Welcome back to our third installment of the ‘What’s on your Outer Banks Bucket List’ and in this post we will be covering Spring. While it may seem like it’s a little too early to even think about your Spring vacation, we promise you that it’s never too early. Spring is an excellent time of the year to visit the Outer Banks as the temperature has warmed up enough to enjoy many of the items on your list. Staying in one of our OBX vacation rentals will allow you and your family to get to explore the Outer Banks even more, this Spring.
OBX Taste of the Beach
Seafood festivals on the coast of North Carolina are always a big hit year-round, but for the Outer Banks, we’re most excited about Taste of the Beach. This year the 4-day event will be happening from March 24 – March 26, 2023. Some of the things that you’ll experience are food, drinks, and live entertainment fun for the whole family. We can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed this event this spring!
The Lost Colony Wine, Beer & Culinary Festival
Another great festival occurring this year for its 5th year is The Lost Colony Wine, Beer & Culinary Festival. This fun event is happening on Saturday, April 15, at The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island. You’ll be able to enjoy some good ole southern hospitality as you get to experience some local wines, local craft beers, and some local cuisine. Some of the other things that will be happening during this festival are a silent auction, taking in breathtaking views of Jockey’s Ridge Sand Dunes in the distance, and the Wright Brothers Memorial. Joe Lamb Jr. is a proud sponsor of The Lost Colony here on the Outer Banks.
A Crabbing We Will Go
One of the best things about vacationing to the Outer Banks is the number of outdoor activities that you have to choose from. Crabbing is another excellent option that many anglers love to do here on the OBX. You can either crab in the morning or the afternoon, and best yet, you can take the crabs back to your OBX vacation rental and have a seafood boil. Before heading out to do a little crabbing with the family, you will need to make sure that you have a valid NC Fishing License. If you’re looking for something to do with the kids at night and you don’t feel like they’d enjoy the daytime crabbing, hunt for them. Be sure to bring a small shovel, pail, and flashlight as you let them chase ghost crabs by the water. See how many each can get in a small amount of time and just enjoy spending time with the family.
Spring on the Outer Banks is a great time to visit as you’ll be able to experience all the fun events that happen every year. Staying in one of our OBX vacation rentals, you’ll be closer to the fun each spring. We want to know what is on your #OBXBucketList this spring?
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
Have you ever wanted to sneak away to the Outer Banks for your family vacation, but you’d like to stay in a smaller vacation rental? We understand that while many families love to stay in some of the larger homes we offer, many want to have a comfy & cozy home feeling too. We at Joe Lamb Jr & Associates have plenty of small to mid-sized vacation rentals that you can allow your family to enjoy. Let’s look below at three reasons why staying in a small vacation rental is perfect for all families of all sizes.
Budget-Friendly
We know that going on vacation with your family can be expensive, especially if you stay in a hotel and must get more than one room. Between paying for individual rooms and daily food, most aren’t left with much money to spend on the extras. When you stay in a smaller vacation home, you’re not only saving money in the long run, but you’ll also have the extra space for everyone. We also have several specials that we run on our small vacation homes, so sneaking away from life at home for a weekend is doable and affordable.
Always More Space
Another great reason staying in a small to mid sized vacation rental is perfect is that you’ll still have more room to be comfortable than inside a hotel room. Depending on how many are in your family, we have vacation rentals that will fit your entire family for a short getaway year-round. You will also have a full-sized kitchen which can help save money as you can cook your meals right there at the rental. Plus, there should be zero arguments from the kids on how long one may be taking in the bathroom, as you’ll have more than one. Some of our homes also have rec rooms or outdoor space for you to enjoy together. We can’t forget about mentioning that many of our small to mid-sized homes are also pet-friendly, so don’t forget those four-legged friends too!
Relaxation is Key
Going on vacation with the family can seem overwhelming, especially if you have small kids. But when you stay with us in one of our 2-4 bedroom OBX Vacation Rentals, you’ll be able to enjoy some relaxation too. Several smaller vacation homes have great amenities to help the parents relax with a hot tub, pool, or even that soaking tub in the primary bedroom. Everyone in the family can take a deep breath and breathe a little easier when you stay on the Outer Banks. With the light breeze that comes off the ocean to the smell of the salt air, you know that once you are over that bridge, you’re on island time. Sit back and relax with the family on your little getaway.
There are so many other reasons why staying in a small vacation home on your next trip to the Outer Banks; we wanted to share these few. If you’re still looking for a great last minute special, always check our Facebook page or want to head out of town just for the weekend, call us today at 800-552-6257. We can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed your stay with us!
