The Outer Banks is renowned for its fishing. And there is more than one way to catch a fish here: Offshore fish-fighting adventures, inshore fly-fishing and light tackle trips, pier and bridge fishing, surf fishing, head boat fishing and kayak fishing are some the options.
Fishing Licenses
Recreational anglers older than age 16 are required to obtain North Carolina’s Coastal Recreational Fishing License. The license is required to recreationally fish in the state’s coastal fishing waters, which include sounds, coastal rivers and their tributaries and out to 3 miles in the ocean. You do not need a license to fish off a charter boat, headboat or ocean pier. They are covered by blanket licenses that the owners have purchased for your benefit.
Licenses are available at many, but not all, local tackle shops and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla. The license can be purchased on a 10-day, annual, or lifetime basis. For more information, or to purchase a license online, see the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website.
Anglers are also required to adhere to the state’s recreational size and possession limits. For regulations, visit any Outer Banks bait and tackle shop, pier or see the Division of Marine Fisheries website.
Fishing Piers
The Outer Banks has a number of fishing piers that are seasonally open to anglers. No matter what area you’re staying in, a fishing pier is within easy walking or driving distance, and can offer exceptional fishing at a relatively low cost.
Best of all, fishing licenses are not required on the piers since they all carry their own license. Admission is generally cheap, offering an inexpensive alternative to an in-shore charter.
Avalon Pier
MP 6
2111 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills
252.441.7494
Website
Avalon Pier is one of the older Outer Banks fishing piers, having been built in 1950. Located in central Kill Devil Hills, the pier offers a snack bar, a gift shop, and even a tackle shop on premise, and is seasonally open 24 hours a day for night fishing. Parking is $10 for beach access during the season.
Nags Head Pier
MP 11
3335 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
252.441.5141
Website
The Nags Head pier was opened in the late 1950s offers a tackle shop, gift shop, and snack shop. In addition, the Nags head Pier features a restaurant and outdoor, covered bar on-premise. The pier is pen seasonally, and during summer months, is open 24 hours a day.
Jennette’s Pier
MP 16.5
7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
252.255.1501
Website
Jennette’s Pier originally dates back to 1939 and was one of the first tourist attractions for early anglers. After a complete remodel following years of hurricane damage, this 1,000 foot pier partners with the North Carolina Aquarium and features a seasonal exhibits, snack shop, bath house – in addition to excellent Outer Banks fishing. There are plenty of educational exhibits and activities for the whole family.
Outer Banks Pier
MP 18
8901 Old Oregon Inlet Rd, South Nags Head
252.441.5740
Website
This smaller – yet well established – pier features a tackle shop, small gift shop and an outdoor restaurant and bar. The Outer Banks Fishing Pier is also seasonally open 24 hours a day and provides great fishing for those staying in the less populated South Nags Head area.
Rodanthe Pier
24251 Atlantic Drive, Rodanthe
252.987.0030
Website
The Rodanthe Pier has taken a number of hits by hurricanes over the past couple of decades, but has always rebuilt and come back to welcome anglers for the new season. Located in the center of Rodanthe, the pier offers a small tackle shop, snack bar and game room with pool tables and other entertainment, and some of the best ocean views that the tri-villages have to offer.
Avon Pier
41001 Hwy 12, Avon
252.995.5480
Website
In the center of Hatteras Island you’ll find Avon Pier, which features a tackle shop, snack shop, gift shop for any angling supplies you’ll need, from beer to hot dogs to sweatshirts. Open seasonally, the Avon Pier is adjacent to a restaurant and beach club.
Fishing Charters
Most, but not all, offshore and inshore fishing charters are based out of a local marina, which acts as a central booking agent. Visit the marina website to find links to the various charter boats. Several marinas also offer head boat trips.
North of Oregon Inlet
Shallowbag Bay Marina
1100-B South Bay Club Drive, Manteo
252.305.8726
OBX Marina
708 Harbor Drive, Wanchese
252.473.9991
Thicket Lump Marina
219 Thicket Lump Dr, Wanchese
252.473.4500
Pirate’s Cove Yacht Club and Marina
2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo
252.473.3906 or 800.367.4728
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
98 NC 12, Nags Head (north end of Oregon Inlet bridge)
252.441.6301 or 800.272.5199
Hatteras Island
Hatteras Harbor Marina
58058 N Carolina 12, Hatteras
252.986.2166 or 800.676.4939
Hatteras Landing Marina
58848 Marina Way, Hatteras
252.986.2077 or 800.551.8478
Oden’s Dock
57878 NC 12, Hatteras
252.986.2555 or 888.544.8115
Teach’s Lair Marina
58646 NC 12, Hatteras
252.986.2460 or 888.868.2460
Village Marina
57980 NC 12, Hatteras
252.986.2522
Ocracoke Island
Anchorage Inn & Marina
205 Hwy 12, Ocracoke
252.928.6661
