Outer Banks Surf Fishing in August
Last updated: May 2026
August is July’s twin with one key difference: water hits its annual peak temperature (often 82°+) and the first hints of fall start to whisper. Late August brings the first “mullet runs” — schools of finger mullet pushing south along the beach, drawing every predator within miles into a feeding frenzy. The single most exciting week of OBX surf fishing usually falls in the back half of this month.
What’s biting
Pompano. Continues strong, often the most reliable daytime catch.
Spanish mackerel. Daily run from the piers and occasionally from the beach.
Sharks. Peak month, particularly the bigger fish.
Tarpon. Peak month for tarpon shots.
Spanish/Atlantic bonito and false albacore. Speedsters start showing late month.
Bluefish. The mullet run wakes them up — late August is when 5-10 lb blues start chasing finger mullet through the suds.
Red drum. First wave of big spawning bull reds shows up at Cape Point and other prime spots in the last week of August. This is the start of fall drum season — and it’s a big deal.
Regulations
The bull red drum that arrive in late August are all above the slot — release them. NC rule: any red drum over 27″ must be released, and circle hooks are required for natural bait. See our Red Drum guide for the full release protocol.
Tactics
Watch the beach in the last 10 days of the month. When you see mullet schools moving south along the wash — dark clouds in the water, jumping bait, working birds — drop everything and throw a metal jig or live mullet rigged on a 7/0 circle. That’s where the fall starts.
Cast netters at the inlets can fill a cooler with finger mullet in 15 minutes once the run starts. Live bait beats cut bait through this window.
Where to fish
Cape Point begins to produce. Hatteras Inlet and Oregon Inlet stage bait. Pier fishing peaks for variety.
Other Months on the Outer Banks
See the full OBX Species Calendar for a year-round overview, or jump to an adjacent month: