Best Time & Seasons to Fish the Outer Banks (Complete Guide)

The waters around Outer Banks, NC offer some of the best angling opportunities in the nation. The trick, though, is to know when and where to have the best opportunity.

The best time to fish the Outer Banks is between the months of May and September offshore, with mahi mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna being just a few of the fish you can expect to catch, while inshore fishing is best from July to December.

Nestled miles off the main coast and into the Atlantic Ocean, these islands are some of the most unique in the world. As much as they are unique in geography they are just as unique in the fish to be caught.

What can you catch when visiting the Outer Banks? What time of day is best? What season should I go? Should I book a fishing charter? These questions and more will be answered in this article.

man holding fish — (Image courtesy of Carrisma Sportfishing (Wanchese, NC) & Fishing Booker)

Best Times to Fish: Top Spots in Outer Banks

Outer Banks Marina

Located in Wanchese, NC, Outer Banks Marina is only 6 miles from the Oregon Inlet, one of the go-to destinations for sport fishing in Outer Banks. In fact, the National Geographic show Wicked Tuna North vs. South calls its home here.

It is a major tourist destination, so it will be crowded, and charters booked during the peak summer months. But you are sure to catch any of the major species of fish from this location.

Pirates Cove Marina

More than 24 Outer Banks fishing charters call Pirates Cove Marina home, making it a premier destination for experienced, world-class boat crews.

These charters focus on tuna, dolphin, wahoo, and marlin, while other species can be caught as well. It is a great place for fishing all year round, though it does also peak during the summer months.

Oden’s Dock

Oden’s Dock, located in the fishing village of Hatteras, is the true sportsman’s paradise. It offers a wide range of charters and head boat fishing, along with great dining opportunities.

The waters around the marina are excellent for many species of fish, with easy access to the Gulf Stream and deep ocean waters, making the monster tuna and kingfish go-to catches.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

The Oregon Inlet Fishing center boasts of having the most modern charter fleet in the Outer Banks, with a full-service dock and easy access to prime Outer Banks fishing water.

Mahi-mahi are a summertime favorite, along with the yellowfin tuna and kingfish, though there is easy access to deeper waters for the bluefin during the winter months.

Albemarle Sound

Albemarle Sound is considered to be the biggest and most productive sound in the Outer Banks area. It’s a popular spot for flounder, as well as striped bass and catfish, among other freshwater species. Also, because it is extremely shallow, some larger species do come to the sound to spawn.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape Hatteras, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters in Outer Banks

These Outer Banks-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Captain Froggy’s Charter Fishing	Manteo, NC
Riptide Fishing Charters	Wanchese, NC
X-Spearmint Sportfishing	Manteo, NC
Poacher Sportfishing	Nags Head, NC
Vicarious Charters	Manteo, NC
Godspeed Charters	Hatteras, NC
Outcast Fishing Charters OBX	Wanchese, NC
Chasin’ Tyde Charters	Manteo, NC
Blue Chip Sportfishing	Manteo, NC
Captain Duke Charters	Nags Head, NC
Croatan Charters – Crab & Shrimp	Manns Harbor, NC
OBX Inshore Fishing – Stumpy Point	Manteo, NC
Waymaker Charters	Wanchese, NC

Outer Banks Species Breakdown

Now that we have looked at the different times and charter options available, we’re going to break down each of the major species you might find while fishing Outer Banks.

Redfish (Red Drum)

Redfish are the king of the shallow water. The smaller of the species, known as “puppy drum,” are sought after for their sweet, flaky meat while the bigger bulls are tough and aggressive, offering anglers of any experience level a good fight.

There are two main seasons for the redfish, the first goes from March to June and the second goes from September to December in the Outer Banks. You’ll find you can catch the redfish at any time of the day. Remember, all redfish under 18 inches and over 27 inches must be caught and released.

Mahi Mahi

The dolphin fish, known as Mahi Mahi, can be fished all year long, meaning there is no closed season. However, you will soon find there are certain times of the year which prove to be more successful.

The peak season for mahi mahi in the Outer Banks tends to be between May and August when double-digit catches are known to happen each trip out.

If booking a charter for fishing Outer Banks, you will want to book a full-day trip as the Mahi Mahi are more commonly found in the deeper waters of the Gulf Stream.

Cobia

The Cobia are known for making the local wrecks their home. They are more commonly caught in the springtime with July and August being their peak season. They tend to move on right as fall begins.

