Kayak Fishing

Kayak Fishing on the Outer Banks

Two activities that let one relax on the many peaceful waterways that we are fortunate enough to have nearby. Charter boats however, can be expensive, the flats to shallow for large motors, and fishing from a bridge or pier can be crowded and limits the area you can cover. This is where kayakers have the advantage. In a kayak you can go where the fish are and the people aren't, and if the fish happen not to be biting that day then you can put away your rod and enjoy a leisurely paddle in the beautiful Outer Banks.

Kayak fishing has become very popular all around the world recently. There are kayaks designed specifically for fishing, with rod holders galore, anchors, live wells, and anything else one might need to catch their prey. People have gone so far as to rig battery operated fish finders, live wells, and yes even trolling motors to their kayaks. There are also competitions on the East, West, and Gulf coasts to see who can reel the biggest fish in to their kayak.  

Here on the Outer Banks, kayak fishing can be done all year, but late fall when the stripers, or rockfish as the locals call them, are running is when most anglers are on the water. Dawning wetsuits, they venture through the breaking waves to the open ocean, while surf fishermen look on with envy from the beach. Catching a 35lb. fish from a charter boat is one thing, but wearing that fish down and landing him on the deck of your kayak is quite a thrill.

If you aren't quite that adventurous, then maybe the shallow, protected waters of the sounds on the Outer Banks are more your speed. Many anglers prefer chasing the various species of fish such as red drum (locally known as puppy drum) along the flats and edges of the bountiful salt marsh and estuaries indigenous to the Outer Banks. Awe inspiring sunsets and abundant wildlife also add to the tranquility of fishing in these waters. Whether you prefer fishing a particular hole or trolling along the bridge pilings there are plenty of ways to experience the joys of fishing from your kayak on the Outer Banks.

Don't have your own kayak? Let Kitty Hawk Kites and Carolina Outdoors be your source for all your kayak fishing needs. Take a half day charter, and learn the ins and outs of kayak fishing from one of our experienced guides. If you think you already have what it takes, but just need a boat to use, we have several fishing kayaks to rent, fully equipped with all the extras you need to catch the big one. If you like the boat you rented, the rental price is fully refundable toward the purchase of a kayak of your very own. Maybe you just need some extra gear to turn your own kayak into a fish slaying machine. We've got you covered there too.

Join us this fall for the Second Annual Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Competition. Test your fish finding skills against other kayak anglers from all over the east coast. The competition will include beginner and pro classes for several species of fish. More information will be available in the spring of 2007.

If you have any questions about kayak fishing feel free to send us an e-mail to watersports@kittyhawk.com or give us a call at 252-449-2210. We'd love to help you catch the fish of your dreams.