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Early winter · DECEMBER
What's biting in December on the Outer Banks?
December is the cold-water month: late drum and bluefish on the beach, striped bass and tautog in the inlets, and trout in the deep sound.
The December board
- Prime
- Running
Take prime as the reason to go. Take running as a fish you might also catch while you are there.
| Target | Tier | Local note |
|---|---|---|
| Red Drum | Running | Late fish and sound drumRunning |
| Bluefish | Running | In the mix through December.Running |
| Striped bass | Prime | The winter bass run has started at the inlets.Prime |
| Speckled trout | Running | In the mix this month.Running |
| Tautog | Running | Structure fish. Green crabs fished tight to the rocks.Running |
Bait pick
Three things that work in December
What regulars repeat to each other at the rail this time of year.
Fish the inlets for striped bass on cut bait near slack water.
Tautog hold on structure. Green crabs fished tight to the rocks.
Fish the sound holes for trout when the beach is too rough.
The ocean beach slows by mid-month. The inlets fish all winter.
More from the guides
BAITS
What should I put on the hook this month?
Past cut mullet: what else goes on the hook while Striped bass is on.
SINKERS
What size sinker do I need today?
1 prime this month. The guide sizes the sinker to the day.
TIDES
What tide is it right now, and does it matter?
Moving water in December, live from the tide station.
Updated Oct 30, 2026