Outer Banks Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Outer Banks fishing trip is US $536, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,561 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Outer Banks are good for families?

Fishing charters in Outer Banks that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Outer Banks?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Outer Banks are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Outer Banks?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Outer Banks are:

What are the top types of fishing in Outer Banks?

The top 3 types of fishing in Outer Banks are:

Do Outer Banks fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Outer Banks provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Outer Banks?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Outer Banks are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Outer Banks?

Who are the top awarded captains in Outer Banks?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Outer Banks?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Outer Banks are:

2-hour fishing trips – US $292
3-hour fishing trips – US $388
4-hour fishing trips – US $464
6-hour fishing trips – US $658
7-hour fishing trips – US $800
8-hour fishing trips – US $868

Fishing in Outer Banks

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

4.8 / 5

Based on 28650 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Outer Banks Fishing Seasons

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

Loading Fish Calendar!

Please Wait...

What anglers said about fishing in Outer Banks

We were just a little early in the season to really have a good shot at getting many more fish besides the spotted sea trout and the bulefish. But it was still a great trip.

5.0 / 5

We were just a little early in the season to really have a good shot at getting many more fish besides the spotted sea trout and the bulefish. But it was still a great trip.

#1 Old North State Fishing 20’ HS

We are a family of fishing novices. We have young children 11,11,& 12 and we caught a bunch of fish. My kids had a blast. I highly recommend Cait. Johnny!

5.0 / 5

We are a family of fishing novices. We have young children 11,11,& 12 and we caught a bunch of fish. My kids had a blast. I highly recommend Cait. Johnny!

Island Time Charters

Do your homework. Know how to get a licence before you go NC FISH and wildlife website is not user friendly

5.0 / 5

Do your homework. Know how to get a licence before you go NC FISH and wildlife website is not user friendly

ReelFowl Charters

Good because we caught fish, would have liked to catch more, but we had fun

5.0 / 5

Good because we caught fish, would have liked to catch more, but we had fun

Old School Fishing Charters

"What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Hatteras for the first time?" - The weather isn't always going to cooperate and give you a nice day. Talk to your captain ahead of time and they will tell you how to prepare yourself for when you are on the boat. They want you to be comfortable and have a great time, so listen to what they say.

5.0 / 5

Dunn Deal Sportfishing

I can't answer that it was my first time fishing this time of year and in the outer banks

5.0 / 5

I can't answer that it was my first time fishing this time of year and in the outer banks

Old School Fishing Charters

Take the time and money to charter a guide who knows the area. You'll have a much better time and learn the area.

5.0 / 5

Take the time and money to charter a guide who knows the area. You'll have a much better time and learn the area.

Willy C Charters

It sounds like the odds are better in the early (spring/summer) season for most species. I think the chamber of commerce may slightly exaggerate fall fishing opportunities.

4.3 / 5

It sounds like the odds are better in the early (spring/summer) season for most species. I think the chamber of commerce may slightly exaggerate fall fishing opportunities.

STOLAT Fishing Charters

The marina in Wanchese has a large selection for fishing guides. The marina has an excellent restaurant that is actually quite reasonable in price for the quality of food served. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the local community and was very instructive in the techniques used to fish artificial baits.

4.7 / 5

Stick Em Fishing Adventures

Capt Mike was awesome and very patient with me. Been to many years to remember since I fished and he was very sweet and patient. I recommend people of all ages and fishing levels. He will do his best to get on the fish

5.0 / 5

Old School Fishing Charters

Dress warm and wear semi water proof gear. Have the fish cleaning service filet your catch. Bring extra coolers to take your catch home.

5.0 / 5

Dress warm and wear semi water proof gear. Have the fish cleaning service filet your catch. Bring extra coolers to take your catch home.

Finn Charters

Rain coat for possible weather changes, it's obx expect the unexpected and bring a smile !

5.0 / 5

Rain coat for possible weather changes, it's obx expect the unexpected and bring a smile !

OBX Inshore Fishing – Stumpy Point

The wind and weather can effect the fishing this time of year but when its good its really good

5.0 / 5

The wind and weather can effect the fishing this time of year but when its good its really good

Captain Duke Charters

kids are fine. bring warm clothing. if you don't bring food, the captain has some on board that you can purchase.

4.7 / 5

kids are fine. bring warm clothing. if you don't bring food, the captain has some on board that you can purchase.

Crystal Dawn Fishing and Cruises

The weather is the determining factor. But if you can get out there is some really good fishing.

4.7 / 5

The weather is the determining factor. But if you can get out there is some really good fishing.

Got-em Charters

Be open and flexible if things don't go as planned. And don't get discouraged if the bite isn't as good as was hoped for. Being on the water on a beautiful day is the cake and catching fish is the icing.

5.0 / 5

Under Pressure Charters

Go to Jack Hatters tackle shop and have them rig you up with what’s working at the moment.

4.0 / 5

Go to Jack Hatters tackle shop and have them rig you up with what’s working at the moment.

Reel Em In Charters Hatteras, North Carolina

I would recommend you try a little of every thing. Inshore fishing was great and offshore was great!

5.0 / 5

I would recommend you try a little of every thing. Inshore fishing was great and offshore was great!

His Fin Charter Raven, VA

fishing on a boat your best bet but for fishing has lots of fun bites. used artificial cut bait

5.0 / 5

fishing on a boat your best bet but for fishing has lots of fun bites. used artificial cut bait

Poacher Sportfishing Charters Lake Frederick, VA

This was the first time fishing in the ocean - it was a calm day and we caught enough fish for many meals. Sound fishing in the past was excellent as well - but we were very satisfied being on the ocean side of the OBX.

