Nags Head links of interest

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Nags Head Fishing

Folks, especially fishy folks, know that Nags Head fishing—along with Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk—is some of the best you can get. From flounder and stripers to tuna and billfish, our waters are rich in species. Nags Head surf fishing is probably the most popular way to wet a line here, but you’ll also find anglers piloting small boats for inshore excursions, dropping a line from the piers and Nags Head Causeway or checking out the marinas for offshore Outer Banks fishing adventures.

Knowing what’s running seasonally and at the moment helps get you started. You can answer those Outer Banks fishing questions a number of ways. One way is to stop in at a Nags Head fishing pier. The people who run these piers know what’s biting and how to get it to bite your line—in other words what bait and rods to use (and maybe even how to hold your mouth for that important finishing touch). They can also advise you on the Nags Head surf fishing experience. Heck, probably anything you need to know about the overall Outer Banks fishing scene, these folks can tell you. The same will be true at the many tackle shops you’ll find up and down the area. Another great local source is books written by a local fellow named Joe Malet. He’s written several illustrated tomes, Surf Fishing and Pier Fishing and Let’s Go Crabbing that specifically speak to species and methods for our area. He also runs a fishing school that we’ve listed below.

So, if haven’t already qualified for the Nags Head, NC, fisherperson of the year award and want to go for the title this vacation, what do you do? Well, you can follow the advice of the folks mentioned above, grab your gear and get yourself to the ocean or sound. Or if you want your feet to leave terra firma, you can venture out into the Outer Banks waters in your own personal vessel or rent one while you’re here. If guidance is needed, you’ll find plenty through the marinas where experienced captains and mates book a variety of half- and full-day fishing charters including head boat fishing (a big boat that generally fishes inshore and charges “by the head”) and Gulf Stream excursions. The tackle shops are a good place to investigate fishing regulations. The waters are patrolled, and limits and size restrictions are strictly enforced. Ask the people you talk with to guide you on appropriate bait and lures to give you a positive head start. Piers rent tackle, or you can bring your own or make purchases while here. Citation fish add to the lure of our waters. Learn more about these award-winning fish at any number of official weigh stations running along the Outer Banks.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

98 N.C. Highway 12, Bodie Island just before the Oregon Inlet Bridge
Nags Head

(252) 441-6301
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Charter a variety of inshore and offshore fishing ventures here including half-day and full-day trips and head boat excursions. Trips are booked year-round with experienced captains and mates (weather permitting). Anglers go for a variety of species depending on the season including marlin, tuna, dolphin, king mackerel, stripers, drum, bluefish and cobia. All tackle and bait are provided. Bring your own food. The center includes a store chock-full of tackle, bait, snacks, T-shirts and hats. Check out the world record blue marlin mount (1974) displayed in an outdoor case. Air pump, boat ramp, restrooms and ample parking are available.

Outer Banks Pier and Fishing Center

8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road, MP 18.5
Nags Head

(252) 441-5740
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coupon

The 650-foot pier is lighted for evening fishing and open 24 hours a day in season. Rent tackle and buy bait here or bring your own. Daily, three-day and weekly passes are available. No fishing license is required, and they offer senior citizen discounts. New for 2011 is Fish Heads, a snack bar and grill that serves up everything you need for a fun day of fishing—fresh-made breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, hot dogs and steamed seafood. Imagine sitting out under the sky, watching the ocean, munching on steamed shrimp and sipping a cold one…nothing better. See Restaurants for more information.

Pirate’s Cove Yacht Club

2000 Sailfish Drive, off the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
Nags Head

(252) 473-3906, (800) 367-4728
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Just about every afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m. a dozen or more sport fishing boats return from the Gulf Stream to the Pirate’s Cove Marina to unload their catches of tuna, dolphin, wahoo and other deep-sea fish. If you’re interested in seeing the fish before they’re cleaned, head down to the docks and watch the mates hurl the whopping creatures onto the docks. Kids love this, and the anglers are usually friendly about sharing their experiences of the day.

If you’re more of a hands-on type, you might want to take a fishing trip yourself. Pirate’s Cove offers several options for getting to the fishing grounds. Approximately 18 private charter boats are available to take you offshore fishing, and other boats are available for inshore fishing charters. Makeup charters are available. Call for details.

