It’s no surprise that the largest lagoon on the US east coast is a hotspot for angling. Fishing the Pamlico Sound is a joy to behold. Protected from the choppy waters of the Atlantic by the Outer Banks (OBX), these calmer fishing grounds offer fun for everyone. Use it as a base for an offshore adventure or come and wet your line in the sound itself, the options are endless!
If Inshore fishing is what springs to mind when you hear the word “sound,” you’d be right. These shallow waters are home to exciting Bluefish, Striped Bass, and Black Drum, as well as delicious Redfish and Flounder. Tough-fighting Tarpon even make their way through in summer, so there’s no end to what you can catch without even leaving the sound.
Many captains here do offer the chance to go into the Atlantic, however, and the temptation of Kingfish, Cobia, Snappers, and Groupers is hard to deny. Add Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Billfish, and Tilefish, and you’ll surely want to come. Trips beyond the inlets last from eight hours to a few days so if you only have a few hours to spare, then an inshore trip is for you.
One of the beauties of fishing the Pamlico Sound, though, is that you can’t go wrong. Take a charter out of anywhere from Wanchesee down to Hatteras and you’ll get what you want. This area was built on fishing, and locals are only too proud to keep that tradition going strong.
Rules & Regulations
In some other good news, you won’t need a license when fishing with a professional guide in saltwater. Beware of strict seasons and limits, especially for Flounder and Grouper, but rest assured your captain will make sure you're fishing within the law.