Whether you’re hitting the sound for red drum or heading out nearshore for Spanish mackerel, fishing in the Outer Banks is all about timing. You’ve got to know what’s running, what the water’s doing, and what the fish are feeding on if you want to have any luck. And the weather, the tides, and the seasons all come into play.
Anyone who’s spent time fishing from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras knows that what works in April won’t cut it in November. The fish move, and so do you.
Doesn’t matter whether you’re taking the family out for a day on the sound or heading nearshore with a couple of buddies, being aware of our local patterns can make the difference between a quiet day and a full cooler. And with the waters we’ve got—from Pamlico Sound to the Atlantic—there’s plenty of water to cover throughout the year.
This calendar will give you the rundown, month by month, so you’ll know what to expect when you get out there. You’ll find tips on bait, common spots, and even the shifts in fish behavior as the seasons change. We’re talking local knowledge—what works out here on these waters. If you’re looking to make the most of each month, this’ll help keep your rod bent and your cooler full.
The Outer Banks Fishing Calendar: Your Year-Round Guide
January
Cold, Clear, and Drum-Focused
Inshore
The new year in the Outer Banks is crisp. January often brings cold, clear water, with temperatures hovering in the 40s and 50s. It’s a quiet time of year, but for inshore fishing, the cold weather drives red drum, speckled trout, and black drum into deeper holes and creeks where the water is a bit warmer.
The fish are sluggish, so you don’t need to bother with fast-moving lures. Light tackle with soft plastics or cut bait like shrimp works good for coaxing a bite. Dropping bait into deeper pockets, especially around creeks and inlets like the ones near Manteo or the back bays of Roanoke Island, is where you’ll find them.
In January, the midday sun can warm the shallow waters just enough to get the bite going, so don’t rush to hit the water at dawn. A later start can sometimes pay off when the fish are looking to move into slightly warmer zones as the day heats up.
Nearshore
In January, striped bass (or rockfish as they’re often called around here) are the main attraction in the nearshore waters. The cold doesn’t bother them one bit—in fact, they thrive in it. With water temps dipping into the 40s and 50s, rockfish tend to school up, especially around structures like bridges and near the inlets. Oregon Inlet is a prime spot this time of year, with boats lined up to troll for these fish.
Trolling large swimbaits or deep jigging around the channels and ledges is a solid approach. Rockfish tend to stick to deeper waters during the colder months, so you’ll want to get your bait down to where they’re holding. Slow and steady retrieves work best, as the fish are a bit sluggish in the colder water. Don’t forget to watch your electronics closely—finding a school of rockfish can mean quick action once you get your bait in front of them.
Local bait shops will often recommend large soft plastics or bucktail jigs, rigged with fresh cut bait like menhaden or mullet. The key is getting the bait deep enough to reach those big schools that hang out near the bottom. And if you can get out there on a calmer day, you’ll have a much better chance of staying on the fish without fighting rough seas.
February
Still Chilly, but Full of Promise
Inshore
February feels a lot like January. The fish are still lethargic, hanging around the deeper pockets, so this month is an extension of winter tactics, with live shrimp or soft plastics on a jighead still being the go-to for targeting red drum and speckled trout inshore.
Focus on working the deeper creeks and channels, especially where you know there’s structure—old docks, submerged timber, or oyster beds are ideal. Local spots like the inlets around Wanchese or the shallower creeks near the soundside of Nags Head can hold some quality fish if you’re willing to take your time. Fish slow and be patient, and you might find that trophy trout you’ve been waiting for.
Nearshore
Striped bass are still the main target, especially around Oregon Inlet and near the bridges. Troll slowly and keep your lines deep, because rockfish often hold close to the bottom, especially near structure.
Trolling at a slow pace with big swimbaits or live eels is a solid strategy. Though some folks prefer to use umbrella rigs or deep-diving plugs, which can cover more ground and imitate a small school of baitfish. You might have to put in some time, but when you hook into a big rockfish, it’s worth it.
Another tip: pay attention to the tide. Striped bass tend to feed more actively when the water is moving, so fishing during an incoming or outgoing tide can give you better results.
March
The Warmup Begins
Inshore
March sees temperatures start to climb into the 50s, and the water is beginning to warm up—slowly, but surely. Black drum and red drum start to get more active, and you’ll see bluefish making their first appearance of the year, especially around inlets.
