Best Tackle Shop on Hatteras Island: Why Anglers Stop at Frank & Fran’s
Looking for the Best Tackle Shop on Hatteras Island?
If you’re looking for a tackle shop on Hatteras Island, Frank & Fran’s Bait & Tackle in Avon, North
Carolina is a go-to stop for surf, sound and pier anglers. Family-owned and serving Hatteras Island fishermen since 1988, Frank & Fran’s carries fresh and frozen bait, surf rods, reels, locally proven fishing rigs, sinkers, lures, fishing carts, truck rod racks, apparel and other fishing gear.
We also provide current local fishing information, help beginners build their first surf setup and help experienced anglers dial in gear for red drum, sea mullet, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout and other Outer Banks species.
If you’re fishing Hatteras Island, start with Frank & Fran’s.
Check Today’s Hatteras Island Fishing Report Shop Hatteras Island Fishing Gear
Why Frank & Fran’s Is One of the Best Tackle Shops on Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island has a fishing culture unlike almost anywhere else on the East Coast. Anglers come here to fish the Atlantic surf, Cape Hatteras beaches, Pamlico Sound, local piers and nearshore waters for everything from sea mullet and pompano to giant red drum.
The tackle that works here is often different from what works inland or even on other parts of the coast. That is why local knowledge matters.
At Frank & Fran’s, our tackle selection is built around how people actually fish Hatteras Island.
We help anglers choose gear based on:
- Target species
- Surf or sound fishing
- Current conditions
- Water depth and current
- Wind and surf conditions
- Bait availability
- Rod and reel size
- Experience level
Whether you need one pack of hooks or an entire Hatteras Island surf fishing setup, we can help you get rigged and get fishing.
Frank & Fran’s at a Glance
Business: Frank & Fran’s Bait & Tackle
Location: 40210 NC Highway 12, Avon, North Carolina on Hatteras Island
Phone: 252-995-4171
Serving anglers since: 1988
Specialties: Hatteras Island surf fishing, sound fishing and pier fishing tackle
Available: Fresh and frozen bait, rods, reels, rigs, sinkers, lures, fishing carts, truck rod racks, fishing licenses, apparel and accessories
Fine Cigars: Hatteras Island’s only cigar shop and home to the island’s only walk-in cigar humidor
Fishing Information: Regular Hatteras Island fishing reports and local in-store advice
Online Shopping: Fishing gear available for nationwide shipping
Hatteras Island Surf Fishing Tackle
Surf fishing is one of the biggest reasons people visit Hatteras Island. Frank & Fran’s carries tackle for anglers fishing from Avon south toward Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras Village and Cape Point, as well as beaches farther north on Hatteras Island.
Our surf fishing selection includes:
- Surf rods
- Spinning reels
- Conventional reels
- Surf fishing combos
- Pyramid sinkers
- Sputnik and specialty sinkers
- Circle hooks
- Leaders and swivels
- Double-drop rigs
- Drum rigs
- Pompano rigs
- Bluefish rigs
- Shark rigs
- Sand spikes
- Bait knives and fishing pliers
- Buckets
- Beach carts
- Truck rod racks
Not sure what you need? Tell us what you want to catch and where you plan to fish, and we can help narrow down the setup.
What Are You Fishing For?
One of the biggest mistakes visiting anglers make is buying a generic surf fishing setup without considering what species they are actually targeting. Different Hatteras Island fish call for different tackle.
Sea Mullet
Sea mullet are one of Hatteras Island’s most popular surf species. A typical setup may include a light or medium surf rod, smaller spinning reel, double-drop rig, small hooks, a pyramid sinker and bait such as shrimp, sand fleas or Fishbites.
Read: How to Catch Sea Mullet on Hatteras Island
Pompano
Pompano are often found close to shore and can be caught using relatively light surf gear. Popular choices include pompano-style rigs, sand flea rigs, small circle hooks, sand fleas, shrimp, Fishbites and pyramid sinkers.
Read: How to Catch Pompano on Hatteras Island
Red Drum and Puppy Drum
Hatteras Island is famous for red drum fishing. Smaller puppy drum can often be caught using manageable spinning gear, while large fall drum may require heavier rods, reels, line and terminal tackle.
Common drum tackle includes drum rigs, drum sliders, circle hooks, heavier leaders, mullet, cut bait and sinkers matched to the current.