If Cobia is what you’re after, they are best caught by chumming the water. They are a very curious fish so will come to inspect what has been dropped in the water, often equating to a catch. Be ready though; cobia are a very aggressive fish.

Flounder

Every seafood eater knows the good taste of the flounder, making them one of the most sought-after species in Outer Banks. However, they are one of the more regulated species.

The season for flounder is short in the Outer Banks, August and September (though it can change year to year.) But the fishing during those months is supreme, with the ability to land multiple keepers each day.

King Mackerel

Also known as the kingfish, King Mackerel can be caught all year round in the Outer Banks. However, it is more common to land a larger fish during the winter season, between December and March. This means the weather will play a major role in your trip’s success.

When going for the kingfish, be ready for a fight. As soon as they hit the fight is on and does not stop until the fish is in the boat. There is a limit of three king mackerel per person.

Wahoo

Like many other species available in Outer Banks, the wahoo has no closed season. Its peak time is often between July and September.

The wahoo are sought after for their taste, but many like to catch them because of the fight they give. They are especially known for their fast runs after the initial hit, giving anglers the exciting feeling of hearing their reels come screaming to life.

Tuna

There are two major species of tuna in Outer Banks, the Yellowfin and Bluefin, though other species of tuna can be caught. However, each has their own peak times of the year.

Yellowfin tuna are known for their splash-ups, giving anglers a show as they jump out of the water when hitting the lure. Be ready, though, as the yellowfin will go deep quick.

They can be caught all year round with their peak times being between April and November. In the winter months, though, they do tend to seek out warmer waters.

Bluefin tuna are the giants of Outer Banks, with many catches in the 300–800-pound range. While there is no off-season, it is likely you will only catch a bluefin during the months of January to March in the Outer Banks, making bluefin tuna fishing trips some of the more treacherous.

The winter season brings with it unpredictable weather so finding a fishing charter with the right equipment will be key to your trip’s safety and success.

If you want to know the best times to fish in Virginia Beach (just a short drive up the coast), please check out this helpful article. If you want to know the best times to fish in Ocean City, please check out this helpful article.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape Fear, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Beaufort, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Emerald Isle, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Booking Charters in Outer Banks

When fishing the Outer Banks, knowing when and where the fish will be is key to a successful adventure; that is when having an experienced guide makes all the difference. With trips departing from all the major marinas across the Islands, you won’t have any trouble finding an experienced guide; the trouble is finding the best time to go when availability is open.

Recommended Fishing Charters in the Outer Banks

Captain Froggy’s Charter Fishing (Manteo, NC)
Half-Fast Sportfishing (Wanchese, NC)
Seas The Day NC (Hatteras, NC)
Cutawhiskie Charters (Wanchese, NC)
Poacher Sportfishing (Nags Head, NC)
X-Spearmint Sportfishing (Manteo, NC)
Carrisma Sportfishing (Wanchese, NC)
Riptide Charters (Wanchese, NC)

Best season to book Outer Banks Fishing Charter

The summer months are considered to be the peak months of the Outer Bank’s fishing season. From marlin and sailfish to tuna and mahi-mahi, the bite is strongest during these months. That makes the summer season the busiest, and likely most expensive, time to fish with a charter in Outer Banks. That being said, there are alternatives.

For example, the winter season, especially in February, is the best time to go after the bluefin tuna. While many other species head to warmer waters the bluefin shows up offshore, and in droves. Plus, the seabass is in season north of Cape Hatteras. Yet, the most often overlooked season for fishing the Outer Banks is following Labor Day.

As the tourist season closes, cooler weather begins its move-in. However, offshore the Gulf Stream is still hot. Therefore, many species remain making this one of the best times to book a charter in the Outer Banks, and likely one of the best values of the year.

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic to create your combo.

For a complete breakdown of the best charters in the Outer Banks, check out this helpful article I wrote.

Best length for booking Outer Banks fishing charter

Because these barrier islands already sit miles into the Atlantic Ocean, they are already in deep waters. Therefore, you can be just as successful on a half-day charter as you can be on a full-day charter. Let’s compare the different trip lengths available for fishing charters in Outer Banks.

Pro tip: While fishing licenses are required in North Carolina, many of the fishing charters carry an “umbrella license” which covers any person fishing onboard their boat.

