Welcome to some of the best fishing waters in the world! Outer Banks fishing is more than just a sport - it's a huge industry and a historic way of life on our barrier islands. There are endless opportunities for Outer Banks fishing adventures - surf fishing, pier fishing, charter fishing, fly fishing, bridge fishing, and sound fishing are all readily available on the OBX. Spend a leisurely day casting your line from the shore, or go after the big boys on an Outer Banks charter fishing trip.

One of the great things about Outer Banks fishing is that anyone can participate. Novice anglers can find all the equipment and advice they need at local Outer Banks bait and tackle shops. Outer Banks fishing piers are another place for beginners to have a great fishing experience. Outer Banks fishing is also a fantastic activity for kids and teens - it's a hobby that can turn into a life-long love.

Traditionally, Outer Banks fishing peaks in the late spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. During this time, many fish move through the Outer Banks on regular migration patterns providing a smorgasbord for eager anglers! However, Outer Banks fishing is definitely a year-round sport. Each season offers something for Outer Banks anglers.

Outer Banks Fishing Months

January
Plentiful: Sea Bass, Trout, Blue Fish, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Oysters & Clams
Some: Snapper & Grouper

February
Plentiful: Sea Bass, Trout, Blue Fish, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Oysters & Clams
Some: Snapper & Grouper

March
Plentiful: Sea Bass, Trout, Grouper, Blue Fish, Croaker, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna & Oysters
Some: Snapper & Clams

April
Plentiful: Red Drum, Puppy Drum, Blue Fish, Grouper, Snapper, Croaker, Trout & Sea Mullet
Some: Wahoo, Oysters, Clams & King Mackerel

May
Plentiful: Blue Fish, Grouper, King Mackerel, Tuna, Dolphin & Cobia
Some: Crabs, Softshell Crabs, Wahoo, Sea Mullet & Blue Marlin

June
Plentiful: Dolphin, King Mackerel, Blue Fish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Wahoo, Cobia, Tuna, Flounder, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Crabs, Softshell Crabs & Shrimp

July
Plentiful: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin, Wahoo, Snapper, Grouper, Flounder, Blue Fish, Spanish Mackerel, Sea Mullet, Crabs & Shrimp
Some: Softshell Crabs

August
Plentiful: Wahoo, Tuna, Grouper, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Dolphin, Snapper, Blue Fish, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Spot, Shrimp & Crabs
Some: Croaker

September
Plentiful: Snapper, Tuna, Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Blue Fish, Sea Mullet, Speckled Trout & Shrimp
Some: Red Drum & Puppy Drum

October
Plentiful: Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, Blue Fish, King Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Red Drum, Puppy Drum, Spot & Oysters
Some: Shrimp & Flounder

November
Plentiful: Flounder, Tuna, Blue Fish, King Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Grouper, Snapper, Clams & Oysters
Some: Sea Mullet

December
Plentiful: Flounder, Blue Fish, Tuna, Sea Trout, Speckled Trout, Oysters & Clams
Some: Grouper, Snapper & Sea Bass

Outer Banks Pier Fishing

Outer Banks pier fishing is a tradition on the North Carolina coast. With numerous Outer Banks piers to choose from, anglers are sure to find a lucky spot to cast their lines. Vacationers fishing from Outer Banks piers will generally find good catches of small to medium sized fish such as blues, croaker, flounder, and spot. However, larger species such as jumbo blue fish, channel bass, and king mackerel sometimes come inshore to give anglers a thrill. Outer Banks pier fishing is usually best during the early morning hours and right before sunset, but sometimes there's just no rhyme or reason to when or why the fish are (or aren't) biting.

Outer Banks pier fishers love reeling in dinner, but they also love the camaraderie. There's nothing better than swapping fish tales and having some laughs with the folks on the pier. We also recommend introducing kids and teens to Outer Banks pier fishing - it's a hobby that can span generations and create long-lasting memories. A gentle underhand cast is all that's required in terms of skill, so novices and youngsters are able to "catch on" quickly and enjoy the experience.

Outer Banks piers are generally staffed with helpful professionals who are happy to answer questions and offer advice. Most OBX piers offer equipment rentals, as well as sell a variety of bait including mullet, squid, blood worms, and artificial lures. Pier fishing passes are usually sold by the day or by the week for an extremely reasonable price. Most Outer Banks fishing piers offer a blanket North Carolina fishing license to paying customers.

Outer Banks Fishing Piers from North to South:

Avalon Fishing Pier - MP 6, Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-7494

Nags Head Fishing Pier - MP 12, Nags Head (252) 441-5141

Jennette's Pier - MP 16, Nags Head (252) 255-1501

Outer Banks Fishing Pier - MP 18.5, South Nags Head (252) 441-5740

Bonner Bridge Pier - Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Rodanthe Pier - Rodanthe (252) 987-0030

Avon Fishing Pier - Avon (252) 995-5480

Outer Banks Surf Fishing

With miles and miles of pristine coastline to explore, anglers never need to feel crowded or bored while surf fishing on the Outer Banks. Offering some of the best surf fishing conditions on the planet, the OBX is a top destination for professional and recreational anglers. One of the great things about Outer Banks surf fishing is that everyone from kids to seasoned, "old salt" fishermen can take part.

Throughout the summer months, even inexperienced anglers can usually manage to catch enough small fish from the surf for a meal. Outer Banks surf fishing hits its peak during the spring and fall months when water temperatures are cooler.

Surf fishing is a time-honored tradition on the Outer Banks. We encourage all vacationers to at least give it a try. Outer Banks bait and tackle shops are the best places to pick up the supplies you need and get some quick tips.