Black Sea Bass

Hatteras, North Carolina, is a prime location for Black Sea Bass, offering access to productive offshore waters. The Gulf Stream's influence keeps the water relatively warm, extending the fishing season compared to more northern locations. Target natural and artificial reefs, as well as wrecks, found a few miles offshore. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find them year-round. Black Sea Bass in this area respond well to a variety of techniques. Bottom fishing with cut bait, especially squid or menhaden, is a reliable method. Jigging with bucktails or metal jigs can also be very effective, particularly when the fish are actively feeding. A local's trick: check the bottom structure using your fish finder before dropping your line – look for areas with high relief. Be sure to check the latest regulations from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, as size and bag limits can vary. Strong currents are common, so bring appropriate weights to hold your bait or lure near the bottom.