Atlantic Beach, NC: Vibrant Summers in North Carolina’s Fishing Hotspot

Atlantic Beach is one of the five communities in Bogue Banks. During the 1920s, Atlantic Beach gained popularity among locals and interstate tourists due to its beautiful beaches. By the 1800s, a land developer named Appleton Oaksmith envisioned a seaside resort community prompting him to acquire land along Atlantic Beach to Pine Knoll Shores. However, Oaksmith lost his four daughters due to a tragic accident which led to him losing the will to finish his project.

In 1887, John J. Royal of Morehead City and Winfield S. Chadwick of Beaufort decided to continue what Oaksmith started. They developed the first bathing pavilion in Bogue Banks, which successfully constructed hotels and new bathhouses. By 1930, more developments commenced, including the construction of the iconic Atlantic Beach Hotel in 1931. By 1959, the entire Atlantic Beach Area has already developed a solid reputation for being a sought-after tourist destination among East Coast residents and beyond.

Today, Atlantic Beach remains a popular day trip destination among locals due to its accessibility from the mainland through a bridge that connects Bogue Sound to Morehead City. Beachgoers typically access the beach through “The Bathhouse,” a picnic beach with over 300 parking spaces and many shoreline amenities. The high volume of tourists in the area also inspired the development of retail stores and gift shops, enabling visitors to purchase souvenirs to take home. 

Angling has become a popular sport since docks were constructed in Atlantic Beach. Locations such as the Oceanana Fishing Pier and the Anchorage Marina are go-to locations among anglers of various skill levels. They offer abundant angling opportunities and are excellent social venues.

Atlantic Beach Fishing 

Atlantic Beach is a shoreline community making it an excellent destination for anglers seeking leisure and angling opportunities. Since Atlantic Beach’s early years, angling has been a significant force that draws tourists into the area. Due to this, developers have planned improvements around the needs of anglers visiting the site, such as the construction of fishing piers, bait and tackle shops, and campsites for anglers looking to stay overnight.

Oceanana Fishing Pier is one of the most popular destinations among anglers since it is the only ocean fishing pier in Atlantic Beach. It spans 1000 meters into the Atlantic Ocean, providing anglers easy access to the large fish population underneath the dock. Common fish caught here are Florida pompano, king mackerel, summer flounder, black drum, and red drum. Anglers typically use baitcasting and spinning techniques when fishing in Oceanana Fishing Pier. Within Oceanana Fishing Pier is the Oceanana Pier House which offers a diverse range of fishing equipment such as bait and tackle and food options for a quick meal. 

Anchorage Marina is an unprotected deepwater harbor located on the Southern Outer Banks along Atlantic Beach’s Crystal Coast. It is popular among anglers seeking to experience deep sea fishing or sound fishing. Common fish caught in Anchorage Marina are Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pinfish, red drum, and blacktip shark. Around the Anchorage Marina area are also bait and tackle shops that offer boat parts and supplies and nautical charts. 

For anglers looking for an upscale location, Crow’s Nest Yacht Club is a private marina that offers its club members ease of access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Beaufort Inlet. Common fish species caught here are largemouth bass and red drum. It has premiere amenities, including a boat ramp, swimming pool, indoor showers, gas grills, and an outside deck where beginner anglers can practice their skills. Crow’s Nest Yacht Club can provide guests and members with maintenance and repair services for various boats, ensuring a safe angling experience for all.

Anglers seeking to take their sportfishing skills to the next level should annually join the many fishing tournaments in Atlantic Beach. One of the most popular tournaments is the “Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament,” typically held in October. The month of May is also a busy time for Atlantic Beach tournaments, with several events taking place, including the "Chasin' Tails Outdoors Dolphin Shootout," the "Bojangles North Carolina Offshore Challenge," and the "Chasin' Tails Outdoors Wahoo Shootout."

Top 10 Fish Species in Atlantic Beach, NC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Atlantic Beach, NC, are Florida pompano, king mackerel, summer flounder, black drum, largemouth bass, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pinfish, blacktip shark, and red drum.

Seasonal Fishing

Inshore and offshore fishing in Atlantic Beach is excellent all year. The abundance of fish in its waters offers limitless angling opportunities, including a unique opportunity to target pelagic fish. When targeting specific fish species, the following months are regular seasons for various fish: March to May: largemouth bass, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel; April, May, and November: Florida pompano and red drum; June to August: king mackerel; September: summer flounder; October, November, and February: black drum.

Dive Into the Rustic Atlantic Beach History

Atlantic Beach is well known for its beautiful beaches and excellent game fishing opportunities. It is a family-friendly vacation destination frequented by locals and interstate tourists due to its tourist-centric environment. Looking to explore Atlantic Beach like never before? Here are some itinerary suggestions that you may want to consider:

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Numerous fishing charters are available in Atlantic Beach, considering it is a popular fishing destination. Chasin Tails Outdoors, Carolina Headboats, and Lookout Adventures are some of the most sought-after charters in Atlantic Beach, mainly because they offer half and full-day tours with excellent sightseeing opportunities. The majority of the fishing charters available in Atlantic Beach have been in the business for decades and are supported by crew members committed to providing anglers with a safe and enjoyable trip. 

2. Explore Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park is home to a beautifully restored 19th-century fort, a museum-quality coastal education center, and miles of pristine beaches for swimming, fishing, and exploring. The fort's history is complex but easily demonstrated through cannon and musket tours and great indoor and outdoor exhibits. Natural beauty and educational opportunities are offered in this Boque Banks park. 

3. Climb the Cape Lookout Lighthouse

A day trip to Cape Lookout National Seashore is an Atlantic Beach activity that tourists should never miss. Cape Lookout offers tourists the opportunity to climb its historic lighthouse that showcases an exquisite view of the Crystal Coast. Tourists can stay on the island overnight by renting rustic cabins or by primitive camping available year-round. 

4. Experience Wreck Diving 

There are numerous wreck diving sites around Atlantic Beach, particularly nearby the Outer Banks. Most of the wrecks found in the area are from the Civil War era, including warships and other submerged war machines.