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Fishing
The Outer Banks offers a multitude of fishing options for tourists as well as locals. [1] There has been a long history of fishing in the Outer Banks, dating back to the end of the 17th century. [2] Pirates ravaged the coast for the majority of the 1600s, but once they were ridden, the local settlers used fishing as their lifeline. [2] Then, in the mid-19th century, large-scale commercial fishing erupted, mostly due to the construction of the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, which simplified shipping methods for fishermen. [2] Saltwater fishing became the cash-crop of the Outer Banks, and blossomed it into a popular tourist destination. [2] In modern times, tourists will flock to the area just for the abundance of fishing opportunities. [1] Anglers, otherwise knows as fishermen, have a wide-range of fishing methods, some of these methods date back to when the first settlers arrived, to choose from in the Outer Banks. [2]
Fly Fishing was brought about in the 1950s when modern fly fishing experts like, Joe Brooks and Jimmy Albright, were successfully catching a variety of gamefish on the flats of the Florida Keys and on the Currituck Sound, which is included in the stretch of the Outer Banks. [3] Modern fly fishers in the Outer Banks pursue a variety of gamefish from Red Drum, to Marlin and Tuna. [3]
Brackish Fishing This is a separate type of fishing than complete saltwater because of the abundance of new species that are able to live in brackish water. [4] The Outer Banks has multiple Sounds that receive water from the Atlantic Ocean and many North Carolina fresh-water rivers, creating an estuary for many types of fish including, Striped Bass, Puppy Drum, and Speckled Trout. [4]
Offshore fishing Thriving in the Outer Banks, this is the type of fishing this area is known for. [1] Offshore fishing is the method of heading out to sea to the Gulf Stream, where giant species of fish like Billfish, Tuna and Dolphin lurk. [5] Anglers can book charters or use their own personal boat, but a larger boat is necessary to reach the deep water where the big fish are prevalent. [1]
Inshore fishing is when guides local to the Outer Banks will escort new anglers around the area to sounds and piers where they are guaranteed a catch. [6] Whether the customer is a novice or veteran with their fishing skills, the inshore guide is someone that is there to help.[6]
Pier Fishing The Outer Banks is one of the few coastal areas left with more than one fishing pier along the coast, so anglers attract to the area for an opportunity to pier fish. [7] Pier Fishing is an easy way for anglers to get a little off-shore mixed with some inshore fishing.[7] It is where fishermen can catch any type of fish they please, as long as it is the season for it. [7]
The Outer Banks is a popular destination for bottom fish like Spot and Mullet, these two fish are caught throughout the year.[8] The peak for fishing bottom and top water feeders is early to the middle of May.[8] If the angler is solely searching for top water fish then late May and June would be the ideal time to fish, especially if they are searching for Mackerel.[8] In the offseason, or winter months, the true fishermen are out searching for Trout, Sea Bass, Bluefish, Bluefin Tuna, Oysters, King Mackerel, Bay Scallops, and Striped Bass.[5] In the spring, the popular catches are Grouper, Sea Trout, Sea Bass, Bluefish, Bluefin and Yellowfin tuna, Oysters, Snapper, Striped Bass, Red Drum, Croaker, Sea Mullet, King Mackerel, and Wahoo [5] Late Spring and the beginning of summer is the favored time for top-water fish to move-in to the coastal waters near the Outer Banks, because of the warming waters and the increased visibility in the water [8] The top water fish can see baitfish easily due to the decrease in murky water [8] Plus they will start to migrate back North as the coastal waters to the south become too hot, the waters farther North will warm to their desired temperatures. [8] Yet, in the prime tourist season of the summer, fishermen and many tourists have plenty of game options such as Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Dolphin, Wahoo, Cobia, King Mackerel, Bluefish, Tuna, Flounder, Snapper, Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, Crabs, Soft Crabs, Shrimp, Spot, Croaker, Sailfish, and Sea Mullet. [1] As the tourists leave the Outer Banks in the fall, the steadfast fishermen are still out searching for Snapper, Channel Bass, Bluefish, King Mackerel, Grouper, Tuna, Oysters, Striped Bass, Sea Mullet, Spot, Clams, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Shrimp. [1] The prime season for fall fishing is late September to October 23rd. [8] Though the water is more turbulent and murky due to the strong northeast prevailing winds, there is still some big game fish left. [8] Most of these fish are vacating back to the South for the warm waters. [1] This makes it a prime time for smaller bottom fish who love to feed in murky, colder water. [8]