Tradewinds Tackle Shop
40 Years of Fishing Traditional on Ocracoke Island, NC
Tradewinds Tackle is Ocracoke Island’s premier bait and tackle shop, serving Outer Banks anglers for more than 45 years. We stock everything you need for surf fishing, inshore fishing and offshore fishing – from fresh bait and name-brand rods and reels to crabbing and clamming supplies.
Our shop also offers line spooling, North Carolina fishing licenses, beach gear and coastal apparel.
Whether you’re chasing red drum in the surf, speckled trout in the sound or tuna offshore, our friendly staff will set you up with the right equipment and local advice.
Visit Tradewinds Tackle and make the most of your Ocracoke fishing adventure.
Tradewinds Tackle Shop – Ocracoke’s Fishing Headquarters
At Tradewinds Tackle Shop, you’ll find more than just fishing gear – you’ll find the heart of Ocracoke’s angling community. Our aisles are stocked with everything from hard-to-find tackle and specialty rigs to tried-and-true lures that locals swear by.
Need to outfit the whole family? We carry youth-sized gear, starter kits and the right supplies to help new anglers hook their first fish.
Dive into the Tackle Shop and see why generations of anglers have trusted Tradewinds as their Ocracoke fishing headquarters.
Ocracoke Weather & Tides
Before you hit the water, check the latest Ocracoke weather and tide reports. Real-time conditions, coastal forecasts and sea surface temperatures can make all the difference between a slow day and a successful one.
Knowing when the tide is moving and how the wind is shifting helps you plan smarter, whether you’re surf fishing the beach, casting inshore or heading offshore.
Explore Ocracoke Weather & Tides and get the updates you need to time your trip just right.
Fishing on Ocracoke FAQs
These are some of our most frequent questions regarding the products we sell in the shop, fishing on Ocracoke, rules and regulations while fishing on the island, fees, permits, access and other miscellaneous questions. If you need additional information, please e-mail us.
Do you sell NC fishing licenses? How much are they?
We do sell the N.C. recreational fishing license in the shop.
North Carolina requires those ages 16 or older to hold a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) to saltwater fish in the state. State residents ages 16 or older are $8 for 10 days and nonresidents are $13 for 10 days. An annual CRFL is available for $18 for residents and $34 for nonresidents. The license may also be purchased online at http://www.ncwildlife.org/Licensing/Hunting-Fishing-Trapping-Licenses
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach on Ocracoke? What is the cost of a beach driving permit? Where do I get one?
Ocracoke Island is part of the National Park Service’s Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The National Park Service sells their beach driving permit at the Ocracoke NPS visitor center located by the Swan Quarter/Cedar Island ferry landing on Silver Lake. The cost of the permit is $50 for a 10-day permit or $120 for a yearly permit that expires a year from the date of purchase. The permit goes to a specific vehicle so you need the registration in hand when purchasing the permit.
Can I drive on off-road vehicle (ORV) routes at night?
Yes, but there are some seasonal restrictions:
November 16 – April 30: All designated ORV ramps are open to night driving (24 hrs a day).
May 1 – July 31: To help protect nesting sea turtles, priority ORV ramps open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.. All other designated ORV ramps open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
August 1 – September 30: To help protect nesting sea turtles, priority ORV ramps open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. All other designated ORV ramps open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
October 1 – November 15: All designated ORV ramps, including priority ramps, open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
September 15 – November 15: All designated ORV ramps, including priority ORV ramps, open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Transition to night driving could occur if there are no sea turtle nests remaining along a route. Priority ocean beach routes are routes that are accessible from Ramps 2, 4, 25, 27, 43, 44, 48, 49, 70 and 72.
For the most up-to-date route status, please visit https://facebook.com/capehatterasns.
Can I leave my ORV parked on the beach if I don’t drive it between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. during the seasons that night-driving restrictions are in effect?
No. During the restricted seasons, all vehicles are prohibited on ocean beaches.
Are areas of the beach closed to driving?
Certain areas of the beach are set aside for pedestrian only access, and some areas may be closed for resource closures. Last year, over 6 miles of beach remained open to off-road vehicles (ORV) during the summer and another 5 miles remained open for pedestrians on Ocracoke Island. During the spring and fall, more beach is open to ORVs and pedestrians. For the current map on beach access, please visit the NPS map at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/beachactivities.htm#ORV or call our shop for the latest information.
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