Surf Fishing Cape Hatteras 4x4 Beach

Surf Fishing Tips for Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke

Best Times to Go

• Spring (April-May): A prime time for drum, bluefish, sea mullet, and pompano.

• Fall (September – November): Your best bet for big game like red drum, striped bass, flounder, and sharks.

• Summer: Expect smaller, but plentiful catches like croaker, spot, and Spanish mackerel.

Gear Essentials

• Rod: 10-12 foot surf rod with medium-heavy action will handle most species.

• Reel: Large spinning reel (size 5000 or higher) for casting distance and battling larger fish.

• Line: 20-30 lb braided line is a good all-around choice.

• Rigs: Fishfinder rigs and bottom rigs are great for most targets.

• Bait:

  • Fresh or frozen shrimp

  • Cut bait like mullet or menhaden

  • Bloodworms

  • Sand fleas

• Accessories:

  • Sand spike to hold your rod

  • Tackle box/bag

  • Waders (optional but useful)

  • Cooler for your catch

  • Headlamp if fishing at night

  • 4WD vehicle if planning to drive on the beach

Prime Locations

• Cape Point: Where the currents meet, forming a fish haven. Be careful of strong currents here.

• Hatteras Inlet: Popular spot, target the sloughs and channels.

• The "Ramps": Numbered beach access points along Hatteras with varying conditions.

• Ocracoke Inlet: Excellent fishing, with potential for large red drum.

Beach Driving

• Permit: The National Park Service off-road vehicle (ORV) management plan permits the use of vehicles on designated ORV routes (ocean and sound side routes)  Four-wheel-drive vehicles are highly recommended due to the soft and sandy conditions. If a vehicle gets stuck, we include a tow rope, National Park Service staff are not allowed to pull or tow a stuck vehicle. Two types of ORV permits are available: a 10-day permit is $50 and an annual permit is $120 https://www.recreation.gov/vehiclepermits/249978

• Vehicle: A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for the soft sand.

• Conditions: Check tide charts and weather before driving on the beach.

Ocracoke Ferry

• Routes: There are ferries from Hatteras, Cedar Island, and Swan Quarter to Ocracoke Island. Check schedules for the most convenient route for you.

Techniques

• Read the Beach: Look for cuts, troughs, sandbars, and areas of breaking waves. These features hold more baitfish and attract larger predators.

• Rigging: Use rigs that keep your bait near the bottom if targeting drum and flounder.

• Bait Presentation: Use fresh bait and change it often. Cut bait needs to be replaced more frequently.

• Vary Your Cast: Don't just cast to the same distance. Try further, closer, and let the current drift your bait for different presentations.

• The Hook Set: Pay attention and set the hook with a firm upward motion when you feel bites.

Additional Tips

• Tides: Fish the incoming and outgoing tides, as these moving waters bring the most bait.

• Local Knowledge: Stop by bait and tackle shops for up-to-date info on hot spots, baits, and current conditions.