With fall descending upon us here on the southern coast of North Carolina, it's a great time for anglers. Fish become active in the fall, right as it gets cooler and the summer crowds go home, making it the perfect time of year for fall fishing in Oak Island! Our little spot of seaside heaven has all the right conditions to make it a fisherman's paradise. And when you book a vacation rental with Better Beach Rentals, you'll have a convenient home base for all your fishing adventures. Our rentals are located close to the beach, to fishing charters, and to the piers, making it easy to start fishing each day and return when you're finished. Is your interest piqued? Then read on and find out everything you need to know about fall fishing in OKI!
Why Fish in the Fall in Oak Island, NC?
During the fall, cooler temperatures make fish more active and prone to feeding. Fall is also the time when many fish start migrating, getting ready for the winter. Additionally, many of the beach crowds of the summer have gone home, giving anglers much more space. During the fall, the waters off of Oak Island offer a variety of fish, including speckled trout, flounder, Spanish mackerel, black drum, and more. This makes it an excellent time for you to pick up your fishing pole and hit the water!
Types of Fishing in Oak Island, NC
There are several ways to go fishing, and each method has its own advantages!
Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is as simple as casting your line right from the beach, where you can relax and take your time. It’s perfect if you want to stroll out of your vacation rental in the morning or after a busy day and cast a line! It’s also great for beginners. The best times for surf fishing are early morning at sunrise or later in the evening around sunset, especially when the tides are coming in and the water is moving. That's when you can reel in various fish, like drum, flounder, bluefish, speckled trout, and pompano. Anyone over 16 will need a fishing license to start, but they’re easy to get online.
Gear Needed for Surf Fishing
- Rod holders (sand spikes)
- Fishing rod and reel
- Bait
- Pliers
- A cooler with ice for your catch
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Pier Fishing
Pier fishing is an accessible way to catch fish without a boat! By casting your line off the side of a pier, you can reach deeper waters. The pier itself acts like an artificial reef, drawing in bait and attracting all sorts of fish. Plus, being up high gives you a great vantage point to spot the fish while you relax. And if you want to fish at night, the pier lights allow you to do a little after-hours angling.
While you’re here, be sure to check out Oak Island Pier and Ocean Crest Pier for great fishing! You don’t need a fishing license to fish from the piers, either. We wish you tight lines and bent rods!
Oak Island Pier
- Fee: Free to enter the pier. Daily fishing passes start at $10; you can find all the prices online.
- Location: 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM Daily
Ocean Crest Pier
- Fee: Starting at $14 for adults, and $7 for children.
- Location: 1409 E. Beach Dr., Oak Island, NC 28465
- Hours: 6 AM – 11 PM Daily
Charter Fishing
Charter fishing is an exciting way to enjoy time on the water! You hire a captain and a boat and head out for anywhere from 2 to 12 hours; it's up to you. Fishing charters are great for everyone, from beginners to highly experienced anglers. The charter provides everything you need, such as the gear and local knowledge of the best spots to go fishing. And additionally, you don’t need a fishing license since the boats are already licensed!
If you choose inshore or nearshore fishing, you'll stay close to the shore. This type of fishing is perfect for reeling in species like drum, speckled trout, and flounder. For something more adventurous, you may opt for an offshore trip that can take you out to sea. Here, you’ll have the chance to catch fish such as mahi mahi, king mackerel, grouper, snapper, amberjack, and cobia. What a fun way to reel in dinner!
Local Fishing Charter Companies
Oak Island Fishing Charters
- Hours: Customizable
- Rates: Please contact to discuss rates
- Phone: (910) 470-1995
Angry Pelican Charters
- Hours: 2-5-hour trips
- Rates: Contact for rates
- Phone: 910-742-0296
Cool Runnings Charters
- Hours: 4- 8 hours
- Rates: Starting at $400 for 1-3 people.
- Phone: 910-523-0312
Book Your Next Fishing Trip to Oak Island, NC
Featured Rental: Seas the Day
Now that you’re excited about fall fishing in Oak Island, it’s time to book your trip! The great thing about booking with Better Beach Rentals is that we have a great variety of rentals. Looking for a dog-friendly rental so that you can bring your best friend? We’ve got those! Want a grill so that you can cook up a catch? We have those too! We also have homes within walking distance to the beach, so you can easily hit the surf with your rod and reel each day.
If this sounds like your kind of vacation, then it’s time to book your fishing vacation with Better Beach Rentals. We look forward to your visit!
Show Me Oak Island Vacation Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing in Oak Island, NC
Do I Need a Fishing License to Fish in Oak Island, NC?
You need a North Carolina fishing license for surf fishing, which you can obtain online. You don’t need one for pier or charter fishing.
What Kinds of Fish Can I Catch in the Fall in Oak Island, NC?
You can catch the following fish during the fall in Oak Island, NC:
- amberjack
- cobia
- black drum
- bluefish
- flounder
- grouper
- king mackerel
- mahi mahi
- snapper
- Spanish mackerel
- speckled trout