Offshore Charter Fishing
This is the big-time fishing the Outer Banks is known for. Off-shore fishing means heading out to sea to the Gulf Stream, where giant species of fish like billfish, tuna and dolphin lurk. Off-shore charter boats are big business on the Outer Banks, and they command at least $1,200 to $1,500 a day plus a tip for the mate. However, the boats can take up to six anglers per trip, so if you divide the cost among six people it doesn’t seem so outrageous. Because the journey to the Gulf Stream is an hour or more, off-shore charters last a full day, starting at around 5 a.m. All you need to bring is food, drinks, sunscreen and seasickness remedies; the captain and mate supply everything else and offer any instruction you need. You can book an off-shore charter through one of the local marinas (see the list below). Charter boats are located close to the inlets for easy access to the ocean; since there are no inlets on the northern Outer Banks there are no charter boats there either. Fish-cleaning services are offered at each marina.
In-shore Guides
If you really want to increase your odds of catching a fish, it pays to hire a guide. These are people who are out on the water every day, and they know where the fish are and how to catch them. In-shore guides typically fish in the sounds, inlets or near-shore waters and offer light-tackle or fly-fishing trips. They’ll take you out for a half day or a full day. You can find an in-shore guide through a tackle shop or a marina (see the list below). If you’re new to fishing, tell that to the booking agent, and they will be able to recommend a guide who is skilled at instructing new anglers.
Headboat Fishing
This is a great way to fish if you’re new to fishing, if you don’t have all the tackle you need or if you just want an easy day on the water. Head boats are large boats that take out a lot of people at once, and they provide all the bait and tackle, plus a helpful mate. Head boats take passengers on bottom-fishing trips either in the sound or in the near-shore ocean waters and wrecks. Head boats are great for kids because there are restrooms and snacks onboard, and they offer half-day trips. Look for the head boats in the list of boats below.
Avon Pier
