Redfish

Hatteras, North Carolina, offers some of the most exciting redfish angling on the East Coast, particularly in the Pamlico and Core Sounds. The fall is prime time as redfish school up in massive numbers before heading offshore. Focus on the shallow flats and marshes adjacent to the inlets, where they gorge themselves on shrimp and mullet. Look for birds diving or nervous bait schools as indicators of redfish activity. A key to success here is matching your lure to the prevalent forage. Local tip: the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is a great spot to gather intel on recent catches and water conditions. Also, be mindful of the strong currents; a heavier jighead or Carolina rig might be necessary to keep your bait in the strike zone. The redfish around Hatteras tend to be larger, often exceeding the slot limit, so be sure to handle them carefully during catch and release.