Without a doubt, fishing is outstanding on the Outer Banks. 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 of your 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 take finfish in the state’s coastal fishing waters, which include sounds, coastal rivers and their tributaries and out to 3 miles in the ocean. The license can be purchased on a 10-day, annual or lifetime basis. For-hire charter boats and fishing piers have the option to purchase a blanket license that covers their fishing patrons, so be sure to check about that before you buy a license. Licenses are available at many, but not all, tackle shops and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla. For information, see www.ncdmf.net/recreational/NCCRFL.htm or call (800) 682-2632.

Anglers are also required to adhere to the state’s recreational size and possession limits. See www.ncdmf.net/recreational/recguide.htm

Fishing Piers

Central Outer Banks
Avalon Pier, MP 6, Kill Devil Hills, (252) 441-7494, www.avalonpier.com

Nags Head Pier, MP 11, Nags Head, (252) 441-5141, www.nagsheadpier.com

Outer Banks Pier, MP 18, South Nags Head, (252) 441-5740, www.fishingunlimited.net

Hatteras Island
Avon Pier, Avon, (252) 995-5480, www.avonpier.com

Hatteras Island Pier (aka Rodanthe Pier), Rodanthe, (252) 987-2323, www.hatterasislandresort.com

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
Broad Creek Fishing Center, Wanchese, (252) 473-9991, www.broadcreekfishingcenter.com

Thicket Lump Marina, Wanchese, (252) 473-4500

Pirate’s Cove Yacht Club and Marina, Manteo, (252) 473-3906 or (800) 367-4728; www.fishpiratescove.com

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, north end of Oregon Inlet bridge, (252) 441-6301 or (800) 272-5199; www.oregon-inlet.com

Hatteras Island
Hatteras Harbor Marina, Hatteras Village, (252) 986-2166 or (800) 676-4939; www.hatterasharbor.com

Hatteras Landing Marina, Hatteras Village, (252) 986-2077 or (800) 551-8478; www.hatteraslanding.com/marina

Oden’s Dock, Hatteras Village, (252) 986-2555 or (888) 544-8115 www.breakwaterhatteras.com

Teach’s Lair Marina, Hatteras Village, (252) 986-2460 or (888) 868-2460; www.teachslair.com

Village Marina, Hatteras Village, (252) 986-2522; www.villagemarinahatteras.com

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Fishing Center/Anchorage Marina, Ocracoke Village, (252) 928-6661; www.theanchorageinn.com