½ Day Trip

Half-day fishing charters are the most common in Outer Banks, therefore they have the most competition for available slots. They offer the same access to many great fish without having to spend all day on the water, making it a great option for trips which will include children or those who might not have all day to spend out on the water.

Though you are in deep water already, some of the trophy fish live an hour’s trip or more away, making it less likely to catch a monster on just a half-day trip. But, if your goal is to have fun and fill the boat at the same time, a half-day trip will do just that.

Full Day

If you are more in the market for landing the next trophy fish, a full-day trip should be considered a requirement. These trips often allow for more travel time, allowing you to get out into the truly deep waters of the Outer Banks Gulf Stream, where the giants of the billfish and tuna call home.

A full-day trip is considerably more expensive when compared to a half-day trip, but with many charters allowing up to 6 people in a group, you can easily split the cost to make it affordable. Don’t forget to prepare the drinks and food beforehand as many charters do not provide these.

Multi-Day Charters

While not as common in Outer Banks, a multi-day fishing charter trip can be scheduled for those looking for a true adventure.

In truth, though, what many captains will do is allow you to book multiple days yet come back to the marina each night and not have overnight lodging on board during the trip. Many anglers prefer going this route over spending the night at sea.

Best Time of Day to book Outer Banks Fishing Charter

Knowing when to go fishing is often the biggest contributor to any successful fishing trip, but especially one in Outer Banks.

Morning

When it comes to fishing charters in Outer Banks, many will head out at or before the first light. This is mainly because many species of fish tend to be feeding at this time, often before 9 am. Therefore, the captain will want to get you out on the water and into their favorite fishing holes as quickly as possible in hopes of landing your next big one.

The downfall to this time, however, is the competition to find a charter during this time of the day. Because it is the best time, many anglers will choose this time to go out on the waters.

Afternoon

The afternoon is often the time of day many anglers are packing it in. So, if you are a serious fisherman with an extreme amount of patience, this may just be the best time for you.

While it is not as common as leaving in the morning, there are charters you can book that leave later in the morning, usually, around 11 am, to be out in the deep waters in the afternoon. During this time, you are more likely to land a bigger fish as they are often still.

The downfall, however, is fishing in the afternoon during the summer months; it does get hot. Many charters, though, will have covered areas or indoor cabins you can escape to and get out of the heat while the lines are not in the water.

Outer Banks Fishing & Tidal Impacts

Being miles out in the ocean means the tides play a large impact on fishing the Outer Banks, though their impact on charter fishing is minimal. If you are surf fishing, the best time to fish is during high tide. This allows you to reach deeper waters with casting; low tide is generally not a good time to surf fish.

The tides do affect the fish in deeper waters, though. The tides cause movement in the waters. The increase in current causes the smaller baitfish to become more active. This, in turn, makes the predatory species active as they are feeding. Finding a guide who knows the tides can be the difference between success or failure for your trip.

Storms & Outer Banks Fishing

Being out on the ocean does bring with it some problems; namely the storm and hurricane season. While weather in the Outer Banks is often pleasant during the summer months, it can be somewhat unpredictable. This is only heightened during the other seasons as storms and hurricanes often bear down on the islands.

The geography of the islands is ever-changing as well. Hurricanes will often create new inlets, such as Hurricane Isabel did in 2003. This can greatly alter the habits of fish in the area, sometimes permanently.

Best Time of day to Fish Outer Banks

Your desired style of fishing will play an important role in determining when during the day is best to fish Outer Banks. For example, if you are surf fishing, you might find the morning hours before 9 am are best both due to the tide and the fact there are fewer people on the beach.

Morning time is also good for charter fishing as many of the species you will be going for are predator species, meaning they will be feeding primarily during this time. Morning is also a great time to go out on a charter due to the temperature, especially during the peak summer season.

Is Winter Fishing in Outer Banks any good?

The winter weather in Outer Banks can be greatly unpredictable. However, if you do find an opening, winter is the best time to go for the giant bluefin tuna.

While other species can be caught during the winter season, the bluefin is by far the most popular, but they aren’t called the giants of the sea for no reason; they can range between 300-800-pounds on average. However, with the right crew and equipment, it will for sure be the chance of a lifetime.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Chesapeake Bay, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Carolina Beach, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Topsail Beach, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in North Carolina, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

For a complete breakdown of the fishing charter costs in the Outer Banks, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Holden Beach, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch pompano in North Carolina, check out this guide.