If you’ve never been charter fishing on the Outer Banks, you should know that you have a lot of options. Everything depends on when you’re coming here, what you want to catch, how much money you want to spend, how long you want to fish, and how many people you want to take with you.
Fish are nearly always biting some place on the Outer Banks. But you can’t catch them all on the same trip or even on the same boat. And most fish can only be caught in specific seasons.
The purpose of this guide is to help you choose the best charter fishing trip for your particular needs and interests and to help you understand how it works.
Please … THINK and Be Safe!
Every year we lose some good souls in boating accidents ... usually weather related and usually during striper rockfish season. We know what it’s like to only have a few days off and you have pulled your boat for hundreds of miles and by God we’re going to fish.
But, do you want to risk your life or your buddy’s life for a few fish? If the big boats aren’t going out, you shouldn’t either.
If you have never fished or are a first time visitor to the Outer Banks, we invite you to read through our Visitors Guide and Outer Banks Fishing Overview to acclimate yourself to the area.
Fishing here is very location and season dependent, so knowing a little about where you are staying relative to different bodies of water will help you get started.
Here is a breakdown and general overview of fishing on the various regions of the Outer Banks.
Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license.
Very important – if your child is under the age of 13 they must have a life jacket on while in a boat that is moving. Read Life Jackets Keep You Safe We recommend life jackets even when fishing from a dock unless the children are experienced swimmers.
Children love to be included in family activities and try new things. We think there’s no better way to get a kid outdoors and away from electronics than a fishing trip. They will learn about nature, responsibility, safety and they will be active. If a child can walk, they can enjoy fishing.
Children under 16 do not need a fishing license for either saltwater or freshwater.
Everyone else (over the age of 16) must have a fishing license for either freshwater, saltwater or both. A saltwater license will cover most fishing that is done on the Outer Banks. But if you plan to do any freshwater fishing you must purchase a freshwater license as well.
You do not need a license to fish off a charter boat, headboat or pier. They are covered by blanket licenses that the owners have purchased for your benefit.
