Outer Banks Redfish Fishing Charters

Outer Banks Redfish Fishing Charters

Top Outer Banks Redfish Fishing Destinations

Best Redfish Fishing Charters in Outer Banks

Outer Banks: 88 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(122 reviews)
Wanchese
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $300
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(296 reviews)
Manteo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(21 reviews)
Wanchese
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $250
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(22 reviews)
Hatteras
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450

Redfish Fishing in Outer Banks

Redfish
  • Size 3 to 12lbs
  • Food Value Good
  • Game Qualities Good
  • Habitats Inshore, Nearshore, Flats, Backcountry

(Sciaenops ocellatus)

The 200-mile long barrier of islands that make up the Outer Banks is an angler’s paradise. Close to the deep seas and protecting the sounds from the choppy water, the fishing is as diverse as you could want. But there’s one fish that stands apart from the rest – Red Drum. Ten of the world’s 16 record catches of Redfish have come from North Carolina, with the biggest coming out of Hatteras in the OBX. Step aboard an Outer Banks Red Drum fishing charter and try to etch your name into the history books!

What to Expect

One of the most popular inshore fish in the US, Red Drum will give you a battle to remember. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for beginners to enjoy here. The calm waters of the Pamlico, Currituck, Croatan, and Albermarle Sounds are the perfect place to learn to fish. With the help of a seasoned captain, you’ll have all the support you need to land your first catch.
 
Trips can last anywhere from four to eight hours, so the more experienced among you can spend a full day battling it out with some monster fish. And believe us, they get big! You may not match the world record 94 lb Red Drum caught in 1983, but you’re sure to come across some weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. 
 
You’ll step aboard anything from a small center console to an offshore sportfishing machine. Charters usually cater to groups between four and six, and you’ll have plenty of space to steady yourself as you struggle to reel one in. 
 
Using live bait on light tackle, you’ll bottom fish or drift fish these shallow waters, trying to attract the beautiful Drum from the sea bed. Head out in spring or fall for the best results, and try to fill the boat.

How to Prepare

All Outer Banks captains provide everything you need for a productive day out. With your fishing licenses covered, they’ll also set you up with rods, reels, and live bait. Check with your captain that you’ll be fishing inshore, not offshore, and away you’ll go. 
 
Bring plenty of snacks and drinks aboard to stay refreshed, but make sure not to fill up too much. Save your appetite and make the most of your tasty catch when you get home. Get ready for a productive day aboard an Outer Banks Red Drum fishing charter. North Carolina’s official saltwater fish is calling your name! 

Outer Banks Redfish Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Redfish fishing in Outer Banks varies slightly throughout the year. High season is February, April to May and September to October. Low season is January, March, June to August and November to December. There is no closed season.
Outer Banks
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 27,708 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Redfish Fishing in Outer Banks

