Best Surf Fishing In NC: Your Ultimate Guide (From A Local)
Abby and Sam Price
Are you searching the internet for the best surf fishing in North Carolina?
Finding the best surf fishing in NC can be an absolute game changer when it comes to catching big fish and enjoying the southern coast.
There are countless phenomenal locations to surf fish in North Carolina and below we have narrowed it down to the very best!
As locals that live in coastal North Carolina, we know the very best places to reel in fish.
Get ready to pack up your surf fishing rod, go-to surf fishing reel, put on your favorite long sleeve fishing shirt, and head out to the shore.
The Best Surf Fishing in NC
Continue diving in below as I highlight the best surf fishing in North Carolina from the Outer Banks to Morehead City and so many others. These spots are sure to provide excellent surf fishing experiences!
1. Cape Point
Cape Point has some of the very best surf fishing in NC.
This beach is considered to be part of the Outer Banks and is known for having an abundance of bluefish, Spanish mackerel, tarpon, and many other species of fish.
One of our favorite things about Cape Point is that it requires a 4WD vehicle to get to it!
This beach is located about a mile away from paved roads and requires you to drive your vehicle on the beach to get to the best surf fishing spots.
It’s important to note that you will need a beach driving permit to get to Cape Point so be sure to check out the guidelines here.
We love that you can access Cape Point by vehicle because you can easily pack all of your surf fishing gear including your favorite rod holders and saltwater tackle box without having to haul everything onto the beach by hand.
Instead, get ready to pop open the trunk of your vehicle, cast your line, and enjoy the coastal views with ease!
Where to Stay:
📍The Inn on Pamlico Sound – The atmosphere, amenities, and location of this Inn could not be more perfect. You must check out this hotel for one of the best places to stay near Cape Point!
2. Oceanana Pier on Atlantic Beach
If you are looking for an incredible spot to fish right outside of Morehead City, you must check out Oceanana Pier on Atlantic Beach.
This is a popular area to bring your favorite beach fishing cart onto the pier and cast out into the ocean in search of various types of fish.
Not only is this pier a phenomenal location to catch different species of fish but it’s also a great area to take in the views of the beach and ocean. You may even see a dolphin or two!
Plus, Oceanana Pier has a fantastic restaurant that serves up great breakfast and lunch for when you get hungry after reeling in fish all morning.
We live less than 10 minutes down the road from Atlantic Beach and can vouch for how awesome the area is for surf fishing and how delicious the restaurant is at the Pier!
Where to Stay:
📍The Bask Hotel – We recommend staying at the Bask Hotel in Morehead City due to its phenomenal location near the water and countless restaurants and shops. Plus, it’s less than a 10 minute drive to Atlantic Beach!
3. Oregon Inlet
The Oregon Inlet is one of the largest inlets in the Outer Banks area and is known for its incredible surf fishing.
Not only can you walk along the inlet and choose the best surf fishing spots but you can also drive your vehicle on the Oregon Inlet beaches so that you don’t have to haul all of your gear by hand or by fishing cart.
If you get tired of reeling in fish for hours on end, be sure to check out the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks for a fun excursion to embark on that is sure to make your time on the Oregon Inlet all the more memorable!
Where to Stay:
📍White Doe Inn Bed and Breakfast – We adore this B&B and highly recommend it to anyone looking to stay near the Oregon Inlet and participate in some phenomenal surf fishing! Not only is this Inn in a great location but the interior decor and delicious breakfast will have you falling in love with this charming bed and breakfast.
4. Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach is another extraordinary location to go surf fishing in North Carolina.
Topsail is 26 miles in length which gives you plenty of areas to choose from when it comes to picking out your surf fishing location.
You can catch countless different types of species of fish in the area including striped bass, croaker, marlin, and many others.
Once you are finished fishing for the day be sure to head to Coras-Isle End Deli for a fantastic lunch that is sure to fill your stomach after those long hours reeling in fish.
