Fishing Honey Holes Along The OBX

– A Joe Lamb Jr. Blog Series

Welcome back to the third and final installment of our Outer Banks fishing blog series. Our first post of the series displayed the most popular types of fishing in the OBX while the second post focused on popular fish that you can catch here in the Outer Banks

Planning for memories to last a lifetime can be done at any of the following locations.

We are smack dab in the thick of the fishing season here in the Outer Banks. With the right insight and a little luck, you will be reeling in some monster fish in no time! So dream big and travel far!

Some of the Best Surf Fishing Spots in the OBX

A fisherman is silhouetted by a sunset on a beach in North Carolina as he gets a rod ready to cast out. Birds can be seen flying in the background

What are some of the most plentiful surf fishing areas?

On the Outer Banks, many people enjoy going surf fishing. It’s a fun activity, especially in the fall when the fishing is excellent and the ocean and air are both cooling off, making a day at the beach even more enjoyable. Where do you even begin when there are miles and miles of beach on which to cast your line? Here’s a rundown of some of the most well-known surf fishing spots along the Outer Banks.

Hatteras Inlet

Hatteras Inlet’s northern end requires a 4WD vehicle. Alternatively, you can park at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum parking lot and walk 2 miles north to the beach. Take the ferry to get to the other side of the island. Summer ferries run every 30 minutes, from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, with each ferry holding 30-60 vehicles; off-season ferries run every hour. The trip takes about 40 minutes and follows the coastline of Hatteras Island before heading out into the open inlet waters. 

You can park near the ferry docks and walk to the beach, or you can drive to the 4WD beach access ramp down the road from the ferry docks. Before driving on the beach in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, make sure you have a beach driving permit and a fishing license that are both still current.

Cape Point

Cape Point is a well-known surf fishing spot on the Outer Banks. North and South facing beaches are formed as a result of land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean and curving sharply back towards the shore at the Point. There are two powerful ocean currents that meet off Cape Point: The Labrador and the Gulf Streams. To get to the Point, you’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a beach driving permit, or you can walk from the public access point.

During peak times, Cape Point can be overrun with anglers vying for prime casting spots. Don’t trespass on anyone’s fishing territory, but don’t be shy about striking up a conversation either. Many of the local fishermen have been coming to Cape Point for decades and are happy to share a fish story or two, or even a few tips, with a newcomer.

Oregon Inlet

Oregon Inlet is the most visited inlet on the Outer Banks, and for good reason: it has an abundance of fishing spots. The sandy beach stretches from the oceanside to the sound side on the northern beach, and 4WD vehicles are authorized with a permit. It’s a great spot for surf fishing. In the inlet, the beach turns into a seawall and the soundside has a small sandy beach access. The southern beach is excellent for surf fishing. The southern side is better for fishermen who want to park their car and walk to the beach, while the northern side is better for anglers who want to drive out to the beach.

You don’t have to go to one of these places to have a productive surf fishing trip. Almost anywhere on our beaches is a good place to try your luck with the fishing rod. If you’re not a fan of surf fishing, try throwing a line in from one of the Outer Banks’ many piers instead. There are plenty of types of fishing for you to explore in the OBX! 

Some of the Best Sound Fishing Spots in the OBX

View of the Sound at sunset looking west

Where are the best fishing spots soundside?

When it comes to Outer Banks fishing, fall is prime time. However, fishing in the ocean isn’t for everyone, so we asked some local fishermen about great spots to fish in the sounds. Here are a few of the best-kept secrets in the Outer Banks. When fish find a spot with plenty of bait they stay there.

South Side of Oregon Inlet

It’s a great place to take kids and you can go fishing in the ocean-like waters. There’s parking and a short trail to a shallow lagoon or small bay right next to the Bonner Bridge on the south side. The bay is a great place for kids to learn how to fish because it is sheltered.

Whalehead Club Boat Basin

This is a safe place with a few surprises. Flounder have been caught in the basin, which is strange considering that the water is primarily fresh. Also, keep an eye out for largemouth bass. It’s a wonderful location for families with children.

Roanoke Island, South of Washington Baum Bridge Boat Ramp

NC Marine Fisheries built a dock at the end of the ramp, and locals swear by it. There are a lot of Rockfish and Spot in the water.

See You Soon in the OBX

The Outer Banks are unmatched by any other vacation destination, especially for Outdoor Junkies. Snag huge Bluefish, Stripers, and more from the beach. Paddle around the sound side of the islands to keep an eye out for big Red Drum, delicious Flounder, and other marine life. Add a rich fishing history and beautiful surroundings to the mix, you’ve found the ideal fishing spot.

