What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Nags Head, North Carolina for the first time?

We have fished the surf and sound in the early season for years, but we would end up buying our fish at the seafood market. With the "Poacher" we went out 5 to 7 miles in the ocean and caught 25 sea bass. The 40 foot boat made us comfortable taking on large waves until we reached the fishing area. The captain and the first mate made fishing enjoyable for all. We are looking forward till we vacation again and book the Poacher for another fun time.

Be flexible as it's early in the season (mid-April) and fishing can be hit or miss then. I hoped for Drum and booked a charter trip. Unfortunately the fleet hadn't been catching them so we switched to catfish in the sound, but got skunked there. Three other charters got skunked that afternoon as well so I place no blame on Captain nor crew. I brought gear to surf fish (soaking bait) from the beach but got skunked there as well. The drum were in short supply. Plugging the surf was fruitless because I targeted the wrong species. Other surfcasters were doing okay on speckled trout, which I hadn't planned for. That's on me. The Nags Head and Jennette fishing piers were very productive (mullet) and my grandkids were happy catching them and the occasional skate (ray) and pufferfish. I would recommend checking in early with the tackleshops and gear up from their advice, rather than doing too much planning up front...

We took two vehicles. Google Maps got one vehicle there fine. Apple Maps was a disaster and sent my daughter miles out of the way. Put the campground across the street in your gps if you are unsure you are going to the right place.

1. Make certain of where the boat is docked or sails from. This will help in planning for drive time depending on whether you have an early morning or afternoon charter. 2. Hats, sunglasses, and lots of sun screen (or long sleeves) are a must. 3. While a cooler of ice-cold beer is good, ice-cold water is better. 4. Have a second cooler in your vehicle to take home your catch.

Our Captain and 1st Mate were great. But the actual fishing time spent "on fish" was disappointing. After about 2 hours in good water and fish, we left them and took a long slow troll back. Even though lines were in the water, no fish. This was totally obvious and i have experienced this before. Just disappointing for what we pay.

Plan accordingly. Take motion sickness precautions. Talk to the captain for anything needed during trip.

Tough to align a spring break with warm water temperature, but if possible and fishing is your objective, best to fish later in spring or summer

Trust your Captain he knows were to find the fish , don't eat alot before you go on your charter, an have fun beautiful wild life

Nags Head has always provided great fishing, but don’t expect it to be easy in the middle of summer. The better fishing, in my experience has been in the spring or later in the summer/fall.

If you are a serious fisher I would not recommend this time of the year. I would wait until May or November time frame when there is a greater vary of fish,

Watch the time of the year to understand what will be biting when you will be here. We were hoping for more variety than what the current conditions allowed.

It's fishing, not catching. You never know how it's going to go. Our 1st time out in OB. Crew was fantastic.

Parking there was ok. Not clear how the procedure to pay for having the fish cleaned after the trip is to be done.

Try the near shore fishing and use a local boat they know their area and will make it a much better time.

While it's not prime time for fishing, the ribbonfish were biting well and are excellent eating

Remember it’s not called catching, it’s called fishing and just enjoy the experience.

Great trip with lots of fish. If waters rough take Dramamine or pray to the bucket gods

A little choppy but if you have a good captain, you’ll find the right trolling area.

Well worth the price for a private charter where you can bring your own food and drinks!!

Head on out to Oregon Inlet and give Captain Duke a call. You will be glad that you did.

Don't book it through here there's false advertising as to what you'll be going after