Oregon Inlet Fishing

Oregon Inlet is known as the Tuna Capital of the East Coast. Formed during a hurricane in 1846, and named after the ship that weathered the storm and discovered the new inlet, Oregon Inlet joins the Pamlico Sound with the Atlantic Ocean. With excellent estuaries for inshore fishing, quality bottom fishing, and premier tuna and billfish grounds close to the Gulf Stream, no other city in North Carolina holds as many state fishing records as Oregon Inlet.

Yellowfin Tuna are caught offshore of Oregon Inlet year round, but the highlights are in the Spring and Fall when huge schools of tuna move through the area and feed. Most are between 20 and 50 pounds, but a few are caught that are much bigger. During the Summer there is usually a good Bigeye Tuna bite, and in the Winter and early Spring the giant Bluefin Tuna run down the coast. There is also plenty of Albacore, Blackfin, and Skipjack Tuna around most of the year. The Albacore (62 pounds), Bigeye (311 pounds), and Bluefin Tuna (805 pounds) North Carolina state record fish were all caught offshore of Oregon Inlet, proving that this is one of the best fishing destinations for catching tuna in the world.

Not only is Oregon Inlet known for its excellent tuna fishery, but for also excellent offshore billfishing. The North Carolina state record Atlantic Blue Marlin was caught here on August 15, 2008 and weighed a staggering 1228 pounds. During late August and September, the world class White Marlin bite goes off, with many boats getting more than 20 bites a day. There are also lots of Sailfish and a few Spearfish caught each year. Billfish can be caught year round here, but the best time is from May through September.

Trolling offshore can also provide opportunities to catch Dolphin (Mahi-mahi) and Wahoo much of the year. Bottom fishing can produce Black Sea Bass (another OI state record), Grouper, Snapper, Tautog (19 pound state record), and Blueline Tilefish (also a state record). The Mako (768 pounds) and Thresher (185 pounds) shark state records were caught here as well.

Inshore fishing around Oregon Inlet offers excellent Red Drum action nearly year round. Most of the year you can also find lots of Bluefish, Croaker (5 pound state record) Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass (64 pound state record), and many other inshore species of fish. The month of May often provides excellent Cobia (116 pound state record) fishing close to the inlet and off the beaches. During the winter, the Speckled Trout bite can be phenomenal.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Prediction

Optimal fishing activity will be between 7 - 11 AM on Thursday.

Target Species of Fish

Based on historical data in Oregon Inlet, you should target one of the following top 6 species for this time of year:

Recommedations above based on 261 local reports and 25 species of fish for December in Oregon Inlet.

View full Oregon Inlet Fishing Prediction to see all species and best lures and colors to use.

Latest Oregon Inlet Fishing Reports

Monday 12/10/18
12/10/2018 12:52:11 PM - In Summary: Send all questions and pictures to info@twstackle.com Surf Fishing Report: Can’t fish? Might as well shop. We have other neat stuff other than fishing and hunting

Saturday 12/8/18
12/9/2018 10:52:37 AM - In Summary: Send all questions and pictures to info@twstackle.com Surf Fishing Report: A beautiful morning on this sandbar. There were a few citation Drum caught at the point

Sunday 12/9/18
12/9/2018 10:52:36 AM - In Summary: Send all questions and pictures to info@twstackle.com Surf Fishing Report: Not much to say about fishing this morning. The storm is going to stick with us for the

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Top Oregon Inlet Fishing Charters & Guides

Carolina Style Sportfishing
Outer Banks Inshore and Offshore Fishing Charters, located at Wanchese Marina.

Bi-Op-Sea
Offshore fishing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is some of the best in the world. The combination of bottom structure on the continental shelf and the gulfstream current and eddies provide excellent year round deepsea fishing for blue marlin, w

Swordfish Sportfishing
Swordfish Sportfishing, based out of OBX Marina on the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina’s Oregon Inlet, provides Gulf Stream charter boat fishing for anglers seeking gamefish of all types. We have relocated up the beach to OBX Marina for the white

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Top Oregon Inlet Bait & Tackle Stores

Whalebone Tackle
Premier tackle shop in Nags Head, North Carolina specializing in inshore, offshore, surf and sound fishing.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is the home of the largest and most modern fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard. A full service marina, Oregon Inlet offers a comprehensive fishing experience for the "old salt" or the vacationing fisherman.

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Top Oregon Inlet Marinas

Pirate's Cove Marina
If you're a serious angler in search of the catch of a lifetime, an Outer Banks vacationer looking for fun, or a boat owner seeking a new marina to call home . . . Pirate's Cove can hook you up! Pirate's Cove Marina is a protected, deep water,

OBX Marina
At Outer Banks Marina in Wanchese, NC, we offer a state of the art working yard with a Inboard & Outboard Engine Service, Full Electronic Services, Welding Shop, Canvas Repair and our new Dry Stack facility.

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