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting fish and one of the most reliable surf targets on Hatteras Island. Popular options include bluefish float rigs, finger mullet rigs, cut bait, metal casting lures, Got-Cha style plugs and wire or abrasion-resistant leaders.
Read: Bluefish on the Outer Banks
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel frequently move along Hatteras Island beaches during warmer months. Anglers commonly target them with metal casting lures, Got-Cha plugs, fast retrieves and light spinning tackle.
Read: Spanish Mackerel Fishing on Hatteras Island
Fresh Bait on Hatteras Island
Good bait can make or break a surf fishing trip. Frank & Fran’s carries a rotating selection of fresh, frozen and artificial fishing bait for Hatteras Island anglers.
Depending on season and availability, bait options may include:
- Fresh mullet
- Frozen mullet
- Shrimp
- Sand fleas
- Squid
- Cut bait
- Fishbites
- Other seasonal bait
If you are unsure what bait to buy, ask what has been producing recently. The answer may change from one week — or even one day — to the next.
Check Today’s Hatteras Island Fishing Report
Hatteras Island Fishing Rigs
You do not need dozens of rigs to surf fish successfully. You need the right rig for the fish you are targeting.
Frank & Fran’s carries a variety of locally proven rigs for Hatteras Island fishing, including:
- Double-drop bottom rigs
- Pompano rigs
- Sand flea rigs
- Drum rigs
- Drum sliders
- Bluefish float rigs
- Finger mullet rigs
- Shark rigs
- Locally tied specialty rigs
We also carry hooks, floats, beads, swivels, leader material and other components for anglers who prefer to build their own rigs.
Read: Which Surf Fishing Rig Should You Use?
Surf Rods for Hatteras Island
What Size Surf Rod Do I Need for Hatteras Island?
There is no single correct surf rod size for every Hatteras Island angler.
A 9- or 10-foot surf rod can be excellent for lighter fishing and smaller species. An 11- or 12-foot rod is a versatile choice for many traditional Hatteras surf fishing situations. Longer and heavier rods may be preferred when anglers need to cast heavier sinkers and bait or target large drum.
The best surf rod depends on:
- What you want to catch
- How far you need to cast
- How much weight you need to throw
- Whether you use spinning or conventional tackle
- Your experience level
Surf Reels for Hatteras Island
Reel size should match the job. Lighter setups for sea mullet and pompano do not require the same reel as a heavy drum setup.
When choosing a surf reel, consider reel size, line capacity, drag, gear ratio, corrosion resistance, rod compatibility and the species you plan to target.
Fishing the Pamlico Sound
Hatteras Island is not only about ocean surf fishing. The Pamlico Sound offers opportunities for speckled trout, red drum, flounder, bluefish and other inshore species.
Sound fishing can also be a great alternative when ocean conditions are rough. Frank & Fran’s carries light spinning gear, soft plastics, jig heads, topwater lures and other tackle for anglers fishing the Pamlico Sound from shore, kayak or small boat.
Read Our Pamlico Sound Fishing Guide
Beach Fishing Carts and Truck Rod Racks
Anyone who fishes Hatteras Island regularly learns quickly that surf fishing involves a lot of gear. Frank & Fran’s carries equipment designed to make getting that gear onto the beach easier.
Beach Fishing Carts
Fishing carts make it easier to transport rods, coolers, tackle, buckets, bait, sand spikes, chairs and other beach gear.
Shop Beach & Pier Fishing Carts
Truck Rod Racks
Truck rod racks make it easier to safely transport long surf rods around Hatteras Island and are especially useful for anglers driving between ramps, beaches and fishing locations throughout the day.
NC Fishing Licenses in Avon
Need a North Carolina fishing license before heading to the beach or sound? Frank & Fran’s is a North Carolina fishing-license location in Avon.
If you are unsure which license you need, stop in before you fish and we can help point you in the right direction.
Fine Cigars on Hatteras Island
Frank & Fran’s is more than a Hatteras Island tackle shop. We are also Hatteras Island’s only cigar shop and home to the island’s only walk-in cigar humidor.
Our Avon walk-in humidor carries a rotating selection of premium cigars. Whether you want a cigar to enjoy after a day of fishing, a box for your vacation or cigars for a wedding, bachelor party or special event, stop in and browse the humidor.
We also carry cigar accessories such as cutters, lighters and travel cases.
