Hatteras/Ocracoke – March 2025
Eric, of Hatteras Jack, reports that if the area continues to see stable weather patterns where water temperatures can warm up, the red drum action should really pick up. A decent bite has been found from north of the inlet, and at any time those reds could show up in the Hatteras Island area.
Anglers fishing on the south beaches (areas from Frisco to Hatteras) will start seeing better numbers of sea mullet and some blowtoads showing up at any time. For all of the surf species, cut shrimp is the best all-around bait.
Anglers fishing shrimp and other cut baits can also hook into some hard-fighting skates and sharks when just getting out to enjoy the weather and wet a line.
Soundside, the fishing action is basically shut off due to cold water temperatures. The good news is that the area is starting to see some finger mullet moving around in the sound, which should be a good sign that things are about to turn around.
Heather, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that the area is still seeing a lot of colder water temperatures, and the surf action overall is subsequently pretty spotty.
Determined anglers are still having some success catching a few puppy drum and spiny dogfish sharks.
In February, anglers around Buxton were landing some black drum and the occasional sea mullet.
Moving into March, if these water temperatures turn, anglers can expect the sea mullet to start showing up in better numbers, with puppy drum action also becoming more consistent.
Ben Renas, of Newport, landed this 27.8 lb. blackfin tuna offshore of Morehead City using a live pogie.
Bryan, of Hatteras Style Custom Rods & Tackle, reports that anglers looking to get out on the sand right now have been finding some decent puppy drum action out around Ramp 55.
Those targeting the south facing beaches have seen some black drum mixed in the action. For both species, some cut shrimp has been the best bet, and trying to find the freshest bait possible does make a difference.
Moving into March, the area looks forward to seeing the first signs of blowtoads and sea mullet showing up in the area. For local anglers, this is really the sign that spring fishing is on its way.
Natalie, of Frisco Rod & Gun, reports that the offshore bluefin tuna bite has been the biggest fishing news.
Surf fishing has been pretty slow, with really cold water temperatures having most species basically shut down. Anglers have seen the occasional puppy drum being caught, and they look forward to the sea mullet and blowtoads arriving as we move into March.
Lee, of Teach’s Lair, reports that the biggest news in the area has been the strong bluefin tuna bite. Anglers are still catching some huge fish (to 450+ lbs.) not too far off the beach.
Some scattered blackfin tuna are starting to show in better numbers. Based on water temperatures, these two species will likely continue to make up the majority of the action throughout March.
Surf fishing in the area has been slow, with not much action at all since a good puppy drum run in February.
Anglers look forward to some blowtoads starting to arrive. These fish typically appear when the water hits that 57-58 degree mark.
As water temperatures get closer to 60 degrees, the area will start seeing good numbers of sea mullet around, and the puppy drum action should be picking up at this time, too.
Leslie Scoggins and Jon and Maddox Tennant lured this 95.5″, 500 lb. bluefin tuna to hit a live bluefish. They were fishing the shoals near Cape Lookout.
Joey, of Fingeance Sportfishing, reports that anglers are gearing up for the early spring striped bass action. These fish are starting to migrate from the sounds back towards and into the mainland rivers. Anglers will be targeting them around structure with casting jigs and live bait.
As the ocean water temperatures begin to warm up, red drum will start moving back into the sound. Based off the surf reports from this winter, anglers are anticipating good numbers and a strong red drum bite. The top tactic for early spring will be sight-casting to these schools with cut baits on the flats.
Aaron, of Tightline Charters, reports that heading into March, anglers hope for the schools of red drum to show up. Water temperatures are currently really cold, and anglers hope that this could help these fish stick around longer before pushing north towards the Chesapeake. Anglers will be able to target the red drum in the inlets, off the beaches, and on the inshore flats during flood tides.
Around this same time is when the area starts seeing the first signs of bluefish. The blues will be schooled up in all the same areas both nearshore and inshore.
Other opportunities include targeting hard structure around the inlet for black sea bass, sheepshead, and tautogs.
Jeremy, of Calypso Sportfishing, reports that anglers have been happy to see a “red hot” bite on bluefin tuna. A bunch of large fish (to 500+ lbs.) are in the mix, and they’re hitting both naked or skirted large “horse” ballyhoo. With water temperatures still really cool, anglers anticipate seeing these fish stick around well into March.
Looking into March, better numbers of blackfin tuna should be showing up off the coast. A few scattered ones are being caught while bluefin fishing, so it likely won’t be long for the blackfins.
The fleet also hopes to get a nice run on yellowfin tuna this spring.
