Oriental by Water
Sailing is a way of life in Oriental, the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina". Sailboats outnumber citizens three to one! One reason is that the sailing season here never ends. Beyond the consistently excellent conditions throughout the spring and summer, the cordial climate continues well into the late fall - and through the winter for heartier sailors.
Boating pleasure is not limited to sailing. Many power boats call Oriental home. Visitors can charter or rent a power boat, and a captain if they desire. Favorite boating outings include a trip to Beaufort, a creek tour in the area, fishing, water-skiing, and just cruising on the river or one of the many creeks.
Boat watching can be a fun hobby at the Town Dock or one of the several marinas in town. Boats stop in Oriental from the entire East Coast and beyond.
sport-fishing
from those who favor reels over keels, Oriental is attracting increasing attention as a world-class sport-fishing destination. Our annual Tarpon Tournament attract anglers from up and down the East Coast, and we are also recognized for our light tackle and fly-fishing.
As part of the vast Pamlico Sound estuary the area's waterways are home to a host of saltwater and brackish water game fish. Whether you are a big game enthusiast looking to battle tarpon or giant red drum, alight tackle lover in quest of specks, a fly fisherman stalking reds or a family fishing for croaker and flounder, Oriental offers countless opportunities for a true angling adventure. In fact, Oriental has everything a sport-fisherman needs: boat, ramps, dockage and marinas along with guide services, pleasant accommodations and good food. Local Fishing Guide Services include: Downeast Guide Service, Spec Fever Guide Service, Sweet Water Charters
seasons:
April - June: Speckled Trout (Spotted Sea-trout), Puppy Drum (Juvenile Redfish), Flounder, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Gray Trout (Weakfish)
June - September: Giant Red Drum, Tarpon, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Puppy Drum, Flounder, Gray Trout, Bluefish, Croaker, Spot
September - December: Speckled Trout, Puppy Drum, Flounder, Striped Bass
commercial fishing
While sporting anglers visit Oriental for fun and a possible trophy, many fish the surrounding bays, rivers, and ocean for a living, selling their catches both locally and nationally. The local fleet comprises owner-operated fishing boats. These commercial fisherman harvest a wide array of
fish and seafood, including oysters, crabs, shrimp, flounder, scallops, and other species as available. Oriental still remains a live working waterfront that is located in the center of town that makes for a dynamic downtown.