{"id":11741,"date":"2019-12-26T13:14:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-26T12:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/?p=11741"},"modified":"2026-02-12T13:35:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T13:35:08","slug":"hatteras-fishing-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/hatteras-fishing-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Hatteras Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p>Fishing in <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/location\/us\/NC\/hatteras?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=11741\">Hatteras, NC<\/a> 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&#8217;s all about catching fish. Local crews are some of the best in the country. Hatteras&#8217;s boat-building heritage is the stuff of legends. Throw in some of the oceans&rsquo; top predators, and you get a fishery unlike anything else on earth.<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/player.js\" async><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/y2fh2evkmm.js\" async type=\"module\"><\/script><style>wistia-player[media-id='y2fh2evkmm']:not(:defined) { background: center \/ contain no-repeat url('https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/medias\/y2fh2evkmm\/swatch'); display: block; filter: blur(5px); padding-top:56.25%; }<\/style><wistia-player media-id=\"y2fh2evkmm\" aspect=\"1.7777777777777777\"><div class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_outer_wrapper\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 100%; display:flex; justify-content:center; align-items: center; margin-top:-56.25%;\"><div class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_inner_wrapper\" style=\" overflow: auto;\"><p class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 5px !important;\">Situated in the very south of the Outer Banks, Hatteras is a small village with an incredible angling tradition. It&#039;s home to some of the finest sportfishing yacht manufacturers in the world whose boats bear the name of the village. Fishing in Hatteras is, of course, no less impressive. With ample opportunities, both inshore and offshore.\r\n\r\nIn today&#039;s video, we&#039;ll introduce you to everything that makes Hatteras a top fishing destination. You&#039;ll find out what you can catch, where and when to go, as well as the best ways to fish here. In terms of variety fishing in Hatteras, we&#039;ll put you in a prime position to catch any and all of North Carolina&#039;s best species.\r\n\r\nInshore Redfish and Speckled Trout bite throughout the year with spring and fall featuring the hottest fishing.\r\n\r\nThey&#039;re joined by the likes of Flounder, Bluefish, Sheepshead and Spanish Mackerel, all of which you&#039;ll get to reel in within sight of land.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, if you head into the Atlantic Ocean, there will be even more fish to wrestle with. Amberjack, Grouper, Triggerfish and Snapper prowl the reefs and wrecks offering year round action in spring and early summer. You&#039;ll also get to catch Cobia.\r\n\r\nMahi Mahi join up around the same time while King Mackerel make an epic run in the late fall and early winter.\r\n\r\nThat being said, there will be even bigger game fish to hunt if you head further into the ocean. In the summertime, species such as Marlin Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo roam the deep seas, offering a thrilling challenge to anyone willing to make the journey. So whether you&#039;re itching to hop on one of those legendary Tuna trips or you just want to catch some fish for dinner, you&#039;ll find the right fishing charter in Hatteras.\r\n\r\nTo find your perfect guide, Head on over to FishingBooker.com or download our app to browse and book the largest selection of local professionals. Before you do that, though, let&#039;s dive into some of the top fishing spots in Hatteras.\r\n\r\nSince its positioned on a barrier island, Hatteras enjoys excellent access to a diverse range of fishing grounds.\r\n\r\nIf you&#039;re keen on catching Redfish and Trout, venture into the Pamlico Sound to fish its bountiful waters. Or stay oceanside and enjoy legendary surf fishing along the extensive beaches of Cape Hatteras. In nearby Avon in Rodanthe there are even fishing piers pushing into the Atlantic, serving as prime spots to reel in all the fish passing by. But while the coastal waters are certainly productive, Hatteras is actually famous for its deep sea fishing.\r\n\r\nIt offers a quick path to the Gulf Stream, which flows 15 to 30 miles offshore from the barrier island. And on the way there, you&#039;ll also get to fish numerous reefs and sunken wrecks comprising a sea region called the graveyard of the Atlantic. And if you thought that was all, rest assured that there&#039;s a lot more to explore in Hatteras. The village is only about 30 miles away from the Continental Shelf, where the waters plummet to depths of several thousand feet Just before the drop off, You&#039;ll get to visit popular spots such as the Rock Pile, where you can catch both bottom and pelagic species.\r\n\r\nThen you can ride into the Pamlico Canyon and battle everything from big Tuna to Swordfish, Tilefish and other deep dwelling species. It&#039;s waters like these that have earned Hatteras, the legendary status it holds today.\r\n\r\nWith such a mix of inshore and offshore angling, there&#039;s naturally more than one way to tackle the waters surrounding Hatteras. For the angler with the right gear and some know-how there&#039;s plenty of fun to be had without ever leaving land.