One of the best ways that you can enjoy the outside here in Emerald Isle, NC and along the Crystal Coast is by doing what the locals here have been doing since well before Emerald Isle was founded: go fishing! With the salty sea breeze, warm sun, a fishing pole in your hand, and a choice spot along the Emerald Isle coastline, you have all the ingredients for a great day of fishing. Now if you’re not sure how to get started, have no fear! I have answers for the 5 most pressing questions about fishing in Emerald Isle.
1. Where should I go fishing in Emerald Isle? You have several awesome fishing options along the Crystal Coast. Try one or try them all! If you are in Emerald Isle, there is one place for fishing that you will not want to miss out on: The Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier. This 1,000 ft wooden fishing pier has parking, a snack area, bathrooms, and plenty of space for fabulous fishing. Or take a walk on the pier (no charge for spectators!) day or night, and experience the place that so many have enjoyed for over 60 years. Stairs lead down from the pier to the beach as well, so you can go catch some waves after you’re finished fishing. Check out the new Pier House with fishing equipment, snacks, pier cold beverages, and fun things for everyone. The Bogue Pier Inlet also has a restaurant, Surf's Up Bar and Grill located adjacent to the Pier House. If pier fishing is not your thing, there are plenty of other options for you! Surf fishing is a great option from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle and everywhere in between. Surf fishing offers a less crowded fishing experience where you can pick your spot in the sand, cast your line, tuck the rod in the sand and watch the ebb and flow of the Atlantic waters as you await that telltale nibble. Your family can join in the fun by trying their hand at a cast or just waiting to see what's on the other end of your line.
If you're staying in a soundside vacation rental, you're only steps away from some awesome fishing. Drop a line right from your own dock or hop on a kayak and paddle out on the local waters and find your perfect fishing spot. Another possibility is the freshwater rivers and marshes. Then, there is the possibility to learn from the local experts by embarking on a fishing charter. Hop aboard and see what fishing adventures await you on the open seas! Emerald Isle has several fishing charter excursions to choose from, and there are plenty of charters out of Atlantic Beach and Morehead City, also.
2. What kind of fish can I expect to catch? It doesn’t get much better casting out your line while feeling the sun on your face—at least that is what you think until you get a tug on your pole and pull up your first catch of the day. Priceless! So, what types of fish are you pulling up? Well, that depends on the season, of course. Fish such as puppy drum, black drum, blowfish, pompano, bluefish, spots, sea mullet, trout, and more are plentiful and can be caught in the waters of Emerald Isle. No matter which season it is, there is always a bounty of fish ready and waiting for you. We guarantee that you'll fall in love with fishing in Emerald Isle hook, line and sinker. Visit the Fisherman's Post Weekly Fishing Reports for Emerald Isle and see what's biting and what's being caught right now. You can also visit the North Carolina Wildlife website to see what seasonal fish are swimming through the local waters in any given season.
3. Will I need a fishing license? Well that depends on where you're fishing. Pier fishing and charter fishing are covered by a blanket license so you won't need one for those. If you're doing any other type of fishing in the ocean or in the soundside waters of Emerald Isle, you will. Fishing licenses are also available at many bait and tackle shops and sporting goods stores or you can purchase a license online at the N.C. Wildlife website. Residents of NC pay $15 and non residents pay $30.
4. What kind of equipment will I need? You will need to make sure that you have a fishing pole suited for the type of fishing you're doing, along with the right kind of bait or lures. A cooler with some ice is helpful to have, too, to contain your catch of the day and keep it chilled. That’s really all you need! Plus a good dose of sunscreen and patience. If you don’t have your own fishing equipment, you can rent some at the pier itself, even getting a package deal with your pier pass. Don't be afraid to stop into the local Emerald Isle bait and tackle shops to get help determining what kind of bait is best for catching certain kinds of fish as well as where to fish. The same holds true for the local anglers you encounter. Strike up a conversation and ask them a few questions! You can't go wrong by consulting the local experts who most likely fish these waters on a regular basis and have years of experience fishing the Carolina coastline.
5. Where can I get more information? You can visit tackle shops and various websites like
Fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful weather and salty sea breeze that is ever present here in Emerald Isle and along the Crystal Coast. And hey, if you get a good catch you’ll not only be having a good time, but you’ll have the beginning of a memorable dinner. To learn more about how to enjoy the outdoors here in Emerald Isle, go to www.EmeraldIsleHomesforSaleNC.com and sign up for my blog. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 919-308-2292.Explore the video tab for my weekly uploads to my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and receive free donuts at my Flip Flops Donut shop. Text your email address to 919-308-2292 and subscribe to my newsletter. My book, "Live Where You Vacation" is available on Amazon.com.
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