This is when the local knowledge you get from local Outer Banks fishing charters can really come in handy, because knowing the warmest pockets of water, especially near structure like docks or bridges, can give you a major advantage in March. Remember that small crabs, shrimp, or cut mullet are effective baits for a wide range of species this month.
Nearshore
Striped bass are still around, but you’ll start to see bluefish mixed in. If you can find schools of baitfish, you’ll find blues crashing the surface. Gotcha plugs, and diamond jigs are great options for targeting them. Cast right into the commotion, and it won’t take long before you’re hooked up.
One tip—use a wire leader or heavier mono because bluefish have sharp teeth and can easily cut through lighter lines. Keep an eye on the birds, too. Seagulls diving into the water often means baitfish are getting chased, and that’s where the blues will be. When the action starts, it’s fast-paced, so be prepared for some quick hookups.
April
Spring Fishing in Full Swing
Inshore
By April, the air warms up into the 60s, and the water quickly follows. Inshore fishing picks up with a wide variety of species becoming active. Red drum, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead are all on the menu. This is prime time for light tackle fishing. Soft plastics, live shrimp, and fiddler crabs are go-to baits for just about everything inshore. Areas like the flats around Hatteras or the creeks near Oregon Inlet are good spots to explore this time of year.
For black drum and sheepshead, bait fishing with live shrimp or fiddler crabs near structure—like pilings or oyster beds—is your best bet. Sheepshead love to hang out around docks and bridge pilings, nibbling away at barnacles, so getting your bait tight to the structure is key. They have a subtle bite, so be ready to set the hook quickly.
Flounder also begin to pick up in April, especially along sandy bottoms and near drop-offs. A slow-moving bait like a jig or live minnow bounced along the bottom can be irresistible to them.
Nearshore
April is all about bluefish, sea mullet, and triggerfish. Bluefish are incredibly aggressive this time of year, hitting just about anything shiny that you throw at them. Just like in March, watch for birds diving on bait schools—that’s your signal to cast into the fray.
Sea mullet, also known as whiting, are another great target in April. They’re typically caught on bottom rigs with small pieces of shrimp or sand fleas as bait. Outer Banks fishermen will tell you that fishing the sloughs and cuts in the surf, especially near the piers, is where you’ll find some of the biggest sea mullet.
Triggerfish can be found around nearshore wrecks and are best targeted with shrimp or squid. The wrecks off Hatteras or just south of Oregon Inlet are good places to anchor up and drop bait.
May
Cobia Season Arrives
Inshore
May is a month that many Outer Banks fishermen look forward to—especially for the late arrival of cobia. These powerful fish are the talk of the area when they show up, and they demand heavy gear. Before cobia make their yearly debut, the inshore waters are already filled with red drum— which can be found tailing in the shallow flats or cruising around the marshes, hitting soft plastics, live shrimp, or cut bait. (They’re a little more aggressive in May—the water temperature makes them more active.)
Speckled trout can be found especially in the creek mouths and along grassy shorelines. They’ll go after topwater lures early in the morning when the water’s calm, which can make for some exciting strikes. Pompano also start to show up in better numbers this month, especially in the surf zones and around the piers.
Late May marks a change in the season, with the waters usually warming up to around 70 degrees, making inshore fishing more productive overall.
Nearshore
Cobia, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish are the prime targets. OBX fishermen troll for Spanish mackerel using small spoons or throw out live bait rigs for cobia, who love hanging around nearshore wrecks and buoys. If you’re targeting cobia, try using live eels, menhaden, or crabs. Some fishermen go with a live bait rig with a large circle hook, casting near structure where cobia like to hover. Keep an eye out, too—cobia will sometimes show up right at the surface.
Spanish mackerel love to hit anything fast and shiny, so trolling small spoons or Clarkspoons behind planers or diving weights tends to have success. You want to keep your trolling speed up—around 5 to 7 knots—because Spanish are all about chasing down their prey. They’re fast, and when they hit, they hit hard.
Tip: If you’re on a stretch of water where the blues and Spanish are mixing, stick with smaller spoons or jigs to cover both species in one go.
June
Full-On Fishing Action
Inshore
By June, the weather is great—and the fishing is, too. Inshore, you’ll find red drum, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and pompano all actively feeding. The water temperatures are perfect for early morning and late evening fishing, with topwater lures being especially effective for trout.
