Autumn Kicks Off Surf Fishing Season, Driving on the Beach, Fishing Tournaments & More on the Crystal Coast

Photo by Chad Winstead

It's a beautiful time of the year here on the coast of North Carolina. Though we always wish that summer would linger just a bit longer, we also welcome autumn with open arms. It's hard to believe that September is more than half over already. 

Where does the time go? 


As summer fades and autumn arrives on our doorstep, we want to give you some things to be excited about for this fall season (in addition to the moderate temperatures, low humidity, dynamic colors, and the lovely uncrowded beaches).

Here are some noteworthy items:

Driving on the Emerald Isle Beaches Allowed from September 15 - April 30 with Permit
From September 15 through April 30 (with the exception of March 29 - April 8) beach driving is allowed with a permit. Beach driving is permitted from 5a.m. until 9p.m. daily from September 15 to November 6 and from March 13 to April 30 (to coincide with Daylight Savings Time). Daily driving hours are 5a.m. to 7p.m. from November 7 to March 12 (to coincide with Eastern Standard Time). 

Photo by Chad Winstead

Authorized beach access ramps are located on Ocean Drive near mile marker 15 on Hwy NC 58, at the end of Black Skimmer Drive across from Town Hall, and at The Point on Inlet Drive at Bogue Inlet. The Doe Drive ramp is closed to the general public. 

Please also be aware that the town of Emerald Isle expects to construct a beach nourishment project this winter which may result in the temporary closing of certain beach areas during construction. Construction dates are subject to change but are currently scheduled to occur between January 1 and March 31 of 2013. Planned construction areas (also subject to change) include the area between 5th Street and Pier Pointe (not open to beach driving anyway) and between Myrtle Drive and Ocean Oaks Drive.

Beach driving is allowed only with an official Town of Emerald Isle beach driving permit which may be purchased in person at the Town Administration Building located at 7509 Emerald Drive during normal business hours (8a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday) and through other remote methods. Applicants must include a copy of vehicle registration and drivers license for processing. 

Annual beach driving permit fees are $40 for Emerald Isle residents and taxpayers under age 65, and free for all Emerald Isle residents and taxpayers age 65 and older. The fee for all non-Emerald Isle residents and taxpayers of any age is $80. Handicapped persons of any age, whether an Emerald Isle resident/taxpayer or not, are eligible for a free permit.

It's best to visit the Town of Emerald Isle's website for complete application instructions and forms. For questions or additional information, applicants can call 252.354.3424. 

6th Annual Flounder Surf Fishing Tournament Runs from September 22 - October 6

Photo by Sun-Surf Realty

Free registration for this tournament continues through September 21 (so hurry!) and excellent prizes are offered. The rules are simple: All flounder must be caught by fishing on foot (surf, pier, inlet, sound) from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. 

This tournament is sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation and The Reel Outdoors. Interested participants can view the tournament rules and regulations as well as print the registration form from the Town of Emerald Isle's event web page.

Free Surf Fishing Seminar October 1

Photo by Hal Bryson

Speaking of surf fishing, mark your calendars and save the date for a free seminar offered by one of the area's most renowned experts, Dr. Bogus. Learn about speckled trout surf fishing during this presentation at the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Department Community Center. Interested participants can call 252.354.6350 for further details.

This seminar is hosted in conjunction with the Gordie McAdams Speckled Trout Surf Fishing Tournament which offers free registration from September 21 through October 19. For more information on that tournament, read on.

10th Annual Gordie McAdams Speckled Trout Surf Fishing Tournament October 20 - December 1

Photo by Sun-Surf Realty

This is another fun surf fishing tournament offering free registration and excellent prizes! Use the expertise gained from the speckled trout surf fishing seminar and apply it to your advantage. The rules are again simple: All trout must be caught by fishing on foot (surf, pier, inlet, sound) from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. This event is sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation and The Reel Outdoors. 

Interested participants can view the tournament rules and regulations as well as print the registration form from the Town of Emerald Isle's event web page.

Photo by Becky Overholser Wiegman

We hope you're excited and ready for all of the fall fun and adventure offered here on the Crystal Coast. We know we are! Don't forget to leave room in your fall vacation planning for some time spent relaxing on our beaches and absorbing our laid-back lifestyle. Take advantage of our vacation rental specials and discounts this time of year, too.

Happy Autumn! We look forward to seeing you enjoy our beaches, attending our local events, and relishing all this coastal area has to offer.

Have you vacationed with us during the fall season? If it's your favorite time of year to vacation here, please tell us about in our comment section. We'd love to hear about it!