Are There Fish In The Sound In December Outer Banks?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Winters on the

Outer Banks can be cold… and wet and windy

. But—there is still good to be had for the hardy and fish hungry. First a fall recap: It was stellar! The weather was beautiful and the water temperatures stayed warm.

What fish are in season in the OBX sound?

But this is not all you can catch here.

Spotted Seatrout and Flounder appear in winter and spring brings King Mackerel and Striped Bass (known as “Rockfish”)

. The summer months are the best – Cobia, Spanish and King Mackerel, Tarpon, Pompano, Seabass, and Sharks all swarm the sound, making it a supreme fishery.

Can you swim in the Outer Banks in December?


It is safe to swim in the Outer Banks

. The northern, central and southern portions of the Outer Banks are equally well-guarded and monitored.

What is the best month to fish at the Outer Banks?

The best time to fish the Outer Banks is between the months of

May and September

offshore, with mahi mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna being just a few of the fish you can expect to catch, while inshore fishing is best from July to December.

What is biting in Outer Banks?


Big red drum, sea mullet, spots, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and trout

are all biting on the beaches. Oregon Inlet has been one of the hottest spots lately. Anglers are catching numerous species of fish on the north side and the south side of the inlet.

What is tuna season in Outer Banks?

In North Carolina, the Atlantic bluefin tuna can be found year-round at varying degrees of availability, but are usually the most plentiful from

January through March and into April

off the Outer Banks, and November through December, with fish numbers increasing in October.

What fish are in season in NC?

Species Peak Months Activity Range Wahoo July-Nov March-Nov King Mackeral Sept-Nov Year Round Striped Bass Dec-Feb Nov-March Cobia May-July May-July

How is the fishing in the Outer Banks?

  1. Use a longer rod (10 foot – 12 foot) to cast longer into the surf.
  2. The fresher the bait, the better the success rate.
  3. It takes time to see results – but don't be afraid to move.
  4. Vary your fishing with the tides – try low tide and high tide for best results.

Are there sharks in the OBX sound?

The sound connects to the ocean though a series of inlets so

yes, any marine animal found in the ocean could be found in the sound including sharks

, crabs, jelly fish, skates, fish, sting rays, and dolphins, with many marine animals residing in the shallow brackish water.

What fish are running at the Outer Banks?


Bluefish, channel bass (red drum), grouper, snapper, croaker, sea trout, sea mullet, king mackerel, wahoo, oysters, striped bass

.

Are there sharks in Roanoke Sound?

As the sound has a much lower salinity (less salt) than the ocean,

most types of sharks won't enter the sound

. The shallow habitats in the Roanoke Sound additionally make it less appealing to fresh water-tolerant bull sharks.

Are there alligators at the Outer Banks?

However,

the Outer Banks is still home to the American Alligator

. Alligators inhabit areas north of the refuge and in some of our waterways. You can see alligators in the Alligator River, Milltail Creek, Sawyer Lake, and in the border canals that line Highway 64/264 in Manns Harbor and Stumpy Point!

Is December a good time to visit Outer Banks?

December-February


If you're looking for some peace and quiet, winter is the time to visit

. Most of OBX's top things to do are outdoor activities, but they're still open year-round. Better yet, hotel rates are more affordable at this time of year (and some vacation rentals are known to cut their prices in half).

How warm is Outer Banks in December?

December is the time of year to spread some OBX cheer! Get ready to experience a true Southern-style Outer Banks in Winter. With

average weather temperatures in the high 50's

, the weather can be mild and sunny, or crisp and wet, so prepare for a beautiful white snowy or sandy Outer Banks in December.

What fish are biting on NC coast?

Inshore, NC is home to

redfish, speckled trout, and flounder

. Other frequent catches of the Carolina coast are trophy-sized marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, mackerel, yellowfin tuna and giant bluefish tuna.

What is the best time to surf fish in the Outer Banks?

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.

What fish are biting in North Carolina offshore?

Offshore – Anglers can expect possibility of catching

yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, wahoo, gaffer and bailer mahi, sailfish, white marlin and blue marlin

.

Is fishing good in the Outer Banks?

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a sport fisherman's paradise.

The sheer quantity of angling opportunities makes our waters some of the best in the world

.

Can you fish on the beach in Duck NC?

A license is required for all anglers over the age of 16.

The coastal recreational fishing license allows anglers to fish in all coastal waters, but not in inland, fresh waters

.

What fish are running in NC?

You're likely to catch

red drum, bluefish, cobia and mackerel

. Offshore sport fishing species include such favorites as king mackerel, wahoo, grouper and mahi-mahi. Charter boats, as well as private deep sea fishing boats, bring in trophy species from the Gulf Stream, such as tuna, wahoo, dolphin and sailfish.

How long is the Wicked Tuna fishing season?

Each season of Wicked Tuna runs for

14 weeks or nearly 3 and a half months

. There is one episode released every Sunday, making it a weekly show. Here's a run-down of how many episodes have been in each season of Wicked Tuna to date.

Can you keep bluefin tuna?

California Bluefin Tuna Season

Bluefin tuna in California have no closed season and

can be caught year-round

.

How much do the Wicked Tuna guys make?

“Wicked Tuna” is definitely a show that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. So, Outsiders might wonder how much the cast gets paid. According to an article from Looper, “Wicked Tuna” cast members make about

$10,000 per episode

. Now that's on top of any revenue picked up from catching tuna.

Can you catch fish in the winter in NC?


Southeastern North Carolina is blessed with some awesome winter fishing for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Striped Bass

. Some of the best fishing of the year for these species can occur. Redfish and Black Drum fishing can be incredible in December and January and good thru February.

What is the best time to fish in North Carolina?

The best time of year to fish in North Carolina is from

April through September

for largemouth bass, trout, redfish, mahi-mahi, flounder, tuna, and striped bass. The best time of day for fishing is early mornings & late afternoons.

What is the most common fish in North Carolina?

  • Trout (Rainbow, Brook, Brown)
  • Walleyes.
  • Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
  • Whitefish.
  • Catfish.
  • Pike.
  • Bluegills.
David Evans
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David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.