Where to Fish on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Nestled between the vast Atlantic Ocean and the sheltered waters of Pamlico Sound, Ocracoke Island is a prime fishing spot in North Carolina's Outer Banks. The island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a remote string of barrier islands where visitors can go fishing, take a swim, hike along the beach or pitch a tent within footsteps of the ocean.

  1. Atlantic Surf Fishing

    • Ocracoke Island is about 15 miles long, with undeveloped beaches along its entire southeast-facing Atlantic coast. The beach is completely open to fishing, and surf fishermen routinely catch mullet, red drum, black drum, bluefish, sea trout, spot, croaker and mackerel. The underwater landscape shifts constantly with the wind and waves, so the best fishing spots are always changing, which can make them hard to find. The northern and southern ends of the island, where inlets link the Atlantic Ocean to Pamlico Sound, are routinely productive, and the sections of beach near the Ocracoke Campground can also provide good surf fishing. In general, look for spots with underwater structures like rocks, drop-offs, or trenches that set the area apart from the surrounding water. The first hours of a rising or falling tide are often the best time to fish.

    Fishing Pamlico Sound

    • On the interior side of Ocracoke Island, the rich waters of Pamlico Sound provide breeding and hunting grounds for dozens of fish species. Shore access is more limited on this side of the island, but the secluded waters are perfect for fishing from a small boat. Drift baits along the edges of holes, channels and inlets for flounder, or cast around grass beds and oyster bars for drum and trout. On a calm, sunny day the water is often clear enough for sight fishing, allowing anglers armed with a pair of polarized sunglasses to cruise slowly along the sound and cast directly to feeding game fish. An undeveloped launch site north of the Okracoke Campground provides a place to hand-launch sea kayaks and car-top boats, and you can put larger craft in the water at the Anchorage Inn and Marina.

    Getting Around

    • No roads lead to Ocracoke Island, but there are quite a few ways to get there, including several ferry services that take passengers as well as vehicles. The Hatteras-Ocracoke Free Ferry makes the trip several times a day. Reservations are not available, but as its name suggests, the ferry is free of charge. The Cedar Island Ferry and Swan Quarter Ferry are two additional options, though a fee is charged for both, and reservations are recommended. You can also take your own private boat to Ocracoke Island, or charter a small plane to land at the Ocracoke Island Airport. Once there, the island is small enough to explore by bicycle. Bikes are available for rent in Ocracoke Village, where the ferries arrive. If you prefer to drive, North Carolina Highway 12 travels the length of the island, paralleling the beach and leading to many of the best fishing spots.

    Be Sure You Know

    • Spring and fall are the best fishing seasons on Ocracoke Island, particularly for big game fish near shore, but productive fishing is available year-round, with the possible exception of January and February. A current North Carolina coastal recreational fishing license is required. You can purchase a license at bait shops and at various other retailers across the state, including Tradewinds Tackle on Ocracoke Island. You can also buy your license online through the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries website. Statewide angling regulations are in effect, and a complete guide to North Carolina fishing laws is available online and where licenses are sold.