Fishing on the Crystal Coast
Fishing–An All-Around Way of Life in North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks
In the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina (also known as the Crystal Coast), fishing is a way of life. Steeped in a rich maritime history dating back 400 years, the destination offers a glimpse into a past shaped by the waterways encompassing its 85 miles of shoreline. Though the ships that carried them met a tragic fate, wild Shackleford horses, descendants of Spanish mustangs, have roamed the islands freely for 300 years. The infamous pirate, Blackbeard, frequented the town of Beaufort, and his ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, is sunk two miles off its shore. Along with the iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Fort Macon, perched on the tip of the Southern Outer Banks, the community has relied on its fishing industry for survival.
As such an integral part of its heritage and economy throughout four centuries, it’s no wonder the locals remain dedicated to preserving the industry and livelihoods that molded the area. I had the pleasure of spending a week in the Crystal Coast recently and saw firsthand why the community continues to rely on its year-round bounty of the sea.
The main purpose of my trip was test out the waters, which I’ve heard to be an angler’s dream. To try something different, our guide, Capt. Chuck Laughridge, took us offshore for a fly-fishing experience. On the way to a spot with the Cape Lookout Lighthouse as the backdrop, Capt. Chuck Laughridge, told us about the 60-pound red drum he had been catching on the fly. We also learned that fall is one of the best seasons to fish this destination.
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While I was reeling in trout and drum, the number of shrimpers and commercial vessels definitely stood out, and I learned how the area supports the fishing industry through its Carteret Catch Program. The initiative encourages local businesses to preserve the essential fishing industry of the Carteret County community and provide dishes with amplified tastes. Guests savor local Carolina seafood with "fresh from the dock" samplings, including home-cooked Broiled Lemon Parmesan Jumbo Shrimp, Core Sound Clam Chowder, Homemade Crab Cakes and Down East Lemon Pie.
While more than 80% of seafood is imported, usually farmed and frozen, the Carteret Catch Program provides same-day fresh fare for area restaurants simultaneously support a local industry that has been alive for 400 years in Carteret County. Many of the chefs in the Crystal Coast change menus daily, centered around the “catch of the day.” Local fishermen rely on year-round fishing to provide fresh sea fare to more than 80 privately owned restaurants.
I ate at several restaurants including Chefs 105, Beaufort Grocery, Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant and Bistro-by-the-Sea, and the obviously fresh seafood stood out in each of the gourmet dishes we enjoyed. Knowing we were supporting the 400-year legacy of the maritime destination made my trip unforgettable in every way.
Beaufort, NC is home to Jarrett Bay Boatworks—a premier builder of custom sport fishing boats, that began in 1986. Jarrett Bay has constructed & delivered over 85 sport fishing boats and serviced tens of thousands of vessels. With one-of-a-kind custom construction processes, Jarrrett Bay knows the importance of their customers’ needs for fishing performance, fuel efficiency and luxury – all while never sacrificing the legendary Carolina ride.
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Sue Cushman grew up hunting and fishing with her dad on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. At the age of five she moved onto his 42-foot Chris Craft and has been an avid boater and fisherman ever since. |
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