If you have ever been to the Outer Banks, chances are you were as captivated by its beauty as we are. If you are looking at buying a home in the Outer Banks, then give Outer Banks Realtor, Scott Midgette a call today. There is so much to do in the area, it has got something for everyone. There is great hiking, boating, hunting, and much more to do outside. Here, we would like to focus on one activity that almost everyone in the Outer Banks gets in on for the great opportunities: fishing!
Why the Outer Banks?
Why is the Outer Bank such a big hub for fisherman? The unlimited opportunity! There is pier fishing, charter fishing, surf fishing, inlet or sound fishing, inshore fishing, offshore fishing, headboat fishing, etc. There are many different species of both fresh and salt water fish just waiting to bite. The Outer Banks is near where the Labrador and Gulfstream connect, and where these two hot and cold currents connect, a large amount of bait fish swim. That must be why there have been several record breaking game fish that were caught in the Outer Banks. All you need to get started catching fish for yourself is an NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License, available from just about any tackle shop around.
Fishing Piers
There are six main fishing piers in the Outer Banks area, each with great fishing. Depending on the season, there are many different types of fish you can catch from these piers. Some of these include sea mullet, pompano, trout, flounder, bluefish, red drum, and striped bass. Here are the six main fishing piers:
- Avalon Fishing Pier – Located in Kill Devil Hills
- Jenette’s Pier – Located in Nags Head
- Nags Head Fishing Pier — Located in Nags Head
- Outer Banks Pier and Fishing Center — Located in Nags Head
- Hatteras Island Resort Fishing Pier — Located in Rodanthe
- Avon Fishing Pier — Located in Avon
Headboats
Headboats are large boats that take bigger groups of people out fishing at popular spots. They generally charge by the head, hence the name. Generally, a trip on a headboat will be a half day venture, although there may be shorter or longer options. This is a great way to fish (and most likely catch something) without spending too much of your money. The following are some of the main headboat services in the Outer Banks:
- At the Pirate’s Cove Yacht Club in the Nags Head Causeway, you can book a fishing trip on The Crystal Dawn.
- At the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, about eight miles south of Whalebone junction in South Nags Head, you can book a fishing trip in the Miss Oregon Inlet.
- At Oden’s Dock in Hatteras Village, you can book a fishing trip on the Miss Hatteras.
- Also at the Oden’s Dock in Hatteras Village, you can book a fishing trip on the Cap’n Clam.
- At the Pirate’s Cove Marina in the Nags Head Causeway, you can book a fishing trip on the Country Girl.
Marinas/Charters
A charter boat is smaller than a headboat, and takes out a smaller group of people. These are usually a little more expensive, but you’ll have the benefit of experienced captains and fishermen at your side, and you are almost assured to catch a fish. There is inshore, offshore, inlet, and sound fishing charters for you to choose from. When you go off shore, you’ll be taken around 30-40 miles close to the Gulfstream for such big game as dolphin fish, wahoo, bluefin tuna, marlin, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna. If you go inshore, you will be closer to land and likely catch a striper, huge cobia, speckled trout, red drum, or flounder. Inlet and channel fishing is full of large cobia and big drum, and bottom fishing can net you a snapper, grouper, black sea bass, or triggerfish. The following are some of the marinas where you can find charters available in the Outer Banks.
- Dock of the Bay Marina in Kitty Hawk
- Oregon Inlet Fishing Center in South Nags Head
- Hatteras Harbour Marina in Hatteras Village
- Oden’s Dock in Hatteras Village
- Pirate’s Cove Yacht Club in Nags Head Causeway
- Scotch Bonnet Boat Ramp, Dock, and Marina in Frisco
- Village Marina in Hatteras Village
- Teach’s Liar Marina in Hatteras Village
- Hatteras Landing Marina in Hatteras Village
Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is fast becoming a popular sport, and the Outer Banks is a great area to hone your skills. Distinct from pier fishing, surf fishing uses a longer rod and requires the fisherman to wade out into the water. When surf fishing, you can expect to catch croakers, black bass, spot, sea mullets, flounder, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, and red drum.
Tackle Shops
There are too many tackle shops in the Outer Banks to list here, but you should not have any trouble finding one. We do recommend that you go in and talk to the locals, as they will have great information on the best spots, baits, techniques, etc. for you to bag the biggest catch possible.
Are you a fisherman who is considering making a move to the Outer Banks? It’s a choice you won’t regret! If so, give Scott Midgette, Outer Banks Realtor a call. He will work with you to find the perfect home to suit your needs. Reach out for more information at your earliest convenience. One of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