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.
Fall is an excellent time of the year to head to the Outer Banks as the weather is terrific and the crowds are low. Staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the fun and even closer to a few of the items on your Fall bucket list. Let’s look below at three things you can add to your bucket list this fall here on the Outer Banks.
Fall Golfing
Golfing during the fall months is often overlooked as many love to play golf during the spring and summer months. But did you know that golfing on the OBX during the fall is the perfect time to go? The weather is the ideal temperature as it’s not too hot yet not too cold to enjoy a day or two on the greens. Break out your seasonal golf gear complete with v-neck sweaters and fun golf pants to match. You also won’t feel rushed as you play a round of 18 holes this fall with the family or with a bunch of friends.
See the Wild Horses
Another great thing that you can take advantage of this fall is heading up to the Corolla area for the day. You may be asking what is so important about Corolla, and we want to say it’s the wild horses. Not only will you get to witness the beautiful beaches, but you’ll get to see the Corolla Wild Horses in their habitat. And if you’re lucky, you may run into Raymond, the mule who lives with the horses along the beaches. Just remember not to feed any of the horses and take your trash back with you, so they don’t get ahold of any of it. It can be very harmful to them if they get a hold of it.
Sunsets & Stargazing
If you’re looking to relax and destress before heading back home from vacation, then look no further. The Outer Banks has many different things that you can do while you’re here to help you out. From sitting on the beach watching the sunset to looking up in the sky to see if you’re able to see the Milky Way. The OBX is a great place to catch a vivid sunset or stargaze during the crisp clear autumn evenings.
Honorable Mentions
For more Fall bucket list items there are a few other things that you can do to add to your list this fall, such as taking a fishing charter with the family, doing some surf fishing, collecting seashells, and much more
If you’re still looking for that perfect Outer Banks vacation rental, give us a call today. We can’t wait to see what you’re adding to your bucket list this fall!
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
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
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
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
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!
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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.
It’s hard to believe that school will be out soon for the kids, and vacations will be here before you know it. Setting out to the Outer Banks this summer is where the fun begins. We at Joe Lamb Jr & Associates want to share with you a few things that you and your family can do here on the OBX during your upcoming visit. Let’s dip into a few of the fun things waiting to be enjoyed and explored.
Let’s Fly a Kite
Do you remember when you were a child and one of your best family trip highlights was buying a kite and flying it on the beach each evening? For many, that is the one thing from “back in the day” that is every child’s best memory of their trip. Going out just before sunset as the sand has cooled off from the heat, watching your parents run down the sand, and watching as your kite flies up in the sky makes everyones heart flutter. One thing that we know will never go out of “style” is flying a kite with your own family now. Think of the memories you will make together as you run down the beach barefoot and watch the sparkle in your kid’s eyes as they watch their kite fly high.
Hunt for Treasure
Another fun activity that everyone in the family can do is hunt for treasure. While this isn’t the type of treasure that you’d find in a movie, it’s something a little easier to discover. The Outer Banks has many different types of seashells and sea glass that can be found along the shoreline. Many will often think that you can’t find sea glass on the east coast, but it turns up more often than you think. Let the kids use the sea glass or seashells in their sandcastle creations or just collect some to take home with you as a souvenir.
Fishing
Have you and your family ever experienced fishing here on the Outer Banks? If not, then allow us to tell you how much fun it is for everyone that wants to try and bait a hook. Head on over to one of the many fishing piers located along the Outer Banks to catch some fish, or you can even fish directly from the beach. While you will need an NC Fishing License to fish directly from the surf, it is easy to obtain one. If you choose to fish from one of the piers, you won’t have to worry about the license as they offer daily rates for your family to fish. They also offer rod rentals too, which can be a good thing if you haven’t packed your rod & reels with you. **Please see our page on current Fishing Regulations, Boat Ramp, and Pier & Surf Fishing Information.
While there are many other things you can do while visiting the Outer Banks this summer, we wanted to share these favorite ones with you. A few other notable mentions on what to do on the island are stargazing from the beach, exploring the OBX on your bikes, exchanging a book at the free library, and so much more. This summer, everyone will be able to pick from a long list of local activities to explore & enjoy here on the Outer Banks. Making memories with your family and friends is always at the top of every vacation to-do list and we hope that you will make memories to last a lifetime summer season!
We look forward to seeing you and your family this summer as you vacation with us here at Joe Lamb Jr & Associates!
— 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.
