The Outer Banks isn't just a vacation destination. It's fishing territory for local legends. Learn more about Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks' captains' picks of their favorite spots along the Outer Banks. Britton Shackelford gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his boat in this special interview at the end of the blog. Then, tune in as new adventures unfold in the most recent season on National Geographic TV.

 

Discover more about the OBX captains in our Wicked Tuna Insider's Guide.

 

 

Captain Nick Gowitzka, Little Shell

Nick - Little Shell - Wicked Tuna



Best breakfast spot: Sam & Omie's
Best seafood: Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
Best restaurant overall: Owens' Restaurant
Best place for drinks: Mimi’s Tiki Hut
Best beach: Oregon Inlet
Best place to watch the sunrise/set: In the Gulf Stream
Best place for a date night: JK's Restaurant
Best coffee: Front Porch Cafe
Must-do activities (besides fishing): Climb lighthouses. We have 3 lighthouses within driving distance in the Outer Banks from Corolla to Hatteras.

 

 

Captain Bobby Earl, Reel E Bugging

Bobby Earl - Wicked Tuna


Best breakfast spot: Grits Grill
Best seafood:  Blue Moon Beach Grill
Best restaurant overall: JK’s Restaurant
Best place for drinks: Blue Moon Beach Grill
Best place to watch the sunrise/set: On a boat
Best dog-friendly spots: Mulligan's Grille
Best place for a date night: Ocean Boulevard Bistro
Best coffee: Morning View
Must-do activities (besides fishing): Wild Horse tours in Corolla

 

 

Captain Zack Shackleton, Rasta Rocket

Zack - Wicked Tuna


Best restaurants: O’Neal’s Seafood Harvest, The Landing, TL’s
Best place for drinks: Sam & Omie's
Best place to watch the sunrise/set: on a boat
Best tackle shop: Sea and Sound Tackle
Must-do activities (besides fishing): Go up to the beach in Corolla and see the horses

 

 

Captain Greg Mayer, Fishin' Frenzy

Greg Mayer - Fishin Frenzy - Wicked Tuna


Best seafood:  Basnight’s Lone Cedar
Best steaks: JK’s Restaurant
Best place for drinks: Sam & Omie's 
Best place to watch the sunrise/set: Top of Jockey's Ridge
Best beach: Pea Island

 

 

Captain Britton Shackelford, Doghouse

Britton Shackleford - Wicked Tuna


Best breakfast spot:  The Dunes, or Wanchese Marina
Best Seafood: Owen's, Basnight's, or Tale of the Whale
Best restaurant overall: Owen's or Single Fin 
Best place for drinks:  Avenue Grill, Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe, Blue Moon Beach Grill
Best Beach: Coquina
Best place to watch the sunrise/set: Jockey's Ridge
Best place for a date night: Our date night special is downtown Manteo. Movies at the Pioneer are $5.00, drinks are a buck, and candy is $.50. Wander around to Poor Richards to see some music, have a drink, or grab some grub. The Avenue serves wonderful food, as do a couple other venues, along with craft beer, if that is your taste. Wander the docks, stroll along the waterfront, and over the bridge to Festival Park. Grab some ice cream from one of our parlors. There is more to do than you can accomplish in a night.
Best coffee: Charis
Must-do activities (besides fishing): A drive through Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to look for bears