What Beaufort Inlet offers and when to fish it

Beaufort Inlet is a working tidal pass between Shackleford Banks and Bogue Banks, about three miles wide at its mouth and running roughly north-south into the Beaufort waterfront. The inlet itself is deep—40 to 60 feet in the main channel—and moves enormous volumes of water twice daily. That current brings baitfish, pulls in stripers and large Spanish mackerel in spring and fall, and holds drum and flounder year-round. The inlet is fishable from boats, from the jetties on either side, and from the beach when conditions allow.

Beaufort Inlet is not a single spot but a system: the mouth where the ocean meets the sound, the channel that runs inland, the jetties that frame it, and the shallow flats and marsh creeks that branch off once you're inside. Where you fish depends on what you're after, what tide is running, and whether you have a boat or are fishing from shore. The inlet fishes differently in every season, and the current can turn a calm morning into a dangerous run in minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Beaufort Inlet's main channel runs 40 to 60 feet deep and moves fast on tide changes, making it dangerous to cross in small boats but excellent for stripers, drum, and mackerel.
  • Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) bring the best stripers and mackerel; summer is slower for large fish but good for Spanish mackerel and flounder.
  • The jetties on both sides hold fish on incoming tide and are accessible from the beach, though conditions change fast and rocks are slippery.
  • Slack water—the 20 to 30 minutes around high and low tide—is the safest time to cross the inlet in a small boat, and the best time to fish the flats inside.
  • Launch from Beaufort waterfront or fish the inlet mouth from charter boats based at Beaufort or Atlantic Beach.

The inlet mouth and main channel

The mouth of Beaufort Inlet is where the Atlantic meets the sound, and it's the most dramatic part of the system. On an outgoing tide, the current can run 2 to 3 knots, pushing a visible line of darker water seaward. Stripers and large Spanish mackerel hunt along this current line in spring and fall, and drum move through year-round. The water is roughest here on strong tides and opposing wind, and the bottom is sand and shell with scattered rocks.

Fish the mouth from a boat by drifting the current line on an incoming tide, or by anchoring on the edges where the fast water meets slower water. Stripers in March and April often sit 30 to 50 feet deep in the channel itself, and you'll need to get your bait or lure down to them. Spanish mackerel in May and again in September and October hunt shallower, 15 to 25 feet, and will chase topwater plugs and small spoons. Drum are present year-round but most abundant in fall and winter, and they prefer live mullet or cut bait on the bottom.

The jetties and shallow water near shore

Both the north jetty (on Shackleford Banks) and the south jetty (on Bogue Banks) are accessible from the beach and hold fish on the incoming tide. The rocks are slippery and the current can be strong, so wear good shoes and watch the tide. The jetties are best fished two hours before high tide through the first hour after high water, when the current is still moving but manageable and fish are feeding actively.

Stripers and large Spanish mackerel hunt the jetty edges in spring and fall. Drum, flounder, and smaller Spanish mackerel are present year-round. Fish live mullet or cut mackerel on the bottom for drum and flounder, or cast small spoons and plugs for stripers and Spanish mackerel. The water around the jetties is 8 to 15 feet deep, and the rocks create current breaks where fish hold. Be aware that the tide can turn quickly and the jetties can become unsafe in rough conditions.

Inside the inlet: flats, creeks, and deeper channels

Once you're past the mouth, Beaufort Inlet opens into a system of shallow flats, marsh creeks, and deeper channels. The flats are 2 to 6 feet deep and hold flounder, spotted seatrout, and drum. The creeks are narrower, shallower, and often hold larger drum and stripers, especially on the incoming tide. The deeper channels—10 to 20 feet—are highways for fish moving between the sound and the ocean.

Fish the flats on a rising tide with light tackle and live shrimp or small mullet. Spotted seatrout will chase topwater lures early and late in the day. Flounder prefer live bait on the bottom or small soft plastics worked slowly along the edges of deeper water. Drum in the creeks are often large and will take live mullet or cut bait, but they're also spooky in shallow water and require a quiet approach. The best fishing inside the inlet is usually on slack water or the first two hours of an incoming tide, when fish are feeding and the current is not so strong that you can't hold position.

