From Nags Head and its surrounding Roanoke Island, Bodie Island, and Hatteras Island regions, mariners can explore multiple saltwater sounds, the open ocean waters, and even the Gulf Stream.
Nags Head visitors will be close to two of the biggest hubs for fishing charter businesses on the Outer Banks - the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and the marinas in the longstanding fishing town of Wanchese on Roanoke Island.
Between the two regions, there are more than 100 charter businesses to choose from, which can offer both inshore fishing trips and offshore trips to the Gulf Stream. Both regions are minutes away from Oregon Inlet, which connects the sound with the Atlantic Ocean, and which is roughly 15 miles away from the Gulf Stream.
Most charter trips are available in half-day or full-day increments, depending on the targeted Outer Banks fishing region, and offshore trips leave early at 6:00, 5:00, or even 4:00 in the morning.
Advanced reservations are required, and anglers can often reserve trips via the individual charter business directly, or through the marina where their vessel is stationed. Smaller parties of 1-2 anglers can often book last-minute reservations and join a smaller fishing group that's already booked - (a short-cut that can also be a money saver.)
Fishing charters generally cost between $250 - $1200 per trip, depending on the length and destination of the fishing trip, and the party size. Parties of 1-6 anglers are welcome, though some vessels can accommodate larger groups.
Boating is big in the 'Banks, and there are several regional public access ramps that are within a 15-20 minute drive for Nags Head vacationers. These include the following
Oregon Inlet Boat Ramp - Located just off of NC Highway 12, behind the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.
Washington Baum Bridge - Located adjacent to the western side of the Washington Baum Bridge, in between Nags Head and Roanoke Island.
Wanchese Boat Ramp - Located next to Moon Tillett's Fish Company and Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant, about a mile past the US 64 intersection.
Kill Devil Hills Boat Ramp - Located on the soundside, next to the intersection of Bay Drive and Dock Street.
Manteo Bowerstown Road Boat Ramp - Located at the end of Bowerstown Road, which is on the edge of Manteo, next to the US 64 intersection.
Manteo Downtown Boat Ramp - Located just off of Budleigh Street, close to the historic Elizabeth II, which is docked in the downtown harbor.
Kitty Hawk Boat Ramp - Located at the end of Bob Perry Road.
Though Nags Head doesn't have any marinas within its town limits, it is within 10-30 minutes of some of the OBX's most popular regional marinas. Popular area marinas include the following.
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center - This marina is the largest along the barrier island beaches, and features 45 fishing charter businesses, five public boat ramps, fuel, an extensive marina store, slips for rent, and easy access to the neighboring National Park Service campground. It's also the closest OBX marina to Oregon Inlet.
Pirate's Cove Yacht Club - Located next to the extensive Pirate's Cove condo, duplex and home community, this marina features charter businesses, regular tournaments, dockage and slip rentals, fuel, and a marine store and on-site restaurant.
Broad Creek Fishing Center - Found along the borders of the Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park in Wanchese, Broad Creek features a ship's store, marine supplies, charter businesses, fish cleaning services, fuel, and an extensive dry-stack storage facility.
Thicket Lump Marina - This smaller Wanchese marina at the end of Thicket Lump Road boasts a number of charters, fish cleaning services, fuel, and a popular bait and tackle shop which features custom built rods.
Manteo Waterfront Marina - This smaller marina features a nearby public boat ramp, as well as walking-distance access to downtown Manteo's acclaimed shopping and restaurants.
