Fishing

With easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and several creeks and sounds to explore, Hampstead, NC is a great place to fish. Ocean pier fishing and surf fishing are popular on nearby Topsail Island and head boats and charter boats are available for ocean fishing. The area's fishing supply stores are stocked with new rods, live bait and the latest lures. With this much local fishing available, there are several area fishing tournaments as well.  Snag a boat or a pole and find your honey hole in the Hampstead area. 

The N.C. Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required for saltwater rod and reel fishing. The license can be purchased on a 10-day, annual or lifetime basis. An annual saltwater fishing license for state residents costs $15, and an annual nonresident license costs $30. Ten-day licenses are $5 for state residents and $10 for nonresidents. Contact the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries for saltwater regulations or for more information, (252) 726-7021, (800) 682-2632, or www.ncdmf.net. Be sure to familiarize yourself with regulations, including size and bag limits, which are posted at most piers and marinas.

Freshwater licenses are issued by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Call (888) 248-6834 for credit card purchases or purchase from one of the locations listed below. Nonresident freshwater fishing licenses for 12 months cost $30. Three-day licenses cost $15, a license for one day is $10, and trout fishing is an additional $10. For residents, the annual 12-month fee is $15 with an additional $5 for a comprehensive license that includes trout fishing. A one-day license (not including trout waters) is $5. Licenses may be combined with a hunting license and can be obtained at slightly higher rates. As regulations and fees are complex and subject to change, you're advised to check the website for complete information at www.ncwildlife.org.

Eastern Outfitters is filled with hunting, fishing, boating and outdoor gear. Avid anglers will love the walls filled with salt water and fresh water rods, the large complement of reels and rack after rack of lures. They also carry a great selection of marine equipment and electronics, canoes, kayaks and outdoor...read more

If you're ready to catch the big one, climb aboard the Vonda Kay and head out to the Gulf Stream for a great day of fishing. Fish for black sea bass, snapper, grouper, triggerfish, mahi mahi, amberjack, mackerel and cobia. The Vonda Kay carries 76 passengers and has all of the latest...read more