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

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..

If you can come here in the spring or fall. Just like anywhere else in the world fish don’t bite as good in the heat of the year but down here in Hatteras there are all sorts of fishing experiences. The people are friendly and it is beautiful. I left a good rating here because it was the heat of the summer, I bet if it was October I would have left a great one

Be prepared for a rough ride out even if it’s calm. Sportfish boats are fast, big, and break waves. This is not an inshore boat ride, it’s almost 2 hours full throttle before fishing. BUT, it’s worth every second. Take dramamine the night before if worried about sea sickness

Yes. Captain Ethan was very communicative and clear with his instructions. The boat was clean and well equipped. We had a great time catching blues. Ethan also hooked us up with someone at the docks that cleaned our catch for a reasonable rate. Overall great experience. Book with Ethan. You wont be disappointed.

Even the experienced boater gets seasick. And Dramamine doesn’t always work! Lather sunscreen before you leave and reapply through out! Bring more water than you expected! Ice water helps cool the body when not feeling well!

Summer is not peak fishing, if you expect every time out to be catching fish all day you will most likely be disappointed. If you want to have a good time working to catch fish you will have a good time and enjoy the time out on the water.

You are never promised fish when fishing salt water. So many factors come into play. Enjoy your family or friends that your on the boat with and give it a chance. The fish are the icing on the cake to the great memories you will cherish forever..

"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.

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.

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 suggest that you hire a local guide. It will save you time and the headaches of trying to find the best spots to catch fish.

JT and Josh were amazing! His knowledge and professionalism are second to none. Thanks so much for an amazing trip!

Great fishing in the sound for speckled trout and blue fish! Caught plenty of fish in the early morning.

Sunscreen! I remembered to bring it but somehow forgot to put it on… which is the most important step.

I think that timing is everything. We may have not had the best timing. But there were still fish to be had. And we got some.

Book with the boat Bonehead the captain is definitely experienced and knows the water we were right on the fish right out of the slip !

Get more details about what to expect, and more importantly, what not to expect from the charters.

Only rating it this because when we got back to the docks, three other charters were coming in with 50 lbs of the fish we wanted to target.

Don't forget your sunscreen, hats, and waters!! If you don't see the fish right away, be patient - it is well worth the wait!

Make sure to listen to your Captian. They have your best interest and safety top of mind. Sea sickness is no joke!

May can be a hard month, weather wise. If Mother Nature allows, then you should put some fish in the box.

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!

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

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.