OBX Fishing Guide

Cast a line and catch a beauty

Surf fishing, Pier fishing, Inshore and Offshore Fishing Charters, Find it all on the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks is a world-renowned fishing destination, offering endless opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. From surf fishing along miles of pristine OBX beaches to casting a line off the Outer Banks fishing piers, exploring the sound’s calm waters, or heading offshore for trophy game fish, the OBX is a true fishing paradise. Whether you're after red drum, speckled trout, flounder, or the thrill of battling a marlin in the Gulf Stream, the Outer Banks delivers unforgettable fishing experiences year-round. Plan your perfect fishing vacation and discover why the OBX waters are legendary!

Fishing License Information

Ready to cast a line? Make sure you purchase a fishing license first. North Carolina requires any person 16 years or older to obtain proper licensing to fish in public areas. 

If you are fishing on an Outer Banks pier or a charter fishing trip, you won't need to purchase an individual license. Your fishing license is included in the blanket license owned by the pier and the charter boat.

Outer Banks marinas & Charter fishing

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

Whether you're a first-time angler or a seasoned pro, our expert-led charters offer inshore and offshore adventures tailored to you. Stop in the shop for tackle and gear, fuel and provisions, or simply a hot meal and a cold drink after a day of fishing.

Pirate's Cove Marina

Over 2 dozen charter fishing boats offering nearshore, inshore, & offshore. Purchase bait & tackle and your fishing license on-site.

Wanchese Marina

Wanchese Marina offers charter booking service, dolphin tours, dive charters, shrimp charters and even crabbing charters. Both diesel and non-ethanol fuel are available onsite, plus a professional fish cleaning facility and an official North Carolina Citation weigh station.

Safe Harbor Outer Banks

Safe Harbor Outer Banks is a state-of-the-art service facility, featuring drystack and floating docks. Book a dolphin cruise from Fishing Charters onsite or stock up on supplies at the ship store before heading out for a day of exploring.

Outer Banks fishing piers

Outer Banks Fishing Pier

Owners Garry and Mary Oliver, along with their staff of recreational fishing professionals, have been helping anglers make the most of their Outer Banks fishing experience for more than 50 years. Enjoy their well-stocked Tackle Shop on their 600 foot Outer Banks Ocean Pier with the FishHeads Bar & Grill full service restaurant and hotspot for after-hours fun.

Jennette's Fishing Pier

Visitors can find a wide variety of activities from fishing to professional surf contests on the beach. Inside the pier house, you'll find two large saltwater aquariums with a wide variety of fish species. The Pier Shop has gifts, T-shirts, hats, toys and refreshments. There's also basic fishing equipment and tackle.

  • Address: 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
  • Website: Jennette's Pier

Nags Head Fishing Pier

Bring the whole family out to one of the oldest and longest piers on the Outer Banks. Whether you’re fishing for fun, sport or for your appetite, Nags Head Fishing Pier is the place. Find fishing equipment and tackle in the pier house. The Pier House Restaurant and Capt. Andy’s Oceanfront Tiki Bar and Grill both offer great food and even better ocean views. Fresh seafood can’t get any fresher than when you catch it and they cook it right there.

  • Address: 3335 South Va. Dare Trail | milepost 11.5 | Nags Head, NC 27959
  • Website: nagsheadpier.com

Avalon Fishing Pier

Family fishing at its finest with fishing supplies and tackle in the pier house. Grab a beach bite at the Snack Shack, or come out to the Stonefront Beach Bar for nighttime entertainment. The kids will love the arcade!

  • Address: 2111 N. Va Dare Trl Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
  • Website: avalonpier.com
obx surf fishing

With miles of beaches, much of them accessible via 4-wheel-drive vehicles, and a variety of fish running year-round, OBX is considered one of the best surf fishing destinations on the East Coast. 

What You Can Catch and When:

  • Spring and Fall – Prime time for red drum, bluefish, and striped bass. 
  • Summer – Good for pompano, Spanish mackerel, and sea mullet. 
  • Winter – Striped bass fishing picks up, along with some lingering speckled trout. 

What You Need:

Pro Tips:

  • Fish the tides – Incoming and outgoing tides often bring more bites. 
  • Look for sandbars, troughs, and rip currents – Fish often feed in these areas.
  •  Use fresh bait Move along the beach to find where fish are biting.