Experience the Best Light Tackle & Inshore Fishing in the Outer Banks. Discover the hidden back‑country waters of the Pamlico Sound — a place where most visitors never get the chance to fish. Over the years, I’ve found the quiet creeks, grass flats, and deep pockets where the fish love to feed. Whether you’re new to fishing or chasing that heart‑pounding rush, Hatteras is the place to be for unforgettable light tackle fishing, inshore fishing, and sound‑side fishing.
Join me, Captain Tim, aboard the Black Pearl for an authentic OBX charter fishing adventure. We’ll explore the calm, shallow waters of the sound, work the structure, and fill the cooler while creating memories that last long after we’re back at the dock.
Fish You Can Catch on Your Outer Banks Charter
Red Drum
Red drum — often called “redfish” — are one of the most iconic inshore species in Eastern North Carolina. These fish thrive in the grass flats and shallow sound waters around Hatteras, where they crush light‑tackle baits and put up a powerful, steady fight. NC is famous for producing trophy‑size drum, especially in the Pamlico Sound.
Black Drum
Black drum are commonly found around oyster beds, pilings, and deeper sound channels. They’re known for their strong, steady pull and excellent table quality. In Eastern NC, they’re often caught alongside red drum during inshore trips.
Speckled Trout (Spotted Sea Trout)
Speckled trout are a favorite among local anglers for their aggressive strikes and beautiful coloration. They thrive in the creeks and marsh edges of the Pamlico Sound, especially during the cooler months. Eastern NC is known for producing some of the largest specks on the East Coast.
Dolphin
When conditions allow, mahi can be found offshore of Hatteras, especially in the warm Gulf Stream waters. These fish are fast, colorful, and incredible to catch — a true Outer Banks highlight.
Wahoo
Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the ocean and a prized catch off the NC coast. The waters off Hatteras are known for producing excellent wahoo runs, especially in the fall.
Tuna
Yellowfin and blackfin tuna migrate through the waters off Cape Hatteras, making this region one of the top tuna fisheries on the East Coast. Tuna are powerful, fast, and a bucket‑list catch for many visitors.
Red Snapper
Red snapper are found on offshore structure and reefs off the NC coast. They’re known for their bright coloration and excellent flavor. When the season opens, they’re a highly sought‑after species.
Amberjack
Amberjack — often called “reef donkeys” — are known for their strength and stamina. They’re commonly found around wrecks and towers off Hatteras and provide a serious workout for anglers.
Flounder
Flounder are abundant throughout the Pamlico Sound and the shallow waters around Hatteras. They bury themselves in sandy bottoms during the day and move into the shallows at night to feed. I’m currently the only charter captain offering nighttime flounder gigging, a unique Eastern NC tradition that gives you a whole new way to experience the sound. Check to see if they are in season.
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive, fast‑moving predators that roam the inlets and sound. They’re known for explosive topwater strikes and are a fun catch for anglers of all experience levels.
Cobia
Cobia migrate along the NC coast each spring and early summer, often cruising near the surface or holding around buoys and structure. Eastern NC is famous for its cobia run, and these fish are both powerful fighters and excellent table fare.
King Mackerel
King mackerel — or “kings” — are a staple of the NC nearshore fishery. They’re known for blistering runs and high‑speed action, especially when they’re feeding along the Outer Banks beaches and nearshore wrecks.
Your Outer Banks Inshore Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re looking to reel in dinner or enjoy a day of hands‑on action, Black Pearl Fishing offers some of the best inshore and sound‑side fishing on the Outer Banks. Book your trip today and let’s go find the fish hiding where most boats never look.