Nags Head, North Carolina

Ask any fisherman with a four wheel drive and fishing rods on front driving toward the Outer Banks on a late Friday evening where they're headed and they'll likely say "We're going to Nags Head." Nags Head is located south of Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hill with a long stretch of beautiful beach on one side and the tranquil waters of Albemarle Sound across from Roanoke Island on the other side. Just the spot for that perfect tan, or maybe that long stroll or jog looking for that perfect shell to remember this perfect vacation that you are about to have.

With nothing but the surf and sounds of seabirds breaking the silence, the first thing you see are the majestic Dunes that seem to reach into the sky. If you plan on visiting the Outer Banks, make Nags Head your surf fishing headquarters for the best surf fishing and camping in the world.

According to the season, Blues, Striped Bass, Black Bass, Red Drum, Sheepshead around the wrecks, Spanish Mackerel and of course Flounder are just a few of the fish that can be caught just offshore. You don't need a boat, just plenty of patience. Of course, with the prevailing winds coming off the dunes from the ocean, bring your sailboards and kites.

The smell of fresh fish frying as the sun starts to set over the sound makes that trip to the Outer Banks worthwhile. The kids will love catching the tasty Carolina Blue Crab with string and fish heads or just wetting a hook. In the fall, millions of the tasty little fish called spots swing along the surf and into the shallow bays, easily caught in gill nets.

There are two shows daily along the Outer Banks that are free with an occasional extra one thrown in. The first begins at the first peek of dawn, long before the sun starts to rise over the ocean. It's never the same as the giant cumulus clouds that have formed offshore overnight create huge mountains in the sky. As the sun attempts to break through, shapes are constantly changing with thousands of hues and shades in all the colors of a rainbow.

Then eat your dinner early because you don't want to miss the next show that occurs on the sound side in the late afternoon and evening. The gorgeous sunset over Pamlico Sound is breathtaking. As the sun sinks out of sight in the west, wave goodbye and thank "Ol Sol" for a perfect day.

Then get ready for the finale, which occurs late at night. The night sky begins to light up far out to sea, with constant sharp lightning flashes outlining the huge billowing clouds against the dark grey blue outline of ocean waves. Breathtaking does not cover it adequately. We call this heat lightning and it's just Mother Nature putting on a magnificent show for those fortunate enough to see it.

Nags head has many attractions for those that don't appreciate good fishing. At the Bodie Lighthouse visit the double Keepers home, the museum and lighthouse exhibits and bookshop and watch the wide band of light at night as it sweeps out over the ocean. Jockey Ridge State Park has the tallest dunes on the east coast, towering will over 100 feet. If you are into climbing dunes take plenty of food and waterwhich you can enjoy in their picnic spots, but it's a long way to the top. It's a short ride over to Manteo and the Lost Colony Summer Pageant and Nags Head also located in the middle of the Outer Banks, is just a short drive from everything.

Nags Head is on one of the rare islands that seems to have it all and you'll want to come back real soon. Maybe one weekend in the off season when work becomes boring and you need to get away from it all, come to Nags Head where you have the beach all to yourself and the tranquil waters and skies fill with ducks and geese arriving at their winter home. The big lunkers are hitting in the surf and the lure of fresh oysters and clams await you at the end of a perfect day.

If anyone asks where you are going, Just Say "We're going to Nags Head."

	Return to Top of Page
	Bookmark This Page
	Share on Facebook