Cape Hatteras NC fishing forecast
Cape Hatteras NC is a saltwater fishing spot in NW Atlantic, United States. Anglers here target Red Drum, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Striped Bass. The most productive months are typically April, May, June, September, October, November.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 20.9 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 36 km/h from SW |
| Wave height | 1.0 m at 8 s |
| Current | 0.33 m/s toward NNE |
| Pressure | 1016 hPa |
| Depth | 4 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jun 7, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Cape Hatteras NC:
What you can catch
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Sciaenops ocellatus
-
Thunnus thynnus
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Morone saxatilis
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | 1/day | 71.1–78.7 cm slot | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Red Drum | 1/day | 45.7–68.6 cm slot | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Federal Recreational Fishing License may be required in addition to state license when fishing federal (EEZ) waters., non-residents Same as residents. Many states require their own license even in federal waters.
FishRadar regulations are summaries only. Federal and state waters rules overlap — always verify current federal and state agency rules before fishing.
Check Cape Hatteras NC before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
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Cape Hatteras Offshore
Outer Banks North Carolina
Hatteras Inlet NC
Outer Banks NC
Beaufort NC Inlet
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Cape Hatteras NC?
Anglers at Cape Hatteras NC target Red Drum, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, and Striped Bass.
When is the best time to fish Cape Hatteras NC?
The most productive months at Cape Hatteras NC are typically April, May, June, September, October, November.
What is the fishing forecast for Cape Hatteras NC right now?
Cape Hatteras NC currently scores 96 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Cape Hatteras NC?
Fishing at Cape Hatteras NC follows the local rules for NW Atlantic, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.