Outer Banks

86 Fishing Charters

Outer Banks Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Outer Banks

Top Outer Banks Destinations

Top Fishing Charters in Outer Banks

Riptide Charters

Riptide Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 24 reviews
Wanchese  • 25 ft  • 5 persons
59 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $300
Vicarious Charters

Vicarious Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 50 reviews
Manteo  • 26 ft  • 6 persons
66 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $250
OBX Inshore Fishing โ€“ Stumpy Point

OBX Inshore Fishing โ€“ Stumpy Point

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 42 reviews
Manteo  • 20 ft  • 4 persons
44 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $375
Croatan Charters โ€“ Crab & Shrimp

Croatan Charters โ€“ Crab & Shrimp

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 46 reviews
Manns Harbor  • 36 ft  • 6 persons
14 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $300
Captain Froggy's Charter Fishing

Captain Froggy's Charter Fishing

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 224 reviews
Manteo  • 25 ft  • 6 persons
53 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $300
Poacher Sportfishing

Poacher Sportfishing

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 134 reviews
Nags Head  • 42 ft  • 6 persons
39 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $595
Captain Duke Charters

Captain Duke Charters

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 162 reviews
Nags Head  • 35 ft  • 6 persons
44 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $600
Half-Fast Sportfishing

Half-Fast Sportfishing

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 109 reviews
Wanchese  • 46 ft  • 6 persons
39 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $600
Fishing is a way of life in the Outer Banks. These remote barrier islands are home to many of the country’s top sport fish, with guides to match. Explore sheltered sounds with the family or test your skills in deep sea currents. Either way, you’re in experienced hands aboard Outer Banks fishing charters.
 
Red Drum dominate the shallows in OBX. Huge “Bulls” give anglers a great fight while smaller “Puppy Drum” make for a delicious meal. Drum are around all year but they’re best in spring and fall. Half day inshore trips are perfect for beginners, while full days let you chase some real trophies.
 
Up for more of a challenge? Head offshore on a full day adventure and battle Blue and White Marlin, Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and more. Most deep sea fish are around in summer, except for the area’s signature species: Bluefin Tuna. Bluefin show up in winter, when many boats aren’t running, so book early if you want a shot at one.
 
Trips depart from marinas all over the Outer Banks. Hatteras Harbor, Oregon Inlet, and Pirate’s Cove are some of the most iconic ones, home to famous fishing tournaments like the Hatteras Blue Marlin Tournament and Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. Wherever your trip starts, you’ll end it with a ton of fish and some incredible memories. That’s what OBX charters are all about.

Rules & Regulations

Licenses are included on all Outer Banks fishing charters. Bear in mind that species like Flounder and Seabass have strict closed seasons which may change annually. It’s always best to talk to your captain to get the most up to date info.

Outer Banks
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 4.4
Based on 21435 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
January
January in the Outer Banks can be hit and miss, with unpredictable winter weather. However, if you make it out it will be well worth it: Bluefin Tuna are around offshore and Striped Bass winter in the shallows.
February

February is prime Tuna season in OBX, with giant Bluefin showing up offshore. Striped Bass are holed up in the sounds, and Kingfish may be around nearshore. This is also Seabass season north of Cape Hatteras.

March

March is an excellent time to fish for Tuna, as Yellowfin join the giant Bluefin. Inshore, Red and Black Drum, Bluefish, and Speckled Trout will keep you warm in the chilly weather.

April

April is prime season for big Bull Red Drum in the Outer Banks. You can also expect to find Black Drum, Trout, and much more inshore, and a chance of Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna offshore.

May

Deep sea fishing begins to pick up pace in May, with Mahi Mahi and the occasional Wahoo joining in the fun offshore. The Drum run continues early in the month inshore - ask an inshore guide to show you how much fun this is.

June

As the tourist season heats up, so does the fishing. Most captains are going out every day on the trail of Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin. Don't miss the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament!

July

July is the peak of the Outer Banks fishing season. Everything is biting, from Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and Mahi offshore to Cobia and Spanish Mackerel inshore. Just be sure to book ahead!

August

Put your fishing skills to the test in August, as the peak fishing season combines with tournament time. Look out for the Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament and the Alice Kelly Ladies Billfish Tournament.

September

Once Labor Day is over, the crowds die down. But the fishing is heating up more than ever. Despite the cooler weather, the Gulf Stream remains hot offshore. And don't miss the Hatteras Village Invitational surf fishing tournament.

October

The second Drum run of the year is in full swing inshore. Look for Striped Bass in the Pamlico Sound, with fun fishing nearshore for King Mackerel and Albacore Tuna. Offshore, look for Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna.

November

Most years, the Gulf Stream will still be accessible. This means exciting fishing offshore for the likes of Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna. As the weather cools, some huge Bluefin Tuna may add to the mix.

December

As winter draws in, your best chance of a steady bite is in the inshore waters. Look for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum in the sounds and inlets or search for monster Tuna offshore when conditions allow.

Outer Banks Fishing Calendar

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Half day with Captain Randy
Charles T. fished with Riptide Charters on May 11, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
We had a great time with Captain Randy and caught 50- 60 fish in three hours time. I would recommend fishing in Wanchese.
1/2 day trip with Hunter and Louis
Glen N. fished with Duck Hunter โ€“ 28' on May 7, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Just be prepared for all types of weather
4 hour AM trip with Captain Randy
Seth B. fished with Riptide Charters on May 4, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Easy and quick to get to plenty different spots for lots of different kinds of fishing.
3/4 day trip with Captain Ernie
Thomas S. fished with Gecko Sportfishing on May 3, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
During this time of year the fish are moving. Catch is harder to predict. Expect lots of cruising attempting to find the fish. Weather is unpredictable so be flexible. We did a 3/4 day and would have probably been better served with a full day.
Fantastic beat, spot on Captain!
Dustin T. fished with Colton's Toy Fishing Charters LLC on April 18, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Yes, but still a little cold for blue fish.
Morning trip with Captain Devin
Josh M. fished with Poacher Sportfishing on April 9, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
A little choppy but if you have a good captain, youโ€™ll find the right trolling area.
Full day with Kenny
Jerry H. fished with Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters on November 7, 2020
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Come earlier in the year to have better chance of catching targeted fish. Ours was Tuna
October fishing trip
Paul H. fished with Reel Thang Charters OBX on October 17, 2020
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Bring a long sleeve shirt or light jacket.

FAQs about Fishing Charters in Outer Banks

According to customer reviews, Riptide Charters, Vicarious Charters, and OBX Inshore Fishing โ€“ Stumpy Point are some of the most popular fishing charters in Outer Banks. Full list of top fishing charters in Outer Banks.
Riptide Charters, Vicarious Charters, and OBX Inshore Fishing โ€“ Stumpy Point all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Outer Banks.
The best way to experience fishing in Outer Banks is to book a private charter with a licensed fishing guide. See the full list of charters available for online booking here: List of fishing charters in Outer Banks.
The top 8 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Outer Banks are:
Deep sea fishing begins to pick up pace in May, with Mahi Mahi and the occasional Wahoo joining in the fun offshore. The Drum run continues early in the month inshore - ask an inshore guide to show you how much fun this is. Check availability for local fishing charters in Outer Banks.