Outer Banks Fishing: Whatever Your Fishing Passion, the Outer Banks Will Satisfy It.
Whether you are a total beginner or a master fisherman, Outer Banks fishing will hook you. The diversity and breadth will challenge you, and the sheer beauty of the location will only enhance your experience. Whether you want to keep your feet firmly entrenched on the land, or are willing to take to the high seas, there is something for everyone. Check out these videos for a sampling fo the different fishing experiences awaiting you.
The International Game Fish Association attributes 92 world records to the waters off of the Outer Banks, including:
41 pound bluefish off Hatteras
67 pound amberjack in Oregon Inlet
72 pound red drum off Hatteras
348 pound bluefin tuna also off Hatteras
405 pound lemon shark off Buxton
1,142 pound blue marlin
A Bad Day Fishing Beats a Good Day at Work, especially in the Outer Banks!
Also numbered amongst the records are catches of record size black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, bigeye tuna, and kingfish.
For a more complete list of the fish you may come across, follow this link.
Known as the "Billfish Capital of the World", the Outer Banks unique location along the Gulf Stream brings many of these species within close proximity to its shores. The Oregon Inlet charter fishing fleet is an historical landmark on the Outer Banks. The charter boat fleets on the Outer Banks are extremely experienced and will know where and what types of fish are biting given the season for your
deep sea fishing experience.
Most are generally second and third generation and pick their spots based on the trends they have been following.
One other type of Outer Banks fishing you may not think is available is the brackish and freshwater fishing. There are also charter boats that focus on
inshore fishing.
Inshore fishing is fishing inlets, sounds, rivers, lakes and some close range ocean fishing. Like their deep sea brethern, these crews are also extremely experienced and familiar with the waters they will take you to fish.
If you prefer to stay onshore for your Outer Banks fishing experience, plentiful
Outer Banks surf fishing
and
pier fishing
are available up and down the 100 miles of Outer Banks coastline. Surf and pier fishing runs from March through December. So many different fish are present within the surf or pier fishermen's hook, that years ago the area was nick-named "Gamefish Junction". Talk to the local bait shop people to make sure you are properly outfitted and casting in the right areas.
For those who bring their own boats, there are also several public boat launches up and down the Outer Banks. Fishing in the sound, you can expect to catch trout, cobia, and flounder, amongst other species.
For the latest news on what is running, follow this link to the Outer Banks fishing reports. Joe Malat is renowned as an expert on Outer Banks fishing and his reports are extremely popular. In addition, Captain David Wilson of Godspeed Charter also offers a daily fishing report. More of a family oriented report, you may find Captain Dave’s fishing report not only informative but also a bit amusing. The Division of Marine Fisheries of North Carolina also issues a fishing report.
Back in 2007, fishing licenses were made mandatory for any fishing done in the Outer Banks or within three miles of its shores for anyone over 15 years of age. These can generally be purchased at the local bait shop, along with whatever other supplies you may need. Another option to purchase your fishing license is to call 1-888-248-6834 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is a wealth of information regarding all things Outer Banks fishing.
Is your saltwater fishing gear in order? Check out the latest auctions on eBay.
Tells us about the big one that got away or the big one that didn't! Who was with you? Were you on a Charter Boat? Which one? Surf fishing? Pier fishing? We'd love to share it!
Whether you are a total beginner or a master fisherman, Outer Banks fishing will hook you. The diversity and breadth will challenge you, and the sheer beauty of the location will only enhance your experience. Whether you want to keep your feet firmly entrenched on the land, or are willing to take to the high seas, there is something for everyone. Check out these 
If you prefer to stay onshore for your Outer Banks fishing experience, plentiful