Speckled trout love the conditions in June. The warmer water has them feeding more aggressively, especially early in the morning when topwater lures come into play. Tossing a Zara Spook or similar lure into calm, shallow waters can trigger some explosive strikes. Focus on areas with grassy bottoms or around creek mouths where the water is moving.
Red drum are cruising the flats and grass beds, and in June, they’re ready to hit a variety of baits. You can fish live shrimp, soft plastics, or even cut bait to bring them in. They’re more aggressive now, so you’ll have better luck during the low light of early morning or late evening.
Tip: If you’re wading in the shallow waters near the islands or marshes, you’ll likely see reds tailing.
Sheepshead are still clinging to pilings and other structure, feeding on barnacles and crustaceans. Fishing with fiddler crabs right up against dock pilings or bridge supports is the way to pull them out. They’re notorious nibblers, so you’ve got to be quick on the hookset. Fishing near Oregon Inlet Bridge or around the docks at Wanchese can often yield some nice-sized sheepshead.
Nearshore
June nearshore fishing is all about cobia, Spanish mackerel, and the big boys—king mackerel and amberjack (AKA “reef donkeys”). With the weather warming up, you’ll want to hit the water early before the heat gets too brutal. If you’re after kings and Spanish, trolling is the way to go. Live bait like menhaden or cigar minnows works great, but if you want to keep things simple, flashy spoons trolled behind planers will get the job done too. Kings hit hard and fast, so when you get a strike, be ready for that reel to scream.
Sharks are also in the mix during June, and they’ll take a variety of baits, but fresh cut fish works best. It’s not uncommon to hook into a big one while trolling for kings, especially if you’re in deeper water.
July
Summer Heat and Steady Action
Inshore
Fishing in The Outer Banks really heats up in July, and so does the fishing. You’ll be sweating by noon, but the fish don’t mind. Inshore, croaker and spot join the usual suspects of red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. These smaller fish are great for filling the cooler, and local bait shops will tell you that fresh shrimp or bloodworms are the ticket. Drop a bottom rig with small hooks near the piers or along the sound, and if you find the right spot, you can pull in fish all day.
Pompano are still around in good numbers in July, especially in the surf. They’re a bit more selective, but they love sand fleas and shrimp fished close to the bottom. Look for areas where the waves break near sandbars or cuts in the surf. That’s where they tend to feed.
Of course, the bigger inshore fish like red drum, flounder, and speckled trout are still active in July, though you’ll have better luck targeting them early before the summer heat drives them into deeper water. Red drum will often be found cruising the flats and marshes, while speckled trout can still be coaxed into striking topwater lures in the cooler parts of the day.
July is a great time to get the family out on the water, as the action is steady and the fish are biting. (Just don’t forget to pack plenty of water, because the Outer Banks sun isn’t forgiving this time of year!)
Nearshore
It’s a mixed bag nearshore—Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and amberjack dominate the waters.
The key to success in July is getting an early start. The bigger fish, especially kings and cobia, tend to bite best in the cool hours of the morning before the midday heat makes them sluggish. Spanish schools can be found in open water, but often they’re closer to shore, so you don’t need to run far to find them.
For king mackerel, live bait is hard to beat. Cigar minnows, menhaden, or bluefish rigged on stinger hooks work wonders. Troll these baits deep using planers or downriggers to reach kings that are hanging out below the surface. They love to lurk near structure, so wrecks, reefs, and even channel edges are all solid places to drag your baits.
Amberjack are still hanging around the nearshore wrecks, and they’ll hit live bait or jigs. If you hook one, be ready for a battle—they’ll dive deep and put your tackle to the test. You can find them around the same wrecks where you’re targeting kings, so it’s a good idea to have a rod rigged for both species.
Cobia may still pop up near buoys and structure, especially in deeper water, so keep an eye out.
August
The Heat Persists
Inshore
August is more of the same—hot weather, hot fishing. Inshore species remain active, and croaker, spot, and flounder are plentiful. If you’re wading the flats, you can expect red drum to be cruising the shallows, especially in the mornings and late afternoons when the water’s cooler. You can often see them tailing in the flats, giving you a clear sign that they’re there. Soft plastics or live bait fished near the grass beds or marshes will draw them in. Focus on quiet, shallow waters where the drum are feeding on crabs and baitfish.
