Over the last 70 years, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center has earned legendary status for its celebrated charter fishing fleet and proximity to the best fishing grounds. It earned this reputation as a no-frills facility, but big changes in 2024 have brought modernizations and upgrades to match its iconic status. A beautiful new, climate-resistant, two-story building elevated 11 above ground is now home to a retail area and tackle shop run by Oceans East Bait & Tackle, a new restaurant called Sea Chef Kitchen, a dedicated charter reservation area and an event room.
First and foremost, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is all about making memories on the water. A fleet of 48 boats offers a variety of fishing excursions at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center year round (weather permitting). Nearshore, inshore vessels offer half-day or full-day trips, while the headboat, Miss Oregon Inlet II, offers a choice of morning or afternoon inlet/sound fishing. Offshore vessels travel to the Gulf Stream, where anglers enjoy a full day on the water going for billfish, tuna, mahi mahi and more, depending on the season. Make-up charters are available if you don't have a full party. Anglers aboard charters do not need to purchase fishing licenses, and all tackle and bait are provided. The newest boat at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is The Safari, a dolphin-watching inlet/sound tour offering cruises daily. Even if you're not fishing or going out on the water, watching the boats come in with their catches is fine entertainment. Come to the docks between 3 and 5 p.m. and you'll see the day's catches being unloaded. Be sure to check out the world-record blue marlin replica mount (caught in 1974) displayed in an outdoor case, and take a photo of your group in front of a record-setting 805-pound bluefin tuna replica mount caught in 2011.
Come inside the tackle shop and retail store for a wide selection of bait, tackle, fishing and boating gear, hardware, sunglasses, apparel and footwear, souvenirs and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center apparel. Check out their online store too. Sea Chef Kitchen, provides counter service with indoor and outdoor seating, take-out and grab-and-go meals for charters.
Boaters can launch boats at the nearby NPS boat ramp, which has five launching lanes, courtesy docks and about 75 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers. Oregon Inlet Fishing Center sells fuel for boats (gas and diesel). Other services include air for reinflating your tires after driving on the beach, clean restrooms and ample parking. You'll find Oregon Inlet Fishing Center 8 miles south of Whalebone Junction in Nags Head.
