The fishing on Ocracoke has been HOT just like the summertime heat. With many of the island festivals (like 4th of July), programs, and workshops cancelled due to COVID-19, visitors are taking pleasure in the activities that make Ocracoke unique. Fortunately for Ocracoke, it has many attractions that provide fun for the whole family, especially fishing.
Fishing on Ocracoke is some of the best you’ll find on the entire East Coast. Whether surf fishing at the beach or with a charter or personal boat in the sound or ocean, first-timers and knowledgeable fishermen can experience a day on the water they’ll never forget. Ocracoke’s shoulder seasons of spring and fall tend to yield the best fishing. Peak season in the summer provides great fishing as well; it just tends to have slower days mixed in. Depending on the season, popular catches in the surf include drum, mullet, bluefish, mackerel and pompano. Bait, tackle, permits and all related supplies can be purchased at Tradewinds Tackle. Be sure to stop by. They’ll even have fishing reports, tide charts and maps, ensuring your trip is a successful one.
If you prefer to fish by boat, there are plenty of popular honey holes in the sound or unchartered waters offshore. Are you on vacation and want to hire an experienced captain to take you to the fish? No problem! Fish Ocracoke is your one-stop shop for inshore, offshore, and evening cruises. Captain Rob Orr and mate will take their customers to the fish. Inshore trips in the Pamlico Sound feature mostly Spanish Mackerel, bluefish and occasionally drum and cobia. Offshore trips produce game fish like mahi, wahoo, tuna, grouper, snapper, and triggerfish. The Outer Banks is also a hot spot for billfish like blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish and swordfish. There are few places like it where you can catch a grand slam (three different billfish in one day). What makes Ocracoke unique is that it is only 20 miles to the Gulf Stream, which means more time catching fish and less time running the boat. The fishing this spring and summer has been unreal. The inshore boats are catching plenty of mackerel and bluefish in the sound. The offshore boats are catching limits of yellowfin tuna and mahi mixed in with large wahoo, plenty of bottom fish and a billfish release thrown in. If you are considering adding a fishing trip to your Ocracoke vacation, there is no better time to book.
Ocracoke fishing is fun for the whole family. Spend a day on the water with the kids, adults and grandparents and watch their faces light up as they bring in their fresh catch. Most restaurants will be happy to cook your fish at the end of the day. After all, it’s all about adding to your memory book.
