The Outer Banks is legendary among East Coast anglers — and for good reason. The convergence of the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream creates one of the most productive stretches of water on the Atlantic seaboard. Here's everything you need to know to fish well near Grandy Cove.
The Boat Launch at Grandy Cove
One of Grandy Cove's best features for fishing guests is the private boat launch right at the property. If you're trailering a boat, you can launch directly from the property and access Currituck Sound in minutes. The sound offers year-round fishing for:
- Red drum (channel bass) — The OBX's most iconic species. Peak season is September–November.
- Speckled trout — Great fall and spring fishing in the sound's grass beds.
- Flounder — Excellent summer fishing along grass flats and near inlets.
- Largemouth bass — Currituck Sound has a surprisingly strong freshwater bass population in the upper reaches.
Nags Head Fishing Pier
The Nags Head Fishing Pier is one of the longest and most productive fishing piers on the East Coast at just over 1,000 feet. It extends well past the breakers into productive surf zone water.
Target species: Red drum, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, spot, and pompano.
Cost: Nominal daily fishing fee. Tackle shop and snack bar on-site.
Distance from Grandy Cove: About 20 minutes.
Offshore Charter Fishing
For anglers looking to go big, the Gulf Stream is accessible from Wanchese Marina (about 35 minutes from Grandy Cove). Several charter operations run full-day and half-day offshore trips targeting:
- Mahi-mahi (dolphin fish) — Peak season June–August
- Wahoo — Fall is outstanding
- Yellowfin and bigeye tuna — Year-round in the right conditions
- Billfish — Blue marlin and white marlin seasonally
Book well in advance for summer charters — quality boats fill up 6–8 weeks out.
Surf Fishing
The OBX has some of the best surf fishing in the country. Red drum run the Cape Hatteras beaches in October–November in numbers that attract anglers from across the country. The beaches are also excellent for:
- Pompano — Spring and fall
- Spanish mackerel — Summer, from the surf or bridges
- Bluefish — Year-round, especially fall
Duck Hunting as a Side Note
While this guide is about fishing, it's worth noting that the same waterways that make Grandy Cove a fishing paradise also make it one of the country's premier duck hunting destinations. If you're visiting November through January, duck hunting packages are worth exploring — several outfitters operate on Currituck Sound near the property.
Fishing License Requirements
- NC Recreational Fishing License — Required for anyone 16 and over fishing in NC inland or coastal waters. Available online at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website or at most local tackle shops.
- Saltwater Recreational Fishing License — Required for salt/brackish water fishing unless you're fishing from a licensed charter boat.
Pick up your license online before you arrive — it takes 5 minutes. Looking for more ways to spend your time on the OBX? See our full things to do guide, including duck hunting, water sports, and lighthouses. Check availability at Grandy Cove and book your fishing trip direct.