The Outer Banks are transitioning from spring into summer, with the cobia run tapering off, Spanish mackerel and bluefish blitzing the beaches, and the offshore fleet finding mahi and the first big-game action out of the inlets. Red drum and pompano are in the surf, and the nearshore bite is steady. A diverse week on the OBX.
What’s Hitting
Cobia are still around but the run is tapering as fish move north and offshore. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are blitzing bait along the beaches and in the inlets. Offshore, mahi are scattered along the Gulf Stream with billfish and tuna mixed in. In the surf, red drum, pompano, and sea mullet are biting, and Spanish and blues are within casting range on the beaches.
Where to Find Them
Sight-cast cobia along the beaches and around the inlets and shoals while they last. Spanish and blues are blitzing the beaches and Oregon Inlet — watch for birds. Offshore, the Gulf Stream out of Oregon and Hatteras inlets holds mahi and billfish. The surf from Nags Head to Hatteras holds drum, pompano, and sea mullet. Nearshore wrecks hold bottom fish and the odd cobia.
Tides & Conditions
Cobia sight-fishing needs clean water and good light, best on calm mornings. Spanish and blues feed in the morning low light along the beaches. Offshore runs need a settled window. Surf fishing improves on a moving tide. Water is warming into the 70s. Summer weather can build in the afternoon, so plan the offshore and sight-fishing runs early. Calm, clear mornings are essential for the cobia sight-fishing, so watch the wind forecast and pounce on the flat days while the run lasts.
Tackle & Tactics
For cobia, sight-cast bucktails, eels, and live baits to fish spotted on the surface. Spanish hit fast-retrieved spoons and small jigs on long fluoro leaders. Offshore, troll ballyhoo on the Stream for mahi and billfish. In the surf, fish cut bait and Fishbites on fish-finder rigs for drum and pompano. Keep a sight-casting rod ready on calm mornings.
This Week’s Tip
For the tapering cobia, the calm, clear mornings are everything. Get a high vantage on the tower or bow, polarized glasses on, and idle the beaches and shoals looking for the dark, brown shapes cruising or following rays. Have a bucktail and a live bait rigged and ready to cast the instant you spot one — these late-run fish don’t wait around.