Fishing On The Outer Banks

Surf Fishing at Buxton

At one time Buxton, NC was world famous for its red drum fishing in the surf at a location called "The Point." Over the past 50+ years thousands of serious drum fishing anglers enjoyed a tradition of driving their four wheel drive vehicles down the beach and fishing "The Point" for days and nights on end. They were sometimes rewarded with the thrill of catching 50+ pound fish which were usually photographed and released quicklyto grow even larger.

The surf fishing on the Buxton beaches drew anglers from far and wide. Even today the Buxton surf fishing remains spectacular for a large variety of seasonal species both large and small including drum, striped bass, cobia, spanish mackerel, bluefish, flounder, spot, croaker, whiting and the list goes on.

Unfortunately, under the supervision of the National Park Service, Buxton residents and our welcomed visitors no longer have unlimited access to our beaches. Many beaches are now closed seasonally for bird and turtle nesting so visitors are now required to check the National Park Service website maps regularly to see which beaches are open during their visit. Closure conditions may change on short notice. On-site signage, rather than the Google Earth map, is the most up to date and current indication of what is open or closed to the public. Closed areas are clearly marked with closure signs or "symbolic fencing" consisting of posts, closure signs, string and/or flagging tape. Knowledge of tidal changes and caution should be exercised while traveling on the beaches of the park.

Sound and Inlet Fishing

There are many fishing opportunities for those that want to tow there own boats to Hatteras Inlet and give it a try. Normally Hatteras Inlet starts seeing good action from several desirable species of game fish as the waters warm in late April and early May. Drifting through the inlet and searching the shoals immediately inside and outside the inlet can produce a great fishing experience. Anglers can launch their boats at any one of the several Village marina's. Normally the cost of boat launching includes both launching and parking for your truck and trailer.

Visiting anglers can also hire an inshore guide and fish the inlets and soundside of Hatteras Island. Keep in mind the sound is a big place. Finding fish in such a vast amount of water isn't always easy. Normally this type of fishing really starts to heat up in the months of June, July, and August. Several very well qualified professional guides are available at the marinas for the anglers that want to be sure that they are going to get a good meal or two out of their vacation experience.