Tackle Tuesday – Sound Fishing on the Outer Banks

When winds pick up on the ocean side, many anglers wonder if their fishing plans are ruined. The good news? They’re not. Sound fishing on the Outer Banks is an incredible alternative that often produces just as much action—and in some cases, more. At Frank & Fran’s, we hear this question all the time: “If I can’t fish the surf, what should I do?” Our answer: head to the Pamlico Sound.

Why Fish the Pamlico Sound?

The Pamlico Sound is the largest sound on the East Coast, stretching nearly 80 miles long and up to 20 miles wide. While many people assume it’s freshwater, the sound is actually saltwater—fed by Oregon Inlet, Hatteras Inlet, and Ocracoke Inlet. With an average depth of just 6 feet, the Pamlico Sound is more of a vast saltwater lagoon, offering accessible fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels.

Because it’s shallower and protected, the sound often remains calm on days when the Atlantic is too rough for surf casting. That makes it an ideal option when winds kick up or when families are looking for easier conditions to fish.

Species You’ll Find in the Sound

Depending on the season, you can target a wide variety of fish in the Pamlico Sound, including:

• Flounder – Perfect for anglers who like to fish the bottom with jigs or live bait.
• Speckled trout – Often caught on soft plastics or under popping corks.
• Puppy drum (red drum) – A favorite of locals, especially around grass flats and channels.
• Spot, croaker, and sea mullet – Great for family-friendly fishing and steady action.

The diversity makes sound fishing a go-to for anglers who want consistent bites and a chance at both table fare and hard-fighting gamefish.

Where and How to Fish the Sound

The shallow nature of the sound makes it perfect for wade fishing and kayak fishing. On a calm summer morning, you can wade out from soundside beaches and cast toward grass lines, sandbars, and oyster beds. These structures attract baitfish, which in turn draw gamefish.

Kayak anglers gain even more reach, exploring channels and flats where drum and trout feed. Using Google Earth or mapping apps can help you identify deeper cuts and ledges, which often hold fish when water temperatures rise.

Best Gear and Setups

Sound fishing doesn’t require heavy surf gear. In fact, lighter setups are more effective. At Frank & Fran’s, we recommend:

• For wade fishing: A 7’–8’ spinning rod paired with a 2500–4000 size reel. Spool with 10–20 lb braid for longer casts and better sensitivity.
• For kayak fishing: A 6’–7’ medium-action rod with either a spinning reel or low-profile baitcaster. This provides control and leverage in tight spaces.

Go-To Rigs and Lures

Simple rigs and artificial lures work best in the sound:

• Soft plastics (Gulp!, Z-Man,) rigged on jigheads.
• Popping corks with soft baits or live shrimp to attract trout and drum.
• MirrOlures for trout in cooler months.
• Bottom rigs baited with shrimp, squid, or cut mullet for spot, croaker, and sea mullet.

The key is matching your bait to the species you’re targeting and fishing around structure where predators naturally feed.

Pro Tips from Frank & Fran’s

• Fish around tide changes. Moving water stirs up bait and draws gamefish in.
• Look for grass flats and sandbars. These hold shrimp and baitfish, making them prime areas for trout and drum.
• Bring polarized sunglasses. Spotting underwater structure gives you a big advantage.
• Don’t overlook evenings. Low-light periods are some of the most productive times in the sound.

Why Choose Frank & Fran’s for Sound Fishing Gear

Frank & Fran’s isn’t just a tackle shop—we’re a hub for Outer Banks anglers. Our staff fishes the sound regularly and knows which rigs, lures, and baits are working at any given time of year. Whether you’re wading in the shallows with your kids or paddling out in a kayak for specks and drum, we’ll get you set up with gear that works specifically for OBX waters.

We carry a full range of soft baits, popping corks, jigheads, and light tackle perfect for sound fishing. And if you’re not sure where to go, just ask—we’re happy to point you toward public access spots, grass flats, and soundside piers where the fish are biting.

Get Out and Explore the Sound

The Pamlico Sound is one of the most unique fishing environments in the country. With calm waters, diverse habitats, and plenty of fish, it’s an opportunity every OBX angler should take advantage of. The next time the surf is rough—or even when it isn’t—give sound fishing a try.

Stop by Frank & Fran’s in Avon, NC, to gear up with everything you need for your Pamlico Sound adventure. From tackle to local knowledge, we’ll make sure your trip is a success.