Fishing

NPS Photo/Pat Ehney

Spring and fall at Cape Lookout offer what many consider to be some of the best fishing on the Atlantic Coast. Most of the beach and sounds are open to fishing, but there are no fishing piers in the park or boat slips in the park. There are charter boat services located in Beaufort, Morehead City, and Atlantic Beach, NC. See our list of Boat Ramps and Launch Points for more information on launching your own boat.

State fishing regulations regarding size and daily limits are enforced. Unwanted fish (sharks, rays, skates, etc.) must be returned unharmed to the surf.

You must possess a valid North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) to fish on the national seashore. These can be obtained from local bait and tackle shops as well as other retailers. They can also be purchased online through the license section on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website. In the park, licenses may be purchased at the Cabin Office for either Great Island Cabin Camp or Long Point Cabin Camp.