Outer Banks Fishing Charters

Outer Banks charter fishing is the big-time offshore fishing this area is known for. Charter fishing on the Outer Banks means heading out to sea to the Gulf Stream, where giant species of fish like billfish, tuna and dolphin lurk. Fishing charter boats are big business on the Outer Banks. It’s common to round up a crew of six or so willing participants can split the cost of a trip.

Because the journey to the Gulf Stream is an hour or more, offshore charters last a full day, starting at around 5 a.m. All you need to bring is food, drinks, sunscreen and seasickness remedies; the captain and mate supply everything else and offer any instruction you need. You can book an offshore charter through one of the local marinas (see the list below). Boats used for Outer Banks charter fishing are located close to the inlets for easy access to the ocean (note that since there are no inlets on the northern Outer Banks there are no Outer Banks charter fishing boats there either). Fish-cleaning services are offered at each marina.

Outer Banks Fishing Charters: Head Boat Fishing

This is a great way to fish if you’re new to Outer Banks fishing charters, if you don’t have all the tackle you need or if you just want an easy day on the water. If you really want to increase your odds of time in the fighting chair, it pays to hire a guide. Outer Banks fishing head boats are large boats that take out a lot of people at once, and they provide all the bait and tackle, plus a helpful mate. Head boats take passengers on bottom-fishing trips either in the sound or in the near-shore ocean waters and wrecks off the shore of the Outer Banks. Head boats are great for kids because there are restrooms and snacks onboard, and they offer half-day trips. Look for the local fishing head boats in the list of boats below.

Outer Banks Fishing Marinas