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

This was the first time fishing in the ocean - it was a calm day and we caught enough fish for many meals. Sound fishing in the past was excellent as well - but we were very satisfied being on the ocean side of the OBX.

July is a tough time for surf fishing sharks have come in but for children the first time boat fishing the sound is great, it was 20mph winds+ when I took my 7 yr old and he did great with it, but it did limit us to red drum fishing, which is always fun to pull in.

Ask locals for advice, cross the bridge on 12 to the preserve for privacy and of course book with jw charters for a couple hours, as soon as you get here. John’s knowledge and willingness to give free advice will only make you more successful during your stay.

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.

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.

The wind and weather can effect the fishing this time of year but when its good its really good

Always choose a well equipped and comfortable boat for your outing, and Captain with long time experience in the area.

We had a great time fishing Spanish Mackerel, blue fish and ribbon fish. Great assortment of fishing

Go to Austin's, Ethridge's, or Billy's Seafood Markets. Fish are fresh, service is superb, quality and selection are outstanding. And you will save yourself over $400 the charter will cost!

Take dramamine and supplement it with coffee or an energy drink! It will make you drowsy, but it beats the alternative.

Fish were plentiful and the entire family had a great time! It’s hot, but it’s summer time so just bring plenty of water and you’re good to go!

Communicate with your captain if you want to try a variety of fishing techniques! If you're a novice ask to do bottom/wreck fishing.

Just contact the people at Oregon outlet and tell them what your looking for and they will take care of you!

Sandfleas, bloodworms, and squid seem to be the meal of choice for many of the species of fish in OBX in June!! Grab your pliers because the toadfish are hungry too!!

Captain seemed disinterested, and minimally engaged. He did attempt to keep us on the fish, but I would not rebook with him. The mate was great.

I wish we would have caught more but it is called fishing not catching! Still had fun and Russell was great!

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.

fishing on a boat your best bet but for fishing has lots of fun bites. used artificial cut bait

Be prepared to get wet and wear swimwear and bring a camera to capture the experience