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Saltwater & Coast

Pamlico Sound Fishing Guide

North Carolina

A massive sound behind the Outer Banks, famous for big bull redfish in late summer.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Pamlico Sound for redfish and speckled trout. The best months overall are Mar to May, Sep to Dec. In October, redfish and speckled trout are in season, and Clouser Minnow, EP Baitfish and Spoon Fly are a good place to start. There are 9 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Mayo's Commercial Fishing Supply in Scranton, 18 mi away. Outer Banks is 38 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Mar to May, Sep to Dec

In October

Redfish, Speckled Trout

Methods

Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Pamlico Sound Species

Redfish

Prime Now
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F
M
A
M
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J
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D

Best: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

Speckled Trout

Prime Now
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F
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Best: Mar to May, Oct to Dec

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

10 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Clouser Minnow #1/0-8

    Fly

    Streamer · Speckled Trout, Redfish

    Shop This Fly

  • EP Baitfish #2/0-2

    Fly

    Streamer · Redfish

    Shop This Fly

  • Spoon Fly #1/0-2

    Fly

    Flats Fly · Redfish

    Shop This Fly

  • Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Topwater · Speckled Trout, Redfish · Big trout at dawn.

    Shop This Lure

  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Speckled Trout, Redfish

    Shop This Lure

  • Popping Cork Rig 18 to 30 in leader

    Lure

    Rig · Speckled Trout, Redfish

    Shop This Lure

  • Weedless Gold Spoon 1/4 to 1/2 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Redfish

    Shop This Lure

  • Live Shrimp 2 to 4 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Speckled Trout, Redfish

  • Sand Fleas Small

    Bait

    Live Bait · Redfish · Surf.

  • Cut Mullet Chunk or strip

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Redfish · Surf and passes.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Redfish

Fly 9 ft 8 wt rod, floating redfish line, 16 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Speckled Trout

Fly 9 ft 7 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, 15 lb leader, Clousers and shrimp flies.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 15 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Pamlico Sound

Fly Lines

RIO Redfish Fly Line

A heavy front taper for quick shots at tailing fish in warm, humid conditions.

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Floats & Rigs

Cajun Thunder Popping Cork

The clacking cork that calls trout and reds to shrimp or a soft plastic.

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Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly Rod

An 8 weight handles bass bugs, redfish flats, and wind. The most versatile warmwater and inshore size.

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Sunglasses

Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses

Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.

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Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

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Rods

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Pamlico Sound

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Saltwater & Coast · North Carolina · 38 mi

Outer Banks

Surf and pier fishing for red drum and bluefish; offshore Gulf Stream trips from Hatteras.

Red drum · Bluefish · Spanish mackerel

Saltwater & Coast · North Carolina · 51 mi

Cape Lookout

A fall false albacore destination off Harkers Island with surf and inlet fishing.

False Albacore · Spanish Mackerel · Redfish