North Carolina · Outer Banks
REDFISH FISHING
IN MANTEO
Manteo is an excellent destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in September, October and good catches in March, April, May. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Manteo
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Manteo
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Manteo, NC.
How to Catch Redfish in Manteo
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Manteo
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Shallowbag Bay
Shallowbag Bay wraps around the Manteo waterfront on Roanoke Island, offering protected inshore fishing within sight of the town's historic downtown. Speckled trout, flounder, and puppy drum hold around the docks, bulkheads, and grass edges in the bay. The sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for evening and early-morning light-tackle fishing right from the waterfront.
Croatan Sound
Croatan Sound stretches between Roanoke Island and the Dare County mainland, providing miles of productive inshore water for Manteo-based anglers. Speckled trout, striped bass, red drum, and flounder patrol the sound's channel edges, grass flats, and shoals throughout the year. Winter striper fishing in the sound is a hallmark of the Manteo fishing calendar, with large fish migrating through from November to March.
Roanoke Marshes
The marsh system on the southern end of Roanoke Island is a labyrinth of tidal creeks, grass islands, and oyster beds that hold excellent populations of red drum and speckled trout. Poling through the marshes on a rising tide offers some of the best sight-fishing opportunities near Manteo. The protected habitat limits access to shallow-draft boats and kayaks, keeping pressure low.
Mother Vineyard Shoreline
The shoreline along Mother Vineyard on the north end of Roanoke Island features submerged structure, oyster beds, and grass flats that attract speckled trout and flounder. The area's deeper pockets hold fish during colder months when they seek warmer water near the bottom. Kayak and small-boat anglers work this shoreline for consistent inshore action away from the more crowded sound-side areas.
Other Species in Manteo
More fish you can target while visiting Manteo.
Redfish Fishing in Manteo — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Manteo are September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Manteo area.
Redfish fishing charters in Manteo are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Manteo, your captain provides all required North Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in North Carolina include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Manteo, you may also catch Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Speckled Trout, Bluefish. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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