Want to Fish? What’s biting?

Have you ever wondered what kinds of fish you can catch here at the Outer Banks? Well I’m about to tell you what’s biting.

Although I’m not guaranteeing that the fish are always biting, here are some of the most common fish that you can catch throughout the year without a boat.

Bluefish

Bluefish usually run in the fall. They grow up to four feet and are outstanding fighters. If you enjoy a bold fish taste, you’ll love bluefish. If you prefer a milder fish taste, you can always release your catch. Anglers usually catch blues from the surf but they can also be caught from the various piers along the Outer Banks.

Speckled trout

Speckled Trout are by far one of our most popular fish, both for eating and for catching. They can be caught throughout the fall and into the winter and are usually snagged with light tackle from the surf.

Rockfish

I hear they call these striped bass in other places, but to the locals, it’s a Rockfish. In the early fall there’s a Rockfish Rodeo with prizes for the biggest Rockfish. If you’re in town then, be sure to check it out. Anglers catch Rockfish throughout the fall, winter and spring. The colder the water the better chance you have. Your best chance at catching rock is from a boat but they can often be beached from the surf and piers.

Flounder

Everyone’s favorite fish, because of its mild, light meat. When you swim in the water, these are one of the fish you do the “shuffle” for. (If you step on one though, it won’t hurt, it just feels weird. I’ve stepped one.) You can catch flounder off of the bottom in the ocean or sound throughout the summer and fall months with live or cut bait.

Drum

Our two most common types are Red and Puppy. Both are great to eat and can be caught almost year around in the ocean and sound. Drum can grow up to 90 lbs and are known for their ability to put up a seemingly endless fight.


Spot and Croaker

Both are fun, easy catches and great to eat. Keep in mind; these are small fish so you will need to catch a handful to feed any substantial number of people. They can be caught in from the surf and the piers in the summer and early fall off the bottom with cut bait and blood worms.

Blowfish

They taste really good and when they get startled, they “blow up” like a puffer fish and are fun to watch. Although similar, they are not puffer fish and are in no way dangerous. However, if you don’t clean them the ‘right way’, the fish can release a chemical that will spoil the taste of the meat. Blowfish can be caught from the surf or the piers with cut or live bait.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of local fish; just some of the more common catches you can expect. Many other fish can be caught in the salt and fresh waters surrounding the Outer Banks. Tuna, dolphin fish, Wahoo, Spanish mackerel, Cobia, Marlin and Sailfish are common offshore catches while an array of freshwater fish from large and small mouth bass, brown and raccoon perch to crappie can be caught in the freshwater canals and sounds inland on the Outer Banks.

We hope you take advantage of the fishing opportunities on the Outer Banks. Please respect the ocean and surrounding waters and release all catches if you’re not planning on eating. A Coastal fishing license can be purchased here; http://www.ncwildlife.com/
or at any bait/tackle store on the Outer Banks. .