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 | 28.1 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 37 km/h from SW |
| Wave height | 1.0 m at 5 s |
| Current | 0.20 m/s toward NE |
| Pressure | 1014 hPa |
| Depth | 1 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jul 20, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Cape Hatteras NC
Cape Hatteras NC currently scores 97 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 28.1 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Cape Hatteras NC:
About this spot
Open-water marine fishing — conditions can change quickly with offshore weather, so watch the live wind and wave forecast closely before and during your trip.
What you can catch
-
Sciaenops ocellatus
-
Thunnus thynnus
-
Morone saxatilis
Best months by species at Cape Hatteras NC
| Red DrumSciaenops ocellatus | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Bluefin TunaThunnus thynnus | ||||||||||||
| Striped BassMorone saxatilis |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
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
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 119 km of Cape Hatteras NC.
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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 97 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.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Redfish (Red Drum)How to Catch Striped BassHow to Read Tides for Fishing
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.