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Fall run · SEPTEMBER
What's biting in September on the Outer Banks?
September is when the fall run starts. Red drum move onto the points, Spanish and pompano are still here, and the beach wakes up after summer.
September's fish
- Prime
- Running
Fish marked prime justify the drive. Those marked running are around without being at their peak.
| Quarry | Standing | On the day |
|---|---|---|
| Red Drum | Prime | The fall run beginsPrime |
| Sea Mullet | Prime | Fall runPrime |
| Pompano | Prime | PeakPrime |
| Bluefish | Running | In the mix through September.Running |
| Spanish Mackerel | Prime | PeakPrime |
| Speckled Trout | Prime | Fall peakPrime |
| Flounder | Prime | Best of the yearPrime |
| Black Drum | Prime | Fall bitePrime |
| Sheepshead | Prime | PeakPrime |
| Spot | Prime | Peak runPrime |
| Croaker | Running | In the mix through September.Running |
| Cobia | Running | The tail endRunning |
| King mackerel | Running | King mackerel run the beach and the piers in the warm months.Running |
Three tips for the September angler
Seasonal habits beat generic advice. These are the ones worth keeping in your head.
Fish the falling tide at the points for the first drum of the run.
Keep a light rod out for pompano and mullet in the wash.
Spanish mackerel are still here. A spoon on a clear day works.
The best month of the year to be on the beach. Book your stay early.
Stock up on this
The headliners
RED DRUM
Red Drum
The fall run at Cape Point is the best surf drum fishing on the East Coast. This is the setup that fishes it.
SEA MULLET
Sea Mullet
Sea mullet are the first fish back in the spring surf, and sand fleas are almost all you need.
POMPANO
Pompano
Pompano arrive with the warm water and leave just as fast. Sand fleas and a light rig are the whole game.
SPANISH
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish run the beach in summer and they want metal moving fast. The Gotcha plug is the OBX pier standard.
Also useful
BAITS
What should I put on the hook this month?
Past fresh mullet: what else goes on the hook while Red Drum is on.
SINKERS
What size sinker do I need today?
9 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 September, live from the tide station.
Updated Oct 30, 2026