Currituck County is effectively comprised of more water than land, thanks to the 30-mile long Currituck Sound.

This expansive body of water separates the mainland from the barrier island beaches, offers some of the best fishing opportunities in Eastern NC, and serves as the home for countless permanent and migrating wildlife.

Currituck Sound

Significance to the area

When the Currituck Sound was first formed centuries ago, it was bordered by the original Currituck Inlet, which fed the sound with saltwater and contributed to its enormous size.

The inlet was gradually filled in as new inlets - specifically Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Inlet - were formed further south, and in the ensuing centuries, the water of the Currituck Sound changed.

With just rain water feeding the sound for the past 200 years or so, the water quality has become nearly freshwater, which makes it the most unique sound along the Outer Banks. (Neighboring sounds of comparable size, like the Pamlico Sound and the Albemarle Sound, are still fed by saltwater from their respective adjacent inlets.)

Because of this freshwater quality, coupled with its massive size, the Currituck Sound is distinctive, and is significant to the Currituck County region for a number of reasons:

  • The Currituck Sound ecosystem and freshwater qualities can accommodate both freshwater and saltwater species, making the region a goldmine for fishermen and biologists alike.
  • Historically, the Currituck Sound has been the biggest attraction for Currituck County. Hunters and anglers from all across the country began visiting the area as early as the late 1800s.
  • The three refuges or preserves that border the Currituck Sound - the Currituck Banks Reserve, the Currituck Wildlife Refuge, and the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge - offer hundreds of miles of refuge for local wildlife
  • The Currituck Sound serves as a temporary home for thousands of migrating waterfowl, including Canadian geese, ducks, herons, egrets and ibises.
  • Knotts Island, located in the heart of the sound, is served by one of the state of North Carolina's seven ferry routes, namely the Knotts Island - Currituck Ferry.
  • Talks have been in the works for several years to build the "mid-Currituck bridge," which would be built across the sound, and would connect the Currituck mainland with the barrier island beaches. If a bridge is built, it will become one of the most traveled bridges in the state of NC.
  • The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) cuts through a section of the Currituck Sound in the heart of Currituck County, and is used by thousands of mariners every year. Travelers along US Highway 158 will cross over the ICW in Coinjock on Stringer Bridge.
  • The Currituck Sound is responsible for thousands of visitors to the region every year, thanks to its exceptional kayaking, bird watching, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and boating.

Currituck Sound

Fishing

Fishing is one of the most popular activities in the Currituck Sound, thanks to the abundance of terrain to explore and wide range of fresh and saltwater species that call the sound waters home.

Anglers who want to check out these largely uninhabited and fruitful waters will want to keep the following considerations in mind.

  • A freshwater or saltwater fishing permit may be required, depending on where in the Currituck Sound an angler is fishing.
  • Local tackle shops can help newcomers determine what type of permit is required, and anglers can purchase the license on-site as well. Area tackle shops include TW's Bait & Tackle inCorolla, Currituck Sports in Barco, East Coast Home & Garden in Moyock, Midway Marina & Motel in Coinjock and Stewart's Hunting Lodge in Currituck
  • Fishing licenses can also be purchased online before arrival via the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) website at http://www.ncwildlife.org/
  • The best months for fishing in the Currituck Sound region are April, May, September and October
  • A number of saltwater and freshwater species can be caught in the sound, including flounder, trout, sun fish, catfish and crabs.
  • The most prized and sought-after fish in the Currituck Sound is the largemouth bass, which is making a gradual comeback to the region after decades of over-fishing.
  • Anglers can enjoy a wealth of different fishing from a boat, kayak, or via a public fishing deck or boardwalk.
  • Fishing platforms, decks or general venues for anglers without a boat can be found at Veterans' Memorial Park in Coinjock, Poyner's Road Park in Moyock, and Maple Park in Maple.
  • Several charter companies also offer inshore trips for Currituck Sound anglers, including East Carolina Charters, Albemarle Fishing Charters, the Carolina Sunrise, Island Girl Charters and Outer Banks Charter Fishing Adventures.
  • There are regulations for the minimum length and bag count which are monitored by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Complete guidelines by species can be found online at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/recreational-fishing-size-and-bag-limits.

Currituck Sound at the Waterfront Shops Duck

Gray's

Gray's

Gray’s Outer Banks Lifestyle Clothing Company offers the absolute best in Outer Banks T-shirts and Sweatshirts including Champion, Under Armour with "Outer Banks” and Gear! We carry quality fashions and accessories for the whole family by all your favorite brands including Tommy Bahama, Tribal, ESCAPE, Billabong, Quiksilver, Jack O’Neill, RVCA, Olukai, Cobian, Spartina, Scout, Brighton.

 

Whether you’re shopping for apparel, shoes & accessories, gifts & toys or OBX and Big Duck souvenirs, Gray’s offers the best brands and quality for a beach lifestyle at any of our 4 locations! From sportswear to beachwear and everything in between, Gray’s will outfit your entire family. You can also find great beach accessories at Gray’s, such as Costa sunglasses, Olukai sandals and Sun Bum sunscreen and hair products. Be sure to shop Gray’s signature Big Duck found on t-shirts, sweatshirts and gift items!

 

Established in 1948 by Walter and Stelle Gray, Gray’s began as a single store on the beach road in Nags Head, a land mark that has been beautifully transformed into Seagreen Art Gallery. Visitors to the original Gray’s may remember that the family home was located above the store and that Walter Gray had a passion for Big Band music that was often playing on the store speakers, giving shoppers a little swing in their step.

 

Modern-day Gray’s is still family owned and operated by their children Ronnie and Julie Gray, who carry on a legacy of superior customer service and traditional values. Ronnie’s wife Susan is also an important part of the business. “It really was always a family operating as a business rather than a business being run by a family,” explains Ronnie Gray. “When our visitors come in, they are greeted by a warm hello and a ‘Welcome to Gray’s.’ We try to welcome them as if they’re entering our own home”

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

We are The Corolla Wild Horse Fund the non-profit 501 (c) (3) charity responsible for the care and protection of the wild Banker horses roaming the northernmost beaches of the Outer Banks. Join us in the summer season, every Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our farm, in Grandy, on the mainland. Please check our website for current Mustang Mornings dates and details. Meet the rescued Banker horses currently in our care on a self-guided walking tour where you can spend time with our staff. Attend a free movie screening of The Secret of Corolla, a 32-minute documentary on the Banker mustangs and the culture and lifestyle of the island. Engage with CWHF’s Director of Herd Management in a Q&A directly after the screening. This is a meaningful way for us to engage with our members and supporters while educating the public on the history and future of the Bankers.

 

The Mystic Jewel

The Mystic Jewel

Walk into this shop and you’ll be delighted by all the glittering and sparkling from the way the mirrors and lighting show off jewelry from over 100 different designers and local artisans. Artfully-designed cases line the walls, filled with gorgeous sterling silver and semi-precious gemstone jewelry. Most of the cases have explainer notes about the designers or properties of the gemstones inside. Some of the lines carried in the store include Charles Albert, fine sterling silver jewelry with semi-precious gemstones, fossils and minerals; Sarda, sterling silver jewelry with brilliant colored gemstones and a classic look; Starborn Creations, one-of-a-kind sterling silver jewelry with druzy quartz and more hard to find gemstones and minerals, as well as 2,000 year old Roman Glass jewelry and local sea glass jewelry. You can even have pieces of your sea glass made into custom jewelry at very reasonable prices!

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