If you’re fishing the beaches near Duck or south toward Avon, pompano will keep you busy this month. They like hanging around the surf zone, and shrimp or sand fleas fished close to the bottom are your best bet to land a few. Pompano are feisty fighters for their size, and their numbers stay strong through August, especially in the deeper holes just past the breakers. Whether you’re fishing the beaches near Duck or south toward Avon, pompano will keep your rod bending.
Croaker, spot, and flounder stick reliably to their usual haunts—croaker and spot prefer the soundside waters, flounder lie in wait near sandy bottoms and creek mouths. The heat may push the fish into deeper pockets as the day gets later, but early mornings and evenings provide plenty of opportunities to land a mix of species.
Nearshore
Sharks are thick nearshore in August, so if you’re looking for a fight, now’s your chance. King mackerel and Spanish mackerel are still around in good numbers, and amberjack continue to school around the wrecks. So if you’re after a day of big bites and heavy fights, there’s plenty to keep you busy nearshore, even in the heat of summer.
September
Cooling Down, Transitioning
Inshore
September signals a shift in the Outer Banks as the air cools and the water temperature starts to drop. Red drum, speckled trout, and black drum begin to move out of the deeper waters and back into the creeks and flats. The fishing is excellent, and lighter crowds mean more space to fish.
You’ll find speckled trout around grassy shorelines, creek mouths, and oyster beds, feeding on baitfish like mullet and shrimp. This is a great time to break out the topwater lures early in the morning, especially when the water’s calm. As the day goes on, switching to soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork will keep the bite going.
Flounder are also feeding heavily in preparation for their migration offshore. They’re stacking up along the channels, inlets, and sandy drop-offs, taking advantage of the abundant bait to fatten up before heading out to deeper waters. If you’re looking to enjoy some excellent fishing without the summer crowds, now’s the time to get out there.
Nearshore
In September, king mackerel and Spanish mackerel remain the main focus for nearshore fishing charters. They’re still hitting live baits and spoons, making trolling a productive strategy. King mackerel love to hang around the structure and drop-offs, so if you’re working near a wreck or a ledge, your chances of landing a big one are solid. Spanish mackerel are schooling up and feeding aggressively, especially in the mornings. They’ll nail anything shiny or fast-moving, so keep the trolling speed up and stick with small spoons or jigs.
But what really spices things up in September is the arrival of false albacore. These little tunas can suddenly show up, crashing through bait schools with reckless abandon. They’re fast, and when they hit, it’s a thrill on light tackle. False albacore aren’t picky—they’ll hit small metal jigs, soft plastics, or even flies if you’re into that. They put up an impressive fight for their size, and chasing them down as they tear through bait schools is some of the most fun you can have nearshore.
Keep an eye out for birds working the surface. If you see gulls or terns diving, chances are false albacore are pushing the bait to the top.
October
Drum Run
Inshore
October is arguably the best month for fishing in the Outer Banks, particularly for red drum. Large schools of drum move through the inlets and along the surf providing world-class action. Drum in the 40- to 50-pound range aren’t uncommon, so make sure your gear can handle the fight. October’s drum run is some of the best fishing you’ll find not just in North Carolina, but anywhere along the East Coast.
Speckled trout are also feeding heavily as they prepare for the cooler months ahead. They’re drawn to the creeks, grassy flats, and marshes, feeding on shrimp and baitfish. Topwater lures in the morning will trigger explosive strikes, and later in the day, soft plastics or shrimp under a popping cork will keep them biting.
Black drum are also active in October, tending to hang around structure, like bridges, docks, and oyster beds, feeding on crabs and shellfish. Using live shrimp or small crabs fished tight to structure will bring them in.
Flounder are still biting inshore, though they’re starting to thin out as they prepare for their offshore migration. They’re still feeding heavily in October, so targeting sandy bottoms, drop-offs, and nearshore channels with jigs or live bait will yield good results.
Nearshore
King mackerel and Spanish mackerel are still hanging around in October, but once false albacore show up, they’re the stars of the show. Albies are fast, powerful, and pound-for-pound, some of the most fun you’ll have on light tackle. They school up in big numbers, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop.
