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Summer · AUGUST
What's biting in August on the Outer Banks?
August is flounder and pompano month on the beach, with sheepshead on the structure and spot starting to show in the sound.
Inside August
- Prime
- Running
A prime tag is a reason to book the morning; a running tag only says the fish exist right now.
| Species | Class | Expect this |
|---|---|---|
| Red Drum | Running | The run starts to buildRunning |
| Sea Mullet | Running | In the mix through August.Running |
| Pompano | Prime | PeakPrime |
| Bluefish | Running | In the mix through August.Running |
| Spanish Mackerel | Running | In the mix through August.Running |
| Speckled Trout | Running | In the mix through August.Running |
| Flounder | Prime | Best of the yearPrime |
| Black Drum | Running | In the mix through August.Running |
| Sheepshead | Prime | PeakPrime |
| Spot | Prime | The run buildsPrime |
| Croaker | Prime | PeakPrime |
| Cobia | Running | In the mix through August.Running |
| King mackerel | Running | King mackerel run the beach and the piers in the warm months.Running |
| Mahi-mahi | Running | Offshore. A boat fish this time of year, out of Oregon Inlet or Hatteras.Running |
| Marlin | Running | Offshore. A boat fish, and a release in most cases.Running |
Doing August right
Treat these as a checklist and the rest tends to follow.
Pompano feed right behind the shorebreak. Sand fleas and a light pyramid.
Flounder are moving toward the inlets. Fish the channel edges.
Spot and croaker stack in the sound as the water starts to cool.
The first hint of fall shows late in the month. Watch the water temperature.
Bait of the month
Shrimp
Shrimp for the bottom fish, sand fleas for the pompano in the wash.
Plan a trip for these
POMPANO
Pompano
Pompano arrive with the warm water and leave just as fast. Sand fleas and a light rig are the whole game.
FLOUNDER
Flounder
Flounder sit on the bottom and wait. Slow your bait down to their pace and you will catch them.
SHEEPSHEAD
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the bait thieves of the pilings. Fiddler crabs and a fast hook set are how you beat them.
SPOT
Spot
The fall spot run is an OBX tradition. Small hooks, bloodworms, and a bottom rig will fill a cooler.
Pair it with
BAITS
What should I put on the hook this month?
Shrimp is the bait of the month. The guide covers everything else on the shelf.
SINKERS
What size sinker do I need today?
Lead for Pompano and the rest of a summer August, sized to the water.
TIDES
What tide is it right now, and does it matter?
August is summer on the Banks. See what the tide is doing right now.
Updated Oct 30, 2026