Outer Banks Surf Fishing in March
Last updated: May 2026
March is the turn. Water temperatures climb from the mid-40s into the low-to-mid 50s by month’s end, and the spring migration starts moving north. The first half of March still fishes like February — slow, cold, occasional. The second half wakes up. By the last week, sea mullet are stacked on the beach, the first puppy drum start showing, and the bluefish run is about to break.
What’s biting
Sea mullet. Prime month. When water hits 52°, mullet stage in big numbers on the inside bar. This is the best top-and-bottom-rig fishing of the year on a lot of beaches.
Puppy drum (slot reds). The first juvenile red drum start working the wash by mid-to-late March. Fish shrimp or cut mullet on a fish-finder rig. These are slot fish, 18-27 inches — perfect table fare and a legal keeper.
Bluefish. Late March, the first wave of “tailor” blues (1-3 lb) hits the beach. Metal jigs, GotchaPlugs, or cut bait — they eat anything.
Black drum. Still around, often bigger fish moving back north.
Striped bass. Holdover fish leave by mid-month in most years.
Regulations
Red drum: 18-27 inch slot, one fish per person per day. This is the regulation that matters most in March — the puppy drum are exactly slot-size, and people get tickets for harvesting under or over. Carry a measuring board.
Piping plover closures begin in late March on some Seashore beaches. Check NPS closure maps before driving south of Ramp 23.
Tactics
This is the month to scale down. Move away from the 12 ft heavy stick and toward a 9-10 ft medium-power rod with 17-20 lb mono. Two-hook bottom rigs with size 2 long-shank hooks. Shrimp, FishBites, sand fleas when you can find them.
Fish the rising tide into the inside slough. Mullet and small drum work that water hard as it fills.
Where to fish
Coquina Beach, Pea Island (south end), Salvo, Avon, the Buxton-to-Hatteras beach. Cape Point starts producing puppy drum in the back week of the month. Some piers open mid-month (Avalon, Jennette’s) — call ahead to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s biting in March on the Outer Banks?
Sea mullet is the prime catch once water hits 52°F and stages on the inside bar. The first puppy drum (slot reds, 18-27 inches) show up mid-to-late March, and late in the month the first wave of tailor bluefish (1-3 lb) hits the beach. Black drum are still around, and holdover stripers usually leave by mid-month.
What water temperature do you need to surf fish the OBX in March?
The bite wakes up around 52°F. The first half of March still fishes like February — slow, cold, and occasional — but the second half typically turns on as water climbs from the mid-40s into the low-to-mid 50s by month’s end.
What’s the red drum slot limit in North Carolina?
Red drum must be 18 to 27 inches total length, with a limit of one fish per person per day. This regulation matters most in March because the first puppy drum of the year are often right at slot size. Carry a measuring board — tickets for under- or over-slot fish are common.
What rig works best for March surf fishing?
Scale down. A 9-10 ft medium-power rod with 17-20 lb mono and a two-hook bottom rig with size 2 long-shank hooks beats the heavy 12-footer this time of year. Fish shrimp, FishBites, or sand fleas on the rising tide into the inside slough — that’s where mullet and small drum work the water as it fills.
Are Cape Hatteras beaches open in March?
Yes, the beaches are open for ORV access in March, but piping plover closures begin in late March on some Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches. Check current NPS closure maps before driving south of Ramp 23. Several piers also reopen mid-month — call Avalon and Jennette’s to confirm before driving out.
Other Months on the Outer Banks
See the full OBX Species Calendar for a year-round overview, or jump to an adjacent month:
