A whole other world opens up when you wet a fishing line on the Outer Banks. Time stands still as you wait and wait, hoping for a little tug on the end of your line. With a lot of patience and a little luck, you’ll encounter creatures that are both fascinating to look at and tasty to eat. Outer Banks fishing is some of the best in the world. Due to the islands’ location where the Labrador Current and Gulf Stream interplay, there’s a wide variety of fish to be caught here. Hundreds of offshore fishing boats leave the Outer Banks every day in the summer, and when the fish are biting in the off-season, to go after billfish, tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and more. And because Outer Banks fishing is so good, getting to the fish is remarkably easy and convenient. Tackle shops are found in great abundance here and necessary stops before any Outer Banks fishing venture. The people who work in them are very cooperative and helpful. They'll get the novice angler outfitted, share where the fish are biting that day and happily share a finny tale or two.
Capt. Marty's Outer Banks Fishing Reports
Outer Banks Fishing Charters
If you don't have a boat or want to be guided by someone who knows the best spots on the Outer Banks to cast your line, check out the popular charter fishing trips. Offshore fishing to hunt for big game fish was born here, and the tradition continues in full today. Head boats, large fishing vessels that can hold lots of people and charge by the head, are great ways to experience Outer Banks fishing, especially if you're inexperienced or have a large group that wants to have a day or half-day on the water together. Head boats have mates that help you bait your hook and pull the fish in if you need such assistance.
Additionally, Outer Banks fishing reports will keep you up to speed every day on what's biting and where.
Outer Banks Fishing by Area
Corolla | Duck & Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island
Outer Banks Fishing by Category
To access Croatan Sound, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission operates a boat ramp at Manns Harbor on the western side of the old Manns Harbor bridge....read more
To access Shallowbag Bay and Roanoke Sound, a free public boat launch is located at the waterfront, right beside the bridge that leads to Roanoke Island...read more
Mashoes Boat Ramp is located along East Lake and gives access to South Lake, Alligator River and Albemarle Sound. There's a single boat-launch lane that's...read more
Miss Hatteras, a 75-foot head boat, makes daily trips in season to the fishing grounds, with individuals paying a per-person fee to go along. All...read more
Coast Guard certified Captain Devin Clark is an Outer Banks native who has been working on the water as a commercial fisherman and charter boat mate since...read more
The popular 750-foot pier features a bait and tackle shop, game tables, the Pier House restaurant and an expanded outdoor area called Captain Andy's...read more
Located in the fishing village of Wanchese, OBX Marina is at the heart of Outer Banks fishing. Home of the famous National Geographic show Wicked Tuna...read more
Located in the fishing village of Wanchese, OBX Marina is at the heart of Outer Banks fishing. The ship’s store at OBX Marina offers everything you need for...read more
The National Park Service has a boat ramp in the heart of Ocracoke village, near the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferry docks. The launch area has two...read more
Dock, fish, dine and unwind at Oden's Dock in Hatteras village. This full-service marina books half-day inshore and nearshore charters and full-day offshore...read more
Born and raised in Buxton and a lifelong Outer Banks fisherman, Captain Jimmy Pitetti has the know-how and experience to get you to the best light-tackle...read more
The 650-foot pier is lighted for evening fishing and open 24 hours a day in season. Rent tackle and buy bait here or bring your own. Daily, three-day and...read more