
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 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. 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 can be purchased online and 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
We are fortunate on the Outer Banks to have seven public fishing ocean piers and several sound piers. Pier fishing is a great way to fish and a great place to learn. Stop by by the pier tackle shop and get rigged up or simply ask the folks fishing what’s biting, what bait and rigs are working and what you should know. Most pier fishing folks are friendly and happy to share information. You do not need a fishing license to fish on an ocean pier, but you DO need a fishing license to fish the sound piers.
Nags Head Pier
MP 11 • Nags Head
252.441.5141
MAP
Jennette’s Pier
MP 16.5 • Nags Head
252.255.1501
MAP
Outer Banks Pier
MP 18 • South Nags Head
252.441.5740
MAP
Rodanthe Pier
Rodanthe
252.987.2323
MAP
Fishing Marinas
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
Broad Creek Fishing Center
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 N Carolina 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 N Carolina 12 • Hatteras • 252.986.2555 or 888.544.8115
Teach’s Lair Marina
58646 N Carolina 12 • Hatteras • 252.986.2460 or 888.868.2460
Village Marina
57980 N Carolina 12 • Hatteras • 252.986.2522
OCRACOKE ISLAND
Anchorage Marina
205 Hwy 12 • Ocracoke • 252.928.6661