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OBX Inshore / Nearshore Fishing Guide

Updated: Mar 21, 2022

What fish are "in season"?


​Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

May - Dec.


Speckled Trout can be caught all year and average 15 - 25 in length, and 2 - 4 pounds. They can grow as large as 40 inches and 12 pounds. Great fun on light tackle.

Gray Trout

Gray Trout - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

Oct. - Feb.


Grow to 36 inches but most catches are 12 - 16, fun on light tackle.

​Red Drum

Red Drum - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

Mar. - Oct.


Good fighters that have endurance and power. Reaching 40 plus pounds is not uncommon. (NC State Fish)

Flounder

Flounder - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

​Jun. - Sep.


Aggressive predators that are caught in the ocean and in the sounds. Fun to hook and excellent eating.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

May - Oct.


Very strong fighters if they have any size. Sometimes difficult to hook because of the very subtle bite.Also known as convict fish because of their black and white stripes.

Black Drum

Black Drum - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

​Mar. - May / Sep. - Dec.


Very strong and good fighters. A lot of fun to catch, can get up to 100 pounds.

Triggerfish

Triggerfish - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

May - Oct.


Flat football like body, leathery skin, 2 to 8 pounds but for their size they are very hard fighters and excellent eating.

Blue Fish

Blue Fish - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

​Mar. - Nov.


Hard strikes and can be a challenge to land after they are hooked. They can grow to be 19 pounds and 34 inches in length, fun to catch.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

May - Sep.


Can grow to 37 inches and 12 pounds. More common catches between 2-5 pounds. fun to catch and good to eat.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

Apr. - Jun. / Sep. - Dec.


Average 15 to 30 pounds, 40 to 70 is not uncommon, very fast and aggressive.

​False Albacore

False Albacore - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

Apr. - Dec.


Sight fishing to schools, good fighters, tuna family.

Ribbonfish

Ribbonfish - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

May - Sep.


​Average 36 inches, long and thin with huge teeth. Fun to catch, edible when prepared properly.

Amberjack

Amberjack - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

Apr. - Oct.


​A.k.a. Reef Donkeys because of their strength and stubbornness. They are powerful fighters and can grown to be over 100 lbs.

Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

Apr. - Nov.


Can be caught on light tackle. Targeted on weed lines, around floating debris, current edges, and tide lines. Fun to catch and excellent to eat.

Striped Bass

Striped Bass - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

Apr. - Oct.


Targeted when the weather starts to cool down. At 2 to 3 years old they are 20-25 inches. Older adults can get 50-60 pounds

Cobia

Cobia - Outer Banks Inshore Fishing Guide

​May - Aug.


​A lot of fun to catch and search for (sight fishing). Excellent eating fish that put up a good fight. Can grow up to 100 pounds.



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