These are some of our most frequent questions regarding our 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 at fishtradewinds@gmail.com.
What is the current ferry schedule to Ocracoke?
For the ferry schedule and updates visit https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/ferry-tickets-services/Documents/ferryschedule.pdf and https://twitter.com/ncdot_ferry
Do you sell NC fishing licenses? How much are they?
We do sell the NC 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 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 a $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 6:00 am and close at 9:00 pm. All other designated ORV ramps open at 7:00 am and close at 9:00 pm
- August 1 – September 30, to help protect nesting sea turtles, priority ORV ramps open at 6:30 am and close at 9:00 pm. All other designated ORV ramps open at 7:00 am and close at 9:00 pm
- October 1 – November 15, all designated ORV ramps, including priority ramps, open at 7:00 am and close at 9:00 pm
- September 15 – November 15, all designated ORV ramps, including priority ORV ramps, open at 7:00 am and close at 9:00 pm. 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 pm and 7 am 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 six miles of beach remained open to off road vehicles (ORV) during the summer and another five 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.