\r\n\r\nBut still, pairing up with a charter captain and hopping on a boat is an even better way to fish in Hatteras. Aboard a charter, you&#039;ll get to target a far greater variety of fish than you&#039;d probably encounter in the surf. Not to mention that you&#039;ll have an easy time switching between spots and adjusting your approach based on what&#039;s biting and where. Finally, your captain will be on hand, sharing extensive knowledge to provide you with the best possible experience in this part of the Outer Banks.\r\n\r\nIf you&#039;d still like to head out solo, give kayak fishing a try. This way, you&#039;ll get plenty of flexibility and access to most local species, except the ones that live offshore.\r\n\r\nBefore you decide when and how you want to fish in Hatteras, there are a few things to consider. Mainly, you should keep in mind that most of the fish you&#039;ll target have their own size and bag limits.\r\n\r\nIf you&#039;re fishing with a charter captain, they&#039;ll keep track of what&#039;s legal to keep and what&#039;s not. But it&#039;s still a good idea to get familiar with the regulations before your trip. Your captain&rsquo;s saltwater permit will also cover fishing licenses for everyone on board. However, if you&#039;re fishing on your own, be sure to buy one for all anglers over the age of 16 before heading out.\r\n\r\nFor more information on fishing permits and potential exemptions, check out our guide to getting a North Carolina fishing license linked below.\r\n\r\nAnd when you&#039;re ready to check out Hatteras for yourself. Download the FishingBooker app or visit us online. You&#039;ll be able to browse and compare fishing charters, read customer reviews, and book your trip in just a few taps.\r\n\r\nSo what are you waiting for? Head over to the App Store or go to FishingBooker.com to experience fishing in Hatteras today.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/wistia-player><p>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.<\/p><h2 id=\"best-fish-to-catch-in-hatteras\">Best Fish to Catch in Hatteras<\/h2><p>There are plenty of species to choose from around Hatteras Island. It&#8217;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&rsquo;re in town.<\/p><h3 id=\"red-drum\">Red Drum<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151228\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling woman holding a trophy Red Drum at the front of a small boat somewhere near Hatteras.\" class=\"wp-image-11751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151228\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151228\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151228\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151228\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151228\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>If you&rsquo;re heading into Pamlico Sound, chances are, you&rsquo;re hunting Drum. Red Drum are a classic inshore game fish &ndash; 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&rsquo;re best in spring and fall.<\/p><p>Big Redfish are a challenge, smaller ones are delicious. It&#8217;s no surprise that they&#8217;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&rsquo;t be short on action, that&#8217;s for sure.<\/p><h3 id=\"cobia\">Cobia<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151236\/Hatteras-Cobia-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"An angler and a charter captain posing with a large Cobia caught in Hatteras, NC\" class=\"wp-image-11742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151236\/Hatteras-Cobia-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151236\/Hatteras-Cobia-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151236\/Hatteras-Cobia-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151236\/Hatteras-Cobia-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151236\/Hatteras-Cobia.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>You&rsquo;ll find one species on everybody&rsquo;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&rsquo;re here, every angler in <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/north-carolina-fishing\/\">North Carolina<\/a> wants a piece of them. It&rsquo;s easy to see why.<\/p><p>Cobia are famous for their fearlessness. They&rsquo;re more likely to be intrigued than afraid when your boat approaches them. They&rsquo;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&rsquo;t help but admire. The cherry on top? They&rsquo;re absolutely delicious.<\/p><h3 id=\"king-mackerel\">King Mackerel<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151234\/Hatteras-Kingfish-1024x683.jpg\" alt='Two anglers holding a large \"smoker king\" King Mackerel caught while fishing in Hatteras' class=\"wp-image-11744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151234\/Hatteras-Kingfish-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151234\/Hatteras-Kingfish-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151234\/Hatteras-Kingfish-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151234\/Hatteras-Kingfish-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151234\/Hatteras-Kingfish.jpg 1728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>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&rsquo;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.<\/p><p>Big King Mackerel are known locally as &ldquo;Smoker Kings.&rdquo; The official reason for this is how they&rsquo;re eaten. King Mackerel have a rich, oily meat that&rsquo;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&rsquo;re not paying attention.