October nearshore fishing is when false albacore take center stage. Sure, king mackerel and Spanish mackerel are still hanging around, but once those albies show up, they’re the main targets. They’re fast, powerful, and pound-for-pound, some of the most fun you’ll have on light tackle. They school up in big numbers, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop.
False albacore love to crash the surface, chasing schools of baitfish with incredible speed. You’ll know they’re there when you see bait spraying out of the water and birds diving into the chaos. Cast small metal jigs, soft plastics, or even flies into the mix, and hold on tight.
November
The Big Trout Show
Inshore
As the water cools into the low 60s, speckled trout take center stage. November is prime time for targeting trout in the sound and creeks. The big ones are feeding aggressively, especially in the sound and creeks, where they find warmer pockets of water. Doesn’t matter if you’re fishing from a boat or wading the flats, now’s the time to target “gator” trout (5 pound and higher). Rigging live shrimp under a popping cork is a tried-and-true method, and finger mullet fished on a jighead or Carolina rig works wonders as well. The key is to keep your presentation slow and natural, as the fish tend to be more cautious in cooler water. While live bait is king, a lot of trout can’t resist a well-placed topwater lure at dawn or dusk.
Red drum and black drum are still hanging around, though it’s the big trout that draw most inshore fishermen out on the water this month. Reds will still hit live bait or soft plastics, especially in the shallows on warmer days.
Nearshore
King mackerel, bluefish, and false albacore are still hanging around, giving fishing guides a reason to head out before winter fully sets in. The cooler water temps mean fish are feeding up, and you’ll still get good bites, especially on calm days when the water is clearer.
King mackerel can still be found near structure, but they’re starting to move deeper as the season winds down. Trolling live bait or large spoons near wrecks and reefs will give you a chance to hook into one of these hard fighters before they head offshore for the winter. (They might not be as thick as they were earlier in the fall, but the ones you find tend to be good-sized.)
Bluefish are still cruising near the surface, and they’re always up for hitting fast-moving lures like spoons or jigs. They’re not picky, and if you find a school of baitfish, chances are the blues won’t be far behind.
False albacore are another exciting option this time of year. November albies might not show up in the huge numbers you see in October, but they’re still around in decent numbers, and they’ll hit small metal jigs or soft plastics when they’re feeding on bait schools.
December
Back to Basics
Inshore
Chartered fishing in the Outer Banks may not draw the same crowds in December as the peak months, but that means there’s solid action to be had for those willing to brave the cooler temps. Red drum, black drum, and speckled trout are still biting inshore, especially when you get a warm stretch.
The fish are a little more sluggish in the colder water, but that just means you need to adjust your approach. Red drum and black drum are sticking to the deeper channels and holes where the water stays a bit more stable. Fish slow and low, using soft plastics or live bait. Keep it close to the bottom—drum aren’t chasing anything fast right now. Focus on creek mouths and deep pockets near inlets, where they tend to gather. You might not get the explosive bite you’d see earlier in the year, so keep a close eye on your line and be ready to set the hook at the slightest twitch.
Speckled trout are still hanging around, too. They’re feeding in the deeper parts of the creeks and sounds, and they’ll take a well-placed live shrimp or finger mullet. When the sun’s out and warming the water a bit, the trout get more active. But when it’s colder, you’ll want to switch to soft plastics on a jighead and work them slowly along the bottom.
In December, stick to the deeper areas, keep your bait moving slow, and take advantage of the warmer days when the fish are more willing to bite. The crowds of people may be gone for now, but what’s important is the fish are still here.
Nearshore
Striped bass make a return nearshore, joining bluefish for the “last hurrah” of the year. Striped bass thrive in cooler waters, so they’re in their element as the temperatures drop. Trolling deep with large swimbaits, live eels, or bucktail jigs around Oregon Inlet or near the bridges is a solid way to target them. Focus on the deeper channels and keep your lines slow and steady.
You’ll catch blues in the shallower waters, usually feeding on schools of baitfish. Small spoons and fast-moving jigs are still effective, and you can catch them while trolling for striped bass.
Outer Banks Nearshore & Inshore Fishing Charters
The Outer Banks offers fishing year-round—no matter when you’re planning your trip. Whether you’re targeting red drum in the inshore shallows or chasing king mackerel nearshore, there’s always action to be had here.
Ready to get out on the water? Book a trip with OBX Fishing Charters. We’ll get you geared up and on the fish in no time!