Fishing Fun in Elizabeth City

Here in Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County we’re lucky to be surrounded by serene waterways including the Pasquotank River, winding creeks, ponds and the Albemarle Sound. Whether you have a boat of your own or not, if you’re looking for a place for boating and outdoor fun with freshwater, brackish water, or even nearby saltwater fishing options, you’ve found it all right here in Elizabeth City!

In our rivers we can catch largemouth bass on one cast and a puppy drum or alligator gar on the next. It makes for a great place to fish and there are plenty of places to do it. If you’re in town and don’t know your way around our waters, you might not be sure where you can go or not know where to begin; this is where kayak paddling fishing comes in! Kayak fishing has exploded over the past few years and with a kayak you can fish almost any body of water we have to choose from without having to worry about the logistics or overhead of having a large boat. We’re lucky to have local-led excursions like Native Girl Kayaking and Fishing with Mike in Elizabeth City.

No boat of your own or truck to haul one…no problem! Native Girl Kayaking offers a unique mobile kayak rental service where they’ll bring the kayaks to you, put them in the water, and meet you when you’re done to pick them up! Head out on your own with a rental or join them for a guided kayak tour of the Albemarle region's waterways to discover the natural beauty around the Albemarle and learn some local history.

Another kayak fishing option is Fishing with Mike Sweeney. Mike is a local fishing coach who often writes about his waterway adventures. He’s happy to take folks out on the water and give them a quick “how to” of fishing stripers, trout, flounder, largemouth bass and more in the Albemarle region and Chesapeake Bay.

If you’re looking for a bigger fishing vessel, Albemarle Fishing Charters will take you on a fishing tour on the Albemarle Sound and its tributaries. Captain Jeff is a hometown local and knows the waterways like the back of his hand. If you’re unfamiliar with fishing in the area he can not only put you on the fish but help you choose the best technique and equipment to land plenty of flounder, croaker, bass, trout and more. If you’re not already hooked on fishing, you will be after a day with Captain Jeff!

As fun as it can be, we know not everyone is going to be in a fishing mood during your visit to Elizabeth City; Pelican Marina has the perfect rental options to appease your whole group's water needs. From kayaks to stand-up paddleboards and even a pontoon boat, the whole family can enjoy our waterways together without having to compromise fun!

Now that we’ve covered on-the-water fishing options, don’t forget there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water and keep your feet on land, here are a few:

Waterfront Park
Right down the street from our historic, walkable downtown is Waterfront Park. Grab your fishing pole and head to the river! There’s a small dock right on the waterfront where you can enjoy the beauty of our Harbor of Hospitality, do some light fishing, and when you’re done walk over to one of our unique downtown restaurants for a bite to eat.

Coast Guard Park and Charles Creek Park
Just over a small bridge from Waterfront Park are two other parks. Our new Coast Guard Park is complete with picnic tables, a kayak launch, and a fishing-friendly boardwalk for your family to enjoy. Charles Creek Park is just across the street from that with an educational boardwalk, plenty of picnic tables, a pavilion and even grills available for public use. Bring the whole family out for a day of picnicking, fishing off the banks, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Elizabeth City.

Outer Banks
Once you’ve bass and crappie fished Elizabeth City’s creeks and ponds, take a day trip to the nearby Outer Banks beaches for a day of fishing in the great Atlantic. Whether you prefer surf or pier fishing at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, you’re sure to have a great time!

 

 

When the day is done and you’ve fished to your heart’s content, grab a bite to eat at one of our fabulous, locally-owned restaurants and rest your head at one of our hospitable hotels or one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts. There’s plenty of fishing and outdoor fun to be had in Elizabeth City and we can’t wait for you to experience it!
 

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