<\/p><h3 id=\"tuna\">Tuna<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151222\/Hatteras-Tuna-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Three anglers posing happily with a Blackfin Tuna they just caught.\" class=\"wp-image-11757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151222\/Hatteras-Tuna-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151222\/Hatteras-Tuna-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151222\/Hatteras-Tuna-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151222\/Hatteras-Tuna-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151222\/Hatteras-Tuna-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Tuna are the heart and soul of Hatteras&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/technique\/big_game_fishing\/us\/NC\/Hatteras?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=11741\">deep sea fishing<\/a> 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, <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/fish\/tuna-bluefin\/us\/NC\/Hatteras?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=11741\">Bluefin Tuna<\/a>. You&rsquo;re always in with a chance of at least one of them.<\/p><p>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&rsquo;re much less common than their fin-themed cousins.<\/p><div class='featured-charters-container' data-trigger='featured-charters' data-destination-id='342' data-destination-title='Hatteras' data-perpage='4' data-currency='USD'data-filter-field='fishFilter'data-filter-value='tuna_bluefin'data-headline='Top Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters in Hatteras'data-add-type='m'><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h3 id=\"marlin\">Marlin<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151220\/Hatteras-Marlin-Fishing.jpg\" alt=\"Three anglers holding a large White Marlin at the back of a Hatteras sportfishing boat\" class=\"wp-image-11759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151220\/Hatteras-Marlin-Fishing.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151220\/Hatteras-Marlin-Fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151220\/Hatteras-Marlin-Fishing-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>What could possibly outdo giant Bluefin Tuna? Easy: massive Marlin. Blue and White Marlin spend their summers hunting in the warm currents <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/fishing-type\/Offshore\/us\/NC\/Hatteras?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=11741\">offshore<\/a>. They&rsquo;re also joined by Sailfish, because two Billfish isn&rsquo;t quite good enough. To make things even more exciting, people have been catching some real record-breakers in recent years.<\/p><p>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&rsquo;t come close to the state record &ndash; a 1,228-pounder caught in 2008. The Outer Banks really put the &ldquo;big&rdquo; in big game fishing.<\/p><div class='reviews-fetcher-container' data-destination-id='342' data-destination-title='Hatteras' data-category-title='' data-category='' data-category-id='' data-trigger='reviews-fetcher' data-viewport-event='view_reviews_fetcher' data-action='In viewport' data-viewport-category='Reviews' data-label=''>\n                    <h3>What anglers said about fishing in Hatteras<\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h2 id=\"how-to-go-fishing-in-hatteras\">How to Go Fishing in Hatteras<\/h2><p>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&rsquo;s a summary of what to expect from each style of angling.<\/p><h3 id=\"charter-fishing\">Charter Fishing<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1007\" height=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-Charter-Fishing.jpg\" alt=\"Four anglers on a charter boat, each holding trophy Red Drum\" class=\"wp-image-11750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-Charter-Fishing.jpg 1007w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-Charter-Fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Red-Drum-Charter-Fishing-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1007px) 100vw, 1007px\" \/><\/figure><p>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&#8217;t know the area well. Letting a skilled local guide you saves a lot of time, effort, and frustration. It&rsquo;s also the best option if you&rsquo;re chasing trophies.<\/p><p>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&rsquo;s the kicker: <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/location\/us\/NC\/hatteras?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=11741\">chartering a boat<\/a> costs about the same as renting one when you factor in fuel, bait, and equipment.<\/p><div class='featured-charters-container' data-trigger='featured-charters' data-destination-id='342' data-destination-title='Hatteras' data-perpage='4' data-currency='USD'data-filter-field=''data-filter-value=''data-headline='Top Fishing Charters in Hatteras'data-add-type='m'><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h3 id=\"party-boat-fishing\">Party Boat Fishing<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Party-Boat-Fishing-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"A group of people fishing on a party boat in Hatteras, NC.\" class=\"wp-image-11749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Party-Boat-Fishing-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Party-Boat-Fishing-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Party-Boat-Fishing-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Party-Boat-Fishing-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151230\/Hatteras-Party-Boat-Fishing-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Party boats are technically a type of charter, but they&rsquo;re a very different experience. When you get on board, you&rsquo;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&rsquo;t have their full attention like you would on a private charter.