One of the best things about living in the Outer Banks is our availability of fresh seafood. From mahi to tuna to shrimp, there is something fresh during every season! For the adventurous who like to catch it themselves, all of the piers from Kill Devil Hills to Avon offer excellent fishing year round with a constant supply of fish from Spanish mackerel and pompano to stripers and cobia that you can hook sans boat.
If you crave the swell of the water and the sea spray on your face, there are a variety of charters both inshore and offshore available through Pirates Cove Marina, Oregon Inlet Marina and Hatteras Island Marina. Every year the finest captains and mates offer a one of a kind adventure for visitors and locals alike, ensuring you have the best experience whether you come back to the docks with flags flying (catch and release marlin fishing) , a stocked cooler (sport fishing for eating) or just a lot of empty beers (a bad day fishing is better than a good day on land). Our favorites include Aaron Kelly with Rock Solid Fishing and Charles Haywood with Rigged Up Charters– both are longtime local fisherman who are knowledgeable of the waters and have years of experience under their hulls.
Ensure you have the proper fishing license and equipment- TW’s Tackle shop in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head can stock you with all of your necessary supplies and head out for the day to whet your line!
If you crave the bounty of the ocean but don’t have your sea legs, we have the finest locally family owned seafood markets from Corolla to Hatteras. Whether you shop at Dockside North in Corolla, Dockside N Duck, Carawans in Kitty Hawk, Billy’s in Colington, Austin’s in Nags Head, right off the boat in Wanchese, Surf’s Up in Avon or Risky Business in Hatteras- all of these local markets employ knowledgeable staff that can guide you to the freshest seasonal catch. Most have grown up and made their lives in seafood so take advantage of their expertise! My advice is don’t go in with a preconceived notion of what you are looking for, instead speak up and ask their opinion and be prepared to experience true Outer Banks living.
For a quick easy meal- Billy’s seafood on Colington Rd stocks locally made crabcakes- they are assembled, packed, vacuum sealed and delivered to Billy’s frozen from Matamaskeet Seafood in Swan Quarter. Great crab flavor, not too much filler and they have country ham in them. Take them home, pan fry them and serve over a quick salad or risotto. If you aren’t local, bring a cooler and stock up next time you visit! Since they are frozen, you can take them home and enjoy a taste of the Outer Banks from your freezer!
Amanda McDanel – Four if by sea