OBX/Northern Beaches – March 2026
Ward, of TW’s Bait and Tackle, reports that the main fishing news for northern Outer Banks anglers is that the bluefin tuna bite is holding strong. Most fish being hooked are too big, with some anglers able to find those lucky shorter ones mixed in that fall under the recreational size limit.
Not much is happening in the surf zone with water temperatures so low. In the coming weeks, local anglers will be looking for the first signs of sea mullet and bluefish moving into the area, and right before these two species appear, those fishing from the surf will likely start catching dogfish sharks and skates.
Inshore anglers aren’t having much success right now, but that should start to change by the end of March if temperatures consistently warm up, as the warming trend should see striped bass and speckled trout starting to mix in as they leave their wintering areas.
Aaron, of Carolina Sunrise Charters, reports that we are coming out of an extra‑cold winter, so for now anglers can expect the speckled trout to hang in deeper holes way back in the creeks throughout most of March.
Puppy drum will be some of the first signs of life, as they begin pushing in and setting up on shallow flats on the southern end of the sound.
Bluefin tuna action off the beach has been spectacular, with anglers hooking into some recreational keepers on topwater plugs along the temperature break. This bite was epic last March, and all signs point to something similar this year.
The area is also really looking forward to sight‑casting trips targeting schools of big red drum as they move up the beach. If conditions can turn around quickly, this can be a great opportunity for anglers heading into April.
Vincent, of Stick Em Fishing Adventures, reports that the catch‑and‑release striped bass action has been reasonably good back in the rivers, with stripers being the most active in the cold water.
Anglers are also still finding some speckled trout around, but without a keeper season, only a few people have been spending any time targeting them.
Out off the beach, plenty of black sea bass are staged up on the wrecks.
Bluefin tuna fishing has been great in the area, with anglers able to find some keeper recreational fish mixed in with the giants.
By the end of March, we will be watching for a run of southwest winds to possibly push some of the big red drum onto the beachfronts. This bite happens first down in Hatteras and Ocracoke before moving up around the Point.
Fishing Unlimited was closed at the time of reports.
Loralyn Moore, of Fairfield, landed this striper in the Roanoke River on a Z-Man StreakZ soft plastic. She was fishing with Capt. Grey Davis of Hyde Guides LLC.
Jack, of Afishionado Charters, reports that the bluefin tuna fishing continues to be spectacular. Both giants and recreational keeper‑sized fish are hitting trolled ballyhoo, jigs, and topwater plugs.
For trolling, a naked ballyhoo or a light‑colored skirt with a heavy head has been best for targeting waters in the 150‑300’ range. Anglers looking to hook their fish while jigging or popping are setting up with large Shimano Stella reels filled with 80‑100 lb. test braid and 120‑180 lb. test fluorocarbon leader. Be sure your lures are rigged with heavy‑duty single or treble hooks.
Ben, of Salty Waters OBX, reports that anglers look forward to temperatures starting to warm up and turn on as we move into March, when striped bass and red drum will make up most of this early‑year action.
Red drum (of various sizes) will be moving back through the inlets and setting up on nearby flats. The clear water conditions this time of year give some great sight‑casting opportunities. Try throwing both Z‑Man and Gulp soft plastics, and either way, a little scent added can be helpful. When the conditions aren’t cooperating, some cut bait can also do the trick.
Striped bass are further up the sound and are staged up around bridges and creek mouths. Anglers can have better success targeting them with slightly larger (5”) soft plastics.
This time of year is typically a great time to fish for speckled trout, but the hard winter has currently shut that bite down.
Capt. Kelly Hogan, of Nags Head Light Tackle Charters, with a striper caught on the Roanoke River bouncing a Basnight Baits 3/4 oz. bucktail.
McKayla, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that bluefin tuna fishing remains the top option for anglers getting the chance to run offshore. A bunch of big fish are out there, with anglers also able to catch some of the smaller recreational keepers.
Moving into March, the offshore fleet doesn’t anticipate much changing until the yellowfin tuna start to move back in.
Also in March, inshore and nearshore anglers will be watching for red drum to show back up. The puppy drum will start to be scattered in the surf and on the flats around the inlet.
Meredith, of Pirate’s Cove Marina, reports that the offshore boats have seen another great season for bluefin tuna, and the action hasn’t slowed down yet. Water temperatures are still cold, and anglers should see the bluefins stick around through most of March as we await blackfins and yellowfins to show up.
Nags Head Pier was closed at the time of reports.
Chrissy, of Avalon Pier, reports that it has been a cold winter and fishing action hasn’t really started yet. Anglers are peeking out when we get some nice weather, but low water temperatures will likely continue to hamper efforts and any success.
The suggestion for pier anglers is to keep an eye on reports from Hatteras Island to see what species will be working their way up the beach in the coming weeks.
Bob’s Bait and Tackle was closed at the time of reports.
