Beaufort, NC Fishing: Beautiful Fishing Town on the Crystal Coast

Beaufort, dubbed “America’s Coolest Small Town,” is located in the Inner Banks region of North Carolina. As part of this historic inland coastal region, Beaufort is surrounded by water. It sits on Beaufort Inlet, a waterway that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. To its east is Lenoxville, a neighborhood that extends to the North River. To its west is Newport River, a tidal river separating Beaufort from Morehead City. Unsurprisingly, Beaufort's past and present are tied to water. Its streets are filled with evidence of its rich maritime history and home to several marine-related labs and research centers.

Beaufort, North Carolina, is frequently confused with the other Beaufort, a South Carolina inland coastal area. Both coastal towns, Beaufort in North Carolina and Wilmington in Delaware, were known as Fish Towne centuries before their official incorporation. While it no longer officially has that name, Beaufort remains a thriving fishing district known for its world-class commercial and recreational fishing and fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Here you will feel the pull of the water wherever you go. Each waterbody you encounter offers exciting fishing opportunities, from the dock the creeks to the beaches and sounds.

Beaufort Fishing

As part of North Carolina’s 85-mile Crystal Coast, Beaufort is a veritable fishing hotspot. Thanks to its proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, it has some of the longest fishing seasons on the Atlantic Coast and the most diverse catch. It also offers productive inshore and offshore fishing, so it’s a great place to experience both.

There's no need to board a boat to enjoy the Beaufort waters. Inshore anglers can fill their buckets. One of the most popular ones is the Newport River Pier and Ramp. Located right in between Beaufort and Morehead City, it’s a great place to fish in the heart of the river. At 575 ft., it provides ample access to the water. It’s a particularly great place to catch Atlantic croaker and bluefish. Some of the species you can catch in the pier are gray trout, Southern flounder, and striped bass. Because of its productivity, it tends to be popular, especially during summer weekends.

Radio Island Beach Access is another spot between Beaufort and Morehead City for its calm and shallow waters. It yields pretty much the same catch you will find in the nearby Newport River Pier, but it tends to get less busy because it’s tricky to find.

Beaufort is likewise known for its easy access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Beaufort Inlet. Anglers can fish the coastline bordering this inlet via Fort Macon State Park. It gets pretty packed during summer, but the best thing about this fishing spot is that it offers fair to great fishing no matter what season. Some of the species you can hope to catch here are red drum, flounder, bluefish, pompano, spot, whiting, black drum, speckled trout, and even dogfish.

Taylor’s Creek offers good fishing and may be accessed from different spots within Beaufort. One such place you can access the creek is Topsail Marine Park, a downtown Beaufort institution. It is quite a small site, but it does have a good-sized dock and street-side parking. Another way to access the creek is Grayden Paul Park along Front Street. This park has a walk-in boat launching spot. Another Front Street fishing spot is Fishermen’s Park, which has a dock, a boat launching site, and a tiny beach from which you can fish.

Front Street should be on your radar if you’re looking to fish the sound. This central downtown area is the best spot to access many companies that offer sound-side fishing. Fishing in the sounds is a great way for beginning anglers to taste fishing in mid-Atlantic species. Depending on the season, there’s quite an array to choose from in this part of North Carolina. During spring and fall, you can target black drum, king and Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, croaker, and speckled trout. You can try targeting sea mullet, amberjack, pompano, and cobia during summer.

If you’re ready to travel 15-20 miles offshore and target some big trophy, the Front Street docks are still your best bet to find a charter. It’s the best way to get out into the Gulf Stream, where you can target species such as white and blue marlin, sailfish, common dolphinfish, amberjack, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, red snapper, wahoo, and albacore. 

Charter fishing can be quite expensive, but in Beaufort, you can experience it for less by hopping on a local headboat. A headboat is a large fishing vessel that offers half-day fishing trips to multiple passengers. While it does not go that much farther into the open ocean, it’s still a great way to fish nearshore for species such as black sea bass, croaker, amberjack, and even shark. Because it’s the more economical choice, anglers will have to bring their tackle and bait.

Competing is the best way to test your mettle if you're looking to up your fishing. Beaufort is a great place to start. It hosts some of the best fishing tournaments on the coast, such as the historic Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament held every June, the Cape Open King Mackerel Tournament, and the Barta Boys and Girls Club Billfish Tournament. The town also hosts more family-friendly fares, including the BlueWater Fishing Tournament and the Youth Fishing Derby.

Top 10 Fish Species in Beaufort, NC

The top 10 fish species to target in Beaufort, NC are bluefish, red drum, black drum, Atlantic croaker, speckled trout, cobia, sheepshead, king mackerel, black sea bass, and amberjack.

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing in Beaufort is fruitful all year round because of the warm waters from the Gulf Stream that approach its shores. Summer is still the most popular season, with all the game fish actively feeding and close to shorelines. However, if you want to have a more peaceful time fishing, fall is a fantastic season to fish for species such as black drum, bluefish, gray trout, king mackerel, and southern flounder. If you’re looking to target some big cobia, spring in Beaufort should be on your agenda. Striped bass and speckled trout in trophy sizes can be targeted during the cold months of January and February. Red drum are available all year round. They’re usually found in the range of 4 to 8 pounds, but there are plenty of chances for you to catch them at 60 pounds as long as you’re willing to put up a fight.

Discover the Endless Charms of Beaufort

Some of the country’s biggest travel magazines have lauded Beaufort, North Carolina, as America’s coolest rural spot, and once you’re here, you will know why. Packed with coastal charms, a sense of adventure, and a friendly vibe, Beaufort is the kind of destination you won’t soon forget.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Head to the Front Street Docks and find a charter that will take you fishing inshore, nearshore, and offshore. Charter fishing is quite an investment, but it’s the best and safest way to experience the waters of a particular place, especially if it’s your first time in the area.

2. Go on a Themed Cruise

If you can’t get enough water, enjoy it from a different vantage point. Book one of the themed cruises plying the docks of Beaufort. The best ones circle the town’s most beloved scenic spots, including the Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve and Shackleford Banks.

3. Sample Beaufort’s Local Cuisine

Beaufort is known for its fine dining spots and cafes, historic pubs, and street-side fare. Go on a food tour of Beaufort’s local dining scene and find out why it’s on every foodie’s list.