Are you thinking of going fishing on the Outer Banks? Finding the new trails and roads less traveled is always exciting, so try a few of these spots and venture out to find some honey holes in the OBX on your own!

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

Popular Fish Found Along The OBX Coastline

A Joe Lamb Jr. Blog Series –

Welcome back to our Outer Banks fishing blog series. During this second post of the three blog post series, we’ll be looking at different fish species, popular in the OBX area. Be sure to check back next month to find out how we wrap up the world of OBX fishing for our outdoor enthusiasts with some awesome local spots to throw a line in! 

Where two large currents meet, a variety of fish species thrive. To be honest, the waters off of Outer Bank, NC, rank as one of the world’s most productive fishing regions.

There are many ways to fish on the Outer Banks, but last month we broke down the 4 most popular Types of Fishing in the area. 

Are you ready to find out what types of fish you can catch within a short walk, bike ride, or drive from your vacation rental in the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a weekend warrior or a full week fall vacationer?

Beach Fishing

Sea fishing, surf fishing, fisherman into the waves try to cast the line

What can you catch from the beach?

On the Outer Banks’ more than 100-mile shoreline, there are countless opportunities for surf fishing.

In North Carolina, the weather has a direct impact on surf fishing opportunities. Depending on the season, the weather, the tides, and the contour of the shoreline itself, different species can be abundant or non-existent.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the beach in the OBX:

  • Gulf Flounder
    • Also Known As: Flounder
    • Limits: 15” long minimum, bag limit of 4 per day
  • Croaker
    • Also Known As: Hardhead fish, pinfish, kingfish
    • Limits: None
  • Black Drum
    • Also Known As: Drum
    • Limits: 14” – 25” long, bag limit of 10 per day
  • Red Drum
    • Also Known As: Redfish, Puppy Drum, Channel Bass
    • Limits: 18” – 27” long, bag limit of 1 per day
  • Sheepshead
    • Also Known As: None but they are often confused with Black Drum
    • Limits: 10” long minimum, bag limit of 10 per day

Sound Fishing

Group of friends sitting on pier by the sound and fishing.T

What can you catch from the sound?

More than just saltwater fishing can be found on the Outer Banks of North Carolina West of these islands is a complex network of sounds, canals, and inlets where freshwater (from inland rivers) meets salt water (from the Atlantic) to create a brackish mix. 

You can cast a line in some of the local sounds like Roanoke, Croatan, and Pamlico.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the sound in the OBX:

  • Speckled Trout
    • Also Known As: Spotted Seatrout
    • Limits: 14” long minimum, bag limit of 4 per day
  • Gray Trout
    • Also Known As: Weakfish
    • Limits: 12” long minimum, bag limit of 1 per day
  • Spot
    • Also Known As: Yellow Belly
    • Limits: None
  • Striped Bass
    • Also Known As: Rockfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.
  • Summer Flounder
    • Also Known As: Flounder
    • Limits: 15” long minimum, bag limit of 6 per day

Pier Fishing

a pier extrending out into the ocean with people fishing off it

What can you catch from the piers?

Looking for a little more adventure but not too far away from the coast? A few blocks away from our vacation rentals in Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras Island are the legendary ocean piers of the Outer Banks (Avon and Rodanthe). Because blanket licenses cover all fishing piers, you won’t need to get individual licenses. While pier fishing is very accessible, you will have to pay a small fee.

Consider checking a recent fish report before heading out to the pier. Here is a link to Jennette’s Fishing Report.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the piers in the OBX:

  • Dolphinfish
    • Also Known As: Mahi Mahi 
    • Limits: No minimum length, bag limit of 10 per day
  • King Mackerel
    • Also Known As: King, King Fish
    • Limits: 24” long minimum, bag limit of 3 per day
  • Spanish Mackerel
    • Also Known As: Horse Mackerel, Spotted Mackerel
    • Limits: 12” long minimum, bag limit of 15 per day
  • Hogfish
    • Also Known As: Hog Snapper
    • Limits: 17” long minimum, bag limit of 2 per day
  • Black Sea Bass
    • Also Known As: Blackfish
    • Limits: (North of Cape Hatteras) 12.5” long minimum, bag limit of 15 per day | (South of Cape Hatteras) 13” long minimum, bag limit of 7 per day

Charters / Fishing Excursions

Fishing rods are stored on top of a charter boat roof ready to be used for fishing.

What can you catch from the charters and excursions?