Seasonal patterns and what to expect

Spring (March through May) brings stripers moving through the inlet on their way to spawning grounds upstream. The bite is best in April and early May, with fish 20 to 35 inches common. Water temperature is 50 to 65 degrees. Spanish mackerel arrive in May and stay through June, and they're aggressive on small spoons and plugs.

Summer (June through August) is slower for large fish, but Spanish mackerel remain abundant and flounder bite well on the flats. Water temperature reaches 75 to 82 degrees. Drum are present but less aggressive than in other seasons.

Fall (September through November) is the second-best season. Spanish mackerel return in September and October, and stripers move through again in October and November on their way south. Water temperature drops from 75 degrees in September to 55 degrees by November. Drum are very active and large fish are common.

Winter (December through February) is slow for stripers and Spanish mackerel, but drum remain present and willing to bite. Water temperature is 45 to 55 degrees. Flounder bite sporadically on the flats. Most anglers focus on drum and flounder during winter.

Access and launch points

The primary launch for Beaufort Inlet is the Beaufort waterfront, where several public ramps and private marinas offer access. The Town of Beaufort maintains a public launch at the waterfront near the downtown area, and there are several private marinas nearby that offer day-use launch fees. From the waterfront, it's about 2 to 3 miles to the inlet mouth depending on which ramp you use.

If you don't have a boat, charter boats operate out of Beaufort and Atlantic Beach and fish the inlet regularly. Most charters run half-day and full-day trips and target stripers, Spanish mackerel, and drum depending on the season. Call ahead to confirm they're running and what the forecast looks like.

Jetty fishing requires no boat. Park near the inlet—there is limited parking on both sides—and walk to the jetties. The south jetty (Bogue Banks side) is easier to access and has more parking nearby. Conditions change fast, so check the forecast and tide before you go.

Safety and tidal considerations

Beaufort Inlet is a tidal pass, which means the current can be strong and dangerous. On a strong outgoing tide, the inlet mouth can have standing waves and a visible current line. On an incoming tide, the water is usually calmer but still moving. Never cross the inlet in a small boat without checking the tide and forecast first.

Slack water—the 20 to 30 minutes around high and low tide—is the safest time to cross. Plan your trip so you're crossing at slack water, not fighting a 2 to 3 knot current. If you're caught in a strong current, stay calm, keep the bow pointed into the waves, and motor slowly. If conditions are rough, don't cross—wait for the next slack water or fish inside the inlet instead.

Jetty fishing is safe if you're careful. Wear good shoes, watch for waves, and never turn your back to the ocean. The rocks are slippery even when dry, and a fall can be serious. Fish the jetties on calm days and avoid them in rough conditions or strong wind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best tide for fishing Beaufort Inlet?

Incoming tide is usually best because fish are feeding and the current is pushing baitfish into the inlet. The first two hours of an incoming tide are ideal. Slack water is safest for crossing the inlet in a boat. Outgoing tide can be productive but the current is stronger and conditions are rougher.

Can I fish the inlet from shore?

Yes, from the jetties on both sides. The south jetty (Bogue Banks) is easier to access and has more parking. Fish the jetties on incoming tide, two hours before high water through the first hour after high water. Wear good shoes and watch for waves.

What do I need to know about crossing the inlet in a small boat?

Cross at slack water—the 20 to 30 minutes around high or low tide—when the current is weakest. Check the forecast and tide before you go. If conditions are rough, wait for the next slack water. Never cross on a strong outgoing tide if you're unfamiliar with the inlet.

What's the difference between fishing inside the inlet and at the mouth?

The mouth is deeper (40 to 60 feet), has stronger current, and holds stripers and large Spanish mackerel. Inside the inlet, the water is shallower (2 to 20 feet), calmer, and holds flounder, drum, and spotted seatrout. Inside is better for beginners and smaller boats.

When should I fish for stripers at Beaufort Inlet?

Spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) are best. April and May are peak spring, and October and November are peak fall. Fish the main channel and the mouth on incoming tide with live mullet or cut bait. Stripers are 20 to 35 inches on average.