Many newcomers are confused by all the different uses of the word Hatteras.
Hatteras Island is the long island south of Oregon Inlet and north of Hatteras Inlet. It includes the Cape Hatteras National Seashore as well as the villages (from north to south) of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is in Buxton. The ferry to Ocracoke Island is in the village of Hatteras.
If you are fishing “out of Hatteras” on a boat, you are fishing out of Hatteras Inlet. If you are fishing “on Hatteras” as in pier or surf fishing, you may be any place on Hatteras Island. If you are vacationing in Hatteras, you may literally be in Hatteras Village or you may be staying in one of the other villages. Just bear in mind that it is a long drive from Rodanthe to Hatteras Inlet (longer than you might think).
Hatteras Inlet connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pamlico Sound and separates Hatteras Island from Ocracoke Island. Access between the islands is by ferry. Hatteras Inlet is approximately 2 miles across. Hatteras Inlet (and Oregon Inlet) opened up during a giant hurricane in 1846. Although Hatteras Island is in Dare County, Hatteras Inlet is technically in Hyde County.
There are many opportunities for fishing at Hatteras Inlet. Surf fishing at Hatteras Inlet is a long tradition. Take your 4WD vehicle and drive to an open beach access (check current access openings). Or just find a designated parking spot and walk on out.
Near shore inshore fishing, inlet fishing and sound fishing are also great at Hatteras Inlet for those with their own boats or those wishing to charter a fishing boat. Fish for many species in the spring, summer and fall or go for stripers in the winter.
But Hatteras Inlet is really known for worldwide is outstanding offshore Gulf Stream fishing. At Hatteras Inlet, the Gulf Stream is only a short ride away. The Gulf Stream is home to deep water migratory fish such as yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, blackfin tuna, wahoo, mahi (dolphin), king mackerel, sailfish, white marlin and the monster of them all … the blue marlin. Bring your own boat or charter a sportfishing yacht for the experience of a lifetime.
The run to the Gulf Stream is generally about 20-35 miles from Hatteras Inlet depending upon conditions making it one of the closest locations to the Gulf Stream north of Florida.
