Surf Fishing

A license is required to fish in the Atlantic Ocean during your Outer Banks vacation.

There are numerous varieties of fish to catch from the beach including:  Croaker, Mackerel, Flounder, Trout, Red Drum, Pompano, Bluefish, Striped Bass, and Cobia to list a few.  Their availability and "catch"ability will depend upon the season.

If you plan on keeping fish caught from the Outer Banks in the Atlantic Ocean make sure you check the catch restrictions with the Division of Marine Fisheries.  There are restrictions for size and count of fish and crabs that are caught.

Our "hot tip" for surf fishing is to make sure you cast just beyond the breaking of the waves.  That is where the fish are feeding.  You will waste your time if you cast your line too far into the ocean!

Bay-Side Crabbing

For a fun kid's activity or just a change of pace, try crabbing on the shores of the bay.  The quick and simple way is with a net, a stick with a long string, and pieces of raw chicken.  Tie the chicken on the end of the string and as the crabs go for the bait, scoop them up with the net!

For you more adventurous types, visit the nearest bait and tackle store and rent or buy a crab pod.  Fill it with bait and toss it from your closest pier.  Give it time to soak and enjoy all the crabs that venture into your trap! 

Pier Fishing

Many piers exist on the Outer Banks and they provide great fishing for the first timer as well as the seasoned veteran.  Most of these piers are open around the clock so you can even fish at night if you desire.  On your Outer Banks vacation set aside a day for pier fishing.  Head to the nearest pier, rent some rods and reels, purchase some bait on off you go! 

One big tip for pier fishing is to ask those around you what the fish are feeding on that particular day.  Don't be shy.  Conversation with nearby fishermen can be very rewarding and informational.

Charter Boat Fishing

Taking a charter fishing trip from the Outer Banks will put you "out to sea" and take you where the real fishing action is!  There are many different charter fishing services available up and down the Outer Banks.  Find one that will give you the exact experience you are looking for in an Atlantic Ocean fishing trip.  Some charter services are fully hands on, others are "watch-only" and some are a combination of the two.  To gain the entire fishing trip experience, try the hands on approach.  You will learn quickly how to fish for bait, bait lines, cast, troll, and land the big ones.

Some necessary items to take along with you include:  sunglasses, suntan lotion, a hat, camera, snacks, cell phone, and a cooler with ice for taking the fish home with you.

Fishing and the Tides

The best times to fish the beach is during low tide, high tide, full moon,  and new moons.  That is when the water is moving the most near the shoreline.
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