They say there are plenty of fish in the sea, but around here, we prefer the ones that end up on your line. From the legendary 'puppy' Red Drum to the flat-out delicious Flounder, the Pamlico Sound is a revolving door of OBX favorites. Of course, Mother Nature holds the remote—so what’s biting depends on the season and the wind—but whether it’s a Red Drum drag-burner or a Cobia showdown, we’re here to make sure 'The Hook Up' isn't just the name of the boat. Check out the lineup below and let’s go fill that cooler.
The Lowdown: Our state fish and a true local legend.
The Menu: * Live/Cut Bait: Fresh cut Mullet or Menhaden (Bunker) and Blue Crab chunks.Lures: Gold spoons (the classic "flash"), scented soft plastics like Gulp! on a jig head, and big topwater plugs for that heart-stopping surface strike.
Pro Tip: If the reel starts screaming, it’s probably a Drum.
The Lowdown: The beauty queen of the sound with some seriously sharp fangs.
The Menu: * Live/Cut Bait: Live Shrimp under a popping cork is basically cheating—it's that effective.Lures: Suspending twitchbaits (like MirrOlures), soft plastic paddletails, and "pink" lures (trout love pink).
Pro Tip: Watch those front fangs—they aren’t just for show.
The Lowdown: The masters of camouflage and the kings of the dinner table.
The Menu: * Live/Cut Bait: Live Mud Minnows or Finger Mullet on a "Carolina Rig" (sliding weight).Lures: Scented soft plastics (Gulp! Grub or Swimming Mullet) bounced slowly along the bottom.
Pro Tip: The best eating fish in the Atlantic. Period.
The Lowdown: A brown log with a serious attitude and a freight-train pull.
The Menu: * Live/Cut Bait: Live Eels are the "gold standard" here. They also can't resist a lively croaker or a fresh menhaden.Lures: Heavy 2–3 oz. Bucktails (usually white or chartreuse) with a large soft plastic trailer.
Pro Tip: Hold on tight; they aren't done fighting until they're on the ice.
The Lowdown: The colorful, sensitive cousin of the Speckled Trout.
The Menu: * Live/Cut Bait: Live Shrimp or small pieces of cut bait.Lures: Small, brightly colored lead-head jigs with soft plastic tails or small metal jigging spoons.
Pro Tip: A light touch on the hook-set is key here; their mouths are as delicate as their name suggests.
The Lowdown: The ocean’s angry piranha—always hungry, always aggressive.
The Menu: * Live/Cut Bait: Anything oily or stinky. Cut Mullet or Menhaden works every time.Lures: Anything shiny! Metal spoons (like a Hopkins or Kastmaster) and loud topwater poppers.
Pro Tip: Great for kids because they are always hungry and always angry.
