The Outer Banks spring run is at its peak. Cobia are moving north along the beaches, stripers are stacked at Oregon Inlet, and the offshore mahi-mahi fishery has shifted into high gear out of Hatteras and Oregon Inlet marinas.
Cobia — Peak Sight-Casting
The OBX cobia migration is at peak intensity. Sight-casting from tower boats off Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and the Hatteras beaches is producing excellent action. Bucktails and live eels are the top baits.
Pier anglers at Avalon, Nags Head Pier, and Jennette’s are also catching cobia. Big bucktails cast and worked slowly are the method.
North Carolina cobia regulations have changed in recent years to address conservation concerns — check the latest NCDMF regulations before keeping fish.
Stripers — Inlets and Sound
Striped bass are stacked at Oregon Inlet on the outgoing tide. Live bunker and trolled Mojos in the inlet are producing fish in the 28-36 inch range with occasional over-slot fish that must be released.
The Albemarle Sound striper season has closed for the year, but the ocean fishery near Oregon Inlet is still going.
Offshore — Mahi Run
Out of Oregon Inlet and Hatteras, the mahi run is going strong. The Gulf Stream edge is producing limits of schoolies with regular shots at slammers over 40 pounds. Trolling ballyhoo behind sea witches is the standard.
Yellowfin tuna are also showing up. The bigger fish (50-100 pounds) are biting on ballyhoo skipped on the surface and on chunks at anchor over the temperature breaks.
Billfish action is starting — early blue marlin reports out of Hatteras.
Inshore — Speckled Trout, Reds, Flounder
Speckled trout are excellent in the sound on grass flats and around the bridges. Live shrimp and Gulp baits are producing.
Redfish in the marshes south of Oregon Inlet are biting on cut mullet and gold spoons.
Summer flounder action is starting in Pamlico Sound.
Conditions
Water temps 65–70°F. SW winds dominant, fishable most days.
Spots & Access This Week
Oregon Inlet is the Outer Banks nerve center — the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and ramp launch the offshore fleet to the Gulf Stream and the nearshore cobia grounds. Hatteras Inlet serves the southern villages and the run to the Stream off Hatteras. Surfcasters work the points at Cape Point in Buxton and the beaches along the seashore for drum, blues, and Spanish — four-wheel-drive beach access permits are required on the national seashore. Sound anglers launch from the villages along Pamlico Sound for puppy drum, trout, and flounder around the grass and the bridge.
Tackle Breakdown & This Week’s Tip
Sight-fishing cobia wants a heavy spinning rod, 50-pound braid, and a 2–4 ounce bucktail or a live eel rigged and ready. Surf drum call for a 10–12 foot heaver, 20–30 pound mono, and a fish-finder rig with cut mullet or bunker. Spanish and blues fall to small spoons and Gotcha plugs on a light outfit retrieved fast. Offshore trollers run ballyhoo and skirts along the temperature breaks on 30–50 pound conventional gear for tuna and mahi.
This week’s tip: even as the cobia run tapers, keep a pitch rod rigged every time you idle nearshore — late-run fish often shadow rays and sea turtles on the surface, so scan ahead as you run and a single well-placed bucktail to a cruising fish can still make the day. On the beach, fish the slough just behind the first bar at Cape Point on a rising tide for the best drum and Spanish action.
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