Outer Banks fishing – Outer Banks Blue's Vacation Tips

Water Wonderland: Surfing, Kayaking, & Fishing in the Outer Banks

split photo of surfers, a kayaker, and a fishing rod and a fish

Nestled along the eastern coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a breathtaking water wonderland that has something to offer for every kind of water lover. With its pristine waterways, rolling waves, and abundant marine life, this breathtaking stretch of coastline is a true paradise for surfers, kayakers, fishermen, and anyone who loves being on the water. READ MORE

Spring Guide to the NC Outer Banks

While winter has its virtues, those of us who prefer tank tops to sweaters crave warm temps. If you’re counting the days until spring, here’s something for you to look forward to. READ MORE

Fishing for Fun and Food in the NC Outer Banks

Right off the coast of Cape Hatteras, two mighty currents collide.

One is the warm-water Gulf Stream, flowing up from the Gulf of Mexico. The other’s the Labrador Current, which carries much cooler water down from the Arctic Ocean. READ MORE

What You Need to Know About Outer Banks Surf Fishing in the Fall

The fall in the Outer Banks is the best time to go surf fishing. At the end of the summer, the weather is cooler, and there are fewer people. Of course, you don’t have to fish in the fall. Surf fishing is fun any time of the year. It can be a relatively inexpensive hobby compared to other activities such as windsurfing or kiteboarding. Here are the things you need to know about surf fishing in the fall in the Outer Banks.

Equipment

You don’t need much in the way of equipment — a rod and reel. The tackle shops in the Outer Banks sell rod and reel combinations so you don’t have to figure out the rod and reel separately. These combinations are sold in different weights and lengths. An eight to nine foot rod is the best size to buy.

When you’re surf fishing, make sure you have a sand pipe so you can put the end of the rod in it. This sand pipe can be a piece of PVC pipe stuck in the sand. You won’t want to put the rod in the sand because a reel can get ruined.

Bait

Depending upon the season, the bait will vary. The local tackle shops can help you figure out which bait you need. Whatever bait you buy, make sure you keep it in a cooler so it stays fresh. The fish bite better when the bait smells good and is fresh.

You might also want to have artificial lures to attract the fish. Some fish like a lure better than bait. Just make sure the lure is shiny and pick one that is heavy enough to cast out into the ocean and also make sure you have extras in case the fishing line breaks.

North Carolina Fishing License

A fishing license is required to surf fish. You can get that license through any of the tackle shops in the Outer Banks or through the N.C. Marine Fisheries and Wildlife website.

Beach Driving Permit

During the off-season, you can drive your four-wheel drive vehicle on the beach in a few places, such as Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Hatteras Island. You may need a permit to drive on the beach in some of these areas.

Best Place to Fish

The best place to surf fish in the Outer Banks is Cape Point. This point is where the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current come together. The Diamond Shoals are located off of Cape Hatteras and are sandbars that shift with the currents. You can find plenty of fish between the two currents and the Diamond Shoals.

Cape Point can be crowded with fishermen from all over. The most popular times are the months of September and October. You can catch such fish as sea mullets, trouts, mackerels, bluefish, and croakers.

Surf fishing is done at any time of the year in the Outer Banks. However, the best time is in the fall when the hot temperatures are gone and some of the fish are migrating during the off-season, providing plenty of fish to catch.

Why You Should Visit The Outer Banks In The Fall

Have you ever thought about visiting the Outer Banks in the fall? If your answer is yes, then you may know some of the reasons why this is the best time of the year to visit. If your answer is no, then you may wonder what those reasons are.

Whether you’re a returning visitor or a new visitor, let’s look at a few of the reasons you should visit after summer has ended.

Milder Weather

Fall brings about milder temperatures than summer, but yet it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach without freezing in the winter months. The average temperature in the fall is usually in the 70s during the day. The lows in the evening are in the 50s and 60s. These temperatures can last until mid December.

Depending upon which part of the Outer Banks you stay, the water stays warm until mid-October, sometimes later. Keep in mind that the air temperature will be chilly when you step out of the ocean.

Fewer People

Along with the hottest temperatures, summer brings the most people. The fall in the Outer Banks has fewer people visiting than in the summer.

School has started so families are back home. You’ll see older people who don’t have children living at home or younger couples whose children haven’t started school yet.