Explore Fine Cigars at Frank & Fran’s
Check the Hatteras Island Fishing Report
Fishing conditions on Hatteras Island can change quickly. The species biting today may not be the fish that were producing last week.
That is why Frank & Fran’s publishes a regularly updated Hatteras Island Fishing Report with information about what anglers are catching in the surf, sound and surrounding waters.
The report may include updates on:
- Red drum
- Puppy drum
- Sea mullet
- Pompano
- Bluefish
- Spanish mackerel
- Speckled trout
- Flounder
- Sharks
- Other seasonal species
Before deciding what bait or tackle to buy, check what is actually biting.
Read Today’s Hatteras Island Fishing Report
First Time Surf Fishing on Hatteras Island?
We help first-time surf anglers every day. You do not need an expensive or overly complicated setup to start catching fish.
A simple beginner surf fishing setup might include:
- 9- to 10-foot surf rod
- Spinning reel
- Fishing line
- Double-drop rig
- Pyramid sinkers
- Bait
- Sand spike
- Pliers
Tell us where you are staying, what you want to catch and whether you are fishing the surf or sound. We can help build a setup around those answers.
Read Our First-Timer’s Guide to Surf Fishing
Why Local Fishing Knowledge Matters on Hatteras Island
Generic fishing advice only gets you so far. Hatteras Island fishing is affected by wind direction, water temperature, current, surf conditions, bait movement, season, beach structure and inlet conditions.
A setup that worked last month might not be the setup you need today.
That is one reason anglers stop at a local tackle shop before heading to the beach. At Frank & Fran’s, we combine the gear you need with information about what is happening on Hatteras Island right now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hatteras Island Tackle Shops
What is the best tackle shop on Hatteras Island?
Frank & Fran’s Bait & Tackle in Avon is a long-established Hatteras Island tackle shop serving local fishermen and visitors since 1988. The shop specializes in surf, sound and pier fishing gear and carries fresh and frozen bait, rods, reels, rigs, sinkers, lures, carts, rod racks and other fishing equipment.
What is the best tackle shop in Avon, NC?
Frank & Fran’s Bait & Tackle is located in Avon on Hatteras Island and specializes in gear and bait for the fishing found around Avon and the surrounding Outer Banks.
Where can I buy fresh bait in Avon?
Frank & Fran’s carries fresh, frozen and artificial bait options in Avon. Bait selection can vary depending on season and availability.
Where can I buy surf fishing gear on Hatteras Island?
Frank & Fran’s carries surf rods, reels, rigs, hooks, sinkers, leaders, bait, sand spikes, beach carts and other surf fishing equipment in Avon.
Can Frank & Fran’s help me choose a surf fishing setup?
Yes. Tell us where you are fishing, what species you want to target and whether you prefer spinning or conventional tackle. We can help match your rod, reel, rig, sinker and bait to the situation.
Does Frank & Fran’s have fishing gear for beginners?
Yes. Beginners can get help putting together a simple surf fishing setup without buying equipment they do not need.
Does Frank & Fran’s sell fishing gear online?
Yes. Frank & Fran’s sells rods, reels, fishing tackle, beach carts, rod racks, apparel and other fishing products online for nationwide shipping.
Can I get an NC fishing license at Frank & Fran’s?
Frank & Fran’s is a North Carolina fishing-license location in Avon.
Does Frank & Fran’s have a Hatteras Island fishing report?
Yes. Frank & Fran’s publishes an updated Hatteras Island Fishing Report covering recent catches and fishing conditions around the island.
Where can I buy cigars on Hatteras Island?
Frank & Fran’s in Avon is Hatteras Island’s only cigar shop and home to the island’s only walk-in cigar humidor. The shop carries premium cigars and cigar accessories in addition to fishing tackle and bait.
Stop at Frank & Fran’s Before You Fish Hatteras Island
Whether you are fishing Hatteras Island for the first time or have been coming here for decades, having the right bait and tackle makes a difference.
Stop at Frank & Fran’s Bait & Tackle in Avon for:
- Fresh and frozen bait
- Surf rods
- Spinning and conventional reels
- Fishing rigs
- Sinkers and terminal tackle
- Lures
- Beach carts
- Truck rod racks
- Fishing licenses
- Fishing apparel
- Fine cigars and a walk-in humidor
- Local fishing information
Serving Hatteras Island anglers since 1988.
Check Today’s Fishing Report Shop Fishing Gear