Surf fishing | OBX Connection Message Board (2024)

FAQs

What is the best tide for surf fishing in OBX? ›

Try to aim for high tide, or up to two hours before or after a high tide. Slack tide – or the time period right in between low and high tide – is generally not as productive for surf fishing. As for time of day, early morning and dusk are typically when a number of varying species feed.

Mullet is the preferred cut bait of choice and should be chunked in cubes/strips for hook placement. Bloodworms can bite so use caution. They are the most expensive bait on the Outer Banks but are VERY effective! Remember: small hooks catch more fish, so you may only need a size 4-6 hook for most fish in the surf.

The best time to surf fish in the Outer Banks is spring and fall. This is when the biggest Red Drum, Bluefish, and Speckled Trout show up. Summer won't produce as many trophy Reds, but there will be Sharks alongside them. Brave the winter weather, and Striped Bass will keep you warm.

Fall Fish Species and Seasons (Sept - November)

Even as late as Thanksgiving the Outer Banks can be a warm weather fisherman's paradise. Offshore - September still will have some white and blue marlin hanging around as well as some awesome yellowfin tuna and blackfin tuna.

I use this simple rule with tides and moon phases: If I'm fishing for most surf fish I prefer two hours before to two hours after high tide. If I'm fishing for halibut I prefer one hour before peak high or low tide to one hour after.

More fish will come in to feed during high tide, especially at dawn or dusk, as there will be more water in your fishing hole, but certain species will prefer low tide. Take advantage of low tide to read the beach and locate sand banks, dips, hollows, and other structures.

With a basic understanding of seasons, conditions, equipment and regulations, an angler can get lucky just about any time of the year, but typically the very best times to surf fish are spring and fall. The spring season generally begins in April. This run will peak by mid May and taper off in early June.

Use heavier leader line when fishing for large species in areas where there is structure, such as rocky shorelines or pier pilings. Use circle hooks in sizes 7/0 or 8/0 with larger baits that are used for species such as striped bass.

Diamond jigs are legendary saltwater fishing lures. They work very well for anglers surf fishing, just as they do in boats. It is similar to the Kastmaster spoon, with a more slender profile. Heavy models are very aerodynamic and will cast a long distance, making them a great choice when fishing in a stiff wind.

The hi-lo rig, pill float rig, fishfinder rig, chunk rig, and mullet rig are some my favorites for stripers, redfish and pompano, even sharks.

What is the best bait for surf fishing in Topsail beach NC? ›

Best natural baits include shrimp, cut fish, live mullet and live mud minnows.

Winds NE 5-10. Water temp is 62. Anglers are catching bluefish, trout and spanish mackerel.

Cape Point is the infamous Outer Banks surf fishing spot. At the Point the land jets out into the Atlantic Ocean and then takes a sharp curve back towards the shore, creating north and south facing beaches.

A Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required to fish on the Outer Banks. Children under 16 are exempt. An individual does not need a license for charter boat and pier fishing, which are covered by a blanket license. Anglers should know the current marine fisheries regulations, including size and creel limits.

Popular catches from September to November include red and black drum, croaker, trout, flounder, spot, Spanish and king mackerels, mullet, and pompano. Remember to purchase your NC Fishing License while you're there and perhaps a souvenir t-shirt!

Overviewing Common Surf Fishing Theories

Arrive at low tide to scope out the beach and look for exposed structure so you can fish it later when it's submerged. The best time to go surf fishing is (from) two hours before a high tide until an hour after high tide.

Not necessarily — it depends on where you plan to surf. High tides are great if you're headed towards a reef break. The only exception is if it's near a bluff, in which case the waves rarely break before hitting land. Conversely, medium to low tides are better if you're surfing near a beach break.

Incoming Tides

An incoming tide, or rising tide, is considered one of the best fishing tide times. Water that enters an estuary area from the ocean can have a lower temperature, contain more oxygen, and have better clarity than the water that exists in the estuary during low tide or slack water periods.

As for the tide, high tide will be the best option. With higher water, Sharks can make their way closer inshore where all the bait hangs around. The flowing current ups your chance of locating and hooking up to some Sharks, as bait is flushed around and gets the Sharks fired up.