TW’s Bait and Tackle

2230 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
Nags Head

(252) 441-4807
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TW’s Bait and Tackle has 7,500 square feet of sheer shopping pleasure for anglers, hunters and sports enthusiasts of all ages. Check out their massive replica of the NC state record blue marlin caught at Pirates Cove Marina and the world record yellowfin tuna that adorns the storefront. Inside, your mind will swim with the vast selection of inshore, offshore, surf, fly and freshwater tackle including manufactures such as Daiwa, Shimano, Okuma, G.Loomis, Black Bart lures, Yeti coolers, Bluewater lures, Berkley Gulp and Z-Man lures to name a few. TW’s stocks some of the newest products the fishing industry has to offer. Looking for a custom trout rod or a complete set of trolling rods? TW’s custom rod builders will create the rod of your dreams. When it comes to bait, their selection is endless. Lively eels and bloodworms, fresh mullet & shrimp, assorted frozen squid, minnows, bunker and Bionic ballyhoo are just a few of their fish-catching delicacies. Don’t forget to check out the awesome lines of fun and functional clothing. Their experienced, helpful staff is always ready to assist in all your fishing needs. Stop by, weigh your fish and share your fish story.

TW’s Bait and Tackle

3864 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4
Kitty Hawk

(252) 261-7848
map

TW’s Bait and Tackle in Kitty Hawk has been an angler’s landmark destination for more than 25 years. They are a full service tackle shop offering the latest and greatest selection of inshore, offshore, surf, fly and freshwater tackle including an impressive variety of custom rods. TW’s stocks quality tackle from some of the top manufacturers such as Daiwa, Shimano, Costa Del Mar, G.Loomis, Black Bart Lures, Berkley Gulp, Bluewater Lures, Yeti Coolers and Z-Man Lures to name a few. When it comes to bait TW’s has it covered, from lively eels, bloodworms and minnows to a huge selection of fresh and frozen fish-catching delicacies. TW’s also carries Bionic ballyhoo, high-speed jigs and accessories for the offshore angler. The shop has a warm friendly atmosphere and a helpful experienced staff. Stop by, weigh a fish and share your fishing story. If you’re traveling north or south, stop by TW’s in Corolla or Nags Head.

Whalebone Tackle

7405 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
Nags Head

(252) 441-7413
coupon

Whalebone is a full-service tackle shop also offering rod repair, fresh bait and ice. They’re open year round and are happy to point you in the right direction to catch what’s biting on any given day.

Avalon Fishing Pier

2111 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 6
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7494

Avalon Fishing Pier was built in 1958 and is 696 feet long. They offer day passes for $10, with discounts on three-day, weekly and seasonal fishing passes. Children’s passes are available to kids 12 and younger. There’s a fun arcade here with skee-ball and video games. The pier is open from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. in the summer months, and in the spring and fall it opens at 6 a.m. and usually closes before 10 p.m. You can buy bait here and rent tackle, and they even give you advice about what you need to catch what’s biting.

Bill Ernst Surf Fishing Lessons

Various locations throughout the Outer Banks
Nags Head
(252) 581-0066

Your guide, Bill Ernst, has been surf fishing the Outer Banks coastline for more than 30 years. He is a natural teacher with a true passion for fishing. In two hours, students truly learn the basics, such as attaching a rig, baiting a hook and casting techniques. Affordable prices that include gear and bait make this a great family outing. He serves the northern beaches from Nags Head to Corolla. Give him a ring to make your reservation.

Country Girl Head Boat

1 Sailfish Drive, Docks at Pirate's Cove Marina
(252) 473-5577

The Country Girl can be chartered for full-day Gulf Stream trips for parties of six or more people for $1,750. Gulf Stream trips usually yield tuna and mahi-mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, marlin or sailfish depending on the season and conditions. The Country Girl also offers head boat–style wreck fishing. The 57-foot sportfisher can accommodate up to 30 passengers and provides plenty of room for everyone. This is a great way to get a big group of friends together for a day on the water. You’ll catch a variety of species, including black sea bass, triggerfish, gray tile fish, grouper, amberjack and more. The cost is $110 per person, with a minimum of 15 people. Bait, tackle and license are furnished. The boat is also available for bird watching, marine mammal excursions and scattering ashes at sea.

Crystal Dawn Head Boat

1 Sailfish Drive, Docks at Pirate’s Cove Marina
(252) 473-5577

Whether for head boat fishing or cruises, you will enjoy the 65-foot, big and comfortable Crystal Dawn. You will fish in the inlet or sound for a variety of fish such as flounder, croaker, spot, trout, sea mullet, sea bass and more, depending on the season and conditions. All bait, tackle and licenses are furnished. Cost for head boat fishing is $40 for adults and $30 for children 10 and younger. The vessel is available for private charter.

Fishing Unlimited

7665 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
Nags Head
(252) 441-5028

They have it all at Fishing Unlimited, including rental rods and reels, bait and tackle, crabbing supplies and a crabbing pier. You can cruise the waterways in one of the 23-foot pontoon boats and 16-foot skiffs or inshore charter boats that are rented here at their Causeway location. If you are in the mood to wet a line, you can crab or fish from Fishing Unlimited’s 650-foot pier in South Nags Head (see Outer Banks Pier listing). The pier is open 24 hours a day, and if you didn’t bring what you need to go for the fish, tackle rentals and bait are available. Make sure you visit the pier’s new restaurant, Fish Heads.

