Fishing On the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a world-class fishing destination, offering everything from surf and pier fishing to offshore charter excursions, sound fishing, head boats, and inlets that produce big catches year-round. Whether you’re a novice casting from shore or an experienced angler chasing billfish, the OBX delivers memorable experiences and abundant angling opportunities.
To fish the coastal and joint waters of the Outer Banks, anglers age 16 and older typically need a North Carolina coastal recreational fishing license. Licenses are available online, at local bait and tackle shops, and from Wildlife Resources Commission agents.
Pier fishing and charter fishing usually don’t require a separate license, as most piers and charter operations hold a blanket license that covers you for fishing from that structure or vessel.
The Outer Banks offers:
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Pier fishing from iconic structures
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Surf and shore fishing along miles of coastline
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Sound and inlet fishing for calmer water species
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Offshore deep-sea charters for big game fish
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Family head boat trips for fun and variety
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Kayak fishing in soundside waters and marsh edges
Many anglers also fish the sounds and marshes for trout, bass, and puppy drum that inhabit shallow, brackish waters.
Check seasonal bite reports and weather forecasts before heading out.
Stop by a local tackle shop for tips on bait and rig choices — they know current local conditions.
When surf fishing, look for troughs and cuts where fish congregate.
Bring sun protection, water, and snacks — fishing in the Outer Banks can be a full-day adventure.
Fishing from a pier is one of the easiest and most fun ways to go fishing in the Outer Banks. Piers offer access to deeper waters without a boat, gear rentals, bait, tackle, snacks, and often food and entertainment — making them great for families and anglers of all skill levels.
Notable Fishing Piers on the Outer Banks
Jennette’s Pier (Nags Head) – The most iconic pier on the Outer Banks with great ocean views, tackle, and seasonal family events.
Avalon Fishing Pier (Kill Devil Hills) – A historic wooden pier with full amenities including snack bars, tackle, and arcade games.
Nags Head Fishing Pier – Classic OBX structure with bait, rods, and on-site food.
Outer Banks Fishing Pier (South Nags Head) – Friendly pier with tackle shop, food, live music, and long hours.
Rodanthe Pier (Hatteras Island) – A more relaxed pier fishing option with good views and tackle.
Avon Fishing Pier (Hatteras Island) – Known for red drum and year-round fishing, plus snack and tackle services.
Surf fishing — where you cast right from the beach — is a time-honored Outer Banks tradition. You can find good surf fishing from Corolla and Duck all the way down toward Hatteras, especially when fish like spot, pompano, and Spanish mackerel are in season.
Some helpful tips:
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Early morning and evening fishing often produces the best bites.
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Warmer months offer plentiful catches of pompano and trout, while fall can bring bluefish and red drum.
The Outer Banks is sometimes called one of the East Coast’s premier sportfishing hubs, thanks to deep waters close to the Gulf Stream. Offshore charters target species like blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, and more, while inshore trips focus on cobia, trout, puppy drum, and croaker.
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Pirate’s Cove Marina (Manteo) offers a full fleet of experienced charter boats for deep-sea or nearshore fishing.
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Dare to Hyde inshore guides target sound species like trout, red drum, and spot in the calmer waters of Pamlico Sound.
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Oregon Inlet is a major launch point for offshore charters and sound fishing, connecting more anglers to productive grounds.
There are many bait and tackle shops throughout the Outer Banks where you can:
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Buy bait, hooks, and tackle
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Rent rods and reels
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Pick up fishing licenses and pier passes
Kitty Hawk
Dare County Public Boat Ramp- Turn west off 158 bypass onto Kitty Hawk Road and follow it for approximately three miles. Turn left onto Bob Perry Road. Follow Bob Perry Road for approximately one mile and turn right at the Dare County Public Boat Ramp sign. Parking is available for approximately 30 vehicles and trailers, with access to a picnic area. The canal to the sound is about 200 feet long, with a depth of approximately 5 feet.
