Frank & Fran's publishes a weekly outlook rather than a dated report, so it is shown here as the latest Avon Pier report with no date claimed. Species named in it: tuna, drum, bluefish, sea mullet. The pier at Avon reaches past the bar into deeper water, which is why it holds fish on days the open beach is slow. Spanish on the end in summer, bottom fish on the rail all season. Diamond Shoals buoy 41025, observed 2026-11-03 07:20 UTC: ENE wind 12 kt, water 73°F.
What's Biting on the Outer Banks This Week Updated: October 20, 2026 It's been a windy week here on Hatteras Island! Sustained winds averaging 25 mph, with gusts reaching 50 mph, have made surf fishing challenging across the Outer Banks. But those brave enough to battle the wind at Cape Point were rewarded with some impressive big red drum catches! Even in tough conditions, the fish are still out there. We're hoping the winds settle down soon so everyone can get back on the beach and enjoy some great fall fishing. Stay tuned for the latest updates from Frank & Fran's Bait & Tackle in Avon, NC! Recommended Fishing Rigs & Bait This Week Heading out to fish Hatteras Island? Here are our recommended rigs and baits for targeting red drum, sea mullet, bluefish, and other Outer Banks favorites. Recommended Rigs Frank & Fran's Drum Slider Rig A go-to bait fishing rig for targeting red drum in the surf. Frank & Fran's Double Drop Bottom Rigs Try the Buck Naked for drum and the Sand Flea Imposter for sea mullet. Chotty's Bluefish Rig A great option when bluefish are feeding along the beach. Ninja Tackle Cannonball Drum Rig Built for targeting big red drum during the fall surf fishing season. Psycho's Surf Fishing Cherry Bomb A versatile choice for targeting drum and sea mullet. Recommended Bait Fresh Shrimp – Great for sea mullet, black drum, and puppy drum. Fresh Mullet – A favorite cut bait for red drum and bluefish. Tuna Belly – A durable cut bait option for larger predators. Bloodworms – A popular bait for sea mullet and other bottom-feeding fish. Fishbites – A convenient bait alternative or addition to natural bait for bottom fishing. Fresh Bait Arrivals — Don't Miss Out! Want to know when fresh mullet and other fresh bait arrive at Frank & Fran's in Avon, NC? Sign up for our email alerts and get notified when fresh bait is available. Sign Up for Fresh Bait Alerts → Get Rigged & Ready for Hatteras Island Fishing! Stop by Frank & Fran's Bait & Tackle in Avon, NC for fresh bait, locally trusted fishing rigs, and expert advice. Can't make it to the island? We ship fishing tackle nationwide! Shop Fishing Tackle → Proven. Not Promised.
What's Biting on the Outer Banks This Week For current conditions, we recommend using a sand flea, small piece of fresh shrimp or fresh mullet paired with Fishbites , combined with a double drop bottom rig such as the Frank & Fran's Sand Flea Imposter rig or the Ninja Tackle King James rig . This setup is highly effective for targeting sea mullet and pompano along the Outer Banks beaches and piers. The red drum bite (including puppy drum and large drum) has been strong on the soundside. For best results, use a double drop rig such as the Frank & Fran's Nude Dude , Ninja Tackle Speckled Puppy Mullet , or a Drum Slider rig paired with fresh mullet and fish at dusk into dark. The spanish mackerel bite has also been strong with big blues being caught from the beach and in the sound. For best results, use a bluefish float rig paired with fresh mullet, finger mullet rig paired with finger mullet or a metal lure when they are blitzing. For spanish grab a metal lure, sling it out as far as you can, reel fast and hold on!
Species in the Avon Pier reports
Species reported at Avon Pier, quoted from the stored reports
Species
What the report says
Reported
tuna
Tuna Belly – A durable cut bait option for larger predators.
This week
drum
But those brave enough to battle the wind at Cape Point were rewarded with some impressive big red drum catches!
This week
bluefish
Here are our recommended rigs and baits for targeting red drum, sea mullet, bluefish, and other Outer Banks favorites.
This week
sea mullet
Here are our recommended rigs and baits for targeting red drum, sea mullet, bluefish, and other Outer Banks favorites.
This week
spanish mackerel
The spanish mackerel bite has also been strong with big blues being caught from the beach and in the sound.
This week
pompano
This setup is highly effective for targeting sea mullet and pompano along the Outer Banks beaches and piers.
This week
From this spot's season table: Spanish mackerel: May-September. The end of the pier on a running tide and clear water.
