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Fishing Fishing Schools Fishing Reports Fishing Gear Fishing Piers Head, Charter and Tour Boats Boating Motor and Sailboat Rentals Kayaking Rowing Boat Ramps Watersports Personal Watercraft Rental Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Skiing Surfing Swimming Beach Access
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In this chapter we offer a look at fishing, boating, equipment rentals and places where you can access our beautiful beaches. For businesses and beach access areas on Bogue Banks, we have given the mile marker (MM) to help you find them. |
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FishingThe Crystal Coast hosts numerous fishing tournaments. One of the nation's largest king mackerel tournaments, the Hardee's Annual Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament, is held in September, and one of the largest and oldest blue marlin tournaments, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, is held each June. For details and dates, see our Annual Events chapter.Federal government studies report that your chances of catching fish in North Carolina waters are unsurpassed along the entire East Coast. Of the 21 recorded catches of Atlantic blue marlin in excess of 1,000 pounds, five have been caught off the North Carolina coast. In fact, a 1,002-pounder is on display in the parking lot behind the Crystal Coast Visitors Center in Morehead City. Seasoned anglers know a secret: Year-round fishing is a reality here. Ten miles east of Morehead City and Atlantic Beach is Cape Lookout, where saltwater anglers have access to miles and miles of inshore fishing from the sounds, bays, rivers and creeks that define the natural wonderland of our coastal county. Cape Lookout also affords inlets that are passages to ocean waters and deep-sea fishing. Weather permitting, local fishing is soul satisfying in the spring, summer, fall or winter. Consult the Sportfishing Guide in this chapter to find out which months are best for catching particular fish species. Whether you surf fish from the barrier island beaches, dangle your line from one of the piers dotting the coastline or charter a private boat or head boat, you're sure to have the time of your life. Sport anglers are not required to obtain a fishing license. However, to make sure your fishing experience is fun and legal, before you fish contact the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, (252) 726-7021, for a list of size and catch limits and harvest restrictions. If you desire a remote fishing experience, try vacationing at the fishing camps at Cape Lookout National Seashore -- Morris Marina Kabin Kamps or Alger G. Willis Fishing Camps. Our Accommodations chapter has more information on these hideaways.
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Fishing SchoolsMost anglers come to the Crystal Coast equipped with fishing skills and knowledge, but a growing number of people want to know more about fishing in area waters or want to improve their chances of hooking the big one. Lucky for them, some good fishing lessons are available.The N.C. Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores conducts a weekend fishing workshop each fall, which usually takes place in late September or early October. It's taught by experienced fishing guides and is designed for novice surf fishermen, but all anglers are welcome. If you want a short but informative read on surf fishing, pick up Joe Malat’s booklet Surf Fishing: Catching Fish from the Beach – When, Where, How. It’s full of illustrations and is available in the Aquarium gift shop.
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