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Dare County Coast

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

North Carolina, United States

4.6·3399 catches

Top fish species at Dare County Coast

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Check which species have trophy potential in Dare County Coast

Dare County Coast fishing reports

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Summer flounder

length · weight

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Red drum

length · weight

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Red drum

43 in · 43 lb

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Atlantic sharpnose shark

length · weight

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Bluefish

length · weight

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Black drum

length · weight

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General info

Dare County Coast is a part of an ocean located in Dare County, North Carolina, United States. It is also intersecting with Currituck County, North Carolina. It is most popular for fishing Red drum, Bluefish, and Atlantic croaker.

Location

35°41′41.2″N 75°27′8.7″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Dare County Coast, NC

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in North Carolina can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Red drum

Red drum

Regulation boundaryNC North Carolina State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size18" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size27" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

Required licenses
Eligible for NC Saltwater Fishing Tournament managed by Division of Marine Fisheries.
Additional information
Harvest in federal waters prohibited. Unlawful to gig, spear, or gaff. Unlawful to posess redfish greater than 27 inches total length. Mandatory Harvest Reporting Requirement: All red drum that are kept must be reported to the Division of Marine Fisheries through an online form or iPhone App. Learn more.
Edibility
Very Good
Synonyms
Channel Bass, Redfish, Sciaenops ocellatus, Spottail Bass
Season open: year-round
Bluefish

Bluefish

Regulation boundaryNC North Carolina State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Required licenses
Eligible for NC Saltwater Fishing Tournament managed by Division of Marine Fisheries.
Additional information
No minimum size. Recreational anglers engaged on a for-hire vessel can possess up to 5 bluefish per person per day.For seasons, bag limits, size limits, or closures see Current Fisheries Proclamations.
Edibility
Good, but may contain elevated mercury levels. Catch, Clean, Cook Bluefish by DMFD
Synonyms
Pomatomus saltatrix
Season open: year-round
Atlantic croaker

Atlantic croaker

Regulation boundaryNC North Carolina State Waters
Bag limit50

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Additional information
No minimum size limit.
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Micropogonias undulatus
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Local laws and licenses

North Carolina fishing license

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Reviews of Dare County Coast

4.6
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72 ratings

5
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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Rodanthe

7.1 miles away

Waves

8.7 miles away

Wanchese

14.5 miles away

Manteo

18.4 miles away

Manns Harbor

22.7 miles away

Avon

24.3 miles away

Kill Devil Hills

25.4 miles away

Buxton

31.1 miles away

Southern Shores

33.3 miles away

Engelhard

33.8 miles away

Hatteras

35.5 miles away

Grandy

44.2 miles away

Fairfield

44.6 miles away

Columbia

46.9 miles away

Ocracoke

47.3 miles away

Swan Quarter

52.8 miles away

Coinjock

53.3 miles away

Creswell

54.7 miles away

Elizabeth City

60.3 miles away

Hertford

66.0 miles away

Roper

66.5 miles away

Belhaven

66.6 miles away

Pantego

68.2 miles away

Atlantic

75.3 miles away

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FAQ about Dare County Coast fishing

📍 Where is Dare County Coast located?
Dare County Coast is a part of an ocean located in Dare County, North Carolina, United States. It is also intersecting with Currituck County, North Carolina. Its coordinates are:
35°41′41.2″N 75°27′8.7″W
.
🎣 Where on Dare County Coast is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Dare County Coast by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Dare County Coast?
The most common species in Dare County Coast are:
  • Red drum - 271 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Bluefish - 246 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Atlantic croaker - 134 members reported to have caught this fish
📢 What are the latest Dare County Coast fishing reports?
The latest Dare County Coast fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Dare County Coast right now?
According to fishing regulations at Dare County Coast, some of the species in season this November include: Spotted seatrout, Summer flounder, Black sea bass, Southern flounder, and Cobia. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Dare County Coast?

Fishing in North Carolina requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, purchasable online or at vendors.

In North Carolina, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 70 and older qualify for a discounted lifetime license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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