What Radio Island Offers

Radio Island is a small barrier island in Carteret County, accessible by a short causeway from Beaufort. It sits at the mouth of the Newport River where it meets Bogue Sound, giving you access to both shallow sound water and deeper inlet channels. The island is mostly undeveloped, with a public boat ramp, parking, and a fishing pier — making it straightforward to reach without navigating a crowded marina or paying launch fees at a private facility.

The water here is brackish to fully saltwater depending on tides and season, which means you'll encounter a mix of species. Redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and mullet are the core catches. In warmer months, Spanish mackerel and bluefish move through the inlet. The shallow flats around the island are productive for sight-fishing redfish in fall and spring, while the deeper channels hold seatrout year-round.

Radio Island works best for anglers with a boat — the pier is short and limited — but the ramp is free and well-maintained, and the water is protected enough that small boats and kayaks can fish safely on most days. The island itself has no facilities beyond parking, so bring water and supplies.

Key Takeaways

  • Radio Island has a free public boat ramp and parking lot, with access to both shallow sound flats and deeper inlet channels.
  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary targets year-round, with Spanish mackerel and bluefish in summer and fall.
  • Fall and spring offer the best sight-fishing for redfish on the shallow flats; summer is better for deeper-water species.
  • A boat is nearly essential — the fishing pier is short and not the main draw — and the water is protected enough for kayaks and small skiffs.
  • North Carolina saltwater fishing requires a license, and slot limits apply to redfish and seatrout; check current regulations before you fish.

Seasons and What Fish Are There

Fall (September through November) is the strongest season at Radio Island. Redfish move into the shallows to feed before winter, and the water clarity is good enough for sight-fishing on the flats. Water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s, which slows the fish but makes them more predictable. Spotted seatrout are active throughout the fall, especially around structure and deeper holes.

Spring (March through May) mirrors fall in many ways — redfish return to the shallows, water clarity improves, and seatrout bite steadily. The water warms from the 50s into the 60s and 70s. This is also when mullet begin moving through the inlet, which draws larger predators.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to deeper water and inlet channels. Redfish are still present but move to cooler, deeper holes during the heat of the day. Spanish mackerel and bluefish arrive in the inlet, and seatrout remain consistent. Early morning and late evening are most productive because fish move to shallow water to feed when the sun is lower.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not dead. Seatrout hold in the deepest channels and holes. Redfish are present but lethargic. Many anglers focus on other Carteret County locations during winter, but Radio Island can still produce if you target deep structure and fish slowly.

How to Fish the Flats and Channels

The shallow flats around Radio Island — typically 2 to 4 feet deep — are where sight-fishing for redfish happens. Pole or wade if the water is calm and clear, or drift slowly with the tide and watch for tails or nervous water. Redfish often feed with their tails out of the water, especially in fall. Use a 7 to 8-foot medium-light spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braid and a 12 to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader. Cast ahead of the fish and retrieve slowly; redfish often ignore fast-moving baits.

The deeper channels and inlet mouth — 8 to 15 feet — hold seatrout, flounder, and larger redfish. Anchor or drift over structure, and use live mullet, live shrimp, or soft plastics. Seatrout respond well to small shrimp patterns and 3 to 4-inch paddle-tail swimbaits. Fish the edges of channels where current breaks, because seatrout position themselves to intercept baitfish.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish in summer prefer faster retrieves and shiny lures — small spoons, metal jigs, and topwater plugs work well. Fish the inlet mouth and the deeper channels where baitfish concentrate. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive because the fish are more aggressive in lower light.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Radio Island is reached by driving east from Beaufort on Radio Island Road. The causeway is short and well-marked. There is a free public boat ramp with a paved launch area, a gravel parking lot with space for about 20 vehicles, and a small pier. No fuel, bait, or food is available on the island, so plan accordingly.

The ramp is single-lane and can get crowded on weekends, especially in fall. Arrive early if you want to launch without waiting. The parking lot is first-come, first-served and fills on busy days. There are no restrooms or shade structures, so bring sunscreen and water.

The pier is roughly 100 feet long and open to the public. It is useful for a quick cast or for anglers without a boat, but most productive fishing requires a boat to reach the flats and deeper channels.

Regulations and Licensing

North Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries website, at most tackle shops in Beaufort, or at the ramp itself. A three-day license is available if you are visiting; a full-year license is cheaper if you plan to fish multiple times.

Redfish have a slot limit: you may keep one fish between 18 and 23 inches per day. Spotted seatrout have a slot of 12 to 20 inches, with a two-fish daily limit. Flounder must be at least 12 inches. Spanish mackerel and bluefish have different size and bag limits depending on the season; check the current regulations before you fish because these change annually.

Regulations are posted at the ramp and online. Violations carry fines, so confirm the rules before you leave the dock.

Nearby Alternatives and When to Fish Elsewhere

If Radio Island is crowded or the conditions are poor, several other Carteret County locations are close by. Beaufort Inlet, just south, offers deeper water and larger fish but requires more boat handling. The Newport River itself has shallow flats and creeks that hold redfish and seatrout, especially in spring and fall. Bogue Sound to the west is shallower and calmer, making it better for kayaks and small boats on windy days.

If you want to fish a pier without a boat, the Beaufort waterfront has a public pier and several tackle shops nearby. If you want to fish offshore for larger species like grouper and snapper, charter boats operate out of Beaufort and Atlantic Beach, about 20 minutes away.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For sight-fishing redfish on the flats, bring a 7 to 8-foot medium-light spinning rod, 15 to 20-pound braid, and a 12 to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader. Carry a selection of soft plastics in natural colors — 3 to 4-inch paddle tails and shrimp patterns in tan, pearl, and chartreuse. Bring a pair of polarized sunglasses; they are essential for spotting fish in shallow water.

For deeper channels and seatrout, a 6.5 to 7-foot medium spinning rod works well. Live shrimp and live mullet are the most reliable baits. If you prefer artificial lures, small shrimp patterns, 3 to 4-inch swimbaits, and topwater plugs all produce. Carry a small tackle box with a variety of sizes because fish preferences change with light and tide.

Tackle shops in Beaufort — including Beaufort Fishing Tackle and several others on the waterfront — stock live bait and local knowledge. They can tell you what is working that week and save you time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Radio Island?

A boat is not required, but it is strongly recommended. The pier is short and limited. Most productive fishing — especially sight-fishing for redfish on the flats — requires access to shallow water away from the pier. A kayak or small skiff works well.

What is the best time of year to fish Radio Island?

Fall (September through November) is the strongest season because redfish move into the shallows and water clarity is good. Spring (March through May) is also excellent. Summer is productive for deeper-water species and inlet fishing. Winter is slow but possible if you target deep channels.

Can I launch a kayak at Radio Island?

Yes. The boat ramp accommodates kayaks, and the water around the island is protected enough for kayak fishing. Shallow flats and calm sound water make it a good kayak destination, especially in fall and spring.

What tackle do I need for redfish?

A 7 to 8-foot medium-light spinning rod, 15 to 20-pound braid, and a 12 to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader work well. Soft plastics in natural colors — 3 to 4-inch paddle tails and shrimp patterns — are most effective. Polarized sunglasses are essential for sight-fishing.

Is there bait available at Radio Island?

No. Bring your own bait or lures, or stop at a tackle shop in Beaufort before you launch. Live shrimp and live mullet are available at shops on the waterfront.