Fishing in Hatteras, NC is a rite of passage for every ambitious angler. Over 20 miles from the mainland, in the middle of the Outer Banks, this is a town that’s all about catching fish. Local crews are some of the best in the country. Hatteras’s boat-building heritage is the stuff of legends. Throw in some of the oceans’ top predators, and you get a fishery unlike anything else on earth.
Those are big words for such a small town, but Hatteras more than earns them. From sheltered shallows to the depths of the Atlantic, these waters are full of huge, hard-fighting fish. In this article, we break down what makes a Hatteras fishing experience special, from the species you can target to how, where, and when to catch them.
Best Fish to Catch in Hatteras
There are plenty of species to choose from around Hatteras Island. It’s in the path of every migratory fish on the Atlantic Coast, after all. However, some species rise above the rest to achieve legendary status here. These are the fish that you absolutely have to target while you’re in town.
Red Drum
If you’re heading into Pamlico Sound, chances are, you’re hunting Drum. Red Drum are a classic inshore game fish – big, tough, and not afraid to nail your lures. They also hang out in very shallow water, perfect for sight or fly fishing. You can catch Drum all year round in Hatteras, but they’re best in spring and fall.
Big Redfish are a challenge, smaller ones are delicious. It’s no surprise that they’re the main event inshore. If you somehow get bored of battling Reds, you can try your luck against the Speckled Trout that tend to hang out nearby. You won’t be short on action, that’s for sure.
Cobia
You’ll find one species on everybody’s mind in spring: Cobia. These brown bruisers come crashing into town each May and stick around in force until the end of June. While they’re here, every angler in North Carolina wants a piece of them. It’s easy to see why.
Cobia are famous for their fearlessness. They’re more likely to be intrigued than afraid when your boat approaches them. They’re also intelligent hunters, known to hide in the shadows of Rays as they sneak up on their prey. Once hooked, Cobia fight with a stubborn force that you can’t help but admire. The cherry on top? They’re absolutely delicious.
King Mackerel
If Cobia are the stars of spring, these guys are definitely the kings of winter. King Mackerel start to show up as the weather cools down. By November, they dominate Hatteras’s nearshore waters, where they stay until the end of February. Wrestling Kingfish is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter morning.
Big King Mackerel are known locally as “Smoker Kings.” The official reason for this is how they’re eaten. King Mackerel have a rich, oily meat that’s perfect for smoking. However, we have another theory of where they got their nickname: A 30 lb Kingfish can smoke your reel in no time if you’re not paying attention.
Tuna
Tuna are the heart and soul of Hatteras’s deep sea fishing scene. Towns here were built on their Tuna fishery, and putting you on a monster is a matter of pride for local charter captains. Four species show up around Hatteras: Yellowfin, Blackfin, Bigeye, and the star of the show, Bluefin Tuna. You’re always in with a chance of at least one of them.
The biggest Bluefin are normally hooked in December and January, although they also have a run in spring. Blackfin are best in the fall, while Yellowfin are amazing in fall and spring. Your best chance of landing a Bigeye is at the end of summer, although they’re much less common than their fin-themed cousins.
Marlin
What could possibly outdo giant Bluefin Tuna? Easy: massive Marlin. Blue and White Marlin spend their summers hunting in the warm currents offshore. They’re also joined by Sailfish, because two Billfish isn’t quite good enough. To make things even more exciting, people have been catching some real record-breakers in recent years.
In 2015, a Hatteras angler smashed the North Carolina record with a 138 lb White Marlin. In 2019, one lucky team reeled in a 914 lb Blue Marlin during the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. It won them the tournament, but it didn’t come close to the state record – a 1,228-pounder caught in 2008. The Outer Banks really put the “big” in big game fishing.
How to Go Fishing in Hatteras
There are a variety of ways to work these waters. Most visitors fish on a charter or from shore, and even they come with several options. You can also take to the water on a kayak or a paddleboard if you want something in between. Here’s a summary of what to expect from each style of angling.
Charter Fishing
Charter fishing is understandably popular in Hatteras. You need a good boat and high-end equipment to stand a chance against the likes of Marlin and Tuna. Shallow shoals make the sound impossible to navigate if you don’t know the area well. Letting a skilled local guide you saves a lot of time, effort, and frustration. It’s also the best option if you’re chasing trophies.
Hatteras charter captains spend their lives exploring these seas. They know productive spots for every species, and how to reach them safely. These are skilled guides who take pride in showing off the best their waters have to offer. And here’s the kicker: chartering a boat costs about the same as renting one when you factor in fuel, bait, and equipment.
Party Boat Fishing
Party boats are technically a type of charter, but they’re a very different experience. When you get on board, you’ll be given a rod, some bait, and a space on deck. The crew will do rounds, untangling lines and rigging baits. But with so many anglers on board, you won’t have their full attention like you would on a private charter.
Head boats are normally too big to fish the shallow sounds around Hatteras and they rarely go after deep sea sport fish. Instead, they target table fare like Seabass, Sheepshead, Amberjack, and Grouper. If you want to catch fish on a budget, this is a good way to do so. However, you won’t be able to target most of Hatteras’s signature species.
