Fishing on the Outer Banks
One of the reasons for our amazing fishing is that our string of islands are situated at the confluence of two major currents
By Captain Billy Griggs

For more than 60 years the Outer Banks has been a destination for anglers from all over the world looking to land a trophy or to fill their freezers. Only rarely are they disappointed. You see, there have been many state and world records set right here on the Outer Banks for many species. From the giant blue marlin to the ever-hungry bluefish, the fish are here and in numbers unheard of in most other coastal areas. One of the reasons for our amazing fishing is that our string of islands is situated at the confluence of two major ocean currents, the southbound Labrador Current and of course the northbound Gulfstream. Huge amounts of baitfish and other sea life are swept along by these two “rivers within the ocean,” and as these two powerful forces collide, the upwelling and ocean eddies created by these currents serve up a buffet that game fish cannot resist. Many anglers know this, and many more are learning that the Outer Banks really lives up to its reputation as “Game Fish Junction.”

For the visiting angler this means that there are countless opportunities for one to pursue their fish of choice. Whether you charter a boat or fish from a quiet spot along the sound by yourself, you will almost always be rewarded with a good day of fishing and probably a good dinner as well.

The charter boat fleets along the Outer Banks are among the best in the world. The captains and crews are professional and courteous and will go out of their way to see that your fishing experience will be pleasant and productive. The boats going offshore (30 to 40 miles) will put you onto yellowfin and bluefin tuna, marlin, sailfish, dolphin and wahoo. Many times the catch can be incredible with over 500 lbs. of fresh fish going home to your freezer. (Your friends and neighbors will love you!)

The inshore boats will also put you into some really hot action at a great price with catches of striper, red drum, huge cobia, speckled trout, bluefish and flounder.
If you are fishing from your own boat or from the surf, the tackle shops on the Outer Banks are all well stocked and well staffed by experienced fisherman who can show you what the fish are biting on and rig you up with just what you need.

No matter what kind of angler you are, from novice to veteran, you’ll find everyone involved in the industry willing to help you catch fish at a price you can afford.


Jennette's Pier in Nags Head
Fishing, Family and Fun

With its 1,000-foot long fishing pier, a 16,000-square foot pier house and wide, clean beaches, Jennette's Pier is the place to be this summer.

Open 24/7 June thru September, this state-of-the-art, LEED certified state facility has everything you need to have a great time on the oceanfront. The pier employs numerous "green" features such as its iconic wind turbines.

There's world-class fishing, interactive exhibits and informational graphics. Several large tanks show the types of fish swimming amongst the pier pilings. Watch a video about ocean energy experiments happening at the pier.

There's a gift, tackle and snack shop where you can find great souvenirs. Beach-goers can enjoy playing at the water's edge or riding waves. There's a bath house with outdoor showers and plenty of parking. The entire facility is handicap accessible and there's even a brand new ramp to the beach.

Jennette's Pier features a unique special event and conference room in Oceanview Hall. With its covered porches, fireplace, vaulted ceiling, audio-visual equipment and catering kitchen, it's the perfect place for you to host your next special event.

So check out Jennette's Pier this summer where "fishing is catching." jennettespier.net. 252-255-1501.


Fishing Listings

Listings are currently being updated for summer 2012. Check back soon!

The Country Girl
Enjoy Offshore Wreck Fishing! Departing 7 a.m. and returning 4:30 p.m. Gulfstream charters available year-round departing at 5:30 a.m. and returning at 4:30 p.m. Reservations: (252) 473-5577

The Crystal Dawn
An exciting 1/2 day of fishing on the inlet or sound. Daily trips are available. Our evening cruise features commentary on the Outer Banks' colorful history. Pirate's Cove Yacht Club in Manteo, Nags Head Causeway. (252) 473-5577.

Driftwood Charters
252-202-9299
www.obxfishingcharter.com

Fishing Unlimited
7665 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC
252-441-5028
www.fishingunlimited.com

Nags Head Fishing Pier
One of the oldest and longest piers, w/full-service tackle shop, rod and reel rentals, bait and tackle. Join us for a meal on the Outer Banks only Pier House Restaurant. MP 11.5 Beach Rd., Nags Head. www.nhpier.com. Pier (252) 441-5141. Restaurant (252) 441-4200.

Outer Banks Fishing Charters
Inshore & offshore all day, half day and sunset cruise. Specialty Trips: 2-for-1, full day Bottom Fishing, overnight, full day or 1⁄2 day Shark fishing. Best prices! Capt. Robert (252) 202-2089 & (252) 202-1669. www.fishnfitzcharters.com

Outer Banks Fishing Pier
In the pierhouse we have bait and tackle, rod and reel rentals. Daily, 3-day and weekly passes. Discounts for kids and seniors. Relax and Dine at Fish Heads Bar & Grill. S. Nags Head, MP 18 ½ - 8901 South Old Oregon Inlet Road. (252) 441-5740.

Outer Banks Fishing Unlimited Bait & Tackle Shop
We've got it all! Pontoon boats and skiffs for rent, inshore charter boats, rental rods and reels, bait and tackle, crabbing supplies and a crabbing pier. Nags Head-Manteo Causeway. 7665 S. Virginia Dare Trail (252) 441-5028.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
Home of the largest and most modern fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard. Full service marina. Exciting trips for the vacationing fisherman to the "old salts". Located on NC 12, Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 8 miles south of Whalebone Junction. (S. Nags Head) (252) 441-6301 or (800) 272-5199
email info@oregon-inlet.com.
www.oregon-inlet.com

 




Reel Teasher Charters
Inshore or Offshore Charters for ½ day, ¾ & Full Day, with all bait & tackle provided in our 42 FT Custom Carolina. No license required. Kids Welcomed. Up to 6 people. Individuals, please call: we put parties together. Large parties welcomed. (252) 202-5943. Located at Broad Creek Marina, Wanchese. www.ReelTeasHer.com.

Rock On Fishing Charters
With the help of Capt. Marc Kerns, you are sure to receive the best fishing experience that is fun for the entire family. Available for half, ¾, or full day trips. Take a kid fishing! (252) 982-6557. www.RockOnCharters.com.

Rock Solid Fishing
Get Hooked Up! Friendly local Captains, available for 1/2, 3/4 or full day. Inshore and backwater light tackle fishing for the family. Kid-friendly crabbing trips available. Call for customized trips! (252) 441-6575. www.rocksolidfishing.com.

Sharky's Bait, Tackle & Charters
Offshore, inshore & sound charters. 1/2, 3/4, full day, custom trips, dolphin watch, sunset cruises and headboat. Also a large selection of rods, reels and tackle. Located in Duck at Barrier Island (across from Sunset Grille) (252) 255-BAIT (2248).
www.SharkysCharters.com.

Hatteras Island Fishing Pier
In Rodanthe—Landmark 850 foot Pier. Great fishing with bait, tackle, ice, beverages, seasonal & weekly passes Gifts, groceries, air-conditioned game room. Check out the daily fishing reports and photos on the web: www.obxfishingpier.com. Rodanthe, NC. (252) 987-2323.

T-Time Charters
We offer the best in light tackle fishing on the Outer Banks! 1/2-day, 3/4 day and full day trips in the backcountry or ocean year round. Crabbing and Sunset Cruises available. www.t-timecharters.com Call Capt. Toby at (252) 423-1401.