Wanchese Fishing Charters & Guides

Wanchese Fishing Charters

Visitors to the Outer Banks may not stay in Wanchese, but they definitely visit the fishing town while in the area. While Wanchese is mostly residential with locally owned shops and restaurants, it’s a vital element to the commercial businesses of the Outer Banks. Several commercial fishermen and recreational charter captains consider Wanchese their homebase. Located on Roanoke Island, the city of Wanchese is named after a Native American chief. It was settled early as a fishing village, and continues today in the tradition of providing fantastic fishing opportunities. Because the city is only 15 miles from the Oregon Inlet, the access point to the Atlantic Ocean, many commercial and recreational anglers dock their vessels in Wanchese. In fact, in the southeastern section is the North Carolina Seafood Industrial Park. Much of what is caught ends up here first, before distributed to local Outer Banks restaurants or sent across the country on ice. While you’re visiting Wanchese you can also enjoy the spectacular views from the coast. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the many nature walks and birdwatching spots available; throughout the year hikers and bird enthusiasts find time to walk through Wanchese woods and coastline to discover the local wildlife.

Wanchese Inshore Fishing

Anglers visiting Wanchese looking for inshore species will typically fish Roanoke or Croatan Sound. If you don’t have a vessel, you can fish from local piers or the shoreline, or hire a local Wanchese fishing guide to get you better access. Roanoke Sound is located on the east side of the island, while Croatan Sound is to the west. No matter which direction you go, there’s fantastic fishing just a short boat ride away. If you’re looking to catch redfish, trout, or flounder then Roanoke Sound is your destination. Catching sheepshead near the causeway is also a popular fishing trip. Those without a vessel can fish from the shore, but we recommend hiring a local Wanchese charter so you can fish near the marshes and smaller islands of the sound. They’ll also have the light tackle gear needed to bring in your catch. Depending on the season, topwater lures or popping corks are needed to help lure the fish to the line. The summer months of June, July, and August are fantastic conditions for fishing redfish in Roanoke Sound. On the other side of the island is Croatan Sound, the place to fish for striped bass (also known as rockfish). October and November is the time to fish for this inshore species. Your Wanchese charter captain will typically offer trolling as the technique to catch rockfish. For those unfamiliar with this technique, trolling is when the captain pilots the boat across the water with several fishing lines in the water. Each hook is set at different depths and with cut or live bait, enticing the fish to the line. Trolling is easy to learn, but difficult to master. Your captain will have the years of experience to know the right speed. It’s recommended to practice catch-and-release, or only harvest what you need to maintain a healthy population of rockfish. Families with younger kids or first-time anglers will enjoy fishing inshore waters compared to offshore simply because the waters are calmer and you have more casting opportunities when fishing the sounds. Hire a local Wanchese captain for your inshore adventure today and enjoy the day’s adventure!

Wanchese Offshore Fishing

While inshore charters are great for most people, Wanchese offshore charters is perfect for those that love action and adventure! Wanchese is located just 15 miles from the Oregon Inlet, and another 15 miles to the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream is a river current running parallel with the coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Trophy size game and sport fish run through the current feeding and growing big. When departing from Wanchese, your Outer Banks fishing adventure is just a short drive to the action. The most sought-after species in this neck of the woods are tuna and marlin (white and blue). Tuna fishing is primarily at the beginning of the year, anytime from January to March. While marlin trips start running in April. If you’re visiting during the summer, expect to catch mahi mahi, also known as dolphin. No matter what season you’re fishing, with an experienced captain you’re sure to be catching something. Your group doesn’t need any prior knowledge or experience when fishing with a Wanchese charter captain. The captain and first mate will take care of everything for a safe and successful day of fishing. All you need to do is bring a cooler full of snacks and drinks, some sunscreen, motion sickness medicine (if you're prone to seasickness), and a camera to capture the memories.

Book A Wanchese Fishing Charter

While you may not be staying in Wanchese, it should definitely be on your Outer Banks vacation itinerary. You’ll get to see and learn more about the fishing industry than ever before. Get your crew together and plan for a memorable day of fishing. Find a local Wanchese fishing charter today and start your adventure!