Be Your Own Captain on Roanoke Sound: A Day Aboard the 17' Outboard Skiff
DIY boating made easy—fish, cruise, and dolphin-watch on the sheltered waters of the Outer Banks.
Morning on the Roanoke Sound starts with a hush. The wind lifts gently off the marsh, ruffling cordgrass as if checking the day’s intentions. A 17-foot skiff noses the dock, its 40hp Yamaha quiet but ready, the hull light and game for the flats. You step aboard, and the Sound seems to lean closer—inviting, but not coddling—while the channel markers blink their advice: choose your line and commit.
Trail Wisdom
Mind the Wind Window
Mornings are typically calmer on the Sound; plan longer runs or open-water crossings early and save marsh-edge exploring for afternoon chop.
Follow the Markers
Stay inside marked channels when on plane; outside them, throttle down to avoid shoals and protect seagrass flats.
Polarized Vision
Polarized sunglasses cut glare so you can read depth changes, spot bait, and see submerged hazards faster.
Hydrate and Shade Up
Bring more water than you think and use sun-protective layers—Soundside reflection doubles exposure on bright days.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Lee shores near Jockey’s Ridge for smooth afternoon cruising when the southwest wind builds
- •The marsh creeks on the Roanoke Island side for sunrise birdlife and calm water
Wildlife
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Ospreys and pelicans
Conservation Note
Shallow seagrass meadows are critical nurseries for fish and crabs—idle through skinny water, avoid prop scarring, and pack out all trash.
Roanoke Island is home to the Lost Colony site, where English settlers established—and mysteriously abandoned—a 16th-century outpost.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Light-wind cruising, Speckled trout and drum fishing
Challenges: Cool mornings, Variable wind shifts
Spring brings clear water and lighter boat traffic. Expect mixed temps—pack a shell and start early for glassy runs.
summer
Best for: Family cruising, Dolphin watching
Challenges: Midday heat, Afternoon chop and pop-up storms
Peak season delivers warm water and long days. Go early or late to avoid heat; watch radar and build in wind buffers.
fall
Best for: Consistent fishing, Golden-hour cruising
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Occasional fronts
Stable weather and fewer crowds make fall prime. Fronts can bring brisk north winds—hug leeward shores and plan return times.
winter
Best for: Quiet waters, Birdwatching
Challenges: Cold temps, Limited rental windows
Winter is serene but chilly. If rentals are available, dress in layers and keep outings short and close to the dock.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
They cut surface glare so you can read water depth, spot fish, and navigate safely.
Sun Hoodie or UPF ShirtEssential
Lightweight coverage protects against intense OBX sun and reflected glare from the Sound.
Compact Dry Bag
Keeps phones, wallets, and licenses dry when spray and chop pick up.
Non-Marking Deck Shoes or Sandals
Secure footing on deck without scuffing the skiff’s surfaces.
Common Questions
Do I need a boating license to rent the skiff?
A boating license isn’t required, but renters must be 21 or older and comfortable operating a small motorboat. Staff will provide a safety and operation briefing before you depart.
Is a fishing license required?
Yes. Anglers ages 16 and older need a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License, available for purchase at the shop before you launch.
How many people can the skiff hold?
Each 17' Outboard Skiff can carry a maximum of four passengers. Children 13 and under must wear a life jacket while aboard.
What time can I pick up and return the boat?
Boats run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The tackle shop is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for bait, ice, and gear.
Can we crab without a license?
Yes. No license is required to recreationally crab from the skiff, but follow local size and harvest regulations.
Where can we go on the Roanoke Sound?
Cruise marked channels around Nags Head and Roanoke Island, explore marsh edges, and view Jockey’s Ridge from the water. Stay inside the Sound and obey no-wake zones and channel markers.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for reading water and spotting hazards; UPF sun hoodie or hat to combat intense reflection; 2–3 liters of water per person to stay ahead of heat; Compact dry bag for phone, licenses, and keys.
Did You Know
Roanoke Island was the site of the first English child born in the Americas—Virginia Dare—in 1587, part of the Lost Colony settlement.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning slots for calmer water and cooler temps; Buy your NC fishing license at the shop before launch to save time; Screenshot a simple chart of the Sound—cell service is good but not guaranteed everywhere; Plan your route with wind direction in mind so you return with a tailwind.
Local Flavor
After you dock, grab a deck table at Fish Heads Bar & Grill on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier for a cold drink and shrimp, head to Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar overlooking the marina in Manteo for sunset oysters, or swing by the Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills for a local pint and live music.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Norfolk International (ORF), ~2 hours by car. Launch area: Nags Head–Roanoke Island Causeway, minutes from Nags Head. Cell service: Generally good near town and along the Sound but can be spotty in remote marsh. Permits: NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License required for anglers 16+; renters must be 21+; kids 13 and under must wear PFDs.
Sustainability Note
Roanoke Sound’s seagrass beds are vital nurseries for fish and blue crabs. Trim up in shallow water, avoid prop scarring, idle through no-wake zones, and pack out everything you bring aboard.