Cape Lookout Fishing Charters & Guides

Cape Lookout, NC

A place where civilization hasn’t made its mark? Welcome to Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Unlike any other place in the world, Cape Lookout is an underdeveloped barrier island on the coast of North Carolina. It’s part of the Crystal Coast, a stretch of beaches from Cape Fear to Cape Lookout. This barrier island is also oftentimes considered the beginning of the Outer Banks. It’s the point on the North Carolina coastline that is easily distinguished from the rest of the shoreline. If you’re visiting any coastal city, make the trek to Cape Lookout for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. While you’re visiting Cape Lookout, consider exploring the iconic lighthouse. Plan ahead as the lighthouse is closed during certain seasons or inclement weather. Children and seniors have a discounted ticket price, with regular admission at just $10 per person (subject to change). Children must be at least 44 inches to climb the 207 steps, which is about the equivalent of climbing a 12-story building. Because the island is underdeveloped, there is no way to drive to Cape Lookout. Travelers must take a ferry, private, or hired watercraft to the island. If you take the ferry, driving is allowed on the open sand of the Atlantic Ocean coastline. There is absolutely no driving over the dunes or on the sound side of the island.

Fishing Near Cape Lookout

Surf fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing when visiting Cape Lookout. The limited amount of people on the island probably has something to do with that. You won’t see the typical beach crowds here and anglers get to take advantage of the sparse beaches. Grab a pompano rig and cast your line past the breaking waves for the best results. Fishing the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Lookout gives anglers opportunities to catch a variety of fish. Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel are just some examples of what you may find at the end of your line. Even though they are both mackerels, the king mackerel (also known as kingfish) and Spanish mackerel (sometimes simply referred to as “macks”) are quite different. Spanish mackerel are a thin silver fish with yellow markings, while the kingfish are a long gray fish with a severe lateral line that distinguishes it from other mackerels. Both are caught on shiny bait such as mullet or menhaden and can be prepared by grilling, baking, or frying. In the fall months of October and November, bull reds move into the area. “Bull reds” are large-sized redfish that keep anglers coming back again and again. Personal best records are set and broken by anglers chasing bull reds. Redfish are bronze or golden fish with distinct black dot or dots near the tail. Fall temperatures mark the beginning of the spawning season and migration season for redfish (also known as red drum, or simply “reds”). While bull reds register at more than 24 inches, an average sized redfish is still a great catch at 18 inches. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled fishing experience, consider visiting Cape Lookout during the summer and fish for cobia. This is a large sized bottom feeding species that comes to the shallow waters during warmer temperatures. Chumming for cobia is also an option when fishing from a vessel. Get ready for a fight once the hook is set, cobia are known to use their large body to fight hard. If you board them too early they’ll continue to thrash on the boat, bringing chaos a little too close to home. Cobia are odd looking fish with a square-ish head, dark brown or black coloring on most of their body with white bellies. If you’re fishing the sound side of Cape Lookout, you can fish the above fish species, along with flounder, trout, redfish, and more. Be mindful of where you’re fishing on the island and have all the appropriate licenses and permits required. If you’re not sure what you need, consider hiring a local guide and they can take care of everything you need.

Cape Lookout Deep Sea Fishing

While you may not depart from Cape Lookout for your deep sea fishing adventure, anglers will no doubt benefit from the bountiful fishery just off the coast of this barrier island. Bottom fishing for grouper or snapper is just one option. Or drive a bit farther to the Gulf Stream, a river of current with fast swimming pelagics such as mahi mahi, tuna, and marlin. Yellowfin and bluefin tuna are caught in good numbers around Cape Lookout. Shark fishing is also a favorite for local anglers, although if you’re fishing for sharks all the other fish tend to leave the area. No matter what species you’re looking to reel in, plan for at least a six hour excursion.

Book a Cape Lookout Fishing Trip

Get away from it all… literally, when you travel to Cape Lookout. Search and book a trip with a local North Carolina fishing guide that can get you to the island and on the fish. It will be a day full of smiles when you visit this incredible destination.