What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Hatteras, North Carolina for the first time?

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.

Don't buy expensive gear if it's your first time and if you're not sure you're going to like it. Just get a simple rod and reel setup from a local bait and tackle shop and use some pre-made steel high low rigs to start with a 1, a 2, or a 3 ounce weight. You probably won't need 4 to be honest. Shrimp and squid are good live baits and reasonably priced. Clam is okay. Some people swear by worms, but they're pricey down here. For surf fishing, you won't need anything more than 12-15 lb test I wouldn't think, so don't go crazy. You're not catching Tuna. When you get ready to fish, look at the surf and see what the ocean is doing. Try to spot sandbars and look at where the waves are breaking. You want to try find some deeper water right past the sand bar or deeper water right before the sandbar. That should churn up the ocean and fish will be looking to feed there. Last and maybe most importantly, try to fish at dawn/dusk and at high tide when the water is deeper. If high tide coincided with dawn and dusk, that's absolutely idea, so check the Avon tide chart by googling it. You can go out at low tide and look at the beach to see where the deeper water might be..

The fish species change throughout the seasons, if you're targeting specific fish plan for the right time. April is awesome for plenty of regional inshore fish and no crowds, but next time we'll target mahi mahi, tuna and marlin in june-aug

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

Stay in the Hatteras Island inn. It’s real close to most of the marinas and is a quality hotel that was all enjoyed.

The 2 hours was perfect as we're not fishermen. Bring a beverage, a hat and sunglasses. Prepare to have fun and great conversation!

You can’t predict the weather (try). It was super easy to book a day in advance. It’s hot though a 630am 4hr charter was perfect weather even on a steamy day.

Just go! Anybody can have a good time. Water can be rough at the inlet, so be prepared if you get motion sickness.

Bring lots of water and sunscreen or a full sleeve lightweight shirt with a hood. Wet down that shirt with fresh water when it gets hot out. Drink more water, like a gallon per person..

The weather dictates alot of fishing here ,but the captains here go above and beyond to find the fish for you.

Bring snacks and be patient. Once the lines start biting it’s an amazing time!

Try to get you fishing trip earlier in the season, May or June would be best I think, the offshore fish are more active at that time.

Be ready to reel in from deep water bottoms or long distance. Wear a hat, bring a washcloth or neck cloth to wet in cooler and wipe sweaty face and cool your neck.

Reach out to the captain early when planning what time of year to book, to see what fish to honestly expect during that season.

Make sure you bring plenty of drinks and snacks as it is hot and you are in the sun. Sunglasses and sunscreen is also a must. Check out Finn Charters!

Search the Internet for the best times to catch the fish you're targeting in the area you're in. I would recommend offshore vice near shore and ocean side versus sound side.

Find a good boat if your going offshore. They will take care of everything and have you on the fish. June is a good month for Mahi, wahoo, triggerfish and blue runners.

the bite was good for Mahi and Tuna. We had a blast and will be back in June. Captain Tom and Hunter were awesome and the best people we have ever fished with. Hard working and fun to be with.

Hire Captain Jeff with Island Saltwater Adventures. He caters to newbies and is extremely knowledgeable.

July isn't the best fishing month but it was when we were invited to visit our children. We were happy to catch puppy drum and enjoyed being on the water.

I'd recommend booking with an experienced captain as the conditions are constantly changing in the area. Getting some first hand knowledge will help us greatly on future outings.

we went fishing after a big and long storm. The fishing was not good that day and it was in the afternoon. But we got to go out to the ocean and see some sites.

Ask around for the best spots and bait. Most people are more than happy to help out and wish you the best of luck.

Take a boat like to see drain for the meet and captain and teach you how to fish be very patient with you

I would try a makeup charter if you want to go offshore and only have 1 or 2 people. Great way to get that experience for a fraction of the cost.

Certainly a place for first time a fishing experience. Last time was my first and I came back again this year and booked the Hatteras Blue again.

Take something for motion sickness. Even if you don't think you need it, it is not worth taking the chance. Bring a hat!

Plan your trip accordingly. Hatteras seems like it is a long way from Nags Head. There are plenty of good restaurants once you arrive. Tight lines.

Allow yourself a couple of possible days to go fishing. Wind and weather can be unpredictable year-round and it's nice to have another day to go if you get blown out.

Only thing that I found different from charters elsewhere, cleaning of the fish wasn't included