese, Oregon Inlet, Hatteras, Pirates Cove

• Price: 4 hours $500, 6 hours $700, 8 hours $900 (varies)

• Group size: 1 to 4 anglers

• What to bring: Sunscreen, drinks, snacks or lunch

 

Offshore / Deep Sea Charters

Dream of reeling in the big one? Deep sea fishing is for you! Offshore fishing in the Outer Banks offers one of the most diverse and exciting year-round fisheries anywhere in the world. Each season brings new excitement for anglers heading into the Gulf Stream, where waters teem with some of the most sought-after sport fish on the planet. 

In winter, typically from January through March, the Outer Banks becomes one of the top destinations for bluefin tuna fishing. Giant bluefin over 800 pounds are caught regularly, while smaller recreational-sized tuna in the 150 to 200-pound range provide thrilling fights and excellent table fare.

By late March and early April, yellowfin tuna begin to arrive and remain active well into the summer. These fish are fast, strong, and ideal for filling the freezer with fresh, sushi-grade fillets. In May, mahi mahi appear in large schools, often congregating around floating debris and grass lines. When the timing is right, anglers can experience fast-paced, action-packed fishing with dozens of mahi mahi behind the boat at once.

Spring and early summer may also bring encounters with wahoo and the occasional blue marlin. As the season transitions into July and August, billfish become more prominent. Offshore charter fishing during this time offers chances to hook white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, and more mahi mahi. Bottom species like tilefish are also common and highly prized for their flavor.

From late September through December, fall offshore fishing can be exceptional. Tuna return on their southward migration, including blackfin, yellowfin, and bigeye. Wahoo, mahi, and marlin may still be present as they follow warm water currents along the coast.

Whether you're an experienced angler or booking your first Outer Banks fishing charter, offshore fishing offers unforgettable experiences all year long. Most marinas provide fish cleaning, and some even offer vacuum-sealing services to prepare your catch for transport. If you’re hoping to target a marlin, talk to your captain about a catch-and-release trip tailored to this world-class fishery. With the right conditions and some patience, you could find yourself face to face with a leaping marlin and the memory of a lifetime.

Highlights by season:

• Winter (January to March/April): Giant bluefin tuna (up to 800 lbs), smaller recreational tuna

• Spring (late March through June): Yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, occasional wahoo and marlin

• Summer (July and August): Sailfish, white and blue marlin, school-size mahi, tilefish

• Fall (September to December): Blackfin, yellowfin and bigeye tuna, plus mahi, wahoo and marlin as they migrate south

 

Typical Trip details:

• Locations: Pirates Cove, Wanchese, Oregon Inlet, Hatteras

• Group size: 1 to 6 anglers

• Average price: $2,800 per day

• What to bring: Sunscreen, cooler with drinks, snacks or lunch

Most offshore boats offer fish cleaning and even vacuum-sealing services. Catch-and-release billfishing is also available, especially for marlin.

 

Fish by Season

Fish Species	Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter
Speckled Trout	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Red Drum	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Flounder	Good	Good	Excellent	Fair
Sheepshead	Good	Excellent	Good	Poor
Bluefish	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Poor
Spanish Mackerel	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Poor
Cobia	Epic	Poor	Poor	Poor
Bluefin Tuna	Poor	Poor	Poor	Epic
Yellowfin Tuna	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Good
Mahi	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Wahoo	Good	Good	Good	Poor
Marlin	—	—	—	—
Tilefish	—	—	—	—

 

 

OBX Fishing FAQs