A Beginner’s Guide to OBX Fishing Rules,  Regulations & More

There’s an old saying that a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work. Whether you’re a novice fisherman or a serious angler, many people find fishing to be a relaxing activity that allows them to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life, while plugging into the beauty of nature.

Catching a fish can also provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It can be a fun and exciting experience, especially if you catch a big lunker (we all know about those fish tales). Whether planning a day out on a boat or tossing out a line from shore, knowing the rules and regulations before hooking your bait can make all the difference in your experience. Let’s take a closer look at the fishing rules and regulations for the Outer Banks before you set out for your day on the water.

Getting a Fishing License

The Outer Banks is a fisherman’s paradise, but like any other state, you must have a fishing license before your adventure. You need a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to fish in the Outer Banks unless you’re under 16 years old. A blanket license covers charter boats and pier fishing, so you don’t need an individual license for those.

However, it’s important to follow the marine fisheries regulations, such as size and creel limits. You can learn more about these regulations and the citation program by visiting an Outer Banks bait and tackle shop or pier, or by calling the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries at 800-682-2632 (North Carolina only) or 252-808-8081, or by checking the Division of Marine Fisheries website.

Cost of a Fishing License

The Coastal Recreational Fishing License comes in two types: an annual license and a 10-day license. If you’re a state resident and 16 or older, the annual license costs $15, while the 10-day license costs $5. If you’re a non-resident and 16 or older, the annual license costs $30, while the 10-day license costs $10, which might be a great option if you’re visiting the area from another state.

What to Fish During Each Month

January: Trout, sea bass, bluefish, bluefin tuna, oysters, striped bass, bay scallops
February: Trout, sea bass, bluefish, bluefin tuna, oysters, bay scallops, striped bass
March: Grouper, sea trout, sea bass, bluefish, bluefin and yellowfin tuna, oysters, snapper, striped bass
April: Bluefish, channel bass (red drum), grouper, snapper, croaker, sea trout, sea mullet, king mackerel, wahoo, oysters, striped bass.
May: King mackerel, bluefish, grouper, cobia, tuna, dolphin, wahoo, crabs, soft crabs, sea mullet, blue marlin, striped bass, channel bass, Spanish mackerel, spot, croaker
June: Blue marlin, white marlin, dolphin, wahoo, cobia, king mackerel, bluefish, tuna, flounder, snapper, grouper, Spanish mackerel, crabs, soft crabs, shrimp, spot, croaker
July: Dolphin, wahoo, blue marlin, sailfish, white marlin, snapper, grouper, sea mullet, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, shrimp, crabs, soft crabs, spot, croaker
August: Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, dolphin, wahoo, tuna, grouper, snapper, bluefish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, some croaker, speckled trout, spot, shrimp, crabs
September: White marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, grouper, snapper, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, spot, bluefish, speckled trout, sea mullet, channel bass, shrimp, striped bass
October: King mackerel, tuna, bluefish, snapper, grouper, channel bass, spot, speckled trout, flounder, oysters, shrimp, striped bass
November: King mackerel, tuna, bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, oysters, sea mullet, snapper, grouper, clams, striped bass
December: Tuna, bluefish, flounder, sea bass, speckled trout, clams, oysters, sea trout, snapper, grouper, striped bass

Find a Place to Stay and Go Catch the Fish of a Lifetime

Now that you have a beginner’s understanding of the fishing rules and regulations in the Outer Banks, you can come visit Avon, NC, and fish away!

Book your stay at Ortus Rentals in Avon, NC now and experience the ultimate vacation. With two newly constructed properties just a short walk from the beach, you can enjoy fishing and boating adventures, shopping, and even stargazing. So take advantage of this amazing opportunity and discover more about Avon, NC today!