Hatteras Island attracts fishermen from around the world with its first class fishing. From the shoreline to 50 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, there are a multitude of ways to reel in the big one:
Charter Fishing: Just 15 miles from the Gulf Stream, the island is a perfect launching point for deep sea fishing trips. A fleet of charter boats leaves daily from both Hatteras Inlet and Oregon Inlet in search of landing the big one. Depending on the season, many boats come back full with a variety of fish, including dolphin, tuna, bluefish, wahoo, channel bass, Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, and blue and white marlins.
Call one of the numerous charter businesses along the island, (offering half day and full day trips), to schedule your Gulf Stream adventure. You can typically book a party of up to 6 people, or if there’s just one or two fishermen on the adventure, you can combine with another charter fishing party. Be sure you call well in advance, as charter fishing is popular and can book quickly.
Pier Fishing: With three piers to choose from, located in Rodanthe, Avon and Frisco, pier fishing can be an inexpensive and fun way to reel in a trophy-worthy catch. Reservations are not necessary, and all the piers are open from the early morning hours to late at night. All three piers also have “pier houses” with bathrooms where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and bait to fuel your fishing expedition. Don’t feel like fishing? For a minimal fee, if any, you can simply enjoy a stroll down the pier for some of the best Atlantic views on the island. For more information on hours of operation, location, and fees, or to find out what’s biting, call:
Hatteras Island Fishing Pier in Rodanthe: (252) 987-2323
Avon Pier: (252) 995-5480
Cape Hatteras Fishing Pier in Frisco: (252) 986-2533
Surf Fishing: Perhaps the most popular type of fishing on the island is evidenced by the multitude of fishermen populating the beaches, particularly in the off-season when multiple species migrate along the coastline. Check out “The Point”, in Buxton. Famous for its location sticking out into the Atlantic and separating the north and south facing beaches, the point is one of the best beach fishing spots on the East Coast.
Don’t forget that any person 16 and older who wants to fish recreationally in any water designated as coastal and joint waters of North Carolina must purchase a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL).
Luckily, a fishing license is inexpensive and easy to purchase. There are three simple ways to obtain your license:
– You can go to the Wildlife Resources Commission’s Web site, www.ncwildlife.org.
– You can visit a Wildlife Resources Commission Wildlife Service Agent once you are on Hatteras Island. Most are located in local bait-and-tackle shops, hunting and sporting good stores and larger chain stores along the Outer Banks.
– You can call the Wildlife Resource Commission toll free: (888) 248-6834 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri.