Surf fishing, pier fishing, charter fishing, or just casting a line off the dock of your Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental are all fun ways to see what’s biting in the coastal waters of the North Carolina. From beginner anglers to professional sportfishing enthusiasts, there truly is something for everyone of every skill level when it comes to casting a line. Here are five things you need to know about fishing in OIB to help you plan for your next beach vacation with us. Good luck and tight lines!

1. Ocean Isle Beach is a great place to go fishing.

Ocean Isle Beach is a barrier island that runs along the NC coast from Tubbs Inlet to Shallotte Inlet. With great backwater flats, an ocean pier, and lots of fishing guides and charters in the area, there are ample opportunities for inshore fishing. Black Drum, Flounder, Red Drum, and Speckled Trout are common in these waters.

If you are in search of a big catch, then spring and fall fishing are a good time to fish when the population of King Mackerel is especially abundant. There is also good Cobia fishing in May right off the beach. Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel are prolific much of the year.

Bottom fishing on the many reefs and shipwrecks off the coast provide lots of action. Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Scamps, and Snowy Grouper are caught from the nearshore to the deep.

If you are interested in catching Tuna or Wahoo, it is not uncommon to reel in Blackfin Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, or Yellowfin Tuna during certain times of the year here. You canread more about Ocean Isle Beach fishinghere.

2. You need a fishing license unless you’re fishing off the pier or a charter boat (they carry a commercial license that covers their guests).

Whether surf fishing from the shore, from your own boat, or in any public waters, anyone age 16 or over must obtain an NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License either by phone (Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm) at 888-248-6834, online at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website, or by visiting alocal wildlife service agent(select Brunswick County). There are short-term licenses, annual licenses, as well as resident and non-resident options.

3. The Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier has everything you need for a hassle-free day of family fishing.

The Ocean Isle Beach Pier has been a local landmark since 1957.At the center of the 7-mile island of Ocean Isle and coming over the bridge, Causeway Drive ends at the Ocean Isle Beach Pier. This 968-foot wooden pier was built in 1957 by Odell and Virginia Williamson and is still a popular place to fish, stroll, or just take in the views.

The pier has everything you need on-site for a great day of fishing including parking, rod rentals, fishing lessons, and a place to take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding beach.

The Pier Grill serves up breakfast and lunch, plus there’s also ice cream, an arcade, a gift shop, a backyard area, and so much more.Read all about what the OIB Pier has to offer you and your familyhere.

4. OIB fishing charters and local guides can take you out on the water and show you the best places to catch big fish.

Let the local captains and crews show you the waters off Ocean Isle Beach and give you a headstart on catching some of the big fish! There are guide boats and charters to suit your needs and schedule, so peruse your options. You can find a list of highly rated fishing charters in and around Ocean Isle Beach here.

5. Find Ocean Isle Beach vacation rentals with private boat and fishing docks or community docks.

Many of our Ocean Isle Beach rentals offer boat docks and fishing docks right outside your doorstep. There are two ways to search these vacation rentals. Start by heading over to our Advance Search Options page. Here you can customize yourAmenitiessearch.

If you prefer a rental with a private boat dock, select Boat Dock from the list and then click on the Search button. If you prefer a rental with a Community Dock, select that option then click the Search button. It’s that easy!

From there, book your favorite Ocean Isle Beach rental and get ready for some awesome fishing adventures!

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