Cape Point Cape Hatteras

The pinnacle of fishing on the Outer Banks, however, is and has always been Cape Point. Ask any long-time Hatteras Island fisherman about Cape Point, and they'll gladly tell you about incredible catches, near-misses, and the occasional vehicle getting stuck in the deep, shifting sands. This small sliver of the Outer Banks is legendary for a reason. As the geographical "center" of Hatteras Island, it often attracts big game species that can only be found in the Gulf Stream miles away, as well as dozens if not hundreds of saltwater species on a daily basis that congregate to this area. In addition to the exceptional fishing, visitors who don't bring a rod and reel along can find some of the island's best shelling, sightseeing, and even sunsets from this popular and incredible beach. Hatteras Island vacationers who like a good beach and love a lot of fishing need to make the trek to Cape Point. Though a little bit of a challenge to get to, newcomers will soon find out why this beach has become a legendary East Coast fishing hole, and a popular Outer Banks destination for decades. Second only to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Cape Point could be considered one of Hatteras Island's oldest attractions, as fishermen began making the long trek to the southern Outer Banks in the 1940s and 1950s just to access this out-of-the-way beach. At the time, the trip required a hop onboard a small ferry across Oregon Inlet, operated by Captain Tillet, followed by a long and winding drive along beaches, sand dunes, and muddy make-shift paths. Today, the trip is clearly a bit easier, and vacationers can simply follow NC Highway 12 across Bodie Island and the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, and continue on all the way to town of Buxton. Located next to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the access ramp is fairly easy to find - simply follow the signs to the lighthouse, drive past it, and keep right on driving along lighthouse road until the paved road ends, and the beach ramp begins. A 4WD vehicle has always been generally required to access Cape Point, as it is located a good mile away from any paved public parking areas or roads. This is especially true for fishermen who are bogged down with rods, reels, bait, and tackle boxes, as the long hike along the beach can be an exhausting one when weighed down with a lot of equipment. With that in mind, however, hikers or visitors who just like a long beach walk can certainly access the Point by foot, just expect a good hour or so round trip hike along the shoreline. Recently, the National Park Service has required a beach driving permit for anyone who wants to drive along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) beaches, including Cape Point. Drivers must apply in person and watch a 10 minute video about driving on the CHNS beaches, as well as pay a weekly or annual fee, depending on how long they need a permit. The good news is that the permit station is located just half mile from Cape Point, at the Visitors Center adjacent to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and there is no waiting period so a day-tripper can obtain a permit, and then immediately go cruising. Newcomers to beach driving should also keep a few tips and tricks in mind to ensure they follow the rules of the "beach road," and more importantly, don't get stuck in the process. When it's open, Cape Point is one of the busiest 4WD access ramps on the beach, with dozens of fishermen heading out or coming back with coolers full of fresh catches. As such, follow the same guidelines you would on the road. Keep to the right, (there will be well marked tire tracks to follow to and from the shoreline), be considerate of other drivers, and go slowly, especially along the more crowded stretches of beach where families may be lounging or playing close to the traffic. To minimize your chances of getting stuck, be sure and decrease your tire pressure to about 15-20psi before heading out on the sand. Vehicles will find plenty of local convenience stores after leaving the beach to air back up again, like the Red Drum convenience store and gas station just a half mile or so away. Once you're ready to head out, you should also be mindful of where you park. At Cape Point, the swirling currents that drift offshore often spill out onto the beaches, creating tidal pools, and even small canals that literally cut across the beach. Your safest bet is to park above the high tide line, evident by the dry sand and large number of footprints, suggesting that the area hasn't touched water in a long time. This way, even in the off-chance that you do accidently get stuck, at least you don't have to worry about incoming tides or water as well. Finally, once you've officially arrived and are ready to fish, please be mindful of the other anglers around you. On a good day, Cape Point can be crowded, with dozen of anglers claiming a spot to cast a line. Try not to infringe on anyone's angling space, and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. Many of the fishermen around these parts have been coming to Cape Point for decades, and they're more than happy to share a fish story or two, or even a couple tips, with a new arrival.