Surf Fishing North Carolina 12 of the Top Beach Fishing Destinations in the Tar Heel State

Last updated on July 26th, 2023 at 07:29 pm

If you’re an avid angler looking for a great fishing destination, surf fishing North Carolina is a fantastic choice. With miles of pristine coastline and some of the best fishing spots in the country, it’s no surprise that the Tar Heel State is a top destination for surf fishing enthusiasts. Just up the atlantic coast from Florida, with its miles of sandy beaches and a diverse range of fish species, it’s no wonder that surf fishing has become a popular pastime in North Carolina.

Introduction to Surf Fishing North Carolina

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Surf fishing North Carolina is a unique experience that offers a wide range of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. From the rugged coastline of the Outer Banks to the tranquil waters of the Crystal Coast, there’s no shortage of great fishing spots to explore. Let’s do a general overview of what you can expect when surf fishing in North Carolina.

Local North Carolina Surf Fishing Information

Wherever you plan on surf fishing in the world, it is always a good idea to get some local information. The following are good local sources of information on surf fishing North Carolina. Everything from accommodations, best baits, lures, times, fish species and where to go. If you’re considering a surf fishing trip to North Carolina, I highly recommend you check the information they provide. It will be a great help in your planning and preparation.

What is Surf Fishing?

Before we dive into the specifics of surf fishing in North Carolina, let’s take a moment to define what surf fishing actually is. Put simply, surf fishing is the act of casting a line into the ocean from the shore. Unlike other forms of fishing, surf fishing typically involves using heavier gear and longer rods to cast farther distances and target larger fish species.

You will most likely be dealing with waves and currents along the beach front so keep safety in mind. A personal flotation device is a good idea if you will be wading the surf. It may not be cool or manly, but it could save your life. And, no fish is worth your life.

What Species Can You Catch When Surf Fishing in North Carolina?

One of the things that makes North Carolina such a great surf fishing destination is the wide variety of fish species that can be caught making it an ideal location for anglers of all skill levels. Depending on the time of year and location, anglers can expect to catch species such as:

When is the Best Time to Go Surf Fishing in North Carolina?

While surf fishing can be enjoyed year-round in North Carolina, there are certain times of the year that are better than others. Generally speaking, the best time to go surf fishing in North Carolina is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the fish are active.

Summer can also be a great time to fish, but the heat and humidity can make for uncomfortable conditions. When it comes to seasonal and migrating species is that they tend to head north for the summer, and tend to head south for the winter. This is why the late spring, early summer, and fall are arguably the best times for surf fishing North Carolina.

Best Surf Fishing Spots in North Carolina

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Now that we’ve covered the basics of surf fishing North Carolina, let’s take a look at some of the best surf fishing spots in the state. From the Outer Banks to the Crystal Coast, there is something for everyone. From remote beaches to the more popular tourist destinations. Here are just a few of the top spots:

Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is a stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and excellent surf fishing opportunities. Some of the best spots include:

• Oregon Inlet – The most popular inlet on the Outer Banks, Oregon Inlet offers numerous fishing locations for anglers. The northern beach is a great location for surf fishing, the sandy beach wraps around from the oceanside to the soundside, and 4WD vehicles are allowed with a permit. The southern beach is also great for surf fishing, the beach turns into a bulk head in the inlet and the soundside has a small sandy beach access. The southern side is better for anglers who want to park their vehicle in a parking lot and walk onto the beach, whereas the northern side is better for those who want to drive out onto the beach.

• Cape Point – Cape Point is the infamous Outer Banks surf fishing spot. At the Point the land jets out into the Atlantic Ocean and then takes a sharp curve back towards the shore, creating north and south facing beaches. The Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream meet just off the Point, making Cape Point one of the best surf fishing spots on the East Coast. A 4WD vehicle and beach driving permit is the easiest way to access the Point, otherwise be prepared to walk a long distance from the public access parking area.
• Hatteras Island – Hatteras Island is another top surf fishing spot on the Outer Banks that’s known for its excellent Red Drum and Bluefish fishing. The island also has a number of piers and jetties that can be great spots to fish from.

• Ocracoke Island – Ocracoke Island offers some of the best fishing on the Outer Banks. The miles of undeveloped shoreline allow for ample surf fishing options.
• Cape Lookout National Seashore – Located on the southern end of the Outer Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a prime surf fishing destination that offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the state. Here, anglers can target species such as Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish.

Crystal Coast

The Crystal Coast is a scenic stretch of coastline that spans from Cape Lookout to Emerald Isle. This area is known for its clear waters and abundant fish species, making it a popular spot for surf fishing. Some of the best locations include:

• Bogue Inlet – Because the Bogue Inlet connects the open ocean with the Bogue Sound, anglers can expect to catch a large variety of fish, including seasonal puppy, red and black drum, trout, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, pompano, cobia, croaker, spot, sea mullet, bluefish, and more.
• Atlantic Beach – Being able to drive on the beach helps anglers easily move up and down the beach to find hot fishing holes. Setting your rod holders up on the beach or wading out into the waves gives you a chance to catch some flounder, pompano, blue fish and speckled trout.
• Morehead City – Popular fishing destination with everything from beaches for surf fishing to inshore waters for wading or boating.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a popular surf fishing spot that’s located just a short drive from Wilmington. Here, anglers can target species such as Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish from the beach or from one of the area’s many piers.

• Carolina Beach – With miles of Atlantic Ocean facing beaches, there’s arguably a fishing spot everywhere you turn in this small island community. And, on the oceanfront, Carolina Beach Fishing Pier you can catch King mackerel and Spanish mackerel, drum, mullet, bluefish, croaker, blowfish, sea bass, pompano, perch, cobia and the occasional tarpon or false albacore.
• Kure Beach – You can drive out on Freeman Park and plant your fishing rods in holders. Or go down to Fort Fisher and try your hand on the beach down there. Surf fishing here can bring in all types of fish including, Blue fish, Spanish Mackerel, Drum, Flounder, Speckle Trout, even some sharks

Surf Fishing Tips and Techniques

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Now that you know where to go, let’s take a look at some surf fishing tips and techniques to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Use the Right Gear

One of the most important things to consider when surf fishing North Carolina is your gear. Since you’ll be casting from the shore into deeper water, it’s important to use a rod that’s long enough to reach the fish you’re targeting. A surf rod in the 9-12 foot range is ideal, and you’ll also want to use a reel that’s designed for saltwater fishing. Use the right gear: Make sure you have a sturdy rod, strong line, and the right bait for the fish you’re targeting.

Use the Right Bait

Another key to success when surf fishing North Carolina is using the right bait. Depending on the species you’re targeting, you may want to use live bait such as shrimp, sand fleas, or mullet. Artificial lures can also be effective, especially for species such as Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel.

Mullet is the preferred cut bait of choice and should be chunked in cubes/strips for hook placement. Bloodworms can also be very effective! Check with the local bait and tackle shops, or other anglers, for the latest up to date information.

Surf Fishing North Carolina: FAQs

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Surf Fishing North Carolina: Final Thoughts

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North Carolina is a fantastic surf fishing destination that offers anglers a wide range of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species and some of the best surf fishing in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, there’s something for everyone when surf fishing North Carolina. By following the tips and techniques we’ve outlined here, you’ll be well on your way to a successful day on the water.

Remember to always practice responsible fishing and respect the environment to ensure these pristine locations are preserved for generations to come.

As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas or suggestions please leave them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you asap. You can follow us on Facebook: Rex The Beach Angler, Instagram: thebeachangler7, Twitter: @AnglerBeach, and YouTube: Man Art Creations.