Fishing is exceptional in Currituck County due to the miles of ocean shoreline and the 30-mile wide Currituck Sound, which has the surprising distinction of being able to accommodate both freshwater and saltwater species.
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What fishing license do you need for Currituck Sound?
North Carolina Fishing Licenses A saltwater fishing license is required for all Outer Banks fishing, in all waters. You can purchase one online at www.ncwildlife.org or from local tackle shops. Fishing in the northern Currituck Sound is considered freshwater fishing and therefore requires a freshwater fishing license.
Are there alligators in Currituck Sound?
During this time of year, alligators are active, looking for food and mates. The scaly, toothy reptiles have been seen in the Pasquotank River, the Currituck Sound and in creeks and rivers along the Outer Banks.
Are there sharks in the Currituck Sound?
The closest sharks are Bluenose, who most recently pinged near Oregon Inlet, and Weimar, who was swimming in the Currituck Sound. The largest was Ironbound, a white shark off the coast of Assateague Island.
Is Currituck Sound saltwater?
With so little contact with the ocean, Currituck Sound is essentially filled with fresh water. “Currituck is different because most of the sounds in North Carolina are brackish, which means they have a high level of salt,” explains Robbie Fearn, Director of Audubon’s Pine Island Sanctuary.
What is the water temperature in the Currituck Sound?
Please note: These are general guidelines based on today’s average water temperature of 73°F in Currituck Sound.
Can you fish off the beach in Corolla NC?
All saltwater anglers are required to buy the N.C. Coastal Recreational Fishing License. The Outer Banks fishing license can be purchased on a 10-day, annual or lifetime basis or combined with other licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Children younger than 16 do not need a license.
Are there crabs in the Currituck Sound?
From May to late fall, you can find locals and visitors of all ages doing their best to catch the region’s blue crabs that swim through the shallow waters of the Currituck Sound. Officially known as Callinectes sapidus, which translates to “beautiful, savory swimmer,” blue crabs are a local delicacy.
Are there snakes in Currituck Sound?
There are snakes within the Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve, so visitors will want to use caution, particularly in regards to the two poisonous species that can be found in the area – the cottonmouth (or water moccasin) and the copperhead.
Can you swim in the Currituck Sound?
While it is safe to get in the sound water, adults may find it difficult to swim since the water is shallow (knee to waist deep) in most locations. There are parts of the sound that have deeper channels but these are typically frequented by boats.
What animals are in the Currituck Sound?
The wooded portions along the Currituck Sounds’ borders also attract a number of full-time mammals, including otters and nutrias, which flock to the marshy areas bordering the sound, as well as white tailed deer, raccoon, rabbits and even squirrels, which can be found in deeper patches of the maritime woods.
Is the Outer Banks Sharky?
Many people are surprised to learn that “North Carolina is a very sharky place,” notes Chuck Bangley, a researcher now with the Smithsonian.
Are there alligators on the Outer Banks?
You can see alligators in the Alligator River, Milltail Creek, Sawyer Lake, and in the border canals that line Highway 64/264 in Manns Harbor and Stumpy Point! Alligator sightings on the Outer Banks are rare, but they’re not impossible. Alligators are shy Outer Banks animals that like to spend their time in the water.
Are there bears on the Outer Banks?
One of the largest black bear concentrations in the southeastern United States is found on the mainland across from the Outer Banks, at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Department of Interior says.
How salty is the Currituck Sound?
The normal salinity of Currituck Sound is around 2 parts of salt per thousand, said North Carolina wildlife biologist Yates Barber, who has long monitored the saline content of the sound.
What fish are in the Corolla sound?
You will find brackish and freshwater fisheries that hold Striped Bass, Catfish, Perch, Crappie, Herring, Shad, and Flounder. There are also many other fish species that live in the ocean but come to these sheltered sound waters to spawn.
Can you walk across the Currituck Sound?
Hiking/walking – On the beachside, visitors can take a walk along the edge of the Currituck Sound via the well-landscaped grounds adjacent to the Whalehead in Historic Corolla. There’s also a handicapped accessible and elevated boardwalk on the northern edge of Corolla in the Currituck Banks Preserve.
What is the current water temperature in Corolla NC?
Today’s Corolla Lighthouse sea temperature is 82 °F.
Where can I fish in Currituck Sound?
Anglers can enjoy a wealth of different fishing from a boat, kayak, or via a public fishing deck or boardwalk. Fishing platforms, decks or general venues for anglers without a boat can be found at Veterans’ Memorial Park in Coinjock, Poyner’s Road Park in Moyock, and Maple Park in Maple.
What is the best month to fish at the Outer Banks?
The best time to fish the Outer Banks is between the months of May and September offshore, with mahi mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna being just a few of the fish you can expect to catch, while inshore fishing is best from July to December.
Do you need a fishing license in Corolla NC?
Fishing in Corolla NC Whether you’re fishing in Corolla, NC, or not, all saltwater anglers are required to buy the NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License. The Outer Banks fishing license can be purchased on a 10-day, annual or lifetime basis or combined with other licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission.
How do I get a free fishing license in NC?
Annual NC Fishing Licenses: An annual license is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Those who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps or Work First Family Assistance can get a license waiver from the county Department of Social Services and fish for free.
Do I need a fishing license to fish off the beach in North Carolina?
Yes. As of January 1, 2007, any individuals 16 years or older who want to recreationally finfish in any water designated as coastal or joint waters of North Carolina must purchase a NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL).
What is the penalty for fishing without a license in North Carolina?
What happens if I fish without a license? You’ll be charged with a misdemeanor and will receive a fine ranging anywhere from $35 to $500.
Can you eat ghost crabs?
Though ghost crabs are edible, they are considered too small in size to be good eating.