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Fall is one of the best times to grab your fishing gear and head to the Outer Banks. The beaches are quieter, the temperatures are cooler and the fishing can be great. Whether you like casting from the beach, fishing from a pier, or heading out on the water with a charter, there are plenty of ways to spend a fall day with a fishing pole in hand.
If you're hoping to catch a red drum, fall is the time to be here. Red drum are one of the most popular catches along the Outer Banks and seeing one of these fish take the line is always exciting.
Red Drum Season
Red drum, also known as redfish, are especially popular with Outer Banks anglers in the fall. Red drum, North Carolina's state saltwater fish, are known for their reddish-bronze color and the distinctive spot (or spots) near their tail. These fish can get big. Really big. They’re known for putting up a good fight once hooked, which is part of what makes them so popular. Larger red drum move along the coast and near inlets during their fall spawning migration. The Outer Banks has a long history of impressive red drum catches, making fall a popular time for anglers hoping to reel one in.
Of course, red drum aren't the only fish around in the fall. Depending on where you're fishing and the conditions, you may also find bluefish, black drum, spot, sea mullet, Spanish and king mackerel, pompano, croaker, and other species.
Where to Fish
Cast a line from the shore, head out on a pier, or hop on a charter boat, there are always lots of options for fishing on the Outer Banks.
Surf fishing: Grab your rod, find a good stretch of beach, and cast away. Fall is a great time to spend a few hours on the sand, enjoy the cooler weather, listen to the waves, and see what you can reel in. If you’re lucky, you might even catch dinner!
Fishing piers: The Outer Banks has several piers where you can drop a line and see what’s biting. Avalon Pier, Nags Head Fishing Pier, and Jennette’s Pier are popular spots. Not sure what to use? Chat with the locals or pier staff, they can usually point you in the right direction and let you know what’s been biting.Wherever you decide to fish, be sure to check current North Carolina fishing regulations and make sure you have the appropriate license. Regulations, seasons, size limits, and license requirements can change, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information before your trip.
- Fishing licenses: NC Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses
- Current size and bag limits: NC Recreational Size and Bag Limits
- Current fishing rules and proclamations: NC Fisheries Rules & Proclamations
What To Use
Fishing doesn’t need to be complicated. Grab your rod and reel, some bait or lures, a little patience, and you're ready to go.
If you're surf fishing, keep an eye on the water and look for areas where the waves break differently. Troughs and deeper spots can be good places to try. Birds diving into the water can also be a clue that baitfish are in the area. Where there's bait, there may be bigger fish nearby.
Not sure what gear or bait to use? Stop by a local tackle shop and ask what's biting. They'll usually have the latest scoop on what's being caught and how to catch them.
Make a Fall Fishing Trip Out of It
One of the best things about fall fishing on the Outer Banks? You're on the Outer Banks! And, there’s plenty to do when you’re not casting a line. Spend the morning fishing, grab lunch at a local spot, check out a fall festival, browse the shops, and head back out for another round in the afternoon. Cooler days, fewer crowds, time at the beach, and plenty of fall festivities make an Outer Banks fall fishing trip a crowd pleaser.
Ready to plan your fall getaway? Start planning your stay at www.southernshores.com.
