Pamlico Sound Fishing Charters & Guides

Pamlico Sound, North Carolina

When your family visits the Outer Banks of North Carolina, you’ll no doubt get at least a glimpse of Pamlico Sound. You will probably see the vast body of water as you travel north on your Outer Banks vacation. Or, if you’re staying in the southern part of the Outer Banks (specifically near Ocracoke, Hatters, or Avon), then you’re certain to have a lot of activity in and around Pamlico Sound. Families enjoy water sports of every kind (paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, and swimming) throughout the year in Pamlico Sound. Fishermen and women also enjoy the offerings of the sound, finding that the shallow waters provide a healthy fishery for locals and visitors alike. North Carolina locals refer to saltwater lagoons as a “sound.” There are several along the east coast of North Carolina, but none as big as Pamlico Sound. In fact, it’s the second largest estuary in the United States, second only to the Chesapeake Bay found in Virginia. Pamlico Sound has 3,000 square miles of water in its 80 miles wide and 20 miles long footprint, offering a wide range of opportunities for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing Pamlico Sound

There are several factors that lead to Pamlico Sound being some of the best fishing in the Outer Banks. First, the mix of freshwater and saltwater creates what’s called brackish water, where a variety of species thrive. The Atlantic Ocean to the east pushes water through the Oregon, Hatteras and Ocracoke inlets; while freshwater rivers such Pamlico River and Neuse River feed the sound from the west. This mixture of water gives anglers a buffet of all sorts of fish to reel in. The shallow water is another factor to consider when fishing Pamlico Sound. On average the sound is only five to six feet deep. Local guides will tell you this allows for several kinds of fishing: whether you’re fishing from the bank, kayak fishing, fly fishing, wade fishing, or fishing from a vessel. Because the waters are typically only two to three feet deep in most areas, wade fishing is very common here. If it’s your first trip, consider hiring a local fishing guide who has experience fishing these waters. They can help you decide what kind of technique to use, and will also have all the gear you need. The barrier islands of the Outer Banks also influence Pamlico Sound, creating calmer waters than are found in the Atlantic. These calm waters create the perfect environment for young or first time anglers. And there’s less of a chance of seasickness in the sound. Charter trips in Pamlico Sound can run anywhere from four, six, or eight hours. Talk with your guide beforehand and they can customize the trip to how long you want to fish, and what you want to catch. When it comes to fishing the sound, anglers have a lot of options. Throughout the sound, anglers can find inshore species such as red drum, speckled trout, flounder, striped bass (locally known as rockfish), pompano, mackerel, bluefish, and more. Crabbing is also a favorite pastime. Oftentimes anglers will drop a few crab pots, move to fish another area, then come back at the end of the day to collect their treasures. Or give your little angler a bucket and small net and let them collect clams in the shallow waters. There’s always something to find when fishing Pamlico Sound.

Visiting Pamlico Sound

Everyone visiting the Outer Banks and eastern North Carolina can enjoy fishing Pamlico Sound. Whether you’re staying near Nags Head and Roanoke Island or even on the mainland, it’s just a short boat ride to some good fishing. Vacationers and locals in the Hatters and Ocracoke areas have front row seats to the sound, and can also easily access the fishery. Those traveling State Highway 12 (the road that runs along the Outer Banks) will have several options for not only seeing Pamlico Sound, but also getting a feel of the waters. There are several public parks along the way, including Salvo Day Use Area near Rodanthe (north of Avon). You can launch kayaks here for a great day of kayak fishing, or set up a spot away from swimmers and fish from the shore. Avon is another city along N.C. 12 that can give anglers access to Pamlico Sound. And there’s a fishing pier on the other side of the island that gives anglers access to the ocean. Anglers fishing here can have the best of both worlds, all in one day!

Book A Pamlico Sound Fishing Charter

Your visit to the Outer Banks is simply incomplete without an adventure on Pamlico Sound. If you’re a water sport enthusiast there’s a variety of options. Fishermen and women also enjoy a day on the water, and can bring home tasty dinner. Spend a day or two enjoying all that Pamlico Sound and surrounding towns have to offer. Find a local fishing charter with FishAnywhere.com and start your adventure today!