Nags Head Fishing
Folks, especially fishy folks, know that Nags Head fishing 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 the new 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 including those in Nags Head listed below.
Avalon Fishing Pier
- The Beach Road, MP 6, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-7494
Avalon Fishing Pier was built in 1958 and is 696 feet. They offer day, three-day, weekly and seasonal fishing passes. Children's passes are available to kids 12 and younger. 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.
Fishin Fever
- The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 480-FISH (3474)
They opened this retail store to support their fishing habit, and owners Scott and Carol Garris are as friendly as shop owners can be. They offer all the necessary fishing gear, and whether you are into surf-casting or charter boats they have lots of good advice. They can help you organize and book a trip with the local boat captains, too.
Fishing Unlimited
- Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
- (252) 441-5028
If you are in the mood to wet a line, you can crab or fish in the sound from Fishing Unlimited's 600-foot pier in South Nags Head (see below). 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. Cruise the waterways in one of the 23-foot pontoon boats and 16-foot skiffs that are rented here. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch.
Jennette’s Pier
- Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
- (252) 441-6421
Jennette's Pier is currently closed while the old structure is demolished and a new, 850-foot-long pier and two-story pier house are built. The new pier will be built on concrete pilings, the first pier of its kind on the Outer Banks. The North Carolina Aquarium Society manages the pier, and the new structure will continue to be a family-oriented venue. The fishing pier will still offer anglers and sightseers passes, but you will also appreciate educational programs and aquarium exhibits. Exhibits include fish tanks up to 300 gallons and an introduction to local species called Giants of the Sea. The exhibit includes representatives of state record-holding saltwater fish mounts. It gives a great perspective on the size of record catches. Don't miss this educational stop when the pier reopens.
Joe Malat’s Outer Banks Surf Fishing School
- N/A, Nags Head
- (252) 441-4767
Experienced angler/author Joe Malat offers fall and spring courses – two and a half days of school including classroom and on-site instruction. The cost of the course includes bait, a copy of his book, 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. In June he also offers a surf fishing school especially for women with his wife, Nell. Joe's website, www.joemalat.com, includes several how-to articles about surf fishing in the area and fishing reports.
Lifesaver Rent-Alls
- The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-6048, (800) 635-2764
Lifesaver Rent-Alls has fishing rods available for rent. Ask about delivery.
Nags Head Fishing Pier
- Beach Road, MP 12, 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.
Nags Head Guide Service
- Various Locations, Nags Head
- (252) 475-1555
Call Capt. David Dudley to book light tackle in-shore trips for flounder, stripers, bluefish, trout, drum, cobia, mackerel and largemouth bass. Rates depend on length of trip and number in the party.
Ocean Atlantic Rentals
- Beach Road, MP 10, Nags Head
- (252) 441-7823
A variety of recreational equipment is available here including surf casting equipment and kayak rentals.
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
- N.C. Highway 12, Bodie Island just before the Oregon Inlet Bridge, Nags Head
- (252) 441-6301
Charter a variety of in-shore and off-shore fishing ventures 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 (1973) displayed in an outdoor case. Air pump, boat ramp, restrooms and ample parking are available.
Outer Banks Fishing School
- N/A, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-2004
With experienced instructors including Coast Guard-licensed charter boat captains, local fly fishing and beach 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 boat, near-shore ocean fishing and off-shore Gulf Stream fishing. They offer eco-friendly kayak fishing programs as well. Monthly, they offer day-long seminars for beginner, intermediate and advance saltwater anglers. 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!
Outer Banks Pier and Fishing Center
- 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Rd. MP 18.5, Nags Head
- (252) 441-5740
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. A snack bar with a grill serves up everything you need for an afternoon of fishing - hamburgers, hot dogs and ice-cold beer. They offer senior citizen discounts.
Stop ‘N Shop Convenience & Deli
- The Beach Road, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-6105
Stop 'N Shop is a full service tackle shop with rods, reels and other fishing equipment. They stock fresh and frozen bait, including live eels. Ask Captain Mike for the day's fishing report and advice on the best places to go and the bait you'll need. Stop 'N Shop is also a convenience store with an excellent deli. Don't forget to pack your cooler with sandwiches and snacks.
T.I.‘s Bait & Tackle
- 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.
The Promenade Watersports
- The Bypass, MP .5, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-4400
Rent a fishing skiff or Pontoon boat from the Promenade for fishing and crabbing in the sound.
TW’s Bait and Tackle
- The Bypass, MP 10.5, Nags Head
- (252) 441-4807
In TW's, you'll find freshwater, off-shore and surf fishing rods, reels and combos along with a wide variety of tackle. TW's can supply all the gear you'll need - just tell them what kind of fish you're after. They have custom rods and Avet and Accurate reels. The advice is free and plentiful, and the staff loves to tell a good fishing story or pass on a helpful tip. TW's sells fresh bait like shrimp and mullet, live bait like eels and minnows, and lots of frozen baits. They also have crabbing supplies and hunting clothing and accessories. You can find everything you need to pack up the boat or the trunk like cold beer, soft drinks and snacks, and you'll probably want to pick up one of their cool fishing T-shirts. You can also visit TW's at their shops in Kitty Hawk and Corolla.
TW’s Bait and Tackle
- The Bypass, MP 4, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-7848
TW's has all your fishing excursions covered. Whether you're headed to the sound or the ocean, on or offshore, TW's can equip you with all the bait and tackle you need. They have fresh and frozen baits, lures and custom rods. Best of all, the friendly staff here can supply you with lots of advice on when and where to catch fish, not to mention tell a fishing story or two. TW's can also meet your in- or offshore boating needs with their stock of boating accessories and equipment. TW's carries functional men's clothing for fishing as well as sportswear for the whole family. If you're traveling north or south, stop by TW's in Corolla or Nags Head.
Whalebone Tackle
- Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
- (252) 441-7413
Whalebone is a full-service tackle shop also offering rod and Penn reel repairs, fresh bait and ice. They are open year round. They'll be happy to point you in the right direction for catching what's biting on any given day.