Jennette’s Pier

7229 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16.5
Nags Head
(252) 255-1501

May 21, 2011, was the opening date of the state-of-the-art concrete pier and square-foot pier house. Originally built in 1939, Jennette’s is the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks. Battered by storms and rebuilt many times throughout its 70-year life, Jennette’s was knocked down by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, just after the pier and its five-acre tract were purchased by the NC Aquarium Society. Now, after years of planning and 24 months of construction, Jennette’s re-emerged in 2011 as a one-of-a-kind educational ocean pier. The Aquarium-operated complex features educational classrooms and programs, alternative energy demonstrations, live animal exhibits, meeting facilities, a snack bar and tackle shop, and a host of other displays and features for good family fun….with great fishing too!

Joe Malat’s Outer Banks Surf Fishing School

Various Locations
Nags Head
(252) 202-4189

Experienced angler/author Joe Malat offers courses during the fall, the peak of the Outer Banks surf fishing season – two and a half days of school including classroom and on the beach instruction. The cost of the course includes bait, a copy of his surf fishing book, tackle giveaways, classroom materials, an evening social and lunch on the classroom day. Malat and his staff teach you how to read the beach, identify species, cast, tie knots and drive on the beach. You’ll also learn about tackle, lures and bait.

Miss Oregon Inlet

N.C. Highway 12, Cape Hatteras National Seashore
(252) 441-6301

Miss Oregon Inlet is the resident head boat at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, the closest marina to the renowned fishing grounds of Oregon Inlet. The head boat takes up to 49 people for half-day inshore fishing trips every day except Sunday. From Memorial Day through October they run two trips, the morning trip leaving at 7 a.m. and the afternoon trip leaving at noon. In May and September they run one trip a day, in the morning, starting at 8 a.m. Arrive 30 minutes early for all trips. All bait and tackle are supplied, and the boat has a blanket fishing license that covers all its anglers. Bring your own snacks and drinks, but make sure your cooler is 13 inches or smaller so it will fit under the bench. Tickets cost $41 for adults and $31 for children 6 and younger. You’ll find the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center about eight miles south of Nags Head just before you get to the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet.

Nags Head Fishing Pier

3335 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 11.5
Nags Head
(252) 441-5141

The popular 750-foot pier features a bait and tackle shop, game tables and a restaurant with an ocean view. In season, the pier is open 24 hours a day. Rent tackle here or bring your own. Daily, weekly and seasonal fishing passes are available with varying fees for adults and children. If you’re not into fishing, you can purchase a sightseeing pass. Nearby cottage rentals are available. The pier closes in December and opens in the spring, with the opening date depending on the fishing.

Outer Banks Fishing School

Various locations throughout the Outer Banks
(252) 255-2004

With experienced instructors including Coast Guard-licensed charter boat captains, local fly fishermen, kayak and surf fishing guides, and local top anglers, the Outer Banks Fishing School can give you the tools you need to successfully catch fish using conventional spinning gear, bait casting gear, fly rods or heavy trolling equipment. Private and public lessons are available in surf-casting, pier fishing, fly tying and casting, wading in the sound, sound fishing in a boat, near-shore ocean fishing and offshore Gulf Stream fishing. They offer day-long seminars for beginner, intermediate and advanced saltwater anglers and have an eco-friendly kayak fishing program as well. If you need some help with outfitting your boat or getting familiar with local navigation, they offer a “Mate for a Day” program on your boat staffed by licensed captains. Whether you are completely new to saltwater fishing or an old salty pro, the friendly staff at the Outer Banks Fishing school will put you on the local fish during the season you’re visiting. What you learn with them you can use for a lifetime.

Stop ‘N Shop Convenience & Deli

100 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 8.5
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-6105

Stop ‘N Shop is a locally owned full-service tackle shop with rods, reels, combos and a line winding station. They stock fresh and frozen bait, eels and chum. The shop is a North Carolina Saltwater Citation Weigh Station and NC Beach Buggy Weigh Station. Stop by and speak to their experienced salty sales staff for the inside information on what baits to use and where to go. The shop also offers free air for those days when driving on the beach is the best way to get to the fish! While in the shop you can pack your cooler with their Boar’s Head Deli subs, sandwiches, snacks, drinks and all your other beach needs.

T.I.‘s Bait & Tackle

100 W. Clark Street, off The Bypass, MP 9
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-3166

T.I.‘s is a full service bait and tackle shop. They have everything you need to catch fish in the sound or the ocean, and the knowledgeable staff can even give you tips on fishing local waters.