Kayak Fishing
Kayaks are a simple way to explore the shallows of the Pamlico Sound. Just launch out from the beach and comb the grass beds for Redfish and Trout. Skilled ‘yakers can even try their luck against Kingfish and Cobia in the ocean. What’s more, you can rent both kayaks and paddleboards pretty cheaply.
There are a few drawbacks to kayak fishing in Hatteras. These waters have strong currents that beginners often struggle with. You’re also limited on how much equipment you can carry – as well as how much fish you can bring back. Kayaks are a productive alternative to fishing from shore, but they don’t compare to fishing on a boat.
Surf Fishing
There are plenty of places to fish from shore in Hatteras. The sound and the sea both produce great results. Soundside, it’s shallow enough for wade fishing along most of the island. The ocean waters get deep quickly, making for a wide mix of species. And if you want more variety, you can always head to a local fishing pier.
The main targets while surf fishing in Hatteras are fish like Trout, Drum, and Croaker. On a pier, Cobia, Sheepshead, and Mackerel also come into play. You shouldn’t expect to catch a trophy. But if you’re just after a little downtime, this can be a relaxing way to reel in something for dinner.
Hatteras Fishing Spots
There are famous spots for all of the area’s top game fish. Many of them are easy to reach on your own but you’ll need a solid boat and some local know-how to get to others. Here are a few local favorites to get you started.
- Cape Point: One of America’s best surf fishing spots. The Point spears into the sea right where the Labrador and Gulf Currents meet. The area’s most famous for its giant Red Drum. It also attracts Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Sharks.
- Hatteras Inlet: Hatteras Inlet holds smaller fish than the Point but offers more variety. Work deep holes near the southern tip, wade into the sound, or cast into the rips where big fish ambush prey. The Inlet’s best at night, when boat traffic’s lighter.
- Hatteras Island Fishing Piers: There are two piers on Hatteras Island, one in Avon and one in Rodanthe. Both hold a range of species, from Drum, Trout, and Bluefish to King Mackerel and Cobia. People have even caught Sailfish here.
- Pamlico Sound: Yes, this is a large area. But honestly, fish any grass near channels or sloughs and you’ll find Drum. You can also catch Speckled Trout around points and pilings. This is a great kayak spot, but shifting shoals make boating tricky.
- Diamond Shoal Tower: An old light tower 13 miles off Cape Hatteras. Amberjack, Cobia, Barracuda, and much more live here. However, Diamond Shoal is known as “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Navigating it is best left to professionals.
- The Rock Pile: A rocky ridge south of Cape Point in around 180 feet of water. This is a classic spot for Wahoo and Billfish, and can also be great for Tuna. This is a popular spot and can get busy, but it’s well worth visiting on the way offshore.
- Gulf Stream: You need to go 30 miles or more to reach the Gulf Stream but you’ll be rewarded. Blue and White Marlin, Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish all hunt here. You can also deep drop for Tilefish and Grouper.
When to Go Fishing in Hatteras
You can find fish whenever you visit Hatteras and tournaments take place throughout the year. However, there are some events you really don’t want to miss and many species have seasonal closures. Working around these dates will let you get the most out of your time in town.
Hatteras Fishing Seasons
The main group to watch when it comes to closed seasons are bottom fish. Most Grouper species are closed for harvest through specific times of the year, as are Tilefish and Snapper. Two more species to be aware of are Cobia and Flounder. Cobia season generally opens from May 1 until the end of the year. Flounder fishing is closed almost the entire year except during a short recreational season that usually takes place sometime in September.
These rules change regularly based on new data or even freak weather events. Always check the Department of Environmental Quality’s current proclamations to get the most up-to-date info.
Other than regulations, it’s worth noting that many charter companies in Hatteras shut up shop in the winter. They spend the cold months fishing commercially instead. If you’re going in wintertime, it might be worth booking a charter ahead of time in case the ones still running sell out.
Hatteras Fishing Tournaments
There are three main events in the local tournament calendar. The Hatteras Village Offshore Open kicks off in May. The Hatteras Marlin Club Blue Marlin Release Tournament follows in June. In July, the season ends with the Hatteras Grand Slam Fishing Tournament. These are all high-stakes Billfish tournaments with some fierce competition.
As summer winds down, you start to see more shore-based events. You can join the Hatteras Village Surf Fishing Invitational in September. Visit in November, and you could be one of hundreds of anglers taking part in the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club’s Annual Invitational Fishing Tournament.
The crazy thing is that these are just the most famous tournaments. There are a dozen smaller competitions held each year on Hatteras Island, and most nearby towns also have their fair share. Chances are there’s one that you can join somewhere along the island chain.
Hatteras Fishing Regulations
For anglers planning to surf fish along the epic Cape Hatteras Seashore, you’ll need a valid fishing license first. This applies to all anglers aged 16 and older, except those fishing aboard licensed charters. In that case, your captain will cover you with his permit, saving you some time and effort. For more information and possible exemptions, watch the embedded video.
Why Hatteras? Because There’s Nowhere Else Like It
Life in Hatteras is all about fishing. The sea is the main source of income and leisure on this remote barrier island. More than that, it’s a key part of local culture. This makes Hatteras the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern living. To get back to the important things in life: A rod in your hand, salt in the air, and a huge fish on the end of your line.
Have you tried fishing in Hatteras? Ever taken part in a tournament here? Tell us your stories or drop us a question in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!
