Or rent a small powerboat for a day of trolling. Either way, you'll likely catch a few crappie or largemouth bass, catfish, and maybe some trout. Nine of North Carolina's 29 ocean piers jut into the Atlantic from Bogue Banks. For a small fee, you can drop a line over and fish the breaker line for flounder. Or stake out a spot at the end of the pier for king mackerel.
All piers sell bait, and many rent rod, reel and tackle.
Or, if you're really lucky, you'll hit Cape Point when the red drum are biting. Although it requires great skill, there are a number of guides who will take you out and share their passion for the sport with you. You can try your hand at it from the deck of small boat in the sounds or ocean, or from the beach. Headboats generally accommodate about 50 people of all skill ranges, and the mates and captain are always ready to lend a helping hand. The sounds are brimming with croaker, trout, sea mullet, flounder, and spot.