Want to catch a few big fish away from your Outer Banks vacation rental? Book a fishing trip to the open seas off the coast of the OBX. There is a higher price tag for these trips, but they can be shared with friends and family, so it’s worth looking into the maximum number of people who can come with you.

A full day of offshore charters begins at 5 a.m. because the trip to the Gulf Stream takes about an hour. Food, drinks, sunscreen, and seasickness remedies are all that you need to bring; the captain and crew will provide everything else, as well as any guidance.  For easy access to the ocean, Outer Banks charter fishing boats are located near the inlets (there are no inlets on the northern Outer Banks so there are no Outer Banks charter fishing boats there either). Marinas usually offer services for cleaning the fish you catch.

Film tourists can visit the filming location of the famous National Geographic show Wicked Tuna North vs. South. All of the boats featured in Wicked Tuna South are slipped out of Outer Banks Marina in the fishing village of Wanchese. Depending on the filming schedule people can book a private charter on a few of these boats.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the open seas of the OBX:

  • Grouper
    • Also Known As: Black Bass 
    • Limits: 20” long minimum, bag limit of 3 per day
  • Blue Marlin
    • Also Known As: Billfish
    • Limits: 99” long minimum, 1 / vessel/trip either Blue or White Marlin
  • White Marlin
    • Also Known As: Marlin
    • Limits: 99” long minimum, 1 / vessel/trip either Blue or White Marlin
  • Amberjack
    • Also Known As: Allied Kingfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.
  • Cobia
    • Also Known As: Black Kingfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.

More To Come

Keep an eye on this blog for some great local fishing hotspots around the Outer Banks in our last blog of the series coming next month! And don’t forget to share your fishing pictures from your OBX vacation with us online! Using the hashtag  #bestcatchjoelambjr. In the meantime, check out some other fun things to do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and we wish you tight lines until next month!

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

Types of Fishing In The OBX

A Joe Lamb Jr. Blog Series –

Welcome to our blog series on everything fishing in the Outer Banks. For the next few months, we will explore types of fishing, different species of fish, popular fishing holes, and much more. So all of you outdoor junkies make sure you check back every month to see what’s new in the world of OBX fishing!

Numerous fish species thrive where two major currents intersect. In reality, the waters surrounding the Outer Banks of North Carolina are one of the world’s richest fishing areas.

With infinite options for all types of recreational fishing, it’s no surprise that these magnificent barrier islands are regarded as a fisherman’s heaven on earth.

Are you a weekend traveler planning memories to last a lifetime and ever wondered “What types of fishing can be done in the OBX?” when visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina?

You are not alone!

There are plenty of ways to fish here on the Outer Banks. This blog post will guide and educate you on the 4 most popular types of fishing in the OBX.

Beach Fishing

Grandfather and grandson fishing on beach

Fun In The Sand

If you do not have a boat or even a kayak, don’t stress. Simply go out the door of your oceanfront vacation rental and cast your line from the sand.

Beach fishing is free along the Outer Banks’ more than 100 miles of lovely, sandy shoreline. A fishing license, a surf rod, bait, a tackle box, and a cooler to hold frozen bait and freshly caught fish are all you’ll need to get started reeling them in! A rod holder, beach chair, and fishing cart are all good choices to bring with you too. 

Online, at any NC Division of Marine Fisheries office, and many local tackle shops, fishing licenses are available. A 10-day Coastal Recreational Fishing License, which covers most OBX fishing for ages 16 and up, costs $5 (for NC residents) and $10 (for non-residents). (Children under the age of 16 are exempt.)

Even if you’re an experienced angler, you’ll enjoy the challenging excitement of catching surf fish. So many different types of species may be caught depending on the season and weather.

Do you intend to keep your catch? 

Keep in mind the official restrictions. Some species are entirely unrestricted, allowing you to retain as many as you like, no matter the size. Other species, on the other hand, are closely regulated. 

Sound Fishing

A man standing in the reeds fishing in the sound

On A Dock, In The Reeds Or Floating On A Craft

The Outer Banks of North Carolina offer more than just saltwater fishing. To the west, these islands are surrounded by an intricate network of sounds, canals, and inlets where freshwater (from inland rivers) meets salt water (from the Atlantic) to create a brackish blend.

We have rental units that are really close to some amazing sound side spots. You will not have to battle a ton of crowds to get to them either!

These brackish waters provide plenty of attractive food for baitfish thanks to grasses, marshes, and lush flora. Those baitfish, in turn, attract larger game fish that are hungry. As a result, a rich and fertile fishing area has emerged.

