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

You don't need much in the way of equipment for surf fishing — 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 simply be a piece of PVC pipe stuck in the sand. You don't want to put the rod in the sand because a reel can get ruined.

Depending upon the season in the Outer Banks, 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. You'll also want to make sure you have extras in case the fishing line breaks.

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.

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.

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 for surf fishing here 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!

Have fun!