&nbsp;<\/p><p>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&#8217;t be able to target most of Hatteras&rsquo;s signature species.<\/p><h3 id=\"kayak-fishing\">Kayak Fishing<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151223\/Hatteras-Kingfish-Kayak-Fishing-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A kayak fisherman holding a large King Mackerel he just caught\" class=\"wp-image-11755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151223\/Hatteras-Kingfish-Kayak-Fishing-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151223\/Hatteras-Kingfish-Kayak-Fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151223\/Hatteras-Kingfish-Kayak-Fishing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151223\/Hatteras-Kingfish-Kayak-Fishing-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151223\/Hatteras-Kingfish-Kayak-Fishing-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>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 &lsquo;yakers can even try their luck against Kingfish and Cobia in the ocean. What&rsquo;s more, you can rent both kayaks and paddleboards pretty cheaply.<\/p><p>There are a few drawbacks to kayak fishing in Hatteras. These waters have strong currents that beginners often struggle with. You&rsquo;re also limited on how much equipment you can carry &ndash; as well as how much fish you can bring back. Kayaks are a productive alternative to fishing from shore, but they don&rsquo;t compare to fishing on a boat.<\/p><h3 id=\"surf-fishing\">Surf Fishing<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151225\/Hatteras-Surf-Fishing-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Two surf fishing rods and a chair set up on a sandy beach\" class=\"wp-image-11753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151225\/Hatteras-Surf-Fishing-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151225\/Hatteras-Surf-Fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151225\/Hatteras-Surf-Fishing-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151225\/Hatteras-Surf-Fishing-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151225\/Hatteras-Surf-Fishing-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>There are plenty of places to fish from shore in Hatteras. The sound and the sea both produce great results. Soundside, it&#8217;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.<\/p><p>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&rsquo;t expect to catch a trophy. But if you&rsquo;re just after a little downtime, this can be a relaxing way to reel in something for dinner.<\/p><h2 id=\"hatteras-fishing-spots\">Hatteras Fishing Spots<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151235\/Hatteras-Beach-and-Pier-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A scenic beach on Hatteras Island, with a broken wooden fence in the foreground and a fishing pier in the distance\" class=\"wp-image-11743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151235\/Hatteras-Beach-and-Pier-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151235\/Hatteras-Beach-and-Pier-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151235\/Hatteras-Beach-and-Pier-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151235\/Hatteras-Beach-and-Pier-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151235\/Hatteras-Beach-and-Pier-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>There are famous spots for all of the area&rsquo;s top game fish. Many of them are easy to reach on your own but you&rsquo;ll need a solid boat and some local know-how to get to others. Here are a few local favorites to get you started.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cape Point:<\/strong> One of America&#8217;s best surf fishing spots. The Point spears into the sea right where the Labrador and Gulf Currents meet. The area&#8217;s most famous for its giant Red Drum. It also attracts Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Sharks. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hatteras Inlet:<\/strong> 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&#8217;s best at night, when boat traffic&#8217;s lighter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hatteras Island Fishing Piers:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pamlico Sound:<\/strong> Yes, this is a large area. But honestly, fish any grass near channels or sloughs and you&#8217;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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diamond Shoal Tower:<\/strong> An old light tower 13 miles off Cape Hatteras. Amberjack, Cobia, Barracuda, and much more live here. However, Diamond Shoal is known as &ldquo;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Graveyard of the Atlantic (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncpedia.org\/graveyard-atlantic\" target=\"_blank\">The Graveyard of the Atlantic<\/a>.&rdquo; Navigating it is best left to professionals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Rock Pile:<\/strong> 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&#8217;s well worth visiting on the way offshore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gulf Stream:<\/strong> You need to go 30 miles or more to reach the Gulf Stream but you&#8217;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.