Sound fishing is also a great way to use a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) or kayak to help you get into the unreachable nooks where fish like to hide. 

Both SUP boards and kayaks have their perks. There’s nothing more freeing than getting out on a board and reeling in a monster, and nothing more thrilling than attempting to stay steady while doing so. On the other hand, Kayaks are a far more versatile all-arounder that can get you to locations where a board simply isn’t safe.

It all comes down to your fishing style, physical ability, and personal preference at the end of the day. SUP angling is a lot of fun if you’re fishing calm waters and enjoy a challenge. A kayak would be a better option if you want to pack more gear and don’t want to stand all day. Whichever option you choose, one thing is certain: you will have a great time sound fishing here in the OBX!

Pier Fishing

OBX pier at night

Access To Bigger Fish

Are you ready to explore a little further from the coast but not too far offshore? Fish from one of the Outer Banks’ legendary ocean piers, which may be found just a few blocks away from our vacation rentals in Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Hatteras Island (Avon and Rodanthe). You won’t need to get individual licenses because blanket licenses cover all piers. You will, however, have to pay a small pier-fishing fee.

If you prefer, bring your own rod and reel. Alternatively, you can usually rent your gear from any pier-side bait-and-tackle shop.

It’s easy to get started. Simply choose a location and cast your line for some truly awesome saltwater species.

Early morning or sunset are, in general, the greatest times to fish from a pier. Moving tides draw a large number of baitfish to the area, which draws the huge and ravenous of the fish kingdom as well.

Pier fishing in the Outer Banks is easy to do, inexpensive, and most importantly, enjoyable. Fishing from a pier is a dream come true, with plenty of fish to catch and a slew of like-minded fishermen to keep you company.

Charters / Fishing Excursions

A rack of fishing rods on a charter boat

Dream, explore, and discover culture & tourism on a big boat!

Ready to catch a few large fish farther away from the comforts of your vacation rental on the Outer Banks of North Carolina? Book an offshore fishing trip. These trips can be a little more pricey, but they may be shared among friends and family so it would be worth looking into how many people can come with you on the boat.

The average excursion lasts a full day. You’ll board a specially prepared boat with a seasoned captain and crew and go to the Gulf Stream, where enormous sportfish species thrive. Most charters include bait, equipment, and ice, as well as any necessary information and help. Children are usually allowed on board, allowing the complete family to join in the wonderful event.

Each charter fishing adventure is unique, which adds to the thrill. You must also approach it with an open mind. Don’t get your hopes up by having unrealistic expectations about what you want to capture. There isn’t a tour that isn’t different from the last. Some days are better for catching fish than others, and occasionally the weather just won’t cooperate despite your best efforts. 

Culture chasers and bucket listers alike who enjoy charter fishing will undoubtedly be an experience you will not soon forget, whether it is a good or bad day. It always helps to be open-minded and ready for whatever the day throws at you, whether it’s your first or fiftieth excursion deep sea fishing in the OBX.

More To Come …

Make sure to follow this blog for more great fishing-related topics in our series over the next few months! We will be covering what types of fish you can catch in the Outer Banks next month, and we will help you discover some great local spots to cast from in the month after. In the meantime check out some other super fun things to do and until next time, we wish you tight lines!

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

Winter is Wow on the Outer Banks

Couple waking on beach in winter

Now that winter has officially settled on the Outer Banks things will slow down, but that slower pace does not mean there’s nothing to do. Actually there is almost as much to do on the Outer Banks in the winter a there is in the summer, although we will admit that not too many people go swimming this time of the year.

For the folks who are coming for a visit, here are three things to do:

Go Fish

Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean the fish aren’t there. Especially in the Gulf Stream, tuna and billfish are biting. Of course that takes a charter boat to get to the the action, but for anyone who has the time to take a day or half day to see what’s out there, it’s a good time of the year.

Nearshore. inshore and from the piers this is a great time for stripers, although when the water temp falls below 50 things do slow down. Look for red drum and occasional blues and trout as well.

Surfing

Winter is the time of year that some of the best wave action is generated, although conditions can be a bit iffy, especially if a nor’easter blows through. Nonetheless, the surf action is worth checking out. Bring your wetsuit and booties though. Water temps regularly fall to the low 40s.

Walk on the Beach

Not every activity is an athletic contest on the Outer Banks in the winter, and there may be nothing quite as pleasant as walking along a mostly deserted beach in January. A great time to look for seaglass, driftwood and the oddly shaped shell, because you’ll have the beach mostly to yourself, winter may be the best time to take a walk