Kill Devil Hills
North Carolina Fish & Wildlife Public Boat Ramp and Access at Dock Street- Off Bay Drive, Kill Devil Hills Ramps, docks, breakwater and 12 paved parking spaces. From the East end of Wright Memorial Bridge on NC158 E over Currituck Sound, go 6.0 mi. to Avalon Drive. Turn right onto Avalon Drive and travel 0.6mi. to Bay Drive. Turn left onto Bay Drive and travel 0.1 mi. to Dock Street. The area is located adjacent to the intersection of Bay Dr. and Dock St. (shallow draft vessels recommended)
Nags Head
National Park Service Boat Ramp at Oregon Inlet- Located at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center off Hwy. 12 behind the fishing center. Parking is available for approximately 75 vehicles and trailers.
Fish & Wildlife Boat Ramp - Washington Baum Bridge- Located on the west side of the Washington Baum Bridge, directly across from Pirate's Cove Marina. There is parking available for approximately 50 vehicles and trailers, with several railed walkways that provide easy access for recreational fishing. From the junction of US64/264 and NC345 east of Manteo, take US64/264 east 1.0 mile to the Washington Baum Bridge. Turn right onto the access road at the bridge. The area is located under the west end of the bridge.
Wanchese
Dare County Boat Ramp- As you enter the Village of Wanchese, bear left at the intersection and continue for approximately one mile to Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant. The boat ramp is on the south side between Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant and Moon Tillett's Fish Company. Parking is very limited depending on commercial activity.
Manteo
Fish & Wildlife Boat Ramp - Bowerstown Road- Located in the Town of Manteo on Roanoke Island. Turn left onto Bowerstown Road located at the intersection of Hwy. 64 and Bowerstown Road (next to Front Porch Cafe). Follow Bowerstown Road approximately 3/10 mile and make a left on S. California. Stay on California for about 1/8 mile and the boat ramp is on the right hand side. There is parking available for approximately 30 vehicles and trailers.
Manns Harbor
Dare County Public Boat Ramp. Cross the William B. Umstead Bridge (on the north end of Roanoke Island) going west and turn left off Hwy. 64 onto Old Ferry Dock Road. Very limited access. Fish & Wildlife Boat Ramp - Mashoes Road- Located off of Mashoes Road in the Village of Manns Harbor. Cross over William B. Umstead Bridge going west approximately 1/8 mile and turn right onto Mashoes Road. Follow Mashoes Road about four miles and turn left at the Fish and Wildlife sign. Parking is available for approximately 15 vehicles and trailers. This is a wooden ramp; shallow water and very limited parking.
Fish & Wildlife Public Boat Ramp- Located one mile east of the Alligator River Bridge off Hwy. 64. Parking available.
Fishing Regulations
Anglers should be aware of current regulations including license requirements, seasons, size and bag limits.
Anyone over the age of 16 visiting the Outer Banks who wishes to fish in North Carolina's coastal waters will be required to purchase and carry a Coastal Recreational Fishing License or CRFL. This means if you are standing on the beach surf casting or throwing a line from the shore on the sound-side you will need a license. Even if you are in a private boat on the ocean or sound, a CRFL will be required. You will also need one if you are crabbing.
The cost of a NC CRFL is:
- Non-Resident: $ 10.00 for a 10 day, and $ 30.00 for an annual license.
- NC Resident: $ 5.00 for a 10 day, and $ 15.00 for an annual license.
This license can be purchased online or at most area bait and tackle shops and at Wal-Mart. The area fishing piers and charter boats have a blanket license for their patrons so you don't have to buy one if you are pier fishing or booking a charter.
The Outer Banks is known as "The Billfish Capital of the World" and for good reason. Blue marlins, white marlins and sailfish are caught and released by Outer Banks charters by the hundreds every year. The season for billfish is long, with the peak for blue marlin arriving in June and white marlin and sailfish most plentiful in August and September. All are caught consistently from late spring to early fall.
