Late winter · MARCH

What's biting in March on the Outer Banks?

March is the turn. The first bluefish push in, sound-side drum and trout wake up, and the beach starts to fish again.

Where to goToday's board

March on the water

  • Prime
  • Running

Plan the trip around a prime fish. A running fish is in the water, just short of its peak.

Species running in March, by tier
FishWhat you will see
Red DrumSound flats and channelsRunning
BluefishIn the mix through March.Running
Speckled TroutSpring startsRunning
CobiaIn the mix this month.Running
Striped bassThe cold-water bass hold at the inlets into March, right up until the water turns.Prime

Three habits for March

Quick rules of thumb, ranked by how often they save a trip.

  1. Fish the sound flats and channels as the water warms.

  2. The first bluefish run the beach on the warming tide.

  3. Keep a second rod out with cut bait for drum.

March is changeable. One warm week can turn the whole island on.

First bait to grab

Fresh mullet

Fresh chunks on the bottom for drum and the first blues.

More on bait →Gear to bring →

Read next

BAITS

What should I put on the hook this month?

Past fresh 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 March, live from the tide station.

Updated Oct 30, 2026