Summer · JULY

What's biting in July on the Outer Banks?

July is hot and the fish move to structure and deep water: sheepshead on the pilings, croaker and spot on the bottom, Spanish on the piers.

Spots on the mapRight now on the water

July: fish by fish

  • Prime
  • Running

Prime: worth building the day around. Running: present, but short of its best.

Species running in July, by tier
FishNotes
Red DrumEarly sound drumRunning
Sea MulletIn the mix through July.Running
PompanoFirst arrivalsRunning
BluefishIn the mix through July.Running
Spanish MackerelIn the mix through July.Running
Speckled TroutIn the mix through July.Running
FlounderIn the mix through July.Running
Black DrumIn the mix through July.Running
SheepsheadPeakPrime
SpotEarly fishRunning
CroakerPeakPrime
CobiaIn the mix through July.Running
King mackerelKing mackerel run the beach and the piers in the warm months.Running
Mahi-mahiOffshore. A boat fish this time of year, out of Oregon Inlet or Hatteras.Running
WahooOffshore. A boat fish this time of year, out of Oregon Inlet or Hatteras.Running

The bait to buy

Shrimp

Small hooks, shrimp, and a bit of patience for the bottom fish.

Bait, explained →Load the bag →

Fishing it in July

If you remember only three things on the way out, make it these.

  1. Sheepshead want fiddler crabs or shrimp fished tight to structure.

  2. Croaker and spot bite best in the evening and after dark.

  3. Spanish mackerel still run the piers when the water is clear.

Heat is the story in July. Fish the dawn and the dusk.

The fish to chase

SHEEPSHEAD

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the bait thieves of the pilings. Fiddler crabs and a fast hook set are how you beat them.

CROAKER

Croaker

Croaker share the surf and the piers with spot. Fish a bottom rig and listen for the croak when you land one.

Further reading

BAITS

What should I put on the hook this month?

July bait, species by species, starting from shrimp.

SINKERS

What size sinker do I need today?

Pick the weight for July fishing before you leave the house.

TIDES

What tide is it right now, and does it matter?

Does the tide matter for Sheepshead? The guide reads the water as it stands.

Updated Oct 30, 2026