5.0 / 5

Poacher Sportfishing Charters

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Outer Banks?

Sea Hag Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(24 reviews)

My wife and I had a great time on the Sea Hag scoring our limit of bluefish and enough Spanish Mackerel to fill our cooler during a 6-hour trip today. All this facing very cool water temperatures and strong winds. Captain Frank found the fish and kept us on them and Cody got us rigged and ready and helped us land our catch with ease. Both men were cordial and made our experience one for the books. We will definitely use Sea Hag Charters again and we recommend them with enthusiasm.

Bruce F.

Back N’ Black
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(38 reviews)

Cap’n Derek and mate Jonathan did their best as always to put us on the fish. Can’t wait to go again.

Joe W.

Outcast Fishing Charters OBX
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(112 reviews)

We had a great 1/2 day trip on Outcast. Captain Lance was super and made sure we had a great day on the water. He put us on Red Drum within 15 minutes of leaving the dock. Then we moved on to surface casting for hard fighting Bluefish. Lance was informative, patient and provided just the right amount of information and instruction based on our different experience levels. And he’s a great guy! Highly recommend!

Rob A.

Miss Banx
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(4 reviews)

The crew fished hard to find fish under difficult conditions but they prevailed and we caught fish. We had to wait for fog to rise before we could fish but they didn't blink about conditions we prevailed.

Randy W. Williamston, North Carolina

Backin’ Up Sportfishing Charters
Fishing charter in Manteo

5.0 / 5

(186 reviews)

Captain put us on the fish and the 1st mate did a awesome job getting us hooked up.

Andrew R.

Longer Days Sportfishing Charters
Fishing charter in Hatteras

5.0 / 5

(23 reviews)

Great experience. Captian very knowledge. First mate awesome and knows what he’s doing. Will be fishing with them again.

Kristen H.

Old School Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(128 reviews)

Despite the chilly weather cutting our trip short, we had a great time catching trout, and caight more than expected in the first few hours.

Warren M.

Tidal Pursuits Fishing LLC
Fishing charter in Nags Head

5.0 / 5

(3 reviews)

My friend and I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with Esben out on the water. He's very easy going, a great communicator, and takes a lot of pride in his job.

Kevin C.

Sounds Good Charters
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(59 reviews)

It was a slow day on the water. Our captain took us to multiple spots to put us on some fish. By the end of the day we finally caught some fish

Blake F.

Under Pressure Charters
Fishing charter in Hatteras

4.7 / 5

(78 reviews)

JT and Robbie were great and very knowledgeable. JT put us on multiple different species and we did not have to wait long before the rods were bending. Great trip out!

Jacob W.

OBX Inshore Fishing – Stumpy Point
Fishing charter in Manteo

5.0 / 5

(312 reviews)

Had a great time out with my son ,captain was very interactive with us and fun . A very enjoyable fun trip

Mark C.

#1 Old North State Fishing 20’ HS
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(34 reviews)

Andy was great! Got out on the water fast and got to the first spot where me and my fiancée caught a good amount of spotted trout.The Captain was super helpful the entire trip. We tried two others spots for some different types of fish but we were a bit early in the season for a few of the species. Still an amazing trip and would totally do another one.

Kody P.

OBX Inshore Fishing – Stumpy Point
Fishing charter in Manteo

5.0 / 5

(312 reviews)

Great trip. Our captain was very good at keeping us informed of next steps after we booked. When windy weather was in the forecast for our scheduled trip he called us to give the option to reschedule so we would have a better trip without the high winds. We moved the trip out two days and had an awesome day. Lots of nice SPECS.

Charles L.

Dunn Deal Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Hatteras

5.0 / 5

(68 reviews)

Had a fantastic time aboard the Dunn Deal. Shaun & Matt were awesome! Could not recommend this charter and its crew anymore! Will definitely be back!

Wesley K.

Old School Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(128 reviews)

It was a slow day at first. But the captain went to multiple spots to try and get us on some fish and it worked.

Blake F.

Old School Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(128 reviews)

Had an awesome time, put us on fish and was very attentive to all on board.

Jim Y.

Sea Dream Offshore Charters
Fishing charter in Hatteras

5.0 / 5

(46 reviews)

The trip was awesome! The captain worked hard to put us on fish and keep us on them. The first mate was top notch!

Mike G.

OBX Inshore Fishing – Stumpy Point
Fishing charter in Manteo

5.0 / 5

(312 reviews)

We had a great day on the water with Captain Terry, he is very personable and has a great sense of humor. We caught some nice fish and had many laughs. Would recommend Captain Terry to anyone looking for a great day on the water.

John M.

Miss Banx
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(4 reviews)

We had a great trip with captains Taylor & Edward Lee! They were so easy to talk to and learn from! We caught some blue fish & looked for a cobia. I will definitely be booking with them again!

Angie A. Evington, Virginia

Waymaker Charters - Gratitude (22' Pontoon)
Fishing charter in Wanchese

5.0 / 5

(195 reviews)

Captain Ryan informed us that he'd find out who lacks patience. I can't believe how cold and windy it is here. Non-the-less.....we had an excellent local raised captain with a Southern accent (having to spell words) for our party of 4. We found out that Captain Ryan was very patient 😁. We ended up catching a small fish and almost a 🦀. Had some good laughs and saw some interesting places. Thanks so much for making our trip memorable!