I would recommend you try a little of every thing. Inshore fishing was great and offshore was great!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would recommend you try a little of every thing. Inshore fishing was great and offshore was great!
Gary  K.
Gary K. Raven, 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.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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.
Christine  F.
Christine F.
fishing on a boat your best bet but for fishing has lots of fun bites. used artificial cut bait
Excellent
5.0 / 5
fishing on a boat your best bet but for fishing has lots of fun bites. used artificial cut bait
Clifton  G.
Clifton G. Lake Frederick, VA
The best time to fish Manteo is April May and June. You might need to dodge high winds and hurricanes after July through November. Good news though, Manteo has inshore opportunities in the sound for anglers who love to bring home tasty catches. Speckled Trout and Red Drum are GREAT eating fish. So are sheepshead and Striped Bass.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The best time to fish Manteo is April May and June. You might need to dodge high winds and hurricanes after July through November. Good news though, Manteo has inshore opportunities in the sound for anglers who love to bring home tasty catches. Speckled Trout and Red Drum are GREAT eating fish. So are sheepshead and Striped Bass.
Robert  M.
Robert M. Crossville, TN
Be prepared to get wet and wear swimwear and bring a camera to capture the experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared to get wet and wear swimwear and bring a camera to capture the experience
Justin  S.
Justin S.
Stay in the Hatteras Island inn. Itโ€™s real close to most of the marinas and is a quality hotel that was all enjoyed.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Stay in the Hatteras Island inn. Itโ€™s real close to most of the marinas and is a quality hotel that was all enjoyed.
Jacob  H.
Jacob H. Hayes, Virginia
Fish on! The fish like every where tend to move but the locals communicate to let everyone know where the fish are at.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish on! The fish like every where tend to move but the locals communicate to let everyone know where the fish are at.
Amy  M.
Amy M. Strasburg, VA
Always choose a well equipped and comfortable boat for your outing, and Captain with long time experience in the area.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Always choose a well equipped and comfortable boat for your outing, and Captain with long time experience in the area.
Prince  R.
Prince R. Quinton, VA
Unfortunately we were here a week after the hurricane which had the fish out of sorts but based on what we have been told by others, the fishing is normally quite good
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Unfortunately we were here a week after the hurricane which had the fish out of sorts but based on what we have been told by others, the fishing is normally quite good
Joann  A.
Joann A. Harwood, MD
Absolutely. All sorts of species. Surf, pier, sound, several offshore/inshore options.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely. All sorts of species. Surf, pier, sound, several offshore/inshore options.
Joe  F.
Joe F.
Be open to the Captains suggestions as to what would make your trip most productive.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be open to the Captains suggestions as to what would make your trip most productive.
Raymond  L.
Raymond L. Greensboro, NC
Yes, Its always good when you can get out on the water, even better when you can bring home dinner.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, Its always good when you can get out on the water, even better when you can bring home dinner.
Fred  C.
Fred C. Vint Hill Farms, VA
Recommend fishing with some one familiar of the area like Cutawhiskie Charters!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Recommend fishing with some one familiar of the area like Cutawhiskie Charters!
Kristin  F.
Kristin F. Homer City, PA
The 2 hours was perfect as we're not fishermen. Bring a beverage, a hat and sunglasses. Prepare to have fun and great conversation!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The 2 hours was perfect as we're not fishermen. Bring a beverage, a hat and sunglasses. Prepare to have fun and great conversation!
Jeff  B.
Jeff B. Roanoke, Virginia
These guys were fantastic. Explained in depth, every detail. We wish we booked the full day experience with them. Next time for sure.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
These guys were fantastic. Explained in depth, every detail. We wish we booked the full day experience with them. Next time for sure.
Aj  S.
Aj S. Mint Hill, NC
Booked out of Wanchese because we were staying in the area, and wanted a marina that was close to the inlet. The marina is right along the main road, parking right at the boat, and when we got back the fish cleaning service picked up our catch and took care of it for us. Pretty easy overall.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Booked out of Wanchese because we were staying in the area, and wanted a marina that was close to the inlet. The marina is right along the main road, parking right at the boat, and when we got back the fish cleaning service picked up our catch and took care of it for us. Pretty easy overall.
Matthew  S.
Matthew S. Rohrerstown, PA
Remember it's called fishing and not catching, so some days you win, some days you don't. But if you're looking for a great experience go offshore fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Remember it's called fishing and not catching, so some days you win, some days you don't. But if you're looking for a great experience go offshore fishing.
Edwin  M.
Edwin M.
Inshore would be Red Drum. Out a little Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Spanish Mackeral and King Mackeral.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Inshore would be Red Drum. Out a little Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Spanish Mackeral and King Mackeral.
Jerry  D.
Jerry D. Middle River, MD
I liked fishing in September better, more of a variety of fish. But not the captains fault. It all depends on what's running.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I liked fishing in September better, more of a variety of fish. But not the captains fault. It all depends on what's running.
Dana  A.
Dana A. Burlington, WY
Captain Hank adjusts to your style and experience level. Great Captain and knows how to get kids involved. Has a lot of tackle to meet conditions.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain Hank adjusts to your style and experience level. Great Captain and knows how to get kids involved. Has a lot of tackle to meet conditions.
Jeff  M.
Jeff M. Bristow, VA

Fish Species Similar to Redfish in Outer Banks