<\/li>\n<\/ul><h2 id=\"when-to-go-fishing-in-hatteras\">When to Go Fishing in Hatteras<\/h2><p>You can find fish whenever you visit Hatteras and tournaments take place throughout the year. However, there are some events you really don&rsquo;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.<\/p><h3 id=\"hatteras-fishing-seasons\">Hatteras Fishing Seasons<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151233\/Hatteras-Tournament-Fishing-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A group of sportfishing boats speeding offshore at the start of a fishing tournament\" class=\"wp-image-11746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151233\/Hatteras-Tournament-Fishing-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151233\/Hatteras-Tournament-Fishing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151233\/Hatteras-Tournament-Fishing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151233\/Hatteras-Tournament-Fishing-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151233\/Hatteras-Tournament-Fishing-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>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.<\/p><p>These rules change regularly based on new data or even freak weather events. Always check the Department of Environmental Quality&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deq.nc.gov\/about\/divisions\/marine-fisheries\/rules-proclamations-and-size-and-bag-limits\/fisheries-management-proclamations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">current proclamations<\/a> to get the most up-to-date info.<\/p><p>Other than regulations, it&#8217;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&#8217;re going in wintertime, it might be worth <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/location\/us\/NC\/hatteras?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=11741\">booking a charter<\/a> ahead of time in case the ones still running sell out.<\/p><h3 id=\"hatteras-fishing-tournaments\">Hatteras Fishing Tournaments<\/h3><p>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.<\/p><p>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&rsquo;s Annual Invitational Fishing Tournament.<\/p><p>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&#8217;s one that you can join somewhere along the island chain.<\/p><h2 id=\"hatteras-fishing-regulations\">Hatteras Fishing Regulations<\/h2><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/player.js\" async><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/sn5n2a7qni.js\" async type=\"module\"><\/script><style>wistia-player[media-id='sn5n2a7qni']:not(:defined) { background: center \/ contain no-repeat url('https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/medias\/sn5n2a7qni\/swatch'); display: block; filter: blur(5px); padding-top:56.25%; }<\/style><wistia-player media-id=\"sn5n2a7qni\" aspect=\"1.7777777777777777\"><div class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_outer_wrapper\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 100%; display:flex; justify-content:center; align-items: center; margin-top:-56.25%;\"><div class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_inner_wrapper\" style=\" overflow: auto;\"><p class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 5px !important;\">So you want to go fishing in North Carolina, but you&#039;re not sure which fishing license you need to get or if you even need one at all. This video will help answer some common questions regarding North Carolina fishing licenses so that you can hit the water with no worries. But before we get started, make sure you hit the like and subscribe buttons below to stay up on all the latest fishing videos from across the country. So,\r\n\r\nwho needs a fishing in North Carolina?\r\n\r\nIn short, every angler over the age of sixteen must have a valid fishing license when casting in North Carolina waters. This also applies to people who are helping others fish. Even if you don&#039;t have a rod, you&#039;ll still need to purchase license if you&#039;re helping others with stuff like baiting hooks and setting the drag.\r\n\r\nThere are some exceptions that don&#039;t require a fishing license, though.\r\n\r\nFor example, you don&#039;t need a license to fish in private ponds or on privately owned land.\r\n\r\nYou also don&#039;t need to buy a license if you&#039;ll be fishing on a saltwater charter boat with a licensed captain. North Carolina residents on leave from the military can fish for up to thirty days without a license. If you&#039;re home on furlough, make sure to carry your military ID and papers confirming your status when you&#039;re fishing.\r\n\r\nOn top of all of that, you don&#039;t need a license to fish on the Fourth of July. This is considered a free fishing day for both residents and non residents.\r\n\r\nOkay, so you know you need a license, but which one do you need to get?\r\n\r\nThis depends on a few factors, mainly whether you&#039;re a North Carolina resident or not, how long you&#039;ll be fishing for, and whether you&#039;re fishing in saltwater or freshwater.\r\n\r\nThe first difference between resident and non resident licenses is price. The cost of resident licenses is lower than for non residents, which is common in most states. The price will also vary depending on how long the license is valid for. The next thing you&#039;ll want to pay attention to is where you plan to go fishing. There are two main types of licenses, inland and coastal. Inland licenses cover all of North Carolina&#039;s freshwater, while coastal licenses cover saltwater. These are available for anything from ten days to an entire lifetime.