Outer Banks Surf Fishing in December
Last updated: May 2026
December is the start of winter fishing. Water drops from mid-50s to high 40s. Most species are gone. But the striped bass run continues — and December has historically produced some of the biggest surf-caught stripers of the year on the OBX. If you can handle cold and wind, this is a high-reward month with miles of empty beach.
What’s biting
Striped bass. Peak surf fishery. The big fish are here. Most of the action is in the first half of December before water drops below 50°, but bait pushes can keep fish in the wash all month.
Bluefish (small). Some left, but they thin quickly.
Sea mullet. Background catch on shrimp.
Black drum. Cold-water specialists; reliable around structure.
Dogfish. Steal your bait.
Regulations
Striped bass: NC ocean season typically ends Dec 31 (subject to NCDMF rule changes). Check before you keep one. Slot also varies year-to-year — recent years have used a 28-31″ slot with one fish per person per day in some seasons.
Tactics
Two approaches work. Big-bait soaking — bunker chunks on heavy gear, staked out in known slough or near inlet outflow. Or active casting with 2 oz metal jigs into birds and busting fish.
Dress for the conditions. Wind chill on the beach in December can put the felt temperature in the 20s. Real waders, real boots, gloves.
Where to fish
Oregon Inlet (especially south side) is the striper magnet. Avon-Buxton-Hatteras beaches produce. Cape Point on a clean east push. Ocracoke for solitude.
Piers are mostly closed. Beach access ramps stay open — winter is when you get the whole Seashore to yourself.
What it feels like
Short days, hard wind, big silence. A bite from a 30-pound striper in 12-foot surf at sunset in December is a different sport than throwing FishBites in July. People who fish December are a small club.
The December cold-water picture
Surf temps in December typically run 50–55°F early in the month and drop into the mid-40s by year-end. That puts the OBX surf in true winter mode — most species have moved south or into deeper water, and what’s left are the cold-tolerant fish: stripers (the late-running bigger ones), the occasional drum on warm spells, and some speckled trout still hanging in the sounds.
Striper rig and timing
December stripers are typically the bigger fish of the run — slower, heavier, less aggressive than the November fish. Fresh bunker chunks on a fish-finder rig, 8/0 to 9/0 circle hooks. Fish the warmer part of the day (10 AM to 2 PM) when the water is at its daily peak. A 60°F afternoon following a 45°F night will sometimes trigger an unexpected bite. Watch the offshore buoy — a brief warming bump of 2–3 degrees can mean fish on the beach by sunset.
Sound-side speckled trout
The sound fishery often outlasts the surf in December. Trout stack up in deeper holes near bridges, in marinas, and along grass edges with structure. A 1/4-oz jighead with a soft plastic or Mirrolure worked slowly along the bottom is the standard rig. Cold-water trout are sluggish — slow your retrieve more than you think you need to.
You’ll have the beach
Tourist traffic is gone. Most rental houses are empty. Ramps that are choked all summer are deserted. This is the month locals favor when the weather cooperates — but cooperate is the operative word. Two consecutive fishable days in December is a gift; one out of three is more typical.
What to wear and bring
Insulated waders or bibs over thermal base layers, heavy fleece, windproof outer shell, neoprene gloves with a flip-top index finger, and a wool or synthetic beanie. A thermos of hot coffee or soup is worth the bag space. Hand warmers in pockets and inside gloves are the difference between fishing another hour and packing up cold.
Pier hours in December
Most OBX piers run reduced hours or close entirely in December. Jennette’s stays open year-round but with limited hours. Avalon and Outer Banks Fishing Pier typically close around mid-December and reopen in spring. Always call ahead before driving — schedules vary year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you catch big striped bass from the OBX surf in December?
Yes — December has historically produced some of the biggest surf-caught stripers of the year on the Outer Banks. Most of the action is in the first half of the month before water drops below 50°F, but bait pushes can keep fish in the wash all month. 30-40+ pound fish are realistic for anglers willing to deal with cold and wind.
What’s the water temperature in December on the OBX?
December water drops from the mid-50s at the start of the month to the high 40s by month’s end. Stripers fish well through that range. Most other species (puppy drum, bluefish, pompano) are gone south, though black drum stay reliable around structure and sea mullet appear as a background catch on shrimp.
What gear do I need for cold-weather December surf fishing?
Breathable chest waders or insulated bootfoot waders, fleece base layers, a wind-blocking shell, neoprene gloves, and a beanie or balaclava. For tackle, a 10-12 ft surf rod, 4500-6500 reel with 30-50 lb braid, a fish-finder rig with 6/0-8/0 circle hooks, and fresh cut bunker, mullet head, or whole spot for bait. Pack a heater for the truck.
When does NC striped bass season end?
The NC striped bass ocean season typically ends Dec 31, but exact dates and slot sizes are subject to NCDMF rule changes. Recent years have used a 28-31 inch slot with one fish per person per day in some seasons. Always confirm current regulations at NCDMF before keeping a fish — December is when most surf-caught stripers happen.
Is it worth driving to the OBX to surf fish in December?
For striper anglers, yes — December rewards the people who show up. The beaches are empty, the big fish are there, and a single tide change with the right wind can produce a personal best. For variety fishing, no — most species are gone, the bite windows are short, and the cold is real. Pick December for stripers or skip it.
Other Months on the Outer Banks
See the full OBX Species Calendar for a year-round overview, or jump to an adjacent month:
