The Outer Banks of North Carolina undoubtedly offers the greatest diversity of fishing and marine recreational activities of any place on the Atlantic Coast. Not only are a great variety of fresh and salt water fish available in the area but also many miles of open water, both deep and shallow, which affords visitors areas in which to sail, windsurf, waterski, shell and even collect crabs.

Fresh water in Kitty Hawk Bay, Currituck Sound, and various ponds along the banks has provided anglers excellent Largemouth Bass fishing for many years. Smaller pan fish are also available and the only requirement for pursuing such fish is a N.C. fishing license available at many locations. The salt and brackish water of lower Currituck, Croatan, and Pamlico sounds hosts a variety of fish from spot to trout during the summer months. Most are taken from boats ranging from small skiffs to headboats carrying as many as 60 people. Three available headboats mainly concentrate their efforts around Oregon Inlet and a short distance offshore. Trips average about four hours in length and are ideal for the novice angler and family groups as tackle, bait and good instruction are furnished for a very modest fee.

For the most adventurous anglers 50 ft. plus charter craft are available for either half or full day charters. Half day trips usually run in the general vicinity of either Hatteras or Oregon Inlet and produce good catches of blues and spanish mackerel on a regular basis. Full day trips head east to the deeper waters of the Gulf Stream on the edge of the Continental Shelf. There, dolphin, tuna, and marlin appear consistently in catches. Pier fishing is very popular along the Outer Banks with seven piers between Duck and Hatteras. Anglers fishing from ocean piers generally love good catches of smaller fish such as bluefish and spot but occasionally, in the cooler months, jumbo bluefish, channel bass and king mackerel come inshore and are landed by pier jockeys.

Probably the most consistent fishing attraction of the area is the surf fishing, which is unparalleled anywhere. The fishing area is virtually unlimited as is the variety of fish available. Throughout the summer months even the most inexperienced angler can manage to catch enough small fish from the surf for a meal. Action in the Spring and Fall when water temperatures are fairly cool is excellent with channel bass from 30 to 60 lbs., speckle trout and jumbo blues taken by anglers with regularity. All you need for a great day of Outer Banks fishing is tackle and a little bait!

Traditionally, the best fishing is in the late Spring and Fall when water temperatures are moderate. At that time many fish move through the area on regular migration patterns providing an astounding mixture of both tropical and cold water species. Due to this diverse variety of fish the term "Gamefish Junction" was applied to the area many years ago, and rightly so as this is one of the most well-known and attractive areas for anglers in the U.S.

For more information:

• Charter Fishing
• Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
• 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 Fishing Pier - MP 16.5, Nags Head (252) 441-6421
• Outer Banks Fishing Pier - MP 18, South Nags Head (252) 441-5740
• Fishing Unlimited Sound Fishing Pier - Nags Head-Manteo Causeway, Nags Head (252) 441-5028
• Hatteras Island Fishing Pier - Rodanthe (252) 987-2323
• Avon Fishing Pier - Avon (252) 995-5480
• Frisco Pier - Frisco (252) 986-2533