OBX in March, Early April?

[Hammy]

I am heading down again in late March, early April. What's biting? I know it'll be dependent on water temps, but if I set up on the surf near Oregon Inlet could I expect to find something to play with my bait or lures? Maybe Specs, early Reds, stripers, or blues? Hell, doggies and puffers would be fine too! Am I too wishful, or will it be a tough bite then?

Also, does anyone know the link to make and online license purchase?

Thanks in advance!

[cobia_slayer]

Probobly some reds, big blues, and big specks. The way things have been going with the strippers I don't no if they're ever going to get down here.



here you go:

http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_01_license.htm

[Hammy]

for the info Cobia. Well here in Maryland, the stripers either bypassed us, ain't here yet, or just decided not to venture inshore. Much appreciated.

Do you think inlet/surf would be the way to go for the specks, and reds, or should I fish the warmer waters of the sound side?

[cobia_slayer]

I'm not real big on speck fishing but if you know where Avalon pier is there was a good hole in that area this past fall. As far as the reds Rhodanthe Or Buxton would probobly be one of your better choices, but also this past fall Avalon pier did extremly well with the reds up to 50 fish a night.

[Cdog]

That time of year I would head further South on a SW wind.Big reds could be around from Buxton southward then.

As far as OI might be some sea mullet and puffers around but again would prolly have better luck farther south.BTW I'm just guessing on OI, I usally dont fish there that time of year.

[longcaster]

Cdog gets this one. If you come down in late March-early April go to the "other" inlet that starts with "O". Okracoke is the place to be for the SW winds that blow in spring. Above Oregon Inlet the water is still to cold, unless we have a very early spring. If you want fish instead of just fishing, head farther south.

[surffisher]

Ocracoke Inlet is a bit of a haul if you are lodging in the Oregon Inlet area. Second best place to be will be from Cape Point south to Hatteras Inlet. The beach near Oregon Inlet is likely to be a squat- or shark-fest that time of year. Late April into May is a different story.

[Hammy]

for all the valuable information. I will cnsider the hike down further south. p.s. I am not looking to kill anything regardless of species, just looking for a little fight and a quick pic. I shall maybe try both!

[longcaster]

Hammy, the difference is between fishing & catching. Very few photos of the results of "fishing". However pics of something caught is another matter. Your choice.

[Fishbreath]

Hammy, what Cdog says is spot on. That time of year, OI is not the place to be. Head south, especially with a nice stretch of warmer weather with a SW breeze. You may find some specs, puppy reds, blues, puffers, sea mullet (whiting)and yes, more than your share of doggies.

[Hammy]

Are there any drive on areas (ORV zones) that can be accessed without permit that are further south than Oregon Inlet. If not, what do the permits cost?

Would early May be a better location for the surf fishing spot near Oregon Inlet that I described in the initial post? Again, I am just looking for some pullage. Variety of fish might be nice, some small ones (maybe the tasty mullet/whiting) with at least a chance at a bigger one! Not picky though. I might have another weekend window to get down there so weighing my options!

Regardless of location, would you favor early April over early May or the other way around??? :-) Thanks for all the responses.

Tight lines!

[Cdog]

Originally Posted by Hammy

Are there any drive on areas (ORV zones) that can be accessed without permit that are further south than Oregon Inlet. If not, what do the permits cost?

Would early May be a better location for the surf fishing spot near Oregon Inlet that I described in the initial post? Again, I am just looking for some pullage. Variety of fish might be nice, some small ones (maybe the tasty mullet/whiting) with at least a chance at a bigger one! Not picky though. I might have another weekend window to get down there so weighing my options!

Regardless of location, would you favor early April over early May or the other way around??? :-) Thanks for all the responses.

Tight lines!

No need for a permit on Hatteras Island.

[John M]

Id take early may....weather and water temps are more stable then.

[Fishbreath]

There are plenty of access ramps south of Oregon Inlet. Just lower your 4x4 tire pressure and drive on. As for the early May, more variety at that time.

[Hammy]

from Oregon Inlet south to the point is all considered Hatteras Island, right? And that is all free beach access?? Wow! Thanks for the word!