Outer banks in Jan/Feb?

[captmike84]

Hello,

I'm looking to head down to the OBX in January or February to do some surf fishing for stripers. I fish a lot for stripers but I've never been down to the Outer Banks. It sounds like Oregon Inlet's the place to be. Is there anything to be caught that time of year or is it a waste of gas? Also if I head down there I would want to take my jeep out on the beach so facilitate fishing. I know each town has different rules so can anyone make a receommendation of the best way to do what I am aiming to do or am I just dreaming here?

[bridgeman]

I think you can get permits to run the beaches that time of the year, I was down there last year fishing for bluefins in February but noticed very little bird action that would lead me to believe there were fish in the surf. I heard that the bulk of the fish stayed well beyond the 3 mile range most of the time for the last two years, but that could very well change this year. I was down there about 4 or 5 years back and the fish were right out from the Wright brothers memorial for a good while and they were working on them pretty good in the surf. Oregon Inlet bridge catwalk can be good at times too. Can't fish for the inshore species when I'm down there got tuna blood in me.

[CaptNemo]

In the winter the beaches are pretty much open, no permit required, especially on the north side of OI, there are beach accesses all only HWY 12, including one at oregon inlet, just pull up and the rules will be posted. Remember there are resident rockfish in the sound, so they are always around the bridge, they are just out of season from spring to fall, so you don't really have to worry about them coming in past the 3 mile line, there are fish there year round...

[cletus9000]

I've caught them in the winter at OI, but have had better luck historically at the point in Buxton. It's worth making the run farther south IMO. Caveat is that I haven't surf fished there in 5+ years, so grain of salt. I think Red Drum Tackle in Buxton has a website... I'd check the reports there to get some intel.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, around New Years is usually good for stripers. It could very well get slow as you move into February, so I'd be thinking early January for a trip.

[captmike84]

thanks a lot guys. This could be pretty fun!

[Bend-Lure]

I fished the point this weekend. Nothing but sharks, some sizable. No rockfish, no big blues. I heard a third hand report of a few puppy drum a few miles south of the point. All of the tackle shop reports read "Fishing is slooowwwww." TWs at MP 10 in Nags Head was the only place with fresh mullet. I am planning a trip later in January hoping the water will be cooler by then and the fish will show up.

[CaptNemo]

here is a good OBX fish report site, http://www.fishermanspost.com/catego...rthern-beaches

[FishFarm]

Nice link Nemo