Visit The Outer Banks

Fishing on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks of North Carolina gives sport fishermen an exceptional range of ways to get on the water. With brackish fishing, fly fishing, offshore and inshore charter fishing, sound and head boat fishing, surf and pier fishing available across the area, the variety of choices helps make these waters some of the best in the world. The fishing season continues throughout the year.

An individual does not need a special 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. A Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required to fish (besides on charters and piers) on the Outer Banks. Children under 16 are exempt. For details about the citation program and/or current marine fisheries regulations, visit any Outer Banks bait and tackle shop or pier or call the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries at 800-682-2632 (North Carolina only), 252-808-8081, or visit Division of Marine Fisheries website.

Outer Banks Fishing Charters and Outer Banks Crabbing

Across the Outer Banks, many families have spent generations guiding anglers or working in commercial fishing. Visitors can explore fishing and crabbing options by location and by trip type, including the three main islands that make up the Outer Banks.

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OBX Fishing Types

Brackish Fishing

The brackish waters of the Croatan, Roanoke and Pamlico Sounds can offer excellent fishing. Bass season starts in April and runs through November, with the strongest stretches from mid-April to early June and again in September and October. Perch are common during the summer months.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing has grown into a favorite way to enjoy the area’s abundant waters. Numerous world records have been made here. The species available depend on the season.

Offshore and Inshore Charter Fishing

The Outer Banks is "The Billfish Capital of the World," and for good reason. Each year, hundreds of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish are caught and released in local waters. Billfish season lasts a long time, with blue marlin reaching their peak in June, while white marlin and sailfish are most abundant in August and September. From late spring through early fall, all three are caught regularly. Yellowfin tuna are another major draw, and they are caught year-round.

Sound and Head Boat Fishing

Fishing by small boat in the sounds is another popular option. Whether anglers use their own boat or book a chartered vessel, possible catches include spot, flounder, Spanish mackerel and cobia. Head boat trips are also available for individuals or groups; these boats can carry 40-50 people, operate half-day outings, and remain in sound and inlet waters. Crews are experienced and helpful, and the boats supply bait, equipment and tackle, along with restrooms.

Surf Fishing on the Outer Banks and Pier Fishing

Surfcasters have access to more than 100 miles of beach. ORV 4x4 driving information is also available. Pier anglers can choose from several piers located between Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras. Surf and pier season opens in March, with peak fishing in May and November.

What to Catch by Season

Where the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current meet, marine life gathers in a rich underwater mix. Surf and pier fishing, brackish, fly and sound fishing, deep sea fishing, inshore and offshore charter fishing all continue through the year. Families can also try crab cages and shrimp nets with OBX Shrimping & Crabbing. A fresh catch can be brought to Pirate's Cove, where it can be prepared to your liking or as the chef seems fit. The team’s Deep Sea Fishing adventure offers another look at the angling experience.

January

Trout, sea bass, bluefish, bluefin tuna, oysters, striped bass, bay scallops

February

Trout, sea bass, blue fish, bluefin tuna, oysters, bay scallops, striped bass

March

Grouper, sea trout, sea bass, bluefish, bluefin and yellowfin tuna, oysters, snapper, striped bass

April

Bluefish, channel bass (red drum), grouper, snapper, croaker, sea trout, sea mullet, king mackerel, wahoo, oysters, striped bass.

May

King mackerel, bluefish, grouper, cobia, tuna, dolphin, wahoo, crabs, soft crabs, sea mullet, blue marlin, striped bass, channel bass, Spanish mackerel, sot, croaker

June

Blue marlin, white marlin, dolphin, wahoo, cobia, king mackerel, bluefish, tuna, flounder, snapper, grouper, Spanish mackerel, crabs, soft crabs, shrimp, spot, croaker

July

Dolphin, wahoo, blue marlin, sailfish, white marlin, snapper, grouper, sea mullet, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, shrimp, crabs, soft crabs, spot, croaker

August

Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, dolphin, wahoo, tuna, grouper, snapper, bluefish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, some croaker, speckled trout, spot, shrimp, crabs

September

White marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, grouper, snapper, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, spot, bluefish, speckled trout, sea mullet, channel bass, shrimp, striped bass

October

King mackerel, tuna, bluefish, snapper, grouper, channel bass, spot, speckled trout, flounder, oysters, shrimp, striped bass

November

King mackerel, tuna, bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, oysters, sea mullet, snapper, grouper, clams, striped bass

December

Tuna, bluefish, flounder, sea bass, speckled trout, clams, oysters, sea trout, snapper, grouper, striped bass

Fishing License Information

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. For details about the citation program and/or current marine fisheries regulations, visit any Outer Banks bait and tackle shop or pier or call the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries at 800-682-2632 (North Carolina only), 252-808-8081 or visit Division of Marine Fisheries website.

Annual Coastal Recreational Fishing License

10-day Coastal Recreational Fishing License

Ways to Purchase a Coastal Recreational Fishing License

For further information about the Coastal Recreational Fishing License, including a list of locations that sells licenses, visit the Division of Marine Fisheries website.

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