Last updated: May 20, 2026.
OBX Fishing Report Today
Here’s what surf and pier anglers are catching on the Outer Banks right now, plus the conditions that matter — water temp, wind, tides — so you can plan today’s session before you load the cooler.
What’s Biting on the OBX Surf
- Red drum: Active in the wash and slough, especially Cape Point and Avon area. Fresh cut mullet on a fish finder rig is the producer.
- Pompano: Scratching the inner trough on shrimp and sand fleas. See our pompano guide.
- Bluefish: Mixed in along the beach — metals and cut bait both working.
- Sea mullet (kingfish): Steady on bloodworms and small shrimp.
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Today’s Conditions
- Check the live tide chart, wind, and surf conditions before you leave.
- Water temp matters — see what’s possible at the current temp.
- Tide timing is everything — when to fish high vs. low.
Where to Fish Today
- Cape Point — the headline spot for drum and citation fish.
- Jennette’s Pier — easy access, year-round bite, the most-fished pier on the OBX.
- Avon Pier — the big-fish pier on Hatteras Island.
- Full map of where to surf fish the OBX.
Driving on Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches requires a 4×4 with an ORV permit. If you need a beach-ready rig, Beach4x4.com has options.
Bait & Rigs That Are Working
- Fresh cut mullet — the OBX standard for drum.
- Fresh shrimp — pompano, mullet, blowfish.
- Bloodworms — sea mullet, spot, pompano.
- Full breakdown: OBX bait guide.
Rigs: the Carolina rig and fish finder rig cover 90% of OBX surf situations.
Reliable Daily Sources
For up-to-the-minute boards: call TW’s Bait & Tackle, Frank & Fran’s in Avon, Red Drum Tackle in Buxton, or Frisco Rod & Gun. See our full report roundup.