With fewer people, the restaurants and shopping areas aren’t as busy, but some of them might close after Labor Day weekend.

Great Fishing

The best fishing happens at the end of the summer. Fishermen from all over visit this area. The Outer Banks has several piers you can fish from or you can hire a fishing charter.

If you are competitive, participate in one of several surf fishing tournaments held every year. The red drum is one of the most popular fish you can catch. This fish appears only twice a year as it migrates during the off seasons.

Stronger Winds

The stronger winds in September, October, and November bring people to the Outer Banks for different water sports. These winds are a consistent 10-20 miles per hour and have gusts of 30 miles per hour or more.

People can enjoy windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sometimes surfing all along the coasts of the Outer Banks. The ocean is even better during this time when the stronger winds can bring bigger waves for any water activity.

Lower Rates

One of the biggest reasons to visit the Outer Banks in the fall is the lower rates for where you stay. Whether it’s a hotel, motel, or house, the rates drop once summer is over. As with any vacation, your accommodation is the biggest expense of the trip.

Booking these lower rates is easier during this time of the year, too. The summer months tend to book ahead of time while the fall months sometimes book last minute.

Check for special discounts or getaway packages during the fall that you might not get at other times of the year. This depends upon what local events are happening.

Fall has several reasons why it’s the best time of the year to visit the Outer Banks. Which one of the above reasons would encourage you to visit that time of the year?

Awwww….: Memory Monday March 2, 2015.

Awwww….

This week’s Memory Monday photo submission comes to us from Mike Skrocki of Midlothian, Virginia who stayed with Outer Banks Blue last year in the property “Scrapbook” in Corolla.

Mike shares this adorable photo of Baby’s first trip to the beach which ended with a nap.

All together now….Awwww…so cute!

Thanks Mike for sharing this great version of a Memory Monday photo. We hope it brings great memories of your stay on the Outer Banks and makes you look forward to your next visit. We look forward to serving you and your family soon!

All the best from the beach!
By Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services

Family Fishing Fun: Memory Monday December 15, 2014.

Family Fishing FunThis week’s Memory Monday Photo Submission comes to us from David Deneen of Central City, Pennsylvania who stayed with Outer Banks Blue this past summer, and the summer before that, and the summer before that in the vacation rental property “Happy Days” in Southern Shores.2014 has been a great year for fishing from the beach, and David shares some great shots of his family catching dinner.

Got one!

Is this one a keeper?

Even with great fishing going on in the family we know that some folks would rather just lay on the beach!

We will be here if you need us!

Finally, some would rather just hang out at the pool and be as cute as can be!Thanks David for sharing your family’s photo memories from this year’s vacation. We look forward to serving you again next year here on the Outer Banks!All the best from the beach!By Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services

Chillin’ in Corolla: Memory Monday August 25, 2014.

Chillin’ in CorollaThis week’s first submission for Memory Monday comes to us from Nancy Stymacks of Landing, New Jersey who stayed with Outer Banks Blue in the vacation rental property “Looking Glass.” As you can see Nancy and family enjoyed all of the Outer Banks as they got to the 4-wheel drive territory north of Corolla to see the wild horses.

Kissing Horses

Nothing better than a nice soak in the hot tub after a long day of travel to the Carova area and Nancy’s dog seems perplexed about why he can’t join Dad in the hot tub!Thanks Nancy for sharing your Memory Monday photos!Also this week we have photos from Jen (no last name) who shared this memorable photo from their family vacation with Outer Banks Blue. Let’s hear it for Summer Vacation 2014!!!Thanks Jen for sharing.All the best from the beach!By Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services

3 Ways to Fish in the Outer Banks, from Corolla to Nags Head

A Fisherman’s Delight: 3 Ways to Fish in the Outer Banks READ MORE

Memory Monday 3/10/14

Crazy Corolla Winds!This week’s Memory Monday photo submission comes to us from Beth Smith of Maineville, Ohio who stayed with us last August in the property “Peace Place” in South Nags Head.She calls this photo “Fly away hair” for obvious reasons. It is taken at the top of the Currituck Lighthouse in Corolla and it is ALWAYS windy at the top. If you don’t believe us we submit the following proof

Say “Cheese”

Thanks Beth for sharing your photo. We look forward to serving you again soon!All the best from the beach!By Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services

Tag: Outer Banks fishing