Cape Hatteras, NC (From Space)

Cape Hatteras marks the southern terminus of the striped bass migration.

About Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras is a cape on the coast of North Carolina. It is the point that protrudes the farthest to the southeast along the northeast-to-southwest line of the Atlantic Coast of North America. That makes it a key point for navigation along the eastern seaboard. So many ships have been lost around it that the area is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic". The nearby shoals are known as Diamond Shoals.

The cape is actually a bend in Hatteras Island; one of the long thin barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Oceanographically, it is of interest because it is a point of confluence for two opposing currents: the warm Gulf Stream moving north, and a cold Virginian current moving south.

Many species that migrate, including the striped bass, have their southern terminus near Cape Hatteras. Striped bass winter in the deeper ocean waters off of the Outer Banks.

In the winter months, surf fishermen head for the beaches all along the Outer Banks hoping that some of these striped bass will come close to shore. Sometimes they do, and great fishing results. The point at Cape Hatteras is a favorite spot, but it can get crowded.

The beach at the point is shallow sloping. Be prepared to cast far to reach the deeper water. Rods of 12 feet length or more, called Hatteras Heavers, are commonly used. Bring lots of metals, like Kasmasters or Hopkins.

The Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras are also good places to catch sea trout and puppy drum.

Cape Hatteras is also infamous for being constantly struck by hurricanes that move up the East Coast of the United States. The strike of Hurricane Isabel in 2003 was particularly devastating for the area. In fact, Hurricane Isabel ravaged the entire Outer Banks and also split the two small towns of Frisco and Hatteras in half. Route 12, which provides a direct route from Nags Head to Hatteras Island, was broken in half by the hurricane. This nearly demolished the small villages of Cape Hatteras. Students had to use a ferry to get to school for almost a year. Reconstruction of the area began in 2003.

See - Cape Hatteras from space

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