Where to Stay:
📍Hampton Inn Sneads Ferry Topsail Beach – For a great place to stay near Topsail Beach, you must check out this hotel. Not only is the interior modern and clean but the location is excellent right near many restaurants.
5. Nags Head
Nags Head is one of the best destinations for surf fishing in NC.
Not only can you surf fish on one of the many beach areas but you can also head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park or Jeanette’s Pier to do some incredible surf fishing and take in the surrounding beauty of Nags Head.
Additionally, once you are ready to retire your surf fishing rod for the day, be sure to head to Bodie Island Lighthouse to catch some tremendous shore views and take in the incredible black and white striped lighthouse that is infamous in the Outer Banks.
Where to Stay:
📍White Doe Inn Bed and Breakfast – This Inn is one of the best places to stay in the Nags Head area and we cannot recommend it enough for its phenomenal location and southern charm.
6. Hatteras Inlet
Hatteras Inlet is another great location for the best surf fishing in NC.
Not only is this inlet a great place to reel in some truly phenomenal catches but it’s also a great place to kickback, relax, and explore.
For those looking for a little more to do after spending the morning surf fishing, be sure to check out our article on the best things to do in the Outer Banks for a truly memorable time spent in the area.
Where to Stay:
📍The Inn on Pamlico Sound – We cannot recommend this Inn enough for a fabulous place to stay near Hatteras Inlet. The location is magnificent and the southern hospitality of the employees will have you wanting to come back in no time!
7. Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills is known for being the home to the Wrights Brothers National Memorial.
Not only is this a great place to learn more about the first flight that took place and the invention of the airplane but it’s also another popular area that has some of the best surf fishing in NC.
This is an excellent beach to throw out a line and reel in some red drum or large mouthed bass!
We highly recommend that history enthusiasts and fishermen alike head to Kill Devil Hills for a beautiful coastal town that has so much to offer.
Where to Stay:
📍TownePlace Suites by Marriott Outer Banks Kill Devil Hills – This hotel is in a great location in the Kill Devil Hills area near many restaurants and bars and the hotel offers awesome amenities like their indoor pool.
8. Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier on Emerald Isle Beach
For those that particularly enjoy pier fishing, be sure to check out Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier on Emerald Isle Beach.
This is a great place to reel in some bluefish, mackerel, pompano, sheepshead, along with countless other species.
Be sure to check out our article on Emerald Isle vs Atlantic Beach if you are trying to decide between one of these two popular beach towns and fishing areas!
Where to Stay:
📍Lighthouse Suites Best Western Signature Collection – For those looking for a great hotel to stay at near Emerald Isle, you must check out this hotel. Not only does this hotel’s interior and exterior reflect the charming beach atmosphere but the location is excellent as well.
9. Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is a popular beach on the coast of North Carolina and is known for its lively atmosphere, incredible boardwalk, and excellent surf fishing.
Not only can you catch some remarkable fish from the beach but you can also head over to the Carolina Beach Pier to do some fabulous pier fishing as well.
Where to Stay:
📍Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach Oceanfront – One of the best hotels near Carolina Beach is the Hampton Inn & Suites. We highly recommend this hotel for its incredible location and amazing amenities including a pool and fitness center.
FAQs About The Best Surf Fishing in NC
Keep reading below as I answer a few frequently asked questions about the best surf fishing in NC.
Where is the best surf fishing in North Carolina?
The best surf fishing in North Carolina can be found anywhere between the Outer Banks and Topsail Beach.
What time of year is best for surf fishing in NC?
May through September are the best months to surf fish in North Carolina. To avoid crowds, we recommend late Spring or early Fall.
What is the best bait for surf fishing in NC?
The best bait for surf fishing in North Carolina is sand fleas, shrimp, squid, amongst many others. In general, it typically depends on what you are trying to catch!
Where is the best surf fishing on the Outer Banks?
The best surf fishing on the Outer Banks can be found at Nags Head, Cape Point, Oregon Inlet, or Hatteras Inlet.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best surf fishing in NC! Happy Fishing!
