Albemarle Sound Fishing Charters & Guides

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina

North Carolina’s Outer Banks has two major sounds: the Pamlico and Albemarle. On the other side of the barrier islands is the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, which offers deep sea fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. But the sounds are also premium fishing grounds, and are arguably better for new or novice fishermen and women. The Albemarle Sound is located along the coast of northern North Carolina and reaches from Nags Head and Roanoke Island towards the mainland and various cities, including the major port of Elizabeth City. Overall the sound covers 450 square miles; it’s 60 miles long and 15 miles at its widest point. It’s a confluence of several rivers, including Chowan River, Perquimans River, and Roanoke River. This estuary is one of the best and interesting ecosystems of North Carolina. The nearby freshwater rivers, canals, and saltwater inlets create a habitat teeming with fish. At one-time heavily overfished, the Albemarle Sound is now a prime destination for recreational and professional angling enthusiasts.

Fishing the Albemarle Sound

Fishing the Albemarle Sound is one of the top activities of the area. Where you’re fishing on the sound will determine what you’re catching. Fishing closer to the mainland and freshwater rivers flowing into the sound will result in freshwater catches such as largemouth bass, catfish, and white perch. If you’re closer to the Outer Banks and the inlets of the ocean, you’re more likely to encounter some saltwater species such as redfish and flounder. Striped bass is one of (if not the) most highly sought after fish in the sound. Some anglers may call them rockfish, but no matter what you decide to call them, they are a fun fish to target. You can fly fish, cast, or troll for striped bass in the Albemarle Sound. There is a healthy population here thanks to regulations put in place; make sure to know what the season is and what you’re allowed to keep before your trip. Near the rivers and creeks anglers can find largemouth bass and crappie (pronounced CROP-ee). Bass spawning season is during the spring and fall, where some largemouth bass can grow to over ten pounds. Fish the shallow waters of the canals with live bait and you’re sure to get a bite. Little River and Perquimans River are great places to start your largemouth bass fishing trip. In these parts, crappie are also known as speckled perch. They are found in the same places as the bass and can be caught using the same bait or lures. From late fall to early spring is the best time for crappie fishing. This is a great species for new or novice anglers to get hooked on the sport of fishing! Near the main basin of the Albemarle Sound anglers can find flounder (also known as fluke). Specifically, head to Mann’s Harbor for some of the best flounder fishing in the state. But that’s just our opinion. You’ll have to check it out for yourself. You see, flounder grow large here thanks to the sound’s ecosystem and fresh food moving throughout the base of the sound. Fish the deep cuts and ledges throughout the sound with live or cut shrimp. When you feel the flounder strike, wait just a few seconds to make sure the bait is taken before reeling in your catch. If you pull the line too soon, you’ll probably miss setting the hook due to the flounder’s smaller, sideways mouth.

Visiting the Albemarle Sound

The Albemarle Sound is one of the distinguishing features of North Carolina. Whether you’re a local or a visitor of the Outer Banks or Inner Banks of northern NC, you’re sure to be just stone’s throw away from this incredible body of water. Elizabeth City is one of the major port cities near the Albemarle Sound. Visitors who opt to vacation near the Inner Banks will find shopping, restaurants, and lodging here. Elizabeth City is situated on the Pasquotank River, which feeds right into the sound. If you’re visiting the Outer Banks, nearby cities include Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head have a front row seat to the Albemarle Sound. Anglers staying on the barrier islands have the option of fishing inshore waters of the sound, or deep sea fishing out in the Atlantic. Not a bad choice, if you ask us. Roanoke Island is situated at the southeast corner for the sound, and separates this amazing fishery from the Pamlico Sound to the south. For an incredible day of fishing, and a fun “science experiment”, try fishing both sounds in one day. You know… as a research opportunity! No matter where you’re staying, any day fishing the Albemarle Sound is a great day. Bring the family or your favorite fishing buddy and hire a charter for a stress-free day. Local Albemarle Sound guides can get you on the fish, and will have all the gear you need. Just bring the camera and the smiles, and you’ll be all set!