Marlin Magazine recently posted a top ten list of the best marlin fishing in the United States, and while the top locales ranged from California to the Florida Keys, it was Hatteras and the Outer Banks that nabbed the #1 position, making it the best marlin fishing spot in America.The magazine recognized the Outer Banks’ influence on the sport of big game fishing, noting that the first Atlantic blue marlin caught in the United States was landed off Hatteras in 1938, and adding that Hatteras Island continues to make headlines every year. In fact, just recently in 2008, Trey Irvine landed a new state-record 1,228.5-pound blue marlin to win the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament.
The magazine adds that fishing is a way of life in this part of the country, and visitors can choose from a long list of great charter boats to run out in search of billfish. The first blues of the year typically show up around May, and the bite lasts throughout the summer. White marlin also flock to this area, and when they start snapping, crews can catch upward of 20 fish in a day. The sailfish bite picked up tremendously the past couple of seasons, and the tuna, dolphin and wahoo round out a typical day plying the Gulf Stream waters or the deepwater canyons. Some of the sport’s largest and most festive billfish tournaments call this region home for good reason.
For those looking to book a charter, the sheer number of options help cement Hatteras Island’s top position. You’ll find 29 offshore boats running out of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (www.oregon-inlet.com; 800-272-5199). You’ll also find charters available at Oden’s Dock (www.odensdock.com; 888-544-8115), Hatteras Landing Marina (www.hatteraslanding.com; 800-551-8478) and Pirate’s Cove Marina (www.fishpiratescove.com; 800-367-4728), and for more local info, visit www.hatterasmarlinclub.com.
Congratulations to Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks on gaining recognition for what thousands of locals and happy visitors already knew: Hatteras Island offers the best marlin fishing in the USA.