\r\n\r\nAreas where fresh and saltwater meet are called joint waters. These are usually covered by either license, but you should always check for the waters you&#039;re fishing in before you head out. North Carolina residents, however, get a few special options such as combined or unified inland and coastal licenses, which allow you to fish in freshwater, saltwater, and joint areas without any issues and saves you the hassle of carrying both.\r\n\r\nYou can check out our full blog article linked in the description box below to get the full price breakdown for each licensing category.\r\n\r\nAs of twenty twenty, Trout stamps are included as standard with an inland license, so you don&#039;t have to make an additional purchase you plan on targeting North Carolina Trout. If you plan on fishing for them in what&#039;s referred to as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, you can purchase the cheaper three day trout license instead. However, if you&#039;ll be fishing for Trout outside of these designated waters, you&#039;ll still need to have a valid inland license.\r\n\r\nIf you plan on fishing with any special gear, a coastal license will cover non conventional tackle however, keep in mind you aren&#039;t allowed to target Redfish with a spear gun.\r\n\r\nAs rules and regulations can change from year to year, it&#039;s important to stay up to date by heading over to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission&#039;s main website or just give them a call during regular working hours.\r\n\r\nThe state of North Carolina also offers free unified lifetime fishing licenses to the following groups: North Carolina residents who rely on fishing for food, North Carolina residents who are legally blind, and residents in North Carolina care homes.\r\n\r\nIn addition to this, Unified Lifetime Fishing licenses are also available at a discounted price for people with physical disabilities. These include residents who are permanently and totally disabled and resident veterans who are fifty percent or more disabled.\r\n\r\nSo, now you know what kind of license you need, but how do you get one? There are three easy ways to buy a North Carolina fishing either online, by phone, or in person.\r\n\r\nTo purchase online, just go to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission&#039;s main website or call them during weekdays between eight am and five pm.\r\n\r\nYou can also visit a registered vendor to buy your license right there on the spot. Many tackle shops and hardware stores throughout the entire state sell them, so do big chain retailers such as Walmart.\r\n\r\nIf you&#039;ve lost your fishing license, no need to worry. It happens to the best of us. All you need to do is print and fill out the replacement form on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission&#039;s website and send it to their licensing office in Raleigh, North Carolina.\r\n\r\nJust remember to include a check or proof of money order to cover the administrative fee, and you&#039;ll receive your new license in the mail.\r\n\r\nAnd that&#039;s it! Now you have all the steps to get a North Carolina fishing license so you can finally hit the water safely and responsibly.\r\n\r\nFor even more information on license types as well as full price breakdowns, be sure to check out our full blog article by clicking on the link in the description box or just drop us a line in the comments below. And when you&#039;re finally ready to start planning your trip, head over to fishingbooker dot com and book a North Carolina Fishing Charter today.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/wistia-player><p>For anglers planning to surf fish along the epic Cape Hatteras Seashore, you&#8217;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.<\/p><h2 id=\"why-hatteras-because-theres-nowhere-else-like-it\">Why Hatteras? Because There&rsquo;s Nowhere Else Like It<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151221\/Hatteras-OBX-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with a beautiful sunrise in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-11758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151221\/Hatteras-OBX-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151221\/Hatteras-OBX-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151221\/Hatteras-OBX-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151221\/Hatteras-OBX-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/12\/14151221\/Hatteras-OBX-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>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&rsquo;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.<\/p><p><em>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!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s all about catching fish. Local crews are some of the best in the country. Hatteras&#8217;s boat-building heritage is the stuff of legends. Throw in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":11754,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1472],"tags":[358,365,359,795,444,443,400],"class_list":["post-11741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-where-to-fish","tag-beginners-advice","tag-charter-advice","tag-fishing-without-a-boat","tag-hatteras","tag-north-carolina","tag-outer-banks","tag-tournaments"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hatteras Fishing: The Complete Guide (Updated 2022)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/hatteras-fishing-complete-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hatteras Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Fishing in Hatteras: - 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