Calling all fishing enthusiasts! You’ve come to the right place for sunny skies, cool breezes, and snagging a big catch. Oak Island and the waters of Southport, North Carolina, are renowned for superb fishing. Here, we’re popular with both local anglers and traveling and tournament fishermen. Home of the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, our area hosts a major sport fishing event that draws over 400 boats and awards thousands of dollars to the overall winners.
Fishermen — beginners and experts — have caught Black and Red Drum, Bluefish, False Albacore, Marlin, Sailfish, and more. Ready to explore the fishing yourself? Here is all you need to know!
In This Article:
- Keep it Simple with Surf Fishing
- Get the Big Catch on the Pier
- Enjoy the Water with Fishing Charters
- Get Equipped at Bait and Tackle Stores
- Book Direct with Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Keep it Simple with Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish at Oak Island. It’s about getting back to basics and tapping into the nostalgia of when you first threw a line into the water. This time, you’ll be casting it directly from Oak Island’s beaches into the ocean. Keep an eye out for seasonal surf fishing seminars offered at Surf Fishing Seminars with Tracy Mastin.
You gain knowledge and the confidence to fish through Mastin, a fishing expert and owner of Faith Surf Fishing. These classes are typically held in spring and fall and help anglers learn about local fish, bait, rigs, and surf-fishing techniques.
Get the Big Catch on the Pier
No boat? No problem! You also have easy and deeper access to saltwater fishing when you cast your rod from a pier. You’re above the fish, so you have an edge when trying to reel them in. And with the algae buildup around the pier, it’ll attract the fish. That means, fish, including the big ones, come to you!
When it comes to pier fishing, it’s all about location, location, location! Oak Island has several spots of varying sizes where you can cast a line. And if you’re in the mood for a change of scenery, take an estimated 15-minute drive to Southport Pier and Riverwalk.
Oak Island Fishing Pier
Location: 705 Ocean Drive
Key Highlights: 880-foot ocean pier, fish-cleaning stations, benches, accessible areas, restrooms, on-site Pier House offering bait and tackle
Ocean Crest Fishing Pier
Location: 1409 E. Beach Drive
Key Highlights: Offers food and drinks at the Seahorse Bar
Register Park Fishing Pier
Location: NE 52nd Street
Key Highlights: Smaller pier with fish-cleaning stations, benches, accessible railing
Veterans Park Fishing Pier
Key Highlights: Fish-cleaning stations, benches, accessible railing
Enjoy the Water with Fishing Charters
If you want your fishing trip to end with a big catch in the frying pan, book a fishing charter! They are typically high-producing adventures for a fresh catch. Most of the captains are locals, and they intimately know the waterways and are bait-ready and fully equipped to help you fish successfully. They know what is biting and when, understand the regulations, and are certified.
Oak Island has plenty of charter options to choose from. Whether you’d like to take your kids on their first fishing trip or are looking for a more ambitious excursion, you don’t have to look far.
Oak Island Fishing Charters
Location: 133 NW 5th Street, Oak Island
Key Highlights: Offshore, nearshore, backwater, and kids’ fishing charters
Quality Time Charters
Location: 4750 Fish Factory Road SE, Oak Island
Key Highlights: Fishing trips range from 3-hour excursions to 10-hour offshore trips
Angry Pelican Charters
Location: 606 W. West Street, Southport
Key Highlights: Oak Island-area nearshore and deep-sea fishing charters, along with scenic and sunset cruises
Get Equipped at Bait and Tackle Stores
You can’t have a successful fishing trip without all the necessary equipment. Oak Island has some bait and tackle stores all around the area, and Oak Island Sporting Goods is right here on the island. You can find many others in Southport, just a short drive away.
Oak Island Sporting Goods
This store is a one-stop shop for your needs on the island, whether you’re fishing by pier, beach, or boat.
- Address: 6324 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island
- Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Specialties: Live, fresh, and frozen bait; fishing tackle; fishing licenses; beach accessories and apparel; official weigh station
Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle
Located just off Oak Island in Southport, this family-owned shop carries a broad assortment of fishing supplies and can also make custom fishing rigs.
- Address: 4019 Long Beach Road SE, Southport
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 5:30 a.m.– 6 p.m.; Saturday, 5:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 6 a.m.– 4 p.m.
- Specialties: Fishing line, hooks, swivels, and custom-made rigs, along with other fishing supplies
Wildlife Bait and Tackle
Another Southport option, especially useful for saltwater anglers looking for bait and tackle.
- Address: 4381 Fish Factory Road, Southport
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Specialties: Live fiddler crabs, mud minnows, Z-Man products, inshore rod-and-reel combinations, and other fishing tackle; official weigh-in station
The Tackle Box Seafood Market
This Southport shop combines bait and fishing supplies with a seafood market.
- Address: 8250 River Road SE, Southport
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed Sunday.
- Specialties: Fresh and frozen bait, fishing tackle, and fresh seafood; listings also specifically mention live shrimp.
Book Direct with Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island
Featured Property: Family Tides Oak Island
Oak Island has a lot to offer, but nothing feels like fishing at any time of the year. Yes, it’s not just a summertime activity here. Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island offers many vacation rental homes that will suit your needs during your fishing expeditions. What’s even better is that you save money by booking direct with us! Whether you need a dog-friendly space, a pool, or an oceanfront home, we’ve got you!
Browse through our website for more details about all of the homes in which one is sure to complement your fishing trip perfectly. Questions? Use our contact form to submit any inquiries about your stay. We look forward to welcoming you to Oak Island, NC!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oak Island good for beginner anglers?
Yes! If you’re new to this, try surf or pier fishing first. There are also seasonal surf-fishing seminars that teach new anglers about local fish, rigs, bait, and techniques if you want to improve.
What should I bring for a fishing trip in Oak Island?
That depends on how you plan to fish. For surf or pier fishing, plan on bringing rods and tackle, bait, sun protection, and a cooler. If you book a fishing charter, check with your captain before packing gear, as many